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All You Need To Know About The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman

Where do we begin with the storied history behind the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman. Nicknamed after the masked Superhero that stalks Gotham like a hawk, The Batman could easily be deemed as one of the most iconic watches, not just in The Rolex GMT-Master II collection, but perhaps the entire portfolio of the brand.

Due to its iconic nickname and links with this legendary collection, the watches were originally released in 2013 as a new colour combination of blue and black on the bezel. It’s been 10 years since its initial release and it’s still in production under reference 126710BLNR

Watches with nicknames have the potential to boom in value. Here are a few to get you started like the Nipple Dial, Bart Simpson, Bombay and Pussy Galore. Oh, Miss Moneypenny, you really are spoiling us.

This is especially if they are linked with cultural titans. What’s more iconic than the brilliant association with the caped crusader himself. Competing with other nicknames like the Root Beer with a brown and cream bezel and the infamous Pepsi with its red and black bezel, the Rolex Batman more than holds its own timekeeping weight.

Before we expose too many details behind this incredible watch, let’s deep dive into everything you need to know about The Rolex Batman.

History Behind The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman

Rolex GMT-Master Background

Originally released to the world in 1954, The GMT-Master was housed in a steel case, with its sole purpose being the ultimate everyday watch for those looking to take to the skies. We can’t understate this fact enough as it was the official wrist watch for pilots on PAN AM flights since its epic release.

Ref. 6542 - Source - Christie's

The first GMT-Master broke out a set of design codes that are still used today. Namely, the watches feature a 24 hour graduated bezel that's split into two halves that was originally red (to showcase daylight hours) and blue (to record nighttime).

The bezel was originally made of plexiglass and now features a range of dual colours and even single colours across the entire bezel. Plexiglass was then exchanged for the stronger anodized aluminium material in 1959 and now the gorgeous ceramic (also known as Cerachrom!) in 2005.

In 1982, the watches continued to evolve, resulting in an independent hour hand being placed within the timepiece. This meant that they no longer had the hour, minute and 24 hour hand synchronised, instead featuring a new movement with an hour hand that could be set independently, as to not affect the general timekeeping. This innovation represented the dawn of the GMT-Master II.

Rolex GMT-Master II Background

The addition of the independent hour hand was a major innovation and represented the watches status, becoming the go-to piece for pilots during this period. Travellers too were not only seeking the pleasure of wanderlust, but desired a major luxury brand on their wrist.

16760 - Source - Christie’s

In 2005, the bezel changed from anodized aluminium to ceramic. They had a reputation of being pioneers in terms of craftsmanship. This goes as far as using the greatest forms of each material, as made in their own foundries. Using 950 platinum or 18K gold, as well as their very own alloys like Everose and Rolesor, it shows the extent of their ability to make and design only the best luxury watches possible with the finest engineering and exquisite materials.

So, their turn to Cerachrom in the bezel added another string to the ever-growing bow of the brand's technical skill. They began to mould the graduations and numerals into the Cerachrom bezel and coat them in gold or platinum via PVD in order to promote maximum legibility.

In 2013, they broke new ground by releasing a two-colour insert into the bezel. We know what you are thinking; Don’t they already have twin colour bezels since the collections release in 1954? Well, in this instance, they introduced the first single-piece two colour ceramic bezel insert which was both blue and black and built onto an Oyster steel watch.

Blue and black? That’s right, it’s time to delve into the Batman! But wait just a second. If you are still unsure about Rolex bezel reference or letter codes, here’s our handy list to ensure you taste the rainbow in no time.

Letter Name	Letter Meaning
LN	Lunette Noire - Black Bezel
LV	Lunette Verte - Green Bezel
LB	Lunette Bleue - Blue Bezel
CHNR	Chocolat Noir - Black/Brown Bezel
BLNR	Bleu/Noir - Blue/Black Bezel
BLRO	Bleu/Rouge - Blue/Red Bezel
SARU	Saphirs/Rubis - Bezel Fitted With Sapphires and Rubies
SANR	Saphirs Noir - Bezel Fitted With Baguette Cut Black Sapphire and Diamonds
SABR	Saphirs/Brilliants - Sapphires/ Diamonds
RBOW	Rainbow Multi Coloured Sapphires
GV	Glace Verte - Green Crystal
SA	Bezel Set With Sapphires

Rolex GMT-Master II Batman Background - 116710BLNR

The Rolex Batman 116710BLNR was released at Baselworld 2013 and subsequently caused quite a stir!

116710BLNR - Source - Christie’s

Representing the first time a model featured a single piece of dual colour bezel insert, the steel case gem was instantly a record breaker and wore this insert on a Cerachrom bezel. It was generally understood that they simply couldn’t make a two-tone bezel on ceramic as the material was so hard to operate with.

Well, they did it and in 2013, the Rolex Batman was released with a blue and black bezel, or Bleu Noir for the formal fan. This was the first ever bi-colour bezel that was only available on steel watches.

