The In the vast universe of horology, few timepieces ignite as much passion and discussion as the Rolex GMT-Master II, particularly the celebrated “Batman” edition. Its distinctive blue and black bezel isn’t just a design choice; it’s a symbol, a statement, and a testament to Rolex’s enduring legacy of innovation and style. But how did this particular watch, officially known as the GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR (and later the 2019 updated 126710BLNR), earn its superhero moniker and achieve such iconic status? Join us as we embark on a journey through the captivating history of the Rolex Batman GMT-Master II.
Chapter 1: The GMT-Master’s Genesis
A Watch for the Jet Set
To truly understand the Batman, we must first acknowledge its roots. The original Rolex GMT-Master was born in 1955, designed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) for their pilots. Its primary function was to display two different time zones simultaneously, a revolutionary feature for the burgeoning age of intercontinental air travel. This dual-time zone capability, achieved through a rotating 24-hour bezel and an independent 24-hour hand, laid the groundwork for all subsequent GMT-Master models. The early GMT-Masters, with their iconic red and blue “Pepsi” bezels, quickly became symbols of travel, adventure, and sophistication.
Chapter 2: The Evolution to the GMT-Master II – Independent Hour Hand
While the original GMT-Master was groundbreaking, Rolex, ever committed to perfection, sought to enhance its functionality. In 1982, they introduced the GMT-Master II. The key innovation here was an independent 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to set the local time without affecting the GMT hand, and vice versa. This significantly improved the watch’s practicality for frequent travelers, making it even more versatile. The GMT-Master II truly cemented Rolex’s dominance in the travel watch segment.
Chapter 3: The Birth of the Rolex Batman GMT-Master II 116710BLNR – A Challenge in Cerachrom
Fast forward to 2013, a pivotal year for the GMT-Master II. Rolex unveiled the reference 116710BLNR, the watch that would soon be affectionately dubbed “The Batman.” The “BLNR” in its reference stands for “Bleu Noir” (French for Blue Black), directly referencing its groundbreaking bi-color bezel.
What made this bezel so significant? Rolex had, for years, been pushing the boundaries of ceramic (Cerachrom) technology. While they had mastered monobloc ceramic bezels in various colors, creating a two-tone ceramic bezel, particularly with a seamless transition between two distinct colors, was an immense technical challenge. The process involves injecting two different colored ceramic compounds into a single piece, followed by a precise firing process to achieve the perfect separation and vibrancy. The blue and black combination was not just aesthetically striking; it was a testament to Rolex’s unparalleled manufacturing prowess. The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman became the first watch to have a bi-color ceramic bezel — a breakthrough for Rolex and the watch industry as a whole.
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Beyond Aesthetics: The Batman’s Uncompromising Durability Features
Beyond its innovative bezel, the 116710BLNR was a masterclass in horological engineering. It housed the Caliber 3186, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This COSC-certified chronometer boasted a 48-hour power reserve and featured Rolex’s patented blue Parachrom hairspring, offering enhanced resistance to shocks and temperature variations. Its independent rapid-setting hour hand was a crucial feature for travelers, allowing local time adjustments without affecting the precision of the minute and seconds hands.
The watch’s robust 40mm 904L stainless steel Oyster case was equipped with a Triplock screw-down crown, a sophisticated triple waterproofness system that sealed the case as securely as a submarine hatch, contributing to its impressive 100-meter (330 feet) water resistance.
Completing its sporty yet refined aesthetic, the 116710BLNR was exclusively paired with the iconic Oyster bracelet. Crafted from highly corrosion-resistant 904L Oystersteel, this three-piece link bracelet featured polished center links, providing a touch of elegance distinct from the fully brushed Oyster bracelets found on some other Rolex sports models. The bracelet was secured by Rolex’s patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, designed to prevent accidental opening. Furthermore, it incorporated the ingenious Easylink 5mm comfort extension link, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5mm without the need for tools, a subtle yet significant detail for comfort in varying conditions. This combination of groundbreaking bezel technology and proven Rolex engineering firmly established the 116710BLNR as a highly coveted and iconic timepiece.
About the Rolex Batman GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR
Production Year: 2013 2019
Case Size and Material: 40mm, Oystersteel (904L stainless steel)
Bezel: Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel with a two-color blue and black Cerachrom insert in ceramic.
