Collectors

Rolex Singapore Buying Guide 2026: Every Model, Nickname & Price Explained

Singapore
Last updated
January 30, 2026
rolex singapore buying guide 2026

Rolex dominates the luxury watch conversation in Singapore. Whether you're hearing about "Pepsi" and "Batman" at networking events or seeing "Hulk" references on Carousell, understanding Rolex requires learning an entire vocabulary of collector nicknames alongside the official model names.

This guide decodes everything: every Rolex collection, the nicknames Singaporeans actually use, current 2026 prices, and honest advice on what you can realistically buy.

This guide covers:

  • Every Rolex collection with 2026 Singapore prices
  • The complete guide to Rolex nicknames (Pepsi, Batman, Hulk, and more)
  • Authorized dealers and the waitlist reality
  • Which models you can actually get
  • Smart buying strategies for Singapore

Understanding Rolex Nicknames: The Collector's Language

Before diving into models, you need to understand how Rolex collectors actually talk. Nobody says "GMT-Master II Reference 126710BLRO with Jubilee bracelet." They say "Pepsi on Jubilee."

These nicknames emerged organically from the collector community, usually based on bezel colours, celebrity associations, or visual resemblances. Using them signals you're part of the community.

The Complete Rolex Nickname Guide

Nickname Model Reference What It Looks Like
Pepsi GMT-Master II 126710BLRO Red and blue bezel
Batman GMT-Master II 126710BLNR Black and blue bezel, Oyster bracelet
Batgirl GMT-Master II 126710BLNR Black and blue bezel, Jubilee bracelet
Sprite GMT-Master II 126720VTNR Green and black bezel, left-handed
Coke GMT-Master II Discontinued Red and black bezel
Root Beer GMT-Master II 126711CHNR Brown and black bezel, two-tone
Bruce Wayne GMT-Master II 126710GRNR Black and grey bezel
Hulk Submariner 116610LV Green bezel, green dial (discontinued)
Kermit Submariner 16610LV Green aluminum bezel, black dial (discontinued)
Starbucks/Cermit Submariner 126610LV Green ceramic bezel, black dial
Smurf Submariner 116619LB Blue bezel, blue dial, white gold
Panda Daytona 116500LN White dial, black subdials
Reverse Panda Daytona 116500LN Black dial, white subdials
Paul Newman Daytona Vintage 6239, etc. Exotic dial variants
Polar Explorer II 226570 White dial

Why Nicknames Matter in Singapore

Situation Using Reference Number Using Nickname
Talking to dealer "126710BLRO please" "Do you have the Pepsi?"
Carousell listing Confusing Instantly understood
Watch meetups Sounds robotic Shows you're in the know
Price discussions Technical Natural conversation

For a deeper dive into authentication, see our guide on how to spot a fake Rolex.

Rolex Collections Overview

Rolex organizes its catalog into distinct families. Each serves a different purpose, and understanding these categories helps you find the right watch.

Collection Purpose Entry Price (SGD) Waitlist Difficulty
Oyster Perpetual Entry-level, clean design ~S$8,500 Moderate
Datejust Versatile dress-sport ~S$11,000 Low to moderate
Day-Date Prestige, precious metals only ~S$55,000 Low (price barrier)
Submariner Dive watch icon ~S$14,300 High
GMT-Master II Dual timezone, travel ~S$14,500 Very high
Daytona Racing chronograph ~S$22,000 Extreme
Explorer Adventure, simplicity ~S$11,000 Moderate to high
Explorer II Extended adventure, GMT ~S$13,500 Moderate
Sea-Dweller Professional diving ~S$17,500 Moderate to high
Yacht-Master Nautical luxury ~S$18,000 Low to moderate
Sky-Dweller Annual calendar, dual time ~S$23,000 High
Air-King Aviation heritage ~S$11,500 Moderate
Milgauss Anti-magnetic, scientists Discontinued N/A (secondary only)

For current market values across all models, see our complete Rolex prices Singapore 2026 guide.

Submariner: The Dive Watch Icon

The Submariner is Rolex's most famous model. Launched in 1953 as the first watch waterproof to 100 meters, it defined the modern dive watch category.