Rolex Batman watches were built in precisely the same design as reference 116710 which was originally released in 2007. In fact, this was the first occasion the Cerachrom bezel was used which was swapped out for its former aluminium self. Meanwhile, the all black bezel remained for several years while the Genevan giant perfected the manufacturing two-tone technique.

Mind you, they couldn't have picked a better piece to lay the blueprint for the Batman as reference 116710 was the first GMT-Master to contain a Calibre 3186 movement, a new 24 hour hand and accuracy enduring Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring.

Furthermore, the reference had a modernised Triplock screw down crown and a new bezel style in order to enhance the level of water resistance. Talk about causing a splash. Reference 116710BLNR features all of these and similarly uses the famed Maxi dial style that enhances legibility by increasing the size of the hour markers and hands.

Key Design Elements

40mm Oyster Case
Bi-directional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel
Twin colour blue and black Cerachrom ceramic insert
100 metre water resistance
Matt black dial
Chromalight display
Calibre 3186 - 50 hour power reserve
COSC certified

Rolex GMT-Master II Background - 126710BLNR

At the 2019 Baselworld event, The Rolex Batman morphed into reference 126710BLNR.

Source - Rolex

While the 116710BLNR watches had the same black dial and steel case, they were fitted with a glorious three-link Oyster bracelet. The new reference opted to upgrade the watches into a more luxurious design. This included the ever-stylish five-link Jubilee bracelet that was given an Easylink extension and Oysterlock clasp to ensure optimal security.

And you know Chrono Hunter is all about promoting the highest levels of safety especially when you buy or sell a watch through our unique platform.

Interestingly enough, this caused speculation as to whether the watches should continue to have the “Batman” nickname, resulting in a new title of “Batgirl” having a Jubilee bracelet and therefore a more dressy style.

For those still wanting to flex the classic Oyster bracelet with modernised reference, their wishes would be granted later on thanks to the release of the Oyster bracelet. This became an option when purchasing reference 126710BLNR watches from 2021.

While the bracelet change was a big deal, there were also a slew of other changes with this new reference. This included a much slimmer and elegant design in making the lugs smaller. This was achieved with the same 40mm case, but with a much more ergonomic design.

And how could we not make reference to the new Calibre 3285 movement? Offering an excellent power reserve of 70 hours, this represented a huge jump from the 50 hour power reserve of reference 116710BLNR.

Key Design Elements

40mm Oyster case
Oyster steel
Oyster/Jubilee bracelet
Bi-directional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel
Two-colour blue and black Cerachrom insert
100 metres water resistance
Matt black dial with Chromalight display
3285 Movement. Parachrom hairspring/Chronergy escapement
70 hour power reserve
Second time zone with independent rapid set hour hand
Superlative Chronometer

How Valuable Is The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman?

The value of a watch is usually determined by a few factors, namely;

Desirability
Level of supply
Rarity
Vintage/Discontinued
Current market conditions

Their novelties across the board perform very well upon resale. Producing around 1 million watches per year, the brand has a revenue total of around £7.6 billion. Furthermore, they have around 25% of the market share, matching conglomerate Swatch Group and beating Richemont which has 10%. Even titans like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Cartier only have market shares of 5.7%, 4.7%, and 40% (considering Cartier is part of Richemont).

Specifically for the Rolex Batman, these watches have the potential to be very valuable. You may need to put Commissioner Gordon on high alert. For example, the now discontinued 116710BLNR reference has a great deal of prestige and lineage behind it, including being the first to have a blue and black bezel not to mention the first model to have a bi-ceramic bezel. Produced only for 5 years, the watches are a prime piece of their history that could be a potentially excellent investment.

The Rolex Batman 116710BLNR sells on the secondary market for upwards of £10,100 as of December 2023. However, you may be swayed to invest in the newer reference. Created to be more wearable than its predecessor due to its slimmer lugs and ergonomic design, the movement is stronger with a higher power reserve and also comes with the option of an Oyster bracelet.

You can buy a Rolex Batman 126710BLNR at retail for £9,150 with a Jubilee bracelet, and £9,000 with an Oyster bracelet as of December 2023. It sells on the secondary market for upwards of £11,600 as of December 2023. This shows that it may be worth investing in the newer, in-production reference as it currently yields a better price upon resale at the time of writing.

That being said, the horological marketplace is very unpredictable and can change like the wind…so don’t assume that the newer models will be perpetually more valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is The Rolex Batman So Popular?

The Rolex Batman continues to be popular among enthusiasts and aficionados because it epitomises the functional design of a classic watch. Furthermore, the combination of blue and black offers a cultural link to a well known Superhero, adding another value element to the piece.

Originally designed for travellers due to its GMT functionality, users can track two time zones simultaneously. The GMT-Master III swiftly became the must-have timepiece for PAN AM Airlines, further cementing the immense reputation of the Rolex Batman.

