Pepsi, Batman, or Sprite? Before the nicknames and colors, the Rolex GMT-Master originated from a practical need: to track time in more than one place. Its history explains why the additional hand and the 24-hour bezel hold such a distinctive place in its design.
From Intercontinental Flights to the Wrist
The GMT-Master was introduced in 1955 as an aid for professionals traveling between different time zones. In 1982, the GMT-Master II followed, with the ability to independently set the conventional hour hand.
How does the GMT display work?
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time. The additional hand completes one rotation every 24 hours and is read on the bezel scale. On the GMT-Master II, the conventional hands can show local time and the 24-hour hand can show reference time.
GMT-Master and GMT-Master II: the key difference
The essential change lies in the setting. On the GMT-Master II, the conventional hour hand is set independently of the minute hand and the 24-hour hand. Changing local time thus becomes more practical when traveling.
Six well-known nicknames, six different looks
The following names are used informally by watch enthusiasts. The photos are from Declock's product pages and show the store's replica versions, not authentic Rolex watches. Each image links to the specific product.
Pepsi
The red and blue bezel is the combination associated with the name Pepsi. In the modern family, we find, among others, the reference 126710BLRO. The photo shows the Jubilee version presented in our store.
Batman
The blue and black give the GMT-Master II its characteristic Batman look. Here, the 126710BLNR version with an Oyster bracelet is shown, so the difference from the Batgirl is clear.
Batgirl
Same blue-black color identity, different bracelet. The unofficial nickname Batgirl is usually used for the 126710BLNR with Jubilee. The nickname alone is not enough for complete identification: we always check the reference and bracelet.
Root Beer
The Root Beer is associated with the brown and gold tones of older GMTs and with the brown-black bezel of modern editions. Here you see the store's 126711CHNR version, with a two-tone appearance and a black dial.
Sprite
Green and black bezel, crown on the left and date at 9 o'clock: the characteristic layout of the 126720VTNR stands out immediately. Rolex introduced this configuration in 2022. Sprite is an unofficial nickname.
Coke
Coke describes the black and red bezel. The photo and link below refer to the relevant replica version in the store, listed as 116710, not a documented authentic vintage Coke reference.
What to check beyond the nickname
Compare the exact reference, bracelet, actual movement, and the function of the GMT hand. A similar dial or bezel color does not mean the same construction, materials, or capabilities.
View all GMT-Master versions in the Declock collection.
Historical information refers to authentic Rolex models. It does not automatically transfer to the replica versions linked above. Each product is subject to its own stated characteristics.
