Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR - Review & Buying Guide

The Rolex catalogue is split into two main categories: Classic and Professional. While 'Classic' refers to the dress watches, the 'Professional' collection includes tool watches built with specific professions and purposes in mind, such as divers, doctors and pilots.

The GMT-Master is one of the most iconic professional Rolex watches with dual-time capabilities. People from all walks of life covet it for its impressive selection of designs. The rise of the Rolex GMT-Master to become an icon started in 1954. In 1982, Rolex decided to improve the model by adding a new movement, allowing the wearer to adjust the hour hand independently of the other hands. This is how the popular 'GMT-Master II' was born.  

Here's The Luxury Hut's in-depth review of the fascinating Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR. It covers everything you need to know about this iconic timepiece, from its detailed specifications and pricing to its overall value. We’re here to help you make an informed decision.

Story of the GMT-Master II '126710BLNR'

The Rolex GMT-Master II collection has an impressive history and an even more impressive lineup, and the GMT-Master II "Batman" is one of its most loved and recognised models.

Released in 2013 as Ref. 116710BLNR, the Rolex GMT-Master II 'BATMAN' caught the collectors' immediate attention for its distinguishing black and blue cerachrom ceramic bezel. The stunning bezel colour pairing sent the watch world abuzz! After all, it was the first ceramic bezel made in a two-tone colourway, and that, too, was such a handsome one.

The GMT-Master II Batman received some notable upgrades, updates, and variations during its production run. The first upgrade came in 2019 when Rolex released the newer Ref. 126710BLNR at the 2019 Baselworld event. This new model was paired with a dressier five-link Jubilee bracelet with an Easylink extension and an Oysterlock clasp to ensure optimal security. The dressy nature of the timepiece made some people call it the 'Batgirl' instead of the usual 'Batman'.

While the bracelet change was a big deal in itself, there was also another set of changes with this new reference that deserved attention, like – a slimmer watch profile, smaller lugs, an efficient design, and an excellent power reserve of 70 hours, which represented a huge leap from the previous 50-hour power reserve of the Ref. 116710BLNR.

The watch instantly led the group of admirers to choose sides based on their personal preferences. While some appreciated this new elegant update to the fan-favourite Batman, others still vouched for the Oyster bracelet, saying it gave the GMT-Master II a sporty appearance.

Rolex, a Swiss Maison renowned for being "for the people," introduced the GMT-Master II 126710BLNR with the much-awaited Oyster bracelet in 2021. So, now fans can choose between an Oyster and Jubilee bracelet for the 126710BLNR GMT-Master II model.  

Batman's initial release was 10 years ago, and the watches are still in production.

Key Features of the GMT-Master II 126710BLNR 

• Production: 2019 – Present
• Size: 40mm
• Material: 904L Stainless Steel
• Bezel: Black and Blue Cerachrom Insert with a 24-hour scale, Bidirectional
• Dial: Black with luminous hour markers
• Functions: Date, GMT-functionality, time with running seconds
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bracelet: Oyster or Jubilee
• Movement: Rolex Calibre 3285
• Water-Resistance: 100 meters
• Power Reserve: 70 hours

Rolex GMT-Master II ‘BATGIRL’ 126710BLNR (2019- Present)

In 2018, Rolex re-released the Jubilee bracelet with the GMT-Master II 'Pepsi' Ref. 126710BLRO. This led fans to speculate that the Rolex Batman would soon follow their footsteps, and it did. Soon after, Rolex released the five-link jubilee bracelet, explicitly designed for GMT-Master watches.

In 2019, the Batman 126710BLNR was released after the discontinuation of the 116710BLNR. It featured the most obvious change: a jubilee bracelet, which gave the watch a dressier feel and eventually earned it the nickname 'BATGIRL'.

While the 126710BLNR was well-loved, many fans of the original Oyster bracelet voiced out their preference for the Oyster bracelet in Batman and Rolex, yet again abided by the request.