Dial: Black lacquer dial with luminous hour markers (Chromalight) and Mercedes-style hands. Features a date window at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops lens.
Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3186, a self-winding mechanical movement with GMT function, COSC-certified chronometer.
Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours
Bracelet and Clasp: Oyster bracelet (three-piece solid links) in Oystersteel, with a folding Oysterlock safety clasp and the Easylink 5mm comfort extension link.
Chapter 4: The Moniker Takes Flight – Why “Batman”?
The “Batman” nickname wasn’t officially given by Rolex, but rather organically emerged from the watch collecting community. The dark, brooding blue and black color scheme of the bezel strongly resembled the iconic suit and aesthetic of the DC Comics superhero, Batman. This nickname resonated deeply with enthusiasts, giving the watch an immediate, recognizable, and cool identity that further fueled its desirability. It’s a prime example of how the community can shape a watch’s popular narrative.
Chapter 5: The Jubilee Bracelet Update – A New Chapter and the Birth of “Batgirl” (126710BLNR)
In 2019, Rolex introduced an updated version of the Batman, the reference 126710BLNR. While retaining the beloved blue and black Cerachrom bezel, this new iteration saw the watch transition from an Oyster bracelet to the more elegant and intricate Jubilee bracelet. This change sparked considerable debate among collectors, with some preferring the sporty appeal of the Oyster and others appreciating the dressier look of the Jubilee.
It was this very transition to the Jubilee bracelet that led to the coining of a new affectionate nickname: “The Batgirl.” The Jubilee bracelet, with its five-piece links and more intricate design, is often perceived as having a slightly more refined and perhaps less overtly “masculine” or “sporty” aesthetic compared to the robust, three-piece link Oyster bracelet.
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Given the original “Batman” moniker for the Oyster-equipped version, collectors quickly adopted “Batgirl” to distinguish the new Jubilee-clad iteration, subtly nodding to its perceived stylistic difference while still acknowledging its direct lineage to the iconic blue and black bezel. Regardless of personal preference, the Jubilee bracelet added another layer of refinement and historical connection, as it was often paired with earlier GMT-Master models. The movement was also updated to the new-generation caliber 3285, offering improved power reserve and precision.
Oyster vs. Jubilee: The 126710BLNR Now Gives You the Choice
However, the story of the 126710BLNR didn’t end there. In 2021, to the delight of many enthusiasts who missed the original configuration, Rolex re-released the GMT-Master II “Batman” on its iconic Oyster bracelet. This version, while sharing the same reference number 126710BLNR, is sometimes unofficially distinguished by collectors with a different internal product code (e.g., 126710BLNR-0002 for the Oyster, compared to 126710BLNR-0001 for the Jubilee). This move effectively offered collectors the best of both worlds, allowing them to choose between the classic sporty look of the Oyster (“Batman”) and the more refined aesthetic of the Jubilee (“Batgirl”), all while retaining the beloved blue and black Cerachrom bezel and the advanced caliber 3285 movement.
About the Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR
Production Year: 2019 Present. (Initially released in 2019 on the Jubilee bracelet, and the Oyster bracelet option was re-introduced in 2021, both under the same reference number).
Case Size and Material: 40mm, Oystersteel (904L stainless steel). While still 40mm, Rolex made slight refinements to the case lugs compared to the previous 116710BLNR.
Bezel: Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel with a two-color blue and black Cerachrom insert in ceramic.
Dial: Black lacquer dial with highly legible Chromalight display (long-lasting blue luminescence) on its hour markers and hands. Features a date window at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops lens.
Water Resistance: 100 meters (330 feet)
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It’s a COSC-certified chronometer and features the Chronergy escapement.
Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Bracelet and Clasp: Available with either the Jubilee bracelet (five-piece links) or the Oyster bracelet (three-piece links), both in Oystersteel. Both bracelet options feature the folding Oysterlock safety clasp with the Easylink 5mm comfort extension link.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of an Icon
The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman is more than just a watch; it’s a horological phenomenon. Its journey from a highly anticipated release with a groundbreaking bezel to a universally recognized icon is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to innovation, design, and enduring quality. Whether it’s the technical marvel of its bi-color Cerachrom, the allure of its superhero moniker, or the continuous evolution of its design, the Batman continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. It stands as a shining example of how a timepiece can transcend its function and become a true modern legend.
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