Rolex Batman

The Famous Black and Blue GMT-Master II

If you're looking for a legendary watch with investment potential, you can't do much better than the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman. The watch's nickname comes from its black and blue bezel, a color scheme often associated with Gotham City's most famous vigilante. Rolex introduced the original Batman ref. 116710BLNR in 2014, and kept it in production until 2019. Once the final whistle was blown, prices for the Rolex Batman went through the roof.

Rolex almost immediately followed the announcement of the 116710BLNR's retirement with the release of its successor, the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR. This Batman model is nearly identical to its predecessor except for two key details. First, the newer model uses a modified caliber with a 70-hour power reserve. Second, instead of the Oyster bracelet, the standard configuration of this reference now features the five-piece link Jubilee bracelet. Nevertheless, Rolex still offers the Oyster bracelet as a special option.

When it comes to investment potential, both references have experienced considerable turbulence in recent years. While prices rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, they've been on a downward trend since then. This makes a relatively affordable entry possible again. Nevertheless, performance is likely to be positive in the long term, despite the drop in prices. How the price curve will develop in the future remains to be seen.

Reasons to Buy a GMT-Master II Batman

• Very popular, excellent investment
• Since 2019: in-house caliber 3285 with a 70-hour power reserve
• Black and blue Cerachrom bezel
• Comes with an Oyster or a Jubilee bracelet

Prices at a Glance: Rolex Batman

GMT-Master II Batman: Prices and Models

The 116710BLNR is a very popular watch, and prices for it have steadily increased in recent years. As recently as 2018, the Batman ref. 116710BLNR cost around 9,000 USD on the open market. By May 2022, this model changed hands for roughly 24,000 USD. Since then, prices have come down considerably, and you can own one for "only" about 17,200 USD (as of fall 2024).

Rolex lists the 2019 ref. 126710BLNR on a Oyster bracelet for 10,950 USD. Rolex charges 11,150 USD for the variant on the Jubilee bracelet. Unworn examples change hands on Chrono24 for roughly 18,100 USD.

Oyster or Jubilee Bracelet With Easylink Extension

Rolex began outfitting the Batman with a five-piece link Jubilee bracelet in 2019 – the same bracelet that comes with the Datejust and stainless-steel GMT-Master II Pepsi. But the manufacturer also offers the watch with the Oyster bracelet known from the Submariner, among others. However, unlike the Submariner, the Batman's center links are polished rather than satin-brushed, giving the timepiece a more refined look. Other GMT-Master II models also have polished middle links. This gives the timepieces a more sophisticated look.

An Oysterlock clasp keeps the bracelet securely on the wrist. The bracelet also features the practical Easylink comfort extension system that allows you to lengthen the bracelet by 5 mm in the blink of an eye. The Jubilee bracelet also has this mechanism.

What caliber powers the Rolex Batman?

Inside the Rolex Batman, you'll find either the in-house caliber 3186 or the more recent 3285. Like every Rolex caliber, both come with a certificate from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). According to the international norm, a mechanical chronometer may only deviate between -4 and +6 seconds a day. Rolex is even stricter and re-tests the rate of deviation after certification. Only watches with a maximum daily deviation of +/-2 seconds pass the test and earn the title “Superlative Chronometer.”

The main difference between these two movements is their power reserves. While the 3186 has a respectable 48-hour power reserve, the 3285 is more up to date and can run unimpeded for 70 hours. This improvement is mainly the result of Rolex's proprietary Chronergy escapement, which is much more efficient than most Swiss anchor escapements. Both calibers have a blue Parachrom hairspring with a Breguet overcoil. Rolex crafts this hairspring from a paramagnetic zirconium-niobium alloy, which is much less sensitive to vibrations than conventional hairsprings.

Features of the Automatic Caliber 3285

• 70-hour power reserve
• Chronergy escapement
• Parachrom hairspring
• Date display
• GMT function

Are there alternatives to the Rolex Batman?

Like the Batman, the Rolex Pepsi ref. 126710BLRO from 2018 is a highly coveted luxury watch. Rolex also equips this model with a Jubilee bracelet and the caliber 3285. In terms of technology and accessories, the Pepsi and the Batman have been identical since 2019. In terms of price, however, the Pepsi is still ahead of the pack: a new model will set you back about 23,000 USD.

If you'd like to call a white gold Rolex Pepsi in mint condition your own, plan on spending between 42,900 and 59,000 USD (as of September 2024). Prices depend heavily on the respective reference and dial color.

Prices for the GMT-Master II Ref. 116710LN

The "standard" model with the reference number 116710LN and a black ceramic bezel had an original list price of 8,450 USD. However, the watch’s value rose significantly after it was discontinued. In 2019, the watch would have made a dent in your wallet of about 11,300 USD. In May 2022, you would have had to reckon with an investment of over 20,000 USD for a model in mint condition. Here, too, prices have calmed down considerably, so you can expect to find one in mint condition from around $17,100 by the fall of 2024.

Black and Green: The GMT-Master II for Lefties

Rolex presented a completely redesigned GMT-Master II at the international watch fair Watches & Wonders 2022. The reference number 126720VTNR has two special features: the GMT bezel is available for the first time in black and green and the entire case has been flipped for left-handed fans. The crown and date window on this model are located on the left-hand side. While this GMT-Master is the first Rolex watch to be specially designed for lefties, the watch is identical to the Batman ref. 126710BLNR from a technical point of view. The official MSRP is 11,450 USD for the Oyster variant and 11,650 USD for the model on the Jubilee bracelet. The watch will set you back about 19,600 USD on Chrono24.

GMT-Master II “Bruce Wayne” in Black and Gray

Rolex introduced the ref. 126710GRNR with a black and gray bezel in 2024. Apart from the new color scheme, this model is identical to its Pepsi and Batman counterparts. Rolex also offers a choice of Oyster and Jubilee bracelets for the Bruce Wayne. Prices on Chrono24 start at around 20,400 USD for an unworn example.