Current Submariner Models and Prices

Reference Nickname Description Price (SGD)
124060 "No Date Sub" Black dial, no date, steel ~S$14,300
126610LN - Black dial, date, steel ~S$15,500
126610LV "Starbucks/Cermit" Green bezel, black dial ~S$16,500
126613LB - Blue dial, two-tone steel/gold ~S$24,000
126613LN - Black dial, two-tone ~S$24,000
126618LB - Blue dial, full yellow gold ~S$58,000
126618LN - Black dial, full yellow gold ~S$58,000
126619LB "Smurf" Blue dial, white gold ~S$62,000

Submariner Specifications

Specification Detail
Case size 41mm
Water resistance 300 meters
Movement Caliber 3230 (no date) / 3235 (date)
Power reserve 70 hours
Bezel Unidirectional, ceramic insert
Crystal Sapphire with Cyclops (date models)
Bracelet Oyster with Glidelock

Discontinued Submariner Nicknames Worth Knowing

Nickname Reference Why It's Special Secondary Price (SGD)
Hulk 116610LV Green dial AND bezel, discontinued 2020 S$25,000-30,000
Kermit 16610LV 50th anniversary, aluminum bezel S$20,000-25,000
Bluesy 116613LB Previous gen two-tone blue S$22,000-26,000

The Hulk commands premiums because Rolex discontinued the green dial. The current Starbucks has a black dial with green bezel, which purists consider less bold.

For a detailed comparison with Omega's competing diver, see our Rolex Submariner vs Omega Seamaster guide.

GMT-Master II: The Traveler's Choice

The GMT-Master launched in 1955 for Pan Am pilots who needed to track multiple time zones. Today it's one of Rolex's most desirable sports watches, largely due to its colourful bezels and collector nicknames.

Current GMT-Master II Models and Prices

Reference Nickname Description Bracelet Price (SGD)
126710BLRO "Pepsi" Blue/red bezel Jubilee ~S$15,500
126710BLRO "Pepsi" Blue/red bezel Oyster ~S$15,500
126710BLNR "Batman/Batgirl" Blue/black bezel Jubilee or Oyster ~S$15,500
126720VTNR "Sprite/Destro" Green/black, left-handed Jubilee or Oyster ~S$15,500
126710GRNR "Bruce Wayne" Grey/black bezel Oyster ~S$15,500
126711CHNR "Root Beer" Brown/black, two-tone Oyster ~S$24,500
126715CHNR "Root Beer" Brown/black, full Everose Oyster ~S$60,000
126718GRNR - Green/black, full gold Oyster ~S$60,000

GMT-Master II Specifications

Specification Detail
Case size 40mm
Water resistance 100 meters
Movement Caliber 3285
Power reserve 70 hours
GMT function Independent hour hand, bidirectional bezel
Crystal Sapphire with Cyclops

Understanding GMT Nickname Origins

Nickname Origin Story
Pepsi Red/blue colours resemble Pepsi logo (originally Pan Am colours)
Batman Black/blue like Batman's costume
Batgirl Same colours as Batman, but Jubilee bracelet seen as more feminine
Sprite Green colour like the soft drink
Root Beer Brown tones resemble the beverage
Coke Red/black like Coca-Cola branding (discontinued)
Bruce Wayne Grey/black, the "civilian" version of Batman

Batman vs Batgirl: What's the Difference?

Feature Batman Batgirl
Bezel Black and blue ceramic Black and blue ceramic
Bracelet Oyster (sportier) Jubilee (dressier)
Clasp Oysterlock Concealed Crownclasp
Overall feel Tool watch Elegant sport
Nickname origin Dark, bold aesthetic Same watch, "softer" bracelet

Both are the same reference (126710BLNR), just different bracelet options. The community created separate nicknames to distinguish them.

Cosmograph Daytona: The Grail Watch

The Daytona is Rolex's chronograph, designed for racing. It's also the hardest Rolex to obtain at retail, with waitlists stretching 5-10+ years for steel models.

Current Daytona Models and Prices

Reference Nickname Description Price (SGD)
126500LN "Panda" White dial, black subdials, steel ~S$22,000
126500LN "Reverse Panda" Black dial, white subdials, steel ~S$22,000
126503 - Two-tone steel/gold ~S$28,000
126508 - Green dial, yellow gold ~S$58,000
126509 - Black dial, white gold ~S$62,000
126519LN - Black dial, white gold, Oysterflex ~S$48,000
126529LN - "Le Mans" centenary edition ~S$24,000

Daytona Specifications

Specification Detail
Case size 40mm
Water resistance 100 meters
Movement Caliber 4131
Power reserve 72 hours
Chronograph 12-hour counter, tachymeter bezel
Crystal Sapphire

Why Is The Daytona So Hard to Get?

Factor Reality
Production Rolex limits numbers deliberately
Demand Pop culture, Paul Newman legacy
Investment appeal Steel Daytonas often trade above retail
Waitlist 5-10+ years at authorized dealers
Purchase history Need to buy other models first

For realistic waitlist expectations across all models, see our Rolex Singapore waiting list 2026 guide.

The Paul Newman Legend

The "Paul Newman" Daytona isn't a current model. It refers to vintage Daytonas (refs 6239, 6241, 6262, 6264, 6265) with "exotic" dials featuring Art Deco-style numerals. The actor wore one daily, and after his personal watch sold for US$17.8 million in 2017, these vintage references became legendary.

Datejust: The Versatile Classic

The Datejust, launched in 1945, was the first self-winding wristwatch with a date display. It remains Rolex's most versatile model, suitable for boardrooms and beaches alike.

Current Datejust Models and Prices

Size Reference Description Price (SGD)
31mm 278240 Steel, Oyster bracelet ~S$10,500
31mm 278271 Two-tone, Jubilee bracelet ~S$15,500
36mm 126200 Steel, Oyster bracelet ~S$11,000
36mm 126234 Steel, fluted bezel, Jubilee ~S$13,500
36mm 126231 Two-tone Everose, Jubilee ~S$17,500
41mm 126300 Steel, smooth bezel, Oyster ~S$11,500
41mm 126334 Steel, fluted bezel, Jubilee ~S$14,000
41mm 126331 Two-tone Everose, Oyster ~S$21,000

Datejust Configuration Options

Element Options
Size 31mm, 36mm, 41mm
Bezel Smooth (steel), Fluted (white gold), Diamond
Bracelet Oyster (sportier), Jubilee (classic)
Dial colours 10+ options including blue, black, silver, green, champagne
Materials Steel, two-tone, full gold

Datejust Buying Decisions

If You Want... Choose...
Most versatile 36mm, fluted bezel, Jubilee
Most sporty 41mm, smooth bezel, Oyster
Most affordable 36mm, smooth bezel, Oyster, steel
Most prestigious 41mm, fluted bezel, two-tone

Day-Date: The President's Watch

The Day-Date, launched in 1956, displays both day and date. It's only available in precious metals (gold or platinum), earning its "President" nickname from its association with world leaders.

Current Day-Date Models and Prices

Size Reference Description Price (SGD)
36mm 128238 Yellow gold, President bracelet ~S$55,000
36mm 128235 Everose gold, President bracelet ~S$55,000
36mm 128239 White gold, President bracelet ~S$57,000
40mm 228238 Yellow gold, President bracelet ~S$60,000
40mm 228235 Everose gold, President bracelet ~S$60,000
40mm 228206 Platinum, President bracelet ~S$95,000

Day-Date Specifications

Specification Detail
Sizes 36mm, 40mm
Materials Yellow gold, White gold, Everose gold, Platinum
Day display Full day name in 26 languages
Bracelet President (semi-circular links)
Water resistance 100 meters

Explorer and Explorer II: Adventure Watches

The Explorer celebrates Rolex's connection to mountaineering (the 1953 Everest expedition). The Explorer II adds a 24-hour hand for cave explorers and polar expeditions.

Current Explorer Models and Prices

Model Reference Description Price (SGD)
Explorer 124270 Black dial, 36mm, steel ~S$11,000
Explorer 124273 Black dial, 36mm, two-tone ~S$15,000
Explorer II 226570 White dial ("Polar"), 42mm ~S$13,500
Explorer II 226570 Black dial, 42mm ~S$13,500

Explorer vs Explorer II

Feature Explorer Explorer II
Purpose Mountaineering Expedition, caves, polar
Size 36mm 42mm
GMT hand No Yes (fixed 24-hour bezel)
Lume Strong Extra strong
Aesthetic Minimal, elegant Tool watch, robust
Price Lower Higher

Sea-Dweller and Deepsea: Professional Diving

The Sea-Dweller targets professional divers who need helium escape valves for saturation diving. The Deepsea version handles depths to 3,900 meters.

Current Sea-Dweller Models and Prices

Model Reference Description Price (SGD)
Sea-Dweller 126600 43mm, 1,220m depth rating ~S$17,500
Deepsea 136660 44mm, 3,900m depth rating ~S$19,500
Deepsea 136660 D-Blue dial (James Cameron) ~S$19,500

Sea-Dweller vs Submariner

Feature Submariner Sea-Dweller
Depth rating 300m 1,220m / 3,900m
Helium valve No Yes
Size 41mm 43mm / 44mm
Cyclops Yes Yes (since 2017)
Price Lower Higher
Best for Recreational diving Professional/saturation diving

Sky-Dweller: The Complication King

The Sky-Dweller is Rolex's most complicated current production watch, featuring an annual calendar (only needs setting once per year) and dual time zone display.

Current Sky-Dweller Models and Prices

Reference Description Price (SGD)
336934 Steel, blue dial, Oyster ~S$23,000
336934 Steel, black dial, Oyster ~S$23,000
336935 Two-tone Everose, Oysterflex ~S$28,000
336938 Full yellow gold ~S$62,000
336239 Full white gold ~S$65,000

Sky-Dweller Specifications

Specification Detail
Case size 42mm
Complications Annual calendar, dual time zone
Movement Caliber 9002
Power reserve 72 hours
Setting system Ring Command bezel
Water resistance 100 meters

Yacht-Master: Nautical Luxury

The Yacht-Master offers Rolex sport watch DNA with a more luxurious, nautical aesthetic. It's generally easier to obtain than Submariner or GMT.

Current Yacht-Master Models and Prices

Model Reference Description Price (SGD)
Yacht-Master 37 268622 Rhodium dial, Rolesium ~S$17,000
Yacht-Master 40 126622 Blue dial, Rolesium ~S$18,000
Yacht-Master 40 126621 Chocolate dial, two-tone ~S$21,000
Yacht-Master 42 226659 White gold, Oysterflex ~S$42,000
Yacht-Master II 116688 Regatta chronograph, gold ~S$60,000

Oyster Perpetual: The Entry Point

The Oyster Perpetual represents Rolex's purest expression: time-only, no complications, clean design. It's the most accessible Rolex but gained hype when colorful dials (especially Tiffany blue) became highly sought after.

Current Oyster Perpetual Models and Prices

Size Reference Description Price (SGD)
28mm 276200 Various dial colours ~S$8,500
31mm 277200 Various dial colours ~S$8,800
34mm 124200 Various dial colours ~S$9,200
36mm 126000 Various dial colours ~S$9,600
41mm 124300 Various dial colours ~S$10,200

The Tiffany Blue Situation

The Oyster Perpetual 41 in "Turquoise Blue" (nicknamed "Tiffany" though Rolex never used that name) became a phenomenon. At retail around S$10,200, it traded for S$30,000+ on the secondary market due to limited production and social media hype. The frenzy has calmed but colored OP dials still command attention.

Air-King: Aviation Heritage

The Air-King honors Rolex's connection to aviation and British pilots in WWII. The current version features a distinctive dial with prominent 3-6-9 numerals.

Current Air-King Models and Prices

Reference Description Price (SGD)
126900 Black dial, distinctive crown-guard case ~S$11,500

Air-King Specifications

Specification Detail
Case size 40mm
Movement Caliber 3230
Power reserve 70 hours
Special features Crown guard case, antimagnetic
Water resistance 100 meters

Singapore Authorized Dealers

Rolex maintains strict distribution through authorized dealers only. Singapore has several official retailers.

Official Rolex Retailers in Singapore

Retailer Key Locations
The Hour Glass Takashimaya, ION Orchard, Raffles Hotel
Cortina Watch ION Orchard, Marina Bay Sands, Paragon
Sincere Watch Takashimaya, Marina Bay Sands

What to Expect at Authorized Dealers

Aspect Reality
Walk-in availability Datejust, some Oyster Perpetual only
Sport models Waitlist required, purchase history matters
Price negotiation Never, retail is fixed globally
Waitlist transparency Limited, varies by SA
Purchase history Tracked and matters significantly

Waitlist Reality by Model

Understanding which models you can actually get is crucial for setting expectations.

Category Models Waitlist Reality
Usually available Datejust (most configs), Day-Date, Yacht-Master, Cellini Walk-in possible
Moderate wait Explorer, Explorer II, Sea-Dweller, Air-King, some OP 6 months - 2 years
Difficult Submariner, GMT-Master II 2-5 years
Very difficult Sky-Dweller (steel) 3-5+ years
Extreme Daytona (steel) 5-10+ years, often impossible

For detailed waitlist strategies, see our comprehensive Rolex Singapore waiting list guide.

Singapore Secondary Market Options

Given waitlist realities, many buyers turn to the secondary market for immediate access.

Secondary Market Price Premiums (January 2026)

Model Retail (SGD) Secondary (SGD) Premium
Submariner Date 126610LN ~S$15,500 ~S$17,000 10%
Submariner "Starbucks" 126610LV ~S$16,500 ~S$21,000 27%
GMT "Pepsi" 126710BLRO ~S$15,500 ~S$27,000 74%
GMT "Batman" 126710BLNR ~S$15,500 ~S$19,000 23%
Daytona "Panda" 126500LN ~S$22,000 ~S$44,000 100%
Sky-Dweller 336934 ~S$23,000 ~S$29,000 26%

Trusted Secondary Market Sources

Source Type Examples Risk Level
AD pre-owned programs Hour Glass, Cortina certified Low
Established dealers Watch Exchange, Watchbox Low-moderate
Auction houses Christie's, Sotheby's Low
Online platforms Chrono24, Watchfinder Moderate
Private sales Carousell, forums Higher

Always authenticate before purchasing. See our fake Rolex authentication guide for what to look for.

Which Rolex Should You Buy?

Your ideal Rolex depends on your priorities, budget, and patience.

Decision Matrix by Buyer Profile

Profile Recommended Model Reasoning
First Rolex, want availability Datejust 126334 Classic, available, versatile
Want sports watch, can wait Submariner 126610LN Icon, reasonable wait
Need watch now, sports style Yacht-Master 126622 Similar aesthetic, available
Want GMT, shorter wait Explorer II 226570 GMT function, easier to get
Budget conscious Oyster Perpetual 36mm Rolex quality, lowest entry
Investment minded GMT or Submariner steel Strongest resale
Maximum prestige Day-Date 40mm The "President" watch
Chronograph lover, patient Daytona Worth the wait if possible

Best Value Rolex Models 2026

Model Price (SGD) Why It's Good Value
Oyster Perpetual 36 ~S$9,600 Pure Rolex, no premium
Datejust 36 ~S$11,000 Timeless design
Explorer 124270 ~S$11,000 Adventure heritage
Air-King 126900 ~S$11,500 Unique design, available
Explorer II 226570 ~S$13,500 GMT complication, less hype

Rolex vs The Competition

How does Rolex compare to alternatives in the Singapore market?

Factor Rolex Omega Tudor
Brand prestige Highest High Growing
Availability Difficult Excellent Good
Entry price ~S$8,500 ~S$5,500 ~S$3,500
Resale value Excellent Good Good
Waitlists Common None Rare
Service cost Higher Lower Lower

For detailed comparisons, see our Rolex vs Omega guide.

Protecting Your Rolex Investment

Once you acquire a Rolex, proper protection is essential.

Insurance Considerations

Coverage Type What It Covers
Standalone watch insurance Theft, loss, accidental damage, worldwide
Home insurance rider Often limited, may exclude wearing outside
Agreed value policy Pays stated amount, no depreciation disputes

A Rolex Submariner at S$15,000+ or a Daytona at S$40,000+ represents significant value. Standard home insurance often has jewellery sublimits that won't fully cover luxury watches.

For step-by-step guidance, see our how to insure your Rolex guide.

Service and Maintenance

Service Type Cost (SGD) Frequency
Basic service S$800-1,200 Every 10 years
Complete service S$1,200-1,800 Every 10 years
Movement service S$1,500-2,500 As needed
Crystal replacement S$300-500 As needed

Rolex now recommends 10-year service intervals (previously 5 years) for watches under normal use.

Selling Your Rolex

If you eventually decide to sell, preparation matters significantly.

Factor Impact on Sale Price
Box and papers +10-15% with complete set
Service history Adds buyer confidence
Condition Significant, especially bracelet stretch
Purchase receipt Proves authenticity and history
Original parts Aftermarket modifications reduce value

For a complete guide on maximizing your sale, see our how to sell your Rolex in Singapore guide.

FAQ

What's the cheapest Rolex I can buy in Singapore?

The Oyster Perpetual 28mm starts around S$8,500 at retail. For men, the Oyster Perpetual 36mm at around S$9,600 represents the most affordable entry. These are time-only watches with no date or complications.

Why do Rolex watches have nicknames like Pepsi and Batman?

Nicknames emerged organically from collectors, usually based on bezel colours. "Pepsi" refers to the red and blue GMT bezel resembling the soft drink logo. "Batman" describes the black and blue combination. Using nicknames signals community membership and makes conversation easier than citing reference numbers.

Can I walk into a Rolex dealer in Singapore and buy a Submariner?

Almost certainly not. The Submariner, along with GMT-Master II, Daytona, and other sport models, requires joining a waitlist. You'll need to express interest, build a purchase history with the dealer, and wait months to years. Only Datejust, Day-Date, and some Yacht-Master models are typically available for immediate purchase.

What's the difference between Hulk, Kermit, and Starbucks Submariner?

All are green-bezeled Submariners, but from different eras. The Kermit (16610LV) was the 2003-2010 anniversary edition with aluminum bezel and black dial. The Hulk (116610LV) from 2010-2020 had ceramic bezel AND green dial. The Starbucks (126610LV) is current, with ceramic green bezel but black dial. The Hulk is discontinued and most valuable.

How long is the waitlist for a Rolex Daytona in Singapore?

The steel Daytona has the longest waitlist, typically 5-10+ years with no guarantee. Many clients never receive the call. Realistic access often requires either significant purchase history or turning to the secondary market where prices are approximately double retail.

Is buying Rolex from the grey market safe?

It can be, with precautions. Buy only from established dealers who offer authentication and return policies. Verify the watch's serial number, examine the documentation, and consider independent authentication. Grey market watches are genuine but sold outside authorized channels, which may affect warranty status.

Should I buy a Rolex as an investment?

Buy primarily because you want to wear the watch. While many Rolex models hold value well and some appreciate, the market can shift. Sport models in steel (Submariner, GMT, Daytona) have shown the strongest investment performance, but nothing is guaranteed.

What's the best first Rolex to buy?

The Datejust offers the best combination of availability, versatility, and value for a first Rolex. It's recognizably Rolex, works with any attire, and you can actually buy one. If you want a sports watch and can wait, put your name down for a Submariner while wearing a Datejust.

How do I know if a Rolex is real?

Key authentication points include the weight (genuine Rolex is heavy), movement smoothness, cyclops magnification (2.5x on genuine), and dial quality. However, super-fakes are increasingly sophisticated. For valuable purchases, get professional authentication. See our how to spot fake Rolex guide for detailed tips.

Why are Rolex watches so expensive in Singapore?

Rolex prices are globally standardized, so Singapore prices align with international retail. The brand's premium comes from in-house manufacturing, precious materials, extensive testing, and carefully controlled supply that maintains desirability. Secondary market premiums in Singapore reflect strong local demand against limited authorized dealer allocation.

MINT Conclusion

Buying a Rolex in Singapore requires understanding more than just models and prices. You need to navigate waitlists, speak the language of nicknames, and make strategic decisions about authorized versus secondary market purchases.

Whether you're waiting years for a Pepsi GMT or walking out today with a Datejust, your Rolex represents a significant investment that deserves proper protection. A specialist watch insurance policy ensures you're covered against theft, accidental damage, and loss, both in Singapore and during international travel.

Protect your Rolex with specialist watch insurance