The practice of giving endearing nicknames to watches with unique features is ingrained in the culture of watch collecting. These names often draw inspiration from the individuals or groups associated with the watches, like the Paul Newman Daytona or Rolex Thunderbird. Alternatively, they may be derived from distinctive characteristics, as seen with the Pepsi Rolex GMT-Master, named for its vibrant red and blue bezel. The moniker "Batman" continues this tradition, affectionately used by collectors for the GMT-Master II with a black and blue bezel. Since its impactful debut in 2013, Rolex has introduced only two models featuring this contemporary bezel: references 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR. Let's take a brief look at the history of the Rolex Batman and explore the differences between these two iterations.
Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710BLNR
The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR, introduced in 2007, marked a significant shift by being the first stainless steel GMT-Master II with a ceramic "Cerachrom" bezel, replacing the traditional aluminum. Initially, this model exclusively featured an all-black bezel due to Rolex's ongoing efforts to perfect the process of creating a two-tone variation from a single piece of ceramic. The debut of the first Batman GMT, reference 116710BLNR, occurred at Baselworld 2013, making history as the pioneer of a two-tone ceramic bezel and the first black and blue bezel in Rolex's lineup. It brought a fresh, contemporary, and innovative aesthetic to the watchmaking scene.
With the transition from the 5-digit GMT-Master II to the 1167XX series following the discontinuation of the former, Rolex introduced several enhancements. These included an upgraded Triplock screw-down crown, along with the new caliber 3186 movement featuring the Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. The 6-digit series exhibited a more robust exterior, characterized by larger maxi hour markers, broader lugs, and an enlarged crown guard. Notably, the green GMT hand on the black bezel model was later replaced with blue to complement the Batman bezel on the reference 116710BLNR.
Curiously, Rolex limited the first Batman GMT-Master II to the Oyster bracelet, despite widespread speculation and anticipation for the addition of a Jubilee bracelet option. After only a few years of production, the reference 116710BLNR was discontinued. It was succeeded by the new Batman reference 126710BLNR, unveiled on the highly awaited Jubilee bracelet.
Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR
In 2018, Rolex introduced the reference 126710, featuring the latest iteration of the renowned pilot's watch and equipped with the new caliber 3285 movement. Initially, this Oystersteel model exclusively came with a red and blue "Pepsi" bezel paired with a Jubilee bracelet—a configuration many argue represents the epitome of the Rolex GMT. The debut of the new Batman reference, 126710BLNR, took place a year later in 2019, and similarly, it was initially presented with a Jubilee bracelet, mirroring the Pepsi model. This version seemed to fulfill the desires of many collectors seeking a Rolex Batman on a Jubilee bracelet. However, a lingering question remained about the potential return of the black and blue bezel on the original Oyster bracelet.
In 2021, Rolex answered that question. For the first time in the history of the Rolex Batman, collectors were given the choice of the GMT-Master II with a black and blue bezel, available with either a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet—an option that added a new dimension to the iconic timepiece.
Rolex 116710BLNR vs. 126710BLNR
Distinguishing between the Rolex references 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR may not be immediately evident. Both models share iconic features, including the groundbreaking two-tone bezel, black Maxi dial, stainless steel construction, and a 40mm Oyster case. However, upon the release of the latest stainless-steel GMT-Master II in 2018, Rolex introduced subtle refinements such as updated lugs and the addition of a small Rolex coronet to the "Swiss Made" label at the dial's bottom.
The most notable distinction lies in the movement that powers each timepiece. Reference 116710 is equipped with the caliber 3186, while reference 126710 boasts the caliber 3285. The latter incorporates Rolex's advanced Chronergy escapement, enhancing efficiency, and boasts an extended 70-hour power reserve, a significant improvement compared to the caliber 3186 with a 48-hour power reserve.
Discover the Price Tag of the Iconic Rolex Batman
The listed price for the current Batman Rolex, reference 126710 BLNR, is $10,700 with an Oyster bracelet and $10,900 with a Jubilee bracelet. In the secondary market, these timepieces typically command prices ranging from $17,000 to $18,000. In comparison, the original Batman reference (116710 BLNR) tends to sell for a slightly lower range, typically a thousand or two less than its successor.
Decoding the Hidden Language of Rolex with 'BLNR'
"BLNR" is an abbreviation for "Bleu/Noir," translating to "blue/black" in French. Rolex often uses suffixes in reference numbers to denote different variations. The suffix "LN" in reference 116710, released in 2007 with an all-black bezel, stands for "Lunette Noir." Notably, the Batman Rolex always concludes with "BLNR," while the Pepsi variant is identified by "BLRO”.Top of Form
Discovering Distinction: Batgirl vs. Batman Rolex Showdown
Initially released exclusively on the Jubilee bracelet in 2019, the Rolex ref. 126710BLNR earned the nickname "Batgirl" due to its perceived dressier 5-link bracelet compared to the previous Oyster bracelet. Now available with both bracelet options, the "Batgirl" moniker has become less common, with the watch-collecting community generally referring to all GMT-Master II models with a black and blue bezel as the "Batman." While Rolex hasn't officially embraced these nicknames, enthusiasts continue to affectionately assign memorable monikers to their favorite timepieces.
