Tomorrow September 17th – also known as Batman Day. Instead of dressing up like the Caped Crusader, we’d much rather go the adult route and sport the original Rolex Batman watch. Boasting some superpowers of its own, the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is the very first Batman edition of the Rolex GMT-Master II, and it’s one of the most coveted Rolex sports watches today. Join us as we unmask the mysteries of this black and blue high-tech GMT watch.
Click here to learn more about the Rolex Batman vs. Batgirl debate.
Why Is The GMT-Master II Nicknamed the Rolex Batman?
The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR flew onto the scene in 2013 much to the delight of Rolex fans everywhere. It quickly picked up the “Batman” nickname among Rolex devotees in reference to its blue and black ceramic bezel sitting on top of its 40mm stainless steel case.
The bi-colored bezel was indeed a surprise to many since Rolex had adamantly maintained that having a two-toned ceramic bezel made from a single piece of ceramic would be impossible. However, Rolex managed to pull it off perfectly – and of course, patented the process too. Masterminds never truly give away their secrets, after all!
Another surprising detail was the color choice for the bezel since Rolex has never used black and blue together before. The GMT-Master and GMT-Master II range has had black bezels, blue bezels, blue and red bezels, black and red bezels, and even brown and gold bezels, but the Batman GMT-Master II 116710BLNR marks the first time Rolex has combined black and blue. Fun fact, BLNR stands for “Bleu Noir” which is French for “Blue Black.” And I’m sure you’ll agree, these colors are a match made in heaven for this ultra-modern GMT watch.
The Superpowers of the Rolex Batman
As part of a more recent generation of Rolex GMT-Master II watches, the ref. 116710 BLNR “Batman” includes the larger “Super Case” Oyster case design with a broader shape and heftier built, despite it officially carrying the same 40mm size as its predecessors. Also, unlike previous five-digit references of the GMT-Master II, the new GMT-Master watches are outfitted with Triplock screw down winding crowns instead of Twinlock ones for a more robust shield against damaging water and dust particles.
Plus, there’s also the “Maxi Dial” style whereby the lume plots are larger and the Mercedes-style hands are thicker. Rolex claims that the blue Chromalight luminescence on the BLNR will continue to shine bright for up to eight hours during dark (k)nights.
Rolex Batman GMT-Master II Details and Features
A great design touch on the Rolex “Batman” is the blue GMT-hand to match the blue on the bezel. What’s more, the rehaut – or inner bezel – is engraved with a repeating “ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX” pattern around it as a protective measure against villainous counterfeiters.
Powering this gorgeous black, blue, and steel machine is the ultra-reliable and durable Rolex Caliber 3186 automatic movement with a generous 50-hour power reserve. The newer movement is equipped with the blue Parachrom hairspring for better resistance to pesky magnetic fields and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Remember, because the GMT-hand on the GMT-Master II watches is set independently from the center hands (unlike the GMT-Master I models), the ref. 116710BLNR can indicate three time zones rather than just two like the original Rolex GMT-Master watch from the 1950s, making it the ideal partner to have when fighting jet lag during travels.
Rolex Batman 116710BLNR Oyster Bracelet
Finally, the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR stays securely on the wrist thanks to the new style stainless steel Oyster bracelet with completely solid links and a stronger Oysterlock folding clasp. There’s even the Easylink comfort extension link should you need to lengthen the bracelet by about 5mm – to fit over your Batsuit, of course.
With that in mind, the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is no longer in production. After the reference 116710BLNR was discontinued, Batman returned, and Rolex updated its famous black and blue GMT-Master II watch and replaced it with the updated reference 126710BLNR. The new model originally featured a Jubilee bracelet (an Oyster bracelet was later added as an option) and the next-generation Caliber 3285 movement, in addition to a number of small refinements, such as thinner lugs and a small coronet below the 6 o’clock marker. While the new Batman GMT-Master II can often look at a lot like the original model when it is paired with an Oyster bracelet, the ref. 116710BLNR will always be the original Batman GMT-Master II.
If you’re lucky enough to own a Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR, then wear it proudly this Batman Day to show off that you’re part of an exclusive Rolex League. Batmobile not included.
