Two Rolex watches share almost the same color story. One is a white gold Submariner. The other is a steel GMT-Master II. Both carry blue-and-black bezels, both answer to nicknames borrowed from pop culture, and both attract the same kind of buyer: someone who wants a bold Rolex that still carries itself with restraint.
That’s exactly why the Rolex Cookie Monster vs Batman comparison comes up so often. On the wrist, they look like they belong to the same conversation. But they are built for different purposes, priced in different universes, and carry very different technical profiles.
And in 2026, the comparison changed. Rolex retired the Cookie Monster at Watches & Wonders in April, and the ripple effects from that show reshaped the Batman’s market too. If you’re deciding between the Submariner Date 126619LB and the GMT-Master II 116710BLNR (or its current-gen successor, the 126710BLNR), here is what separates them now.
Is the Rolex Cookie Monster Discontinued?
Yes. Rolex discontinued the Submariner Date 126619LB at Watches & Wonders 2026 in April. The reference no longer appears on rolex.com, and authorized dealer allocations have stopped. Rolex never issues formal discontinuation announcements, so catalog removal is the confirmation.
The exit also removed white gold from the Submariner lineup entirely. The current catalog carries only steel, yellow gold, and two-tone yellow Rolesor Submariners, which means the Cookie Monster’s blue-bezel, black-dial, precious-metal formula now exists only on the pre-owned market.
Rolex Cookie Monster (Ref. 126619LB) Overview
The Cookie Monster nickname arrived almost immediately after Rolex released the 126619LB in 2020. Collectors saw a blue Cerachrom bezel paired with a black dial on an 18k white gold Submariner, and the resemblance to the Sesame Street character was hard to ignore.
The 126619LB replaced the “Smurf” (ref. 116619LB), which had an all-blue dial and bezel on the same white gold construction. The new model kept the white gold and the blue bezel but swapped the blue dial for black, creating a sharper two-tone contrast. We put the two white gold Subs head to head in our Cookie Monster vs Smurf breakdown.
The 126619LB also came with the full 2020 Submariner refresh: a 41mm case, slimmer lugs, and the updated Cal. 3235 movement.
For its six years in the catalog, the 126619LB was the only Submariner that combined a blue bezel with a black dial. No steel version of this configuration ever existed. With production now over, that exclusivity has hardened: the run lasted 2020 to 2026, and every example that will ever exist has already been made.
There’s a neat generational symmetry here too. The Smurf was discontinued in 2020 to make way for the Cookie Monster, and the Cookie Monster has now followed the same path.
Key Specifications:
- Reference Number: 126619LB
- Production Years: 2020 to 2026 (discontinued)
- Case Size: 41mm
- Case Material: 18k white gold
- Bezel Type and Material: Unidirectional 60-minute, blue Cerachrom with platinum-filled numerals
- Dial: Glossy black
- Bracelet: White gold Oyster with Glidelock clasp
- Movement: Caliber 3235
- Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
- Water Resistance: 300 meters / 1,000 feet
Rolex Batman (Ref. 116710BLNR / 126710BLNR) Overview
The Batman debuted in 2013 as ref. 116710BLNR, and it came with a genuine footnote in Rolex history: it was the first watch the brand ever made with a two-color Cerachrom ceramic bezel.
A single-piece bi-color ceramic insert was long considered technically unfeasible. The 116710BLNR settled that debate immediately, and collectors named it the Batman for a black-and-blue bezel that evokes Gotham’s nighttime palette.
The original Batman ran until 2019, when Rolex introduced the 126710BLNR. The new generation kept the same 40mm case and the same bezel colors but upgraded to Cal. 3285 (70-hour power reserve) and initially launched only on a Jubilee bracelet.
That bracelet change brought a second nickname, “Batgirl,” for the Jubilee variant. Rolex added an Oyster bracelet option for the 126710BLNR in 2021, giving buyers both choices under the same reference number.
The 116710BLNR is discontinued. The 126710BLNR remains in production, and its position in the catalog got stronger in 2026: Rolex retired the steel GMT-Master II “Pepsi” (ref. 126710BLRO) at the same Watches & Wonders show that claimed the Cookie Monster. That makes the Batman the only blue-bezel steel GMT-Master II left in the current lineup.
