What does 'Oyster' and 'Perpetual' mean?

In Rolex terminology, the word 'Oyster' means that the caseback screws down for water resistance. The word 'Oyster' in this case refers to the Oyster case used for the Oyster Perpetual (along with many other Rolex models). Invented by Rolex in 1926, this case was the first in the world to be reliably resistant to both water and dust. On the other hand, the word ‘Perpetual’ means that the movement is self-winding, also known as automatic. Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are only ever outfitted with these mechanical Perpetual movements. However, nearly all modern Rolex watches use the prefix 'Oyster Perpetual' to denote their use of the waterproof Oyster case and self-winding Perpetual movement. While many Rolex watches have the words 'Oyster Perpetual' as part of their name, the Oyster Perpetual is also its own collection of watches.

Is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual a good investment?

Like nearly all models produced by this iconic luxury watch manufacturer, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a good investment. This watch is effortlessly timeless and an undisputed classic, meaning that there will always be a market for it. Additionally, like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual has an amazing ability to retain value over the years, despite near constant wear and use. The current-production Oyster Perpetual models are selling for significantly more than their brand-new retail prices on the open market, and older examples make great entry-level watches for newer collectors thanks to their relatively affordable and stable prices on the secondary market.

How can I spot a fake Rolex Oyster Perpetual?

There are a number of different ways to spot a fake Rolex Oyster Perpetual. However, since this watch has such a long history and has been produced with so many different variations, what to look for when verifying the authenticity of an Oyster Perpetual will differ from one generation to the next. We suggest checking out our complete 'How to Spot a Fake Rolex' guide for the most comprehensive and up-to-date tips on how to properly authenticate a Rolex watch. Sadly, counterfeiters are getting increasingly better each day at copying Rolex's designs, and sometimes the only way to truly confirm that a Rolex Oyster Perpetual is genuine is to open it up and inspect the components of its movement with high-powered magnification. This is why it is also important to only ever purchase a Rolex from either an authorized retailer or from a trusted and reliable pre-owned dealer that stands behind its products with both a warranty and a lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Rolex Batman vs. Hulk: A Complete Guide

Written By: Bob's Watches
Reviewed By: Paul Altieri

Many Rolex watches have acquired charming nicknames since coming to market, and among the various names ranging from athletes to soda flavors are a couple of superhero-inspired nicknames, namely the Batman and the Hulk. The Rolex GMT-Master II with its blue and black ceramic bezel insert (Batman) and the Rolex Submariner with its green dial and bezel (Hulk) are among the most famous Rolex watches with nicknames, but they are two completely different models - the Submariner is a diver’s watch, and the GMT-Master II is a pilot/traveler’s watch. So, that begs the ultimate question, which one is better? The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman? Or the Rolex Submariner Hulk?

Both Rolex watches boast colorful design sets and all-steel construction but they are very different when it comes to functionality. Additionally, the Submariner Hulk is often seen as rather polarizing with its bright green dial and bezel, while the Batman is arguably more versatile with its more toned-down colorway (this opinion, of course, is completely subjective and open to debate). Join us today as we explore this topic further and put Batman head-to-head with the Hulk to attempt to answer the question of which superhero Rolex sports watch reigns supreme.

Rolex GMT-Master II "Batman"

Rolex Batman GMT-Master II 126710BLNR Black Blue Stainless Steel

Batman GMT-Master II Key Features:

Reference Number(s): 116710BLNR; 126710BLNR
Production Years: 2013 – 2019; 2019 – Present
Case Size: 40mm
Materials: Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel)
Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers
Bezel: Bidirectional; Black and Blue Ceramic Insert w/ 24-Hour Scale
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3186; Rolex Caliber 3285
Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet; Jubilee Bracelet

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex GMT-Master II.

Rolex Submariner "Hulk"

Rolex Submariner 116610LV Hulk Stainless Steel

Hulk Submariner Key Features:

Reference Number(s): 116610LV
Production Years: 2010 – 2020
Case Size: 40mm
Materials: Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel)
Dial: Green w/ Luminous Hour Markers
Bezel: Unidirectional; Green Ceramic Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale
Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135
Water Resistance: 300 Meters / 1,000 Feet
Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet

Click here for our Ultimate Buying Guide on the Rolex Submariner.

Origins Of The Rolex Batman And Rolex Hulk

Rolex Submariner Hulk Green 116610 LV Stainless Steel

In 2010, Rolex introduced two new stainless steel Submariner models with beefier super cases, characterized by thicker lugs and crown guards, despite retaining the same 40mm diameter. This pair of new-gen Subs also had ceramic bezels and bolder “Maxi dials” with larger hands and lume plots. One was the Rolex 116610 with a black bezel and dial, while the other was the Submariner ref. 116610LV with a green bezel and dial.

The reference 116610LV was not the first green Submariner Rolex made (that honor goes to the 50th-anniversary Submariner 16610LV with a green aluminum bezel and black dial). However, it was the first Submariner with a green Cerachrom ceramic bezel and also the first to have a matching green dial. Given the heftier shape of the new green Submariner and the prominent use of green throughout the dial and bezel, the “Hulk” nickname makes perfect sense for the ref. 116610LV.

