Because it seems vital for collectors to be able to name each Rolex watch with a distinctive qualifier, the name "Batman" for the GMT-Master 116710BLNR seemed the most appropriate.
Unveiled at the Baselworld 2013 edition, the Rolex GMT Master II BLNR (Blue-Black), nicknamed "Batman" by collectors, introduced the first bi-color Cerachrom bezel. This bi-color bezel was a real achievement, as Rolex had been working on its development for many years. This name refers to the black and blue ceramic bezel of this reference. To understand this choice, it is essential to look back at the comic books of the 40s-50s-60s rather than the latest cinematic productions, where Batman's suit is always black.
The Cerachrom Bezel
The origin of the first Cerachrom bezel appears on the GMT Master II ref. 116710LN (Black Bezel) in 2007. The use of this material is justified by its extreme resistance to scratches as well as elements (sun, seawater, etc.) that could alter its original color. We are far from the fragile Bakelite bezels that equipped the first GMT Master 6542.
The Cerachrom bezel patented by Rolex is the result of complex research and development work.
The Bracelet
The reference 116710BLNR is equipped with an Oyster bracelet reference 78200, shared with the GMT Master II Black Bezel ref. 116710LN.
Illustration of the 116710BLNR reference
Illustration of the bracelet on the 116710BLNR ref. 78200
A nod to the Jubilee bracelets of the first-generation GMT Master 1675, the new reference 126710BLNR has been marketed since 2019 with a Jubilee bracelet carrying reference 69200.
Illustration of the 126710BLNR reference
The bracelet of the GMT Master II 126710BLRO carries reference 69200
Unlike the first riveted or folded-link generations of the 60s, this new version finally inspires solidity and reliability! The Jubilee bracelet particularly stands out from its Oyster predecessor for its comfort, with links that perfectly fit the wrist.
This Jubilee bracelet was introduced on the reference 126710BLRO (Blue-Red Bezel) at Baselworld 2018. Jubilee bracelets are now available on all steel GMT Master II versions.
Illustration of the 126710 steel references at Baselworld 2019
Illustration of the 126710 white gold references at Baselworld 2019
The Certificates
The Rolex certificate has been in magnetic card format since 2006, and its aesthetic appearance has evolved since the BLNR reference was marketed. The serial number being "Random" (a series of random letters and numbers), it is impossible to know the year of the watch without the certificate.
Certificate present from 2006 to early 2013 and therefore on the first 116710BLNR series
Certificate of the 116710BLNR reference from 2013 to 2019
Certificate present from 2019 on the 126710BLNR reference
The Dial
Dial of the 116710BLNR reference
Dial of the 126710BLNR reference
The dial of the 126710BLNR reference evolves with the appearance of the Rolex crown between the words "Swiss" and "Made," signifying the presence of the new Caliber 3285 since 2019, as on the 126710BLRO reference since 2018.
Illustration of the Rolex crown indicating the presence of the new Caliber 3285
The Caliber
The Caliber 3186 powers the GMT Master II 116710BLNR from 2013 to 2019. This caliber is shared with the last series of the 16710 circa 2007 and the 116710LN since 2007. A manufacture caliber, it allows the display of a second time zone thanks to its GMT hand complication. It offers a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 50 hours. Since 2019, it is the COSC-certified Caliber 3285 that equips the GMT Master II. It has been the subject of no less than 10 patent applications, introducing a Chronergy escapement and a power reserve approaching 70 hours.
Illustration of the Caliber 3186
Illustration of the Caliber 3285
What About the Model's Market Value?
Unveiled at the official price of €7,250 in 2013, the reference was retired in 2019 with a catalog price of €8,200. The value of this reference skyrocketed upon the announcement of the model's discontinuation, with a 100% price increase on the secondary market between 2018 and 2019, rising from €8,500 to €16,000.
The 126710BLNR reference, meanwhile, was introduced with an official price of €8,500 in 2019 (€11,200 in 2024), far from the secondary market prices.
