The Rolex Batman is one of the most unique watches in the world. Collectors named it for its black and blue Cerachrom bezel, which was a massive innovation when it launched in 2013. The GMT-Master II (Batman) tracks two time zones simultaneously. Rolex has built this model from hard 904L Oystersteel. Whether you buy the older 116710BLNR or the new 126710BLNR with the 70-hour power reserve, the Rolex Batman retains its value very well. Browse our collection of Batman watches.
Batman
Rolex has designed the Batman model for travel, and the primary concept behind the GMT-Master II is that it can display the time in two different time zones. The Batman watch does this with a special and advanced two-tone bezel. Not only does the bezel look good, but it is also very tough. Rolex has used high-quality materials like Ceramic and Oystersteel to ensure the watch handles daily wear without looking beaten up.
People started calling this model the “Batman” almost immediately after Rolex showed it at Baselworld in 2013. The reason is that the bezel is black and blue, which matches the classic colors of the Dark Knight from DC Comics. But remember, Rolex does not use this nickname officially. Rolex uses the reference numbers, such as 116710BLNR for the first one and 126710BLNR for the current one. The letters “BLNR” mean Bleu/Noir, which is French for Blue/Black.
Before this model, Rolex said manufacturing a two-tone ceramic bezel in one piece was impossible. However, the company proved itself wrong with this watch model. The Cerachrom bezel is patented and does not fade in the sun or scratch easily. Moreover, the blue half shows the daytime hours, and the black half represents nighttime hours.
Most Batman watches have the same technical specifications, whether you buy a 2015 model or a brand-new 2025 one. Here are the core specifications you get with any Rolex Batman.
There are two main generations of the Rolex Batman model. The original watch with the reference 116710BLNR, launched between 2013 and 2019, has Calibre 3186 movement. It has a 48-hour power reserve, and the watch is only available on the Oyster bracelet (3-link). The case lugs are slightly thicker and boxier, and the dial simply says “Swiss Made” at the bottom.
The new generation (reference 126710BLNR) launched after 2019 has movement of Caliber 3285, which is a big upgrade. It also has the Chronergy escapement and a 70-hour power reserve. Thus, you can leave the watch off your wrist for the whole weekend, and you will see it running on Monday.
When Rolex launched the Batgirl model in 2019, it only came on the Jubilee bracelet (5-link). So, this unique look, which shows Batman bezel plus Jubilee bracelet, is what collectors call the “Batgirl.” Rolex started offering this new reference on the Oyster bracelet in 2021. You can look at the bottom of the dial at 6 o’clock to spot the new model. There is a tiny Rolex crown printed between the words “Swiss” and “Made.”
We have said this from time and again that there is a big gap between what Rolex charges and what you actually pay to get the watch today. The primary reason is that Rolex does not manufacture enough of these watches to meet the demand. Therefore, the market price for Rolex watches is much higher.
If you want a Rolex Batman right now without waiting for years, you have to buy from the secondary market. Keep in mind that the market is very active in Dubai and other Emirates in the UAE. When it comes to the price range, currently, you are looking at AED 63,000 to AED 72,000. However, the condition of the watch is an important factor. For instance, an unworn watch with stickers costs the most. A used watch from 2015 is cheaper.
Moreover, a Rolex Batman watch with the original box, the green warranty card, and the booklets is worth more. So, never buy a “watch-only” unless the price is very low and you trust the seller 100%. The Batgirl (Jubilee) usually sells for a little bit more than the Oyster version (by AED 1,000 or 2,000) because the bracelet costs more to make and looks a bit dressier.
Getting a call from an Authorized Rolex Dealer is rare. But if you are lucky enough to get the call, expect to pay AED 44,050 for the GMT-Master II Batman (126710BLNR-0003) with an Oyster bracelet. On the other hand, the retail price of GMT-Master II Batgirl (126710BLNR-0002) is AED 44,900. And this one comes with a Jubilee bracelet.
The Rolex Batman trades at almost double its retail price, even if the market drops a little. So, this means the watch has a premium retention level with a huge safety margin. In addition, this is one of the easiest watches to sell, and any dealer in Dubai, including Watch Maestro, will buy a Rolex Batman from you instantly. Prices increased after Rolex discontinued the old model (116710BLNR).
Rolex takes testing very seriously, and when you buy a modern Batman watch, you get a machine with two certifications. First, the movement goes to a Swiss testing institute called COSC to ensure the watch is a Superlative Chronometer with an accurate movement. However, that’s not enough for Rolex. After the company puts the movement inside the case, experts test it again in-house. Rolex guarantees the watch will run between -2/+2 seconds per day. Most mechanical watches are not this accurate.
Besides, every new Batman watch comes with a Green Seal tag, which represents the 5-year guarantee and the Superlative Chronometer status. Remember, the 5-year international warranty covers the mechanics of the watch. For instance, if the movement stops or loses time, Rolex will fix it for free.
However, this warranty does not cover scratches, smashed crystals, or if you drop it. The warranty card also has an NFC chip since 2020. Dealers activate it electronically. So, you can’t just fill in a date yourself anymore. When buying a used Batman watch, ask the seller to scan the card to see the activation date. At Watch Maestro, we offer a limited one-year warranty on all Rolex Batman watches.
Testimonials
It is the nickname for the Rolex GMT-Master II with a black and blue ceramic bezel. The colors look like Batman’s costume. The watch tracks two time zones and is very popular with travelers.
It is mostly about the bracelet. The Batman is on the 3-link Oyster bracelet, which gives it a sporty look. On the other hand, the Batgirl is the same watch head on the 5-link Jubilee bracelet, which gives it a dressy look. The original Batman launched between 2013 and 2019 had Calibre 3196, and the Batgirl always had the new Caliber 3285.
It is one of the most unique watches with the first two-tone ceramic bezel. That’s why collectors love it. Besides, the watch looks great with both a suit and a t-shirt. Rolex makes fewer Batman watches than people’s demand, which creates hype and long waiting lists.
The wait time usually ranges between 12 and 24 months. Remember, it also depends on your relationship with the Authorized Dealer. If you have no purchase history, you may have an indefinite waiting time. The lists are much longer in Dubai, London, and New York than in smaller towns.
Yes, but you can only change it on the current reference 126710BLNR. Rolex designed the lugs on the new case so you can swap between the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets if you buy the other bracelet separately. However, you can’t do this easily on the older or discontinued model, such as the reference 116710BLNR, because the spring bars and lug holes are slightly different.
The Caliber 3285 is the newer engine found in the current Batman watches launched after 2019. It has a 70-hour power reserve and uses an advanced and efficient Chronergy escapement. The older Caliber 3186 found in watches launched between 2013 and 2019 has a 48-hour power reserve.
No, the blue color will not fade because the bezel insert is a high-quality Cerachrom. Unlike the aluminum bezels on the classic Rolex watches, which fade from sun and salt water, ceramic is chemically stable. Therefore, the blue and black colors will be the same in 50 years as they are today.
The Rolex Batman is approximately 12mm thick, and this is relatively thin for a sports watch with a GMT complication. It slides under a shirt cuff easily, and it is not as chunky as a Rolex Sea-Dweller or many Omega watches.
Unscrew the crown by turning it counterclockwise until it pops out. Remember, this is position 1. Turn the crown clockwise about 25 to 30 full turns. You can’t overwind it because there is a slip-clutch mechanism inside, which prevents damage. Once done, screw the crown back down tightly against the case to ensure it remains waterproof.
Rolex has not painted the numbers grey. In fact, the company has coated the numbers with platinum. Experts at Rolex have molded the numbers into ceramic and then blasted the whole bezel with platinum PVD.
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