Rolex GMT-Master II 'BATMAN' 126710BLNR (2021 – Present)

Keeping up with the requests and preferences of Rolex fanatics, Rolex brought back the Oyster bracelet to Batman as well as the GMT-Master II Pepsi. This new edition combines the iconic design elements of the original Rolex Batman, but this time with gains in terms of power reserve, precision and shock resistance.

REVIEW: Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR ‘BATGIRL’ & ‘BATMAN’

• Case

Many often question the perfect Rolex size for a man. Both the Batman and Batgirl models feature a versatile 40mm case, offering a comfortable fit for nearly any wrist size. The case combines shiny polishing and brushed detail work, and every edge looks superb in the light. The 904L stainless steel is incredibly solid and feels like a precious metal on the wrist. This hardy material is enough to handle any of life's challenges and situations.

The case is secured by a sleek and superbly smooth screw-down Triplock crown, providing a safe 100 metres of water resistance. However, we feel this may be more not less due to the incorporation of the same Triple Gasket system used in the Rolex Submariner.

Point of Difference: For the Batgirl model, the lugs are slightly shorter and tapered to accommodate the new end links of the Jubilee bracelet. Notably, the lug holes are set slightly toward the back, allowing the end links to seamlessly disappear beneath the bezel. This modification is ideal for those who favour a more streamlined look while maintaining the classic 40mm size.

On the other hand, the Oyster bracelet fans can enjoy the tapered case profile with the Oyster bracelet of the Batman.

• Bezel

Without a doubt, the BLNR's bi-colour bezel is the model's most favourite part and most famous, earning it the nickname Batman when it was first released. The blue and black combination appears dynamic, with the black half varying from midnight black to matte black, depending on the light. These subtle perfections keep collectors coming back.

While some may be fond of the original aluminium bezel due to the patina that results over time, Rolex strives to make durable watches that last ages. The ceramic colours will never fade. This 24-hour GMT Cerachrom bezel has platinum-embedded numerals, making it extremely wear and tear resistant.

Point of Difference: NA

• Dial

The dial is reasonably straightforward and has everything we expect from Rolex: it is clean, bold, and perfectly balanced. It features the same glossy finish seen on professional Rolex models, providing an ideal backdrop for the white gold-bordered baton, circular, and triangular indexes. The signature Mercedes hour hand, lollipop seconds hand, and pencil-minute hand are all fashioned in 18ct white gold. The gold provides resistance to wear and rust over time.

The hands are equipped with Chromalight lume, emitting a vibrant blue glow when charged. An additional blue GMT 24-hour hand with a triangle tip stands out from the other hands on the dial. This aesthetic difference enables wearers to identify and independently adjust the hand without interrupting the watch's usual timekeeping.

Point of Difference: Rolex watches have a 'Swiss Made' mark at the 6 o'clock position on the dial as a testament to their quality and origin. Rolex, however, added a subtle yet distinctive touch to the Batgirl model by finely placing a small coronet symbol between the words 'Swiss' and 'Made'. It reflects Rolex's attention to detail and its commitment towards evolving watch aesthetics.

• Bracelet 

Both the Batman and Batgirl feature Oystersteel bracelets with an Oyster clasp that allows for 5mm easy adjustment. While one model sports the Oyster bracelet, the other looks appealing in the Jubilee design. The 904L stainless steel bracelet is a perfect alchemy of form and function. The ingenious Easylink comfort extension link exclusive to Rolex allows the wearer to increase the bracelet length by almost 5mm, providing additional comfort and peace of mind. 

The flat, three-piece link Oyster bracelet offers comfort and durability and features the Oysterclasp for added ease of use. Similarly, the five-link Jubilee bracelet offers a more sophisticated appearance, catering to those who appreciate a dressy aesthetic. The Jubilee bracelet's comfort, flexibility, and versatility make it a popular choice among buyers. It also features the concealed Crownclasp, ensuring a seamless appearance and easy adjustment.  

Point of Difference: Of course, the most noticeable differentiator is the bracelet. Both Oyster and Jubilee are iconic Rolex bracelet styles. The Batman was originally introduced featuring Rolex's iconic Oyster bracelet, and the Batgirl marked a departure with the Jubilee bracelet.

