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The Rolex GMT-Master II has been a pillar in the brand’s professional watch collection for decades. In 2013, Rolex introduced the reference 116710BLNR version – featuring a distinctive two-tone black and blue ceramic bezel – which quickly attracted a cult following. This particular color combination earned it the nickname “Batman,” a sobriquet technically reserved for examples on Oyster bracelets only; if it’s on a Jubilee bracelet the nickname is “Batgirl”, which may not sound as appealing to some, though the watch looks great on either bracelet, so it really comes down to a matter of taste. For general purposes, it can be stated that the “Batgirl” is itself a version of the “Batman.”
The Nickname “Batman” vs. “Batgirl”
The “Rolex Batman,” featuring the first-ever bi-color ceramic bezel produced by Rolex, is a modern interpretation of the original GMT-Master “Pepsi,” one of the world’s first dual timezone wristwatches and certainly the most iconic. The “BLNR” portion of the “Batman” reference number is short for “Bleu Noir,” which is French for “Blue Black.” The “Batgirl” version on a Jubilee bracelet was first released in 2019 as the Rolex 126710. Some consider the Jubilee bracelet to be the dressier option.
Hollywood’s Favorite Rolex Batman Wearers
Most celebs have preferred the “Batman” version, which is the more classic. And amongst its devotees one name stands out from the rest: Ben Affleck, who actually played Batman in several films: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Suicide Squad (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), and The Flash (2023). Variety ranks Affleck as 5 out of 10 among all the actors who have played the iconic DC Comics superhero, better than George Clooney but nowhere near #1 Batman celebrity: Christian Bale.
A Nod to Rolex’s GMT-Master Legacy
It has, at times, been erroneously reported that Affleck wore the “Batman” GMT in one of the actual Batman movies, but there is no evidence to support this. Another superhero actor has also been seen wearing the “Batman” Rolex however: Tom Holland, who played Spiderman in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Other actors who have worn the “Batman” with considerable style are Jason Statham and Steve Carell.
Musicians and Athletes Who Love the Rolex Batman
Musicians have also expressed a strong preference for the “Batman” both on and offstage. Chief among them are Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer. And so have high-wattage athletes, including Rolex brand ambassador Roger Federer, football star Patrick Mahomes (his is a “Batgirl”), and basketball phenom Steph Curry. And it’s worth noting there’s also a “Batgirl” – loving superstar chef, Gordon Ramsey.
Is the Rolex Batman Getting Discontinued?
There are rumors that Rolex might discontinue the “Batman” at the upcoming edition of Watches and Wonders in Geneva on April 1. This would be a shame, though the assumption is that it would be replaced with a different GMT iteration, potentially a reissue of the iconic black-and-red bezel “Coke.” Rumors of this type always swirl around Rolex’s intentions though, and there is no way of really knowing until the actual event. However, if the “Batman” does get discontinued, look for prices to increase sharply, at least at first.
Final Thoughts: The Rolex Batman’s Lasting Appeal
Last year, GQ declared that the “Batman” was still a hero’s watch more than a decade into production. Paul Altieri, founder and CEO of Bob’s Watches and one of the world’s top Rolex collectors, says that the earliest models will remain highly collectible in the years to come. Whether Rolex discontinues it or not, the Rolex Batman will always be a sought-after timepiece among celebrities and collectors alike.
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