From the revolutionary reference 116710BLNR which was the first model to use a single piece of dual colour bezel insert, and blue and black being the first accents used, the Rolex Batman belongs to a strong part of the Genevan brand's history.

Reference 126710BLNR is just as equally a superb addition to the collection, especially since it modernises the original Batman with a fresh movement, stronger power reserve of 50 upgraded to 70 hours, and a much sleeker case with the option of either an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.

Who Wears Rolex Batman?

There are a number of high level celebrities wearing a Rolex Batman. Sported by the likes of John Mayer, Rob Lowe, Steve Carell, Karim Benzema, Christian Benteke and Roger Federer, it is a hot choice among those with a little extra cash to spend!

How Accurate Is Rolex Batman?

The latest Batman timepiece is as accurate as one of Novak Djokovic’s forehands at Wimbledon.

The 3285 movement is a perpetual, mechanical self-winding movement that offers GMT functionality. Offering a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day and a weekend-proof power reserve of 70 hours, the movements are supported by a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, to ensure the movement's Superlative Chronometer status is maintained.

How Much Is Rolex Batman Vs Batgirl?

You can buy a Rolex Batman with an Oyster strap at retail for £9,000 as of December 2023. You can buy a Rolex Batgirl with a Jubilee strap at retail for £9,100 as of December 2023. However these are certainly not easy to find at authorised retailers as luxury sports watches of this kind are as elusive as an invite to the Elton John after party at the Oscars

What Is The Difference Between GMT-Master Batman And Batgirl?

The main difference between the old and new Batman Rolex is quite simply the bracelet.

The Batman upon its inception in 2013 was made with an Oyster bracelet, offering a more sporty design to the timepiece. The “Batgirl” was released under the new reference in 2019 and was made with a 5 link Jubilee bracelet which is both more stylish and luxurious than the Oyster bracelet.

However, the Rolex “Batgirl” would later come with an Oyster strap in 2021, reverting back to the official “Batman” title.

Is Rolex Batman Rare?

In short, it all depends on your model. If you own the initial 116710BLNR reference, this is a rare line as it was only in production for 5 years, and it has a number of “firsts” behind it, including the use of black and blue on the bezel, while representing the first time a model featured a single piece of dual colour ceramic bezel insert.

Is The Rolex Batman The Only Rolex Nickname?

No, there is a whole list of nicknames that are not just associated with the GMT-Master collection, but a myriad of collections!

We have already covered this below as part of our Rolex nicknames article which you can view here;

https://chronohunter.com/chronicles/rolex-nicknames-bart-simpson-pussy-galore-smurf

Covering a whole host of different watches, models and collections. The Submariner “Smurf” earns its nickname by having an entirely blue dial and bezel. How about the “Coke” which relates to a black and red bezel, linking to the Coke brand.

How about one more? The Deepsea Sea-Dweller “James Cameron” earned its nickname after being associated with James Cameron’s solo dive in 2012 wherein it was strapped to the side of the Trieste Submarine when reaching the Mariana Trench...the deepest point of the ocean.

Is The Rolex Batman A Good Investment?

The Rolex Batman is a great investment. Firstly, as it’s associated with Rolex, their watches tend to perform very well upon resale across the board. This is due to their fantastic reputation, high quality craftsmanship and precision.

Specifically for the Rolex Batman, the watches have a popular cultural nickname and are related to the phenomenal GMT-Master II. If you opt for the older 116710BLNR, this is discontinued which means supply is automatically raised. However, the new 126710BLNR is modernised with a stronger calibre, and associated with the same nickname.

You can buy a Rolex Batman 126710BLNR at retail for £9,150 with a Jubilee bracelet, and £9,000 with an Oyster bracelet as of December 2023. It sells on the secondary market for upwards of £11,600 as of December 2023. How’s that for making a profit!

Conclusion

Time has got the better of us once again. We have run through everything you need to know around the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman and left no horological stone unturned. Discovering the changes between reference 116710BLNR to the newly updated reference 126710BLNR, the Batman has cemented its place as a coveted timepiece.

The Rolex Batman has become a giant part of its respective collection and holds the title of the first piece to incorporate a single piece of dual colour bezel insert. The Rolex Batman is highly regarded due to its desired Cerachrom bezel, powerful movement with Superlative Chronometer certification and 70 hour power reserve.

Add in first rate GMT functionality that has its heritage stretching back to the PAN AM airline and you are on to a winner. Plus it looks great on the wrist. We hear you Robin. Listen up. We aint joking around here! If you are more of a fan of the vintage timepieces, there is the option to invest in the classic Rolex Batman reference 116710BLNR.

While it may not have the technical prowess of the new reference, it’s strong enough to be a suitable option for every type of horophile slash aficionado. We hope that you’ve enjoyed our comprehensive guide on all you need to know about the Rolex Batman. Now, if you want to go about trying to buy one, you may be confused as to where you should venture. Perhaps you need to join our revolution where buying and selling a watch is a fast, secure and unique experience, saving you money.

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