Rolex Batman

The Rolex Batman is one of the most desirable luxury travel watches in the world. Distinguished by its unique blue and black ceramic bezel, this variation of the Rolex GMT-Master II has become a modern icon since its debut. You can find both versions, references 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR, in our vast inventory of authentic pre-owned dual-time watches. ... read more

About the Rolex Batman

The Rolex Batman is more than just a watch. It’s a celebrated chapter in the history of the GMT-Master II. This model was originally designed for pilots and world travelers, and features a distinctive two-tone bezel that allows wearers to track three time zones simultaneously. The split-color insert uses black to represent nighttime hours and blue for daylight hours, creating a functional and visually striking aesthetic that earned it the "Batman" nickname among collectors.

Beyond its famous colorway, the Batman is revered for its robust design set and versatility. It bridges the gap between a rugged tool watch and a sophisticated luxury accessory, looking just as appropriate with a flight suit as it does with a tailored tuxedo. It remains a cornerstone of any serious watch collection, thanks to its unmatched functionality and style.

History & About

The story of the Rolex Batman began in 2013 with the release of reference 116710BLNR. At the time, it was a groundbreaking achievement as the world's first single-piece ceramic bezel to feature two distinct colors. Before this launch, many believed manufacturing a two-tone Cerachrom insert was impossible due to the complexity of fusing the colored ceramic without structural weakness. Rolex proved the industry wrong, delivering a seamless blue and black bezel that is virtually scratch-proof and resistant to fading from UV light. This innovation cemented the Batman’s place in watchmaking history immediately upon its arrival.

Price Trends and Market Report

Looking back at real-world sales, the Rolex Batman has proven itself a blue-chip watch. One that’s weathered market swings and remained a solid buy for over a decade now. After climbing from a stable $9,000 baseline in its early years, the market witnessed a speculative frenzy in early 2022, where transaction prices spiked as high as $22,200 for standard examples and nearly $25,000 for unworn inventory. Since that peak, the market has matured into a healthy correction, shaking out speculative volatility while retaining substantial value.

As of late 2025, the market has found firm footing, stabilizing significantly compared to the erratic swings of previous years. The discontinued Ref. 116710BLNR has found a consistent trading floor around $14,800, making it an attractive entry point for collectors. Meanwhile, the modern Ref. 126710BLNR (both Jubilee and Oyster) continues to transact at a premium, settling comfortably between $17,500 and $20,000. These figures confirm that while the "hype" premium has evaporated, the Batman remains a robust store of value, trading well above its retail of $11,800 (Oyster bracelet) and $12,000 (Jubilee bracelet).

Model Collections

Reference 116710BLNR

The reference 116710BLNR is the original Batman, produced from 2013 until 2019. It’s easily identified by its 40mm "Super Case," which features slightly broader lugs, and it was exclusively fitted with an Oyster bracelet. This model is powered by the Caliber 3186 movement, a self-winding movement with a 48-hour power reserve. For many collectors, this reference is the purest expression of the Batman design and prized for being the first of its kind.

Reference 126710BLNR

In 2019, Rolex updated the collection with the reference 126710BLNR. This newer model introduced the next-generation Caliber 3285 movement with a longer 70-hour power reserve and was initially offered solely on the five-link Jubilee bracelet, earning it the nickname "Batgirl" among some enthusiasts. However, in 2021, Rolex brought back the Oyster bracelet option, allowing buyers to choose between the sporty Oyster or the dressier Jubilee. This reference features slightly refined lugs and a small crown logo on the dial between "Swiss" and "Made" at the 6 o'clock position.

Specifications

Materials

Both generations of the Batman are crafted from Oystersteel, a superalloy specific to the 904L steel family. This material is widely used in the aerospace industry because it is more corrosion-resistant and holds a brilliant polish. The bezel is made from Cerachrom, an extremely hard ceramic material, with numerals coated in a thin layer of platinum via physical vapor deposition (PVD) for lasting legibility.

