New Release
Amanico's 2019 Baselworld report introduced three new Rolex GMT-Master II models, sparking immediate and passionate discussion among collectors. His post highlights the new Caliber 3285 movement, the return of the Jubilee bracelet to the steel 'Batman,' and the unexpected meteorite dial on a white gold variant. This article synthesizes the community's reactions, focusing on the implications for availability and market trends.
The Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR, known by collectors as the "Batman," introduced a novel blue and black ceramic bezel to the GMT-Master II lineup. This was the first time Rolex combined two distinct colors on a single monobloc Cerachrom bezel, a significant technical achievement. The blue segment represents daylight hours, while the black segment denotes nighttime, aiding in tracking a second or third time zone.
This reference features a 40mm Oystersteel case, housing the automatic Caliber 3186 movement, which provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens over the date display and is water-resistant to 100 meters. The black dial provides a contrasting backdrop for the Chromalight hour markers and hands.
Appealing to collectors interested in modern Rolex innovations and practical travel watches, the 116710BLNR quickly became a highly sought-after model. Its distinctive bezel color combination set it apart from previous GMT-Master II references and established a new aesthetic within the collection, preceding subsequent iterations with similar two-tone ceramic bezels.
Is is just me or they are not super case anymore?
Batman is looking good with the new old bracelet. Love Rolex’s approach to movement development too Rolex rarely disappoints, but as an outsider I have no interest in competing for allocations.
everybody says that the new Batman has become: a fractional smaller case a new calibre a new dial with the crown printed between Swiss and Made a Jubilee dial. All I see is a Pepsi with another bezel in a, from historical point of view, senseless color scheme. Lot's of storm in a glass of water. Never the less he looks cool, but a big announcement??? Besides what makes me wonder, Rolex wants to knock-out the grey-market, but instead of start producing those over-list-models a bit more, they occu
Never a fan of jubilee bracelet...
Are great. Nothing revolutionary but an improvement. We can’t have revolutions every year....
Thank you Nicolas. Stupid question- do you know if the blue on the ceramic dial in this new version is the same blue on the previous BLRO? On some photos it looks darker, less vivid but I’m not sure whether that’s just lighting and render. Thank you Roberto
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