The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black was a battlefield for golf’s finest players, but while the competition itself was hotly contested, there was never any doubt that Rolex would come out the real winner. The face-off between teams of 12 top golfers from Europe and the United States saw its share of controversy, with Team Europe ultimately emerging victorious despite the USA’s home court advantage.
The Players Behind the Watch
Regardless of the hijinks and rowdy spectators, it was impossible not to notice the on-course presence of one Rolex grail watch in particular: the GMT-Master II 126710GRNR, known among collectors as the “Rolex Bruce Wayne” for its muted black and grey bezel, and ties to the black and blue “Batman” variant. The gorgeous GMT was worn at the Ryder by USA team co-captain Keegan Bradley as well as Team Europe stars Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland.
Rahm, who hails from Spain and is also a Rolex Testimonee, played a key role in the Ryder Cup for Team Europe, earning a captain’s pick and significantly helping to achieve their victory. While Hovland ultimately had to withdraw due to a neck injury, he also contributed to Team Europe’s triumph. And Bradley, World No. 14, was able to bring his team within two points of Europe’s score despite a slow start and a course set up that clearly favored the rival team.
The GMT-Master Legacy
The Rolex GMT-Master, a horological icon first conceived in the 1950s for Pan Am pilots navigating multiple time zones, proved itself a watch capable of keeping pace with the global schedules of international players traveling long distances. While the “Bruce Wayne” variant has been worn by celebrities before, including Tom Brady and Roger Federer, it has never been as popular as the original red and blue “Pepsi” colorway.
First released in 2024, the “Bruce Wayne” is relatively new to the market. The subtlety of the piece means that it will never be terribly popular with those looking to impress others; however that just adds to its intrinsic value among true enthusiasts who wear the watch only to please themselves. It also has a muted, tactical vibe that marks it out as a “tool” watch meant to be used to perform a function, not just look pretty.
Rolex’s Ryder Cup Tradition
Rolex began its association with the Ryder Cup in 1995, as a partner of the European team. In 2021, the brand became Worldwide Partner of the event. It is a longstanding tradition for players to receive a specially-engraved Rolex as a pre-Ryder Cup gift. This year Keegan also reportedly gifted Rolex watches to the partners of Team USA’s players. Team Europe captain Luke Donald quickly followed suit.
The 40mm “Bruce Wayne” GMT with its two-tone Cerachrome bezel features a black lacquer dial bearing the inscription ‘GMT-Master II’ in green, as well as a green 24-hour hand. For the players wearing it at Bethpage, it symbolized not just precision timing but also resilience, an aesthetic match for the grit and determination required to compete in one of the golf world’s most high profile, high pressure events.
Final Thoughts
The Rolex GMT-Master II “Bruce Wayne” might have just been an accessory, but it managed to steal the spotlight at Bethpage Black. Its understated design, practical functionality, and presence on the wrists of Ryder Cup stars reinforced why Rolex remains synonymous with sport, skill and prestige. In a week defined by intense competition and challenging conditions, this popular sports watch truly came out on top.