Movement

The original 116710BLNR utilizes the Caliber 3186, a self-winding mechanical movement with a 48-hour power reserve. The newer 126710BLNR is equipped with the Caliber 3285, which features Rolex’s patented Chronergy escapement. This upgrade increases the power reserve to approximately 70 hours, allowing the watch to run for nearly three days without being worn, while maintaining "Superlative Chronometer" accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day.

Bezel

The defining feature of this watch is its bidirectional rotatable bezel with a 24-hour graduated insert. The two-tone blue and black Cerachrom insert is not just for looks. It serves as a day/night indicator for the second time zone. The bezel rotates smoothly with 24 distinct clicks, allowing the wearer to set a third time zone rapidly when used in conjunction with the independent 24-hour hand.

Sizes

The Rolex Batman maintains the classic 40mm case diameter, a size that fits comfortably on a wide variety of wrists. It measures approximately 12mm in thickness, making it slim enough to slide under a shirt cuff while retaining a substantial presence. The lug width is 20mm for balanced proportions between the watch head and the bracelet.

Water Resistance

True to its heritage as a professional tool watch, the Batman is equipped with a Triplock winding crown. This triple waterproofness system screws down securely against the case, ensuring water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet). Whether swimming, showering or snorkeling, the internal mechanism remains completely protected from moisture and dust.

Expert Opinion

“The appeal of the Rolex Batman is that it doesn’t feel precious. You can wear it every day without thinking twice. At the same time, it’s still a watch people recognize and respect the moment they see the blue-and-black bezel.”

- Paul Altieri, Founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches

Why Choose Bob's Watches

When buying a luxury timepiece like the Rolex Batman, trust and transparency are paramount. At Bob's Watches, every watch is meticulously inspected and authenticated by third-party experts to ensure it’s 100% genuine and contains all original parts. We publish the buy and sell prices for every model, empowering you with the true market value of your investment.

Authenticity Guarantee: rigorous inspection process for every timepiece.
Inventory: All watches listed are in stock and ready to ship.
Speed: Orders placed by 3 PM usually ship overnight for next-day delivery.
Warranty: We offer a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Sell Your Used Rolex Batman

Ready to sell or upgrade your collection? Bob's Watches has the most competitive prices on the secondary market. It's easy to sell your Rolex Batman thanks to our safe, completely transparent and hassle-free process with instant payment upon verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rolex GMT-Master II models 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR have earned the nickname "Batman" because of the distinctive black/blue ceramic bezel, which evokes the iconic color scheme of Batman's costume. This playful moniker has stuck within the watch community, as it captures the bold and striking appearance of the timepiece. The use of nicknames for Rolex watches, often inspired by their unique color combinations or design elements, is a common practice among enthusiasts and collectors. It adds another layer of personality to an already widely sought-after watch.

The current retail price for a new Rolex Batman is $11,800 on the Oyster bracelet and $12,000 on the Jubilee bracelet, but they are difficult to buy at stores. On the pre-owned market, prices typically range between $17,500 to $20,000 depending on the model and condition.

While not a limited edition, the Rolex Batman is produced in lower numbers than the demand, making it hard to find at authorized dealers. This scarcity has made it a highly sought-after model on the secondary market.

Yes, it is widely considered one of the best value-retention watches in the luxury market. Its timeless design and robust functionality make it an excellent choice for both collectors and daily wearers.

Like most steel Rolex sports watches, the Batman is expected to hold its value well. Early market trends show it trading at a premium above retail, similar to the Bruce Wayne and Pepsi models.

Yes, purchasing one brand new from an authorized dealer usually requires a long relationship and a significant wait time. Buying pre-owned is the fastest way to acquire one immediately.

The watch is popular among celebrities, athletes and business leaders who travel frequently. It appeals to anyone who appreciates a watch that is both sporty and sophisticated.

If you are not wearing it often, now is a good time to sell as market prices remain strong compared to retail. You can often recover your initial investment or make a profit depending on when you bought it.

No, the Batman configuration is still in production as reference 126710BLNR. However, the original reference 116710BLNR with the older movement was discontinued in 2019.

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