Rolex GMT-Master II Batman Watch Review

Check out my review of the famous Rolex GMT-Master II Batman!

The Rolex GMT Master II has a legendary status in the watch-collecting world. It’s also a solid investment. But these weren’t the only reasons why I chose to bring the Rolex Batman into my collection. 

Sure, the watch has a striking aesthetic and a catchy name, but there is far more to this GMT watch than meets the eye. 

Here’s my review of the GMT-Master II Batman and why I love it so much. 

Let’s Talk About Rolex Nicknames

When it comes to nicknames for Rolex watches, there are a lot more of them than you think. Only the most collectible of Rolex watches deserve a nickname. 

You may have heard of monikers like “The Paul Newman Daytona” and the “Pepsi GMT”. These names, however, exist nowhere in the brand’s official catalog. They are names that beloved Rolex fans have given them over time.

It was the Submariner ref 6538 that gave Rolex’s iconic dive watch the “James Bond” nickname. Likewise, the Submariner 5523 model from the 1960s is responsible for the “Bart Simpson” name. 

There are also a couple of green interpretations that have acquired their term of affection from avid collectors. 

Take the Rolex “Hulk”, for example, adorned with a striking green ceramic bezel. Its instantly recognizable green hue is understandably reminiscent of the fictional Marvel character. 

The Submariner Kermit depicts the all-green Jim Henson puppet through a 50th-anniversary Submariner special. The watch was lovingly given its name after the popular green Sesame Street character thanks to its green ceramic bezel insert.

(Below: Rolex Kermit)

My Rolex’s nickname, however, takes the name of the courageous and stealth-like Marvel character Batman. It adopts the same blue and black colors as the superhero with its Cerachrom bezel. Rolex has flirted with the color blue on several occasions. 

The inconspicuous “Blueberry” is an example of such, as well as the “Bluesy” model. The former was fitted with an all-blue bezel, while the latter features a blue dial with a matching blue bezel. 

There’s also the “Pepsi” GMT-Master and Master II models. Vintage and modern models alike have been acquitted with this name thanks to their blue and red bezels.

A Bit of Background on the Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”

Gotham City’s most famous vigilante is represented in the alluring black and blue bezel of the GMT-Master II 126710BLNR watch. It makes for a particularly attractive version of the travel companion. 

Any Rolex fan would agree that its unmistakable aesthetic is highly sought-after on the pre-owned market. Devoted collectors will pay a high price to add a Batman to their collection, and you can’t blame them.

The original Batman reference 116710BLNR was first introduced in 2014 and ran in production for five years. As is usually the case for a Rolex watch, once production ceased, prices shot through the roof. 

Almost immediately after its retirement, the GMT-Master II ref 126710BLNR was launched. It was nearly identical to its predecessor aside from its modified movement and Jubilee bracelet.

Swapping the original Oyster bracelet for the dressier five-link Jubilee bracelet gave the watch its lesser-known ‘Batgirl” name. It would seem that fans can’t resist a befitting pet name for their beloved Rolex timepieces. 

Both the original 116710BLNR and the 126710BLNR fetch good prices on the pre-owned market. These are considered good value propositions.

As recently as 2022, the original GMT-Master was fetching prices of around $22k. The Jubilee bracelet version has demanded an investment price of $26.5k in the past. 

How the value of the Batman will fluctuate from year to year remains to be seen. That said, the watch is set to hold its value well, at the very least.

The Evolution of the Batman Watch

If you’re a bit of a Rolex nerd like me, you’ll already know that the GMT-Master has been around for some time. The watch was first created in 1955 at the request of Pan Am Airlines. 

Designed to stave off the undesirable effects of jet lag experienced by pilots, it proved a great success. To do so, the brand borrowed the rotating bezel from its Turn-O-Graph design.

Rolex added a 24-hour scale to the rotating bezel, along with an additional hour hand. 

Unfortunately, the two-hour hands were connected, meaning that they couldn’t be set separately. 

Then, in 1983, Rolex remedied this with the GMT-Master II. Its thicker and wider case gained it the less flattering nickname, the “Fat Lady”. The uncoupled hands, however, were a bonus.

What Drew Me to the Rolex GMT-Master “Batman”?

I travel a lot. When I pack for a trip, I never forget my GMT-Master II. 

In most cases, the items I take with me on my trips are either chosen for practicality or style alone. The Rolex Batman, however, is just about the only thing I do pack that covers both.

It’s stylish, comfortable and practical. Plus, it can go from business class to the boardroom seamlessly. It’s all down to a spec list packed with go-anywhere, do-anything features.

A Versatile Design

Initially, when I went in search of adding a Rolex GMT watch to my collection, I considered the “Pepsi”. Albeit a more expensive alternative, it’s also a touch flashier. 

Choosing between the two is a personal preference, but for me, the “Batman” swayed me. Why? Because the modest blue and black color scheme is more to my taste. 

The two-tone bezel surrounding a rich black dial is a match made in heaven. It also lends itself to a very versatile design. I can dress this watch with pretty much every outfit in my wardrobe. It never looks out of place. 

I tend to wear black jeans a lot, and for this, the Rolex Batman is the perfect accompaniment. A blue or black jacket also pairs well with the watch.

Likewise, professional attire seems to look awesome with the GMT-Master II. In part, this is down to the bracelet. It’s another winning feature for me.

The Jubilee Bracelet

Originally fitted on the Oyster bracelet until 2019, the Batman shared this same feature with the Submariner. That said, the central links were polished, unlike the Submariner’s satin-brushed middle links. It made the GMT-Master feel dressier. 

Then, when the GMT-Master II came along, the decision to fit it with the Jubilee bracelet elevated it even further. The bracelet also benefits from the brand’s patented Easylink comfort extension feature. 

I find the feature particularly handy during times when my wrist has swollen under warm temperatures or after heavy meals. I can make a seamless adjustment to the bracelet length in these situations and get an instant snug fit.

If, like me, you find the clasp is constantly in contact with hard surfaces, there are ways to preserve it. Having researched the market, I have found several trustworthy aftermarket sellers that produce clear plastic protectors.

Simply fit one of these to your clasp, and you don’t need to worry about it scratching up.

A Unisex Fit

Attire-wise, I’m pleased to say there are a couple of things my wife and I share. The GMT-Master II Batman is one of those few. 

It looks so good on her that it almost feels a little unfair. Despite the appeal it has on a male audience, a respectable 40mm size serves it well on a woman’s wrist, too. I’m pretty sure this is yet another reason why the watch appeals to the masses on such a universal level.

It’s a Talking Point

Wherever I go, people notice this watch. I can see why even the most socially awkward of people will take a chance on the GMT-Master II. It’s a bold statement, but it’s also a great ice-breaker.

Whether I match this watch with casual weekend attire or pair it with a suit, the compliments pour in. I like compliments.

The Key Features of the Rolex GMT-Master II Watch

There is a lot to be said for a functional tool that looks as timeless as the Rolex Batman. Here are a few key features I love about how the watch looks and feels.

The Dial

The dial is beautifully proportioned and well-balanced. It works for me when traveling from one meeting to the next. The hour markers are legible and practical, thanks to being treated with plenty of Chromalight for evening wear. 

I can track the passing days of the month in the white date window at 4 o’clock. The date aperture is also dressed under a Cyclops lens for added viability. It’s a signature feature you’ll see across Rolex’s catalog of tool watches.

The Bezel

The Cerachrom material used for the bezel that frames this dial is highly scratch-resistant and keeps its color. 

For me, this was an important feature. While many vintage watch collectors prefer a faded bezel for added character, Cerachrom preserves a youthful look. 

The bezel turns crisply and cleanly under the fingertips. A satisfying click indicates that it has been aligned with one of the 24-hour locations. It also features the emblematic knurled edge to assist with an easy grip.

The Bracelet

The bracelet of the Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” is beautifully crafted. It exudes a refined and opulent feel against the wrist. 

Although it originally debuted in the Rolex Datejust, it looks more than at home on the GMT-Master II. If I want to dress up, I can rely on the bracelet element to take my outfit to new heights.

The Movement

Housed inside a strong steel case is the Caliber 3285, which replaces the 3186. As a result, it promises an abundance of improvements.

These include better shock resistance, a better power reserve, and better accuracy. Its larger diameter affords a bigger barrel, offering a 70-hour power reserve. 

It also comprises the Chronergy escapement and is labeled a Superlative Chronometer. That means that twice the precision of a chronometer-certified movement is guaranteed. With an accuracy of -2 / +2 seconds per day, I know it won’t let me down while I’m on the go.

How To Use the Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”?

All the hands of the Rolex Batman watch are adjusted using the winding crown. When not setting the time, this feature is screwed in (position 0). For manual winding, it’s a simple job of pulling out to position 1. 

Position 2 gives control over the main hour hand. It moves the hand backward and forward in one-hour increments. It doesn’t have a Quickset function, however. Instead, the date needs to be changed by passing the hour hand over the 12 o’clock position. 

Position 3 affords control over both hour hands and the minute hand while the second hand is stopped.

When I’m away from home, I use my home time in the 24-hour bezel and the local time on the main dial. When I’m away, and I want to track another time zone for a few hours, I can do this too.

I simply move the bidirectional bezel forward or backward, the correct number of hours difference according to my own home time. 

Although it can’t track three time zones at once, it does serve a handy purpose. It’s a great feature to have if I want to switch between two time zones in addition to local time.

Closing Thoughts: You’d Be Hard-Pressed to Find a More Versatile Watch

The Rolex GMT-Master II is a solid-looking, solid-feeling, well-built watch. It’s a daily beater with the added functionality of a GMT complication. For me, it doesn’t matter whether I travel with this watch or not. 

Its classic aesthetic and manageable 40mm size are perfect for carrying that bold black and blue bezel. The Rolex “Batman” has an instantly recognizable aesthetic. It will get noticed in a crowded room and makes for a great talking point.

I love the watch’s ability to track an additional time zone by switching from home time on the bezel. Personally, the comfort and charismatic charm of the Jubilee bracelet is a winning feature.

Its micro-adjustment clasp is adaptable to changing environments but always looks classy. 

Furthermore, the watch is a great value proposition. In my opinion, if you’re thinking of investing in the Rolex GMT-Master II watch, you’re not making a bad choice with the “Batman”.

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