If the discontinued Pepsi is also on your radar, our Pepsi vs Batman breakdown covers that head-to-head.
Both generations are relevant here, because many buyers encounter the original on the secondary market and weigh it against the newer version. And if you want the full family context first, our GMT-Master II buying guide walks through every reference in the lineup.
Key Specifications (116710BLNR):
- Reference Number: 116710BLNR
- Production Years: 2013 to 2019
- Case Size: 40mm
- Case Material: Oystersteel (904L)
- Bezel Type and Material: Bidirectional 24-hour, black/blue Cerachrom
- Dial: Black
- Bracelet: Oyster with Oysterlock clasp
- Movement: Caliber 3186
- Power Reserve: Approximately 48 hours
- Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
Key Specifications (126710BLNR):
- Reference Number: 126710BLNR
- Production Years: 2019 to present
- Case Size: 40mm
- Case Material: Oystersteel (904L)
- Bezel Type and Material: Bidirectional 24-hour, black/blue Cerachrom
- Dial: Black
- Bracelet: Jubilee (0002) or Oyster (0003) with Easylink clasp
- Movement: Caliber 3285
- Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
- Water Resistance: 100 meters / 330 feet
Rolex Cookie Monster vs Batman: Most Notable Differences
These two watches might look similar at a glance, especially with their blue accents, but they are built for completely different purposes. Those differences shape how each watch feels, functions, and fits into daily life.
1. Case Material
The most immediate difference shows up the moment you pick them up. The Cookie Monster (126619LB) is made entirely from 18k white gold, and that density comes through in its weight. It feels heavier and more substantial than any steel Rolex sports model, even though it looks understated from a distance.
The Batman, whether you are looking at the older 116710BLNR or the current 126710BLNR, stays firmly in Oystersteel. That choice keeps the watch lighter, more resistant to wear, and easier to live with day to day.
Steel also holds its finish differently, with sharper edges and less concern about the long-term softness that comes with precious metals. For a deeper look at those trade-offs, see our white gold vs stainless steel comparison.
2. Collection and Bezel Function
Where the materials set the tone, the bezel defines the purpose. The Cookie Monster is a Submariner, and everything about its bezel is built around timing elapsed minutes underwater. It rotates in one direction only, which is not a design choice but a safety feature. If it gets knocked, it can only shorten the measured dive time, not extend it.
The Batman belongs to the GMT-Master II line, and its bezel works in a completely different way. Instead of timing minutes, it tracks a second time zone. The black-and-blue insert is split between night and day hours, and it rotates in both directions to adjust quickly.
When paired with the 24-hour GMT hand on the dial, it becomes a practical tool for travel or any situation where you need to keep track of another location. This difference alone separates the two watches more than any spec on paper.
GMT-Master II
Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" Blue Dial Blue Red Ceramic Bezel Oyster Bracelet 18K White Gold 40mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126719BLRO
Rolex GMT-Master II Zombie Black Dial Black/Grey Ceramic Bezel Jubilee Bracelet Two-Tone 18K Yellow Gold Stainless Steel 40mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126713GRNR
2026 Rolex GMT-Master II Batman Black Dial Black Blue Cerachrom Bezel Oyster Bracelet Oystersteel 40mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126710BLNR
Rolex GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne Black Dial Grey and Black Ceramic Bezel Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet 40mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126710GRNR
Rolex GMT-Master II "Batgirl" Black Dial Black Blue Ceramic Bezel Jubilee Bracelet Stainless Steel 40mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126710BLNR
2026 NEW UNWORN Rolex GMT-Master II "Bruce Wayne" Black Dial Black Grey Ceramic Bezel Jubilee Bracelet Stainless Steel 40mm COMPLETE SET 126710GRNR-0003
3. Water Resistance
That difference in purpose carries directly into water resistance. The Cookie Monster is rated to 300 meters, which reflects its role as a true dive watch. The case construction, Triplock crown system, and sealing architecture are all built around underwater reliability.