The Split-Color Cerachrom Ceramic Bezel

Rolex Batman GMT-Master II 116710BLNR Black Blue Bezel Stainless Steel

Three years later, Rolex unveiled a new stainless steel GMT-Master II with a blue and black Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Not only was this the first-ever blue and black bezel made by Rolex, but it was also the brand’s first two-color Cerachrom ceramic bezel. Up until then, Rolex maintained that it would be impossible to make a bi-colored ceramic bezel, thus explaining why the then-current GMT-Master II models were only available with monochromatic ceramic bezels. However, the brand proved itself wrong, signaling the return to the split-color bezel that made the original GMT-Master watch famous.

Previous GMT-Master bi-colored bezels already had nicknames; there’s the blue and red "Rolex Pepsi," the red and black “Rolex Coke,” and the brown and gold "Rolex Root Beer." Therefore, it was only natural that the BLNR-edition (where BLNR is shorthand for the French words for blue and black) bezel would get one too, and the “Batman” label stuck thanks to the color scheme's similarity to the fictional Caped Crusader. It’s important to note that the nickname is attached to the bezel and not to the particular reference, clarifying why both the previous ref. 116710BLNR and the new ref. 126710BLNR (released in 2019) are both known as Rolex Batman watches; however, the new edition is also known as the “Batgirl” due to its slightly more refined case shape and the option of the Jubilee bracelet.

Design And Functionality Of The Rolex Batman And Rolex Hulk

Stainless Steel Rolex Batman GMT-Master II 116710 BLNR Black Blue Ceramic Bezel

The Batman and the Hulk both feature 40mm stainless steel cases, rotating bezels, similar dial layouts with Mercedes-style hands, date indications, and lume-filled plots for hour markers. Both are also fitted with sapphire crystals that have the familiar Cyclops magnification lens over the date window.

However, the Hulk is a dive watch, which means that its bezel only rotates in one direction, and it is graduated to 60 minutes to track immersion times. On the other hand, the Batman is a GMT watch. Therefore its bezel rotates in both directions and is marked with 24 hours to indicate the hour in another time zone. Furthermore, the Submariner has a traditional three-hand configuration (hour, minute, seconds), while the GMT-Master II has four hands (local hour, reference hour, minute, seconds).

Different Movements and Bracelets

Rolex Green Submariner Hulk 116610LV Stainless Steel

Naturally, because these watches offer different functions, they also run on different movements. The Hulk Submariner is powered by the Caliber 3135, while the Batman GMT-Master II relies on either the Caliber 3186 (ref. 116710BLNR) or the Caliber 3285 (ref. 126710BLNR), with the newer Cal. 3285 offering a longer 70-hour power reserve. Additionally, although both models are fitted with Triplock screw-down winding crowns, the Submariner is water-resistant to 300 meters while the GMT-Master II has a 100-meter depth rating.

Moving onto the bracelets, the Hulk watch is fitted with a three-link Oyster bracelet with brushed surfaces, equipped with a Glidelock clasp, allowing divers to lengthen the bracelet up to 20mm in 2mm increments to fit over a diving suit. The first Rolex Batman 116710BLNR was exclusively offered on an Oyster bracelet with polished center links; however, the Batman 126710BLNR was initially only offered on the five-link Jubilee bracelet but has since become available on the three-link Oyster bracelet as well. The Oysterlock clasp differs from the Hulk, featuring the 5mm Easylink extension system rather than the 20mm diver’s Glidelock clasp.

Rolex Batman Vs. Rolex Hulk: Which One Wins?

Stainless Steel Rolex Batman GMT-Master II 126710BLNR Cerachrom Bezel Jubilee Bracelet

Overall, the Batman and the Hulk are two different Rolex watches with different functions. They may sport similar silhouettes, near-identical materials, and both feature vibrant colors, but one is a GMT timepiece able to indicate three time zones, while the other is a professional diver with the ability to plunge to 300 meters below the surface of the ocean.

So, picking between these two highly popular Rolex tool watches is a matter of deciding which function would be most practical for you and which colorway suits your taste better.

About Bob's Watches Editorial

With over two decades of experience in the luxury watch industry, the Bob's Watches Editorial Team stands at the forefront of watch expertise and insight. Our team, composed of seasoned watch enthusiasts, skilled horologists, and knowledgeable industry insiders, is dedicated to bringing you the latest and most accurate information in the world of luxury timepieces. We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail and our unwavering commitment to authenticity. Our editorial content is a reflection of our passion for luxury watches and our dedication to providing our readers with comprehensive, unbiased, and up-to-date information. Our expertise spans a wide range of topics, including in-depth reviews of the latest models, historical retrospectives of iconic timepieces, and insightful analyses of market trends. We are also renowned for our detailed guides on watch maintenance and investment advice, making us a trusted resource for both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike. As thought leaders in the watch industry, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve. That's why we continually update our knowledge and skills, ensuring that our readers receive the most current and relevant information. Whether you're seeking advice on your next luxury watch purchase or looking to deepen your understanding of watch craftsmanship, the Bob's Watches Editorial Team is here to guide you.

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