The Oyster bracelet is renowned for its durability and delivers a sporty aesthetic that perfectly complements the tool-watch legacy of the GMT-Master II collection. On the other hand, the Jubilee bracelet is traditionally associated with dressier models, and this choice endowed the Batgirl with a refined appearance and robust functionality.

Both bracelets combine polished centre links and brushed outer links, which continue to the clasp. This contrast of brushed and polished texture is what appears most fascinating and not too in-your-face.  

• Movement 

The movement powering the GMT-Master II 126710BLNR is Rolex's latest Calibre 3285 (released in 2018), which is quite impressive, mainly because of the extended power reserve of 70 hours. This is achieved with Rolex's Chronergy escapement, a new escapement that allows for significant efficiency gains and a longer power reserve.

The Calibre 3285 meets Rolex’s stringent Superlative Chronometer precision standards of -/ +2 seconds per day. As expected with a Rolex Calibre, the movement is highly shock-resistant and accurate.

Point of Difference: NA

• Pricing & Availability

Model	Retail Price	Pre-Owned Market Price
Ref. 126710BLNR ‘Batman’	£9350	£12750 - £15250
Ref. 126710BLNR ‘Batgirl’	£9550	£12700 - £17400

Regardless of your preference, both Batman and Batgirl models are incredibly popular. You would be definitely lucky to snatch one of these watches for its retail value. There is extremely high demand for the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR in retail as well as in the secondary market, easily spiking the prices to nearly double the retail. On top of that, there's a long waiting list for almost a year or longer.

How valuable is the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR?

Various factors determine the value of luxury watches, namely:

• Level of supply
• Desirability
• Rarity/Exclusivity
• Current market condition
• Vintage/Limited edition/Discontinued

Although the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman marked its 10th anniversary in 2023, it is still in production and definitely made its mark in the industry. In short, both variants have reserved a place in any discerning collector's wish list.

The Rolex Batman and Batgirl are both hot models, and the price will only go higher as buyers are keen to add one of these spectacular models to their collections. Our observation says watches with nicknames have the potential to boom in value. But why is it so? 

Is it because they are linked with cultural titans or because of their iconic association with the caped superhero? Whatever the cause, the Rolex Batman and Batgirl hold their timekeeping weight much more than other popular nicknames like 'Pepsi' or 'Rootbeer'.

Therefore, regarding value retention, yes, both variants will retain their value, and from a resale perspective, you can easily sell your Rolex for a higher price. Given how popular both styles are, the demand is always going to be high.

How To Buy Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR?

As said before, both the GMT-Master II 126710BLNR' Batgirl' and 'Batman' models are hard to get in retail because of their incessant demand and popularity. However, you can easily avoid the prolonged waiting period by looking for alternative marketplaces where both immediacy and assurance come in handy. Yes, we're referring to the much-acknowledged pre-owned Rolex market.

Want to buy a Rolex without having to wait years or seek out inexperienced retailers with no brand expertise? Purchase with The Luxury Hut, and let us help you find the best offers. At The Luxury Hut, we’re proud to offer secondhand Rolex watches for sale, including the iconic Batman and Batgirl models, which you can easily acquire online or in-store.

Once you show interest, one of our experts will contact you promptly. Every transaction is seamlessly executed, and every watch undergoes a meticulous inspection before being made available to you. So, rest assured, you'll only receive a 100% authentic and high-quality Rolex.

PARTING THOUGHTS..

As passionate horologists, we have covered everything you need to know about the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR, leaving no stone unturned. Whether you call it the "Batgirl" or "Batman," the Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR is a true icon in the world of luxury watches. Its striking black and blue bezel, paired with Rolex's unmatched precision and craftsmanship, makes it a perfect companion for adventurers and style enthusiasts.

In the parallel universe, if you are a fan of vintage Rolex watches, the classic Rolex Batman Ref. 116710BLNR is a great investment option. When you debate the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman 116710BLNR vs. 126710BLNR, you'll find out that both models are suitable options for every horophile or aficionado.

All in all, if you want a watch that grabs attention while still looking refined, the Bat- man/girl is absolutely worth considering.