The Batman sits at 100 meters, which is more than enough for everyday wear, swimming, and general exposure to water. But it was never built for diving, and the design reflects that. The gap between 100 meters and 300 meters marks a clear divide between a watch built for underwater use and one designed for travel and daily wear.
4. Movement
Inside the case, the two watches reflect different stages of Rolex’s movement development. The Cookie Monster runs on Caliber 3235, which is part of Rolex’s current generation. It brings improved efficiency through the Chronergy escapement, better shock resistance with Paraflex absorbers, and a power reserve of around 70 hours.
The Batman depends on which generation you are looking at. The original 116710BLNR uses Caliber 3186, a reliable but older movement with a shorter 48-hour power reserve. The newer 126710BLNR upgrades to Caliber 3285, which aligns it with the same generation as the 3235. That means the same extended power reserve, updated escapement, and improved overall performance.
In practical terms, the modern Batman and the Cookie Monster are on equal footing here, while the older Batman sits a step behind.
5. Bracelet and Clasp
The bracelet setup is where the wearing experience becomes more personal. The Cookie Monster comes on a white gold Oyster bracelet paired with the Glidelock clasp, which allows fine adjustments in small increments without tools.
That level of control makes it easy to adapt the fit throughout the day, especially with wrist changes caused by heat or activity. It is one of the most practical clasp systems Rolex offers and is reserved for the Submariner line.
The Batman takes a simpler approach. The older 116710BLNR stays with a steel Oyster bracelet and Oysterlock clasp, while the newer 126710BLNR introduces the option of either Oyster or Jubilee. Both use the Easylink system, which provides a single 5mm extension rather than the step-by-step adjustment of the Glidelock.
If the bracelet choice is your sticking point, our full Batman vs Batgirl comparison goes deeper on that decision.
Price and Market Demand
The price gap between these two watches is wide, and 2026 moved the numbers on both sides. Here’s what the data shows now.
Cookie Monster (126619LB)
WatchCharts puts the 126619LB’s market value at roughly $34,000-$35,000 as of 2026, with asking prices on Chrono24 running higher, mostly between $35,000 and $50,000 and averaging around $39,000. The spread reflects condition, production year, and whether the full set is intact.
Here’s the part worth paying attention to: the discontinuation has not been fully priced in yet. The Pepsi’s retirement was widely anticipated and the market reacted fast, but the Cookie Monster’s exit caught collectors off guard. Its value is up only about 2.5% over the past year per WatchCharts, which is modest for a freshly discontinued precious-metal Rolex sports model.
Liquidity remains strong for a watch at this price tier. WatchCharts data shows the 126619LB selling in a median of about 40 days, faster than 77% of watches it tracks.
Full box and papers, unworn condition, and late production years drive premiums. A polished case or missing papers cuts value noticeably, and that penalty tends to grow once a reference is discontinued, because collectors chasing a closed production run want complete, original examples. We’ve covered how much missing papers cost a Rolex at resale in a separate guide.
2026 Rolex Datejust Green Ombre Dial Smooth Bezel Jubilee Bracelet Stainless Steel 41mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126300
Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" Blue Dial Blue Red Ceramic Bezel Oyster Bracelet 18K White Gold 40mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126719BLRO
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona "Reverse Panda" Black Dial Black Ceramic Bezel Oyster Bracelet Stainless Steel 40mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126500LN
2026 NEW UNWORN Rolex Datejust 41 Chocolate Brown Jubilee Two-Tone 18K Everose Gold Steel 41mm COMPLETE SET 126331
2026 Rolex Datejust Blue Dial Smooth Bezel Jubilee Bracelet Stainless Steel 41mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 126300
Rolex Yacht-Master II White Dial Blue Ceramic Bezel Oyster Bracelet Stainless Steel 44mm MINT CONDITION COMPLETE SET 116680
Batman (116710BLNR)
Clean, complete examples of the original Batman trade at roughly $14,000-$17,000 on the secondary market as of 2026. The reference peaked above $21,000 in early 2022, corrected hard, then stabilized and returned to modest growth.
Discontinued since 2019, the 116710BