History & Complete Guide to the Rolex Batman
The GMT-Master II 116710BLNR, or more often referred to as the Rolex Batman by collectors, is one of the most popular models released by the brand. The GMT-Master II model history dates back to the 1980s and before that the GMT-Master collection. Since the original release, the use of color has been used on bezels, but it wasn’t until 2013 that the blue and black bezel was released. In this article, you’ll learn about the Rolex Batman, use any of the links below to skip to a specific section or continue reading below.
Rolex Batman 2013 Baselworld Launch
The 2013 launch of the 116710BLNR saw the first two-tone coloring in the Cerachrom bezel. Ceramic was difficult to work with and color, so since the start of the use of Cerachrom in 2005 the bezels were only released in black. At Baselworld in 2013, Rolex launched the BLNR, Bleu Noir, two-tone ceramic bezel. Rolex was able to achieve this two-tone look using a patented process of chemically treating a single ring of Cerachrom.
For years, the Rolex Batman was the only GMT-Master II to feature a two-tone bezel in stainless steel. Since it was the first GMT-Master II to have a two-tone Cerachrom bezel and was only available in stainless steel (unlike the Pepsi which was produced in white gold) the model quickly became a favorite of collectors.
Batman Nickname
Since its launch, the 116170BLNR has had a few nicknames, but the one that really stuck with the watch world was ‘Batman’. Other nicknames of the blue and black bezel have included, ‘Bruiser’, ‘The Dark Night’, and even the more simple ‘Black Blue’. The Batman nickname has been the most popular and favored, thanks to the coloring closely resembling the colors from the classic Batman films. This isn’t the first, or the last, Rolex to have a nickname given. The GMT-Master and GMT-Master II have also been given the nicknames ‘Coke’ and ‘Pepsi’ for the two-tone bezels used. Even the Submariner collection has the ‘Kermit’, ‘Hulk’, and ‘Smurf’ nicknames.
Technical Specifications and How To Set
Model:
Rolex GMT-Master II
Reference Number:
116710BLNR ‘Batman’
Case Size + Material:
40mm, Oystersteel
Caseback:
Solid caseback
Movement:
Calibre 3186
Functions:
Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and GMT 24-hour display
Strap/Bracelet:
Oyster Bracelet in Oystersteel with folding buckle
The Rolex Batman, similarly to the other GMT-Master II references, was created out of a monobloc case of Oystersteel. The bidirectional bezel features a 24-hour GMT scale with engraved numerals. The 40mm case is also waterproof to 100m thanks to the Oyster Perpetual case with screw-down crown and caseback. The calibre 3186 is a self-winding automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve, instant date and is COSC certified.
Setting
To set the Rolex Batman, or any GMT-Master II, start with setting your home time. Ensure the bezel triangle is set to 12 o’clock and unscrew the crown. Pulling the crown out to the second position, you can rotate the 24-hour and minute hand to align with the time on the bezel. Setting the current time of your destination and the date, you will use the first position of the crown. You can then use the jumping hour to set the date. You can then screw down the crown to secure the watch. Of course, the Batman is a GMT watch, providing a second time zone. Learn more about setting and reading a GMT watch for travel.
Rolex Batman Discontinued
In 2019, the Rolex Batman as we knew it was discontinued. That same year, Rolex announced the launch of the 126710BLNR, a black and blue bezel GMT-Master II on a Jubilee bracelet. While the watch was mostly the same as the previous model, collectors gave it a new nickname and the updated release drove demand for the original on the Oyster bracelet.
Batman 2.0 and the Batgirl Nickname
The Jubilee bracelet is typically found on dressier models from the brand, and older GMT models. The GMT-Master II ‘Pepsi’ was introduced on the Jubilee a few years before the Batman switch. Outside of the obvious bracelet change, the 126710BLNR saw a few other updates. The new bracelet has a solid folding buckle with Oysterlock and a 5mm Easylink extension. The lugs were also slimmed slightly to fit the new bracelet meaning the original Oyster bracelet would not be able to be interchanged.
Inside the watch is the updated Caibre 3285. This new movement boasts a 70-hour power reserve as well as a more efficient escapement and gear train. Some say the blue on the bezel is slightly different than the previous model but Rolex has not released anything about a color change.
Because of the change in bracelet style, collectors started to refer to the new reference as the ‘Batgirl’. For other models, the nicknames have always stayed the same. A ‘Pepsi’ is known as a red and blue bezel and ‘Root beer’ is known as a brown and tan or brown and black bezel depending on the reference, regardless of the bracelet style.
In 2021, Rolex quietly reintroduced the Batman model to the market and brought back the Oyster bracelet as an option for the 126710BLNR. As a result, the watch community has started to refer to the Oyster version as the Rolex Batman and the Jubilee version as the Rolex Batgirl.
How to Buy a Rolex Batman
The original Batman has been discontinued for a few years, meaning that new models for the reference 126710BLNR are only available for purchase through an authorized dealer. The demand for the model has not slowed down so purchasing a new watch can take some time. On the secondary market, however, both the original Rolex Batman and the Rolex Batgirl are often available despite demand still remaining strong. Purchasing through a trusted retailer, like The 1916 Company, on the pre-owned market is important to ensure the watch is not fake. Discover the current collection of Rolex GMT-Master II watches at The 1916 Company to find your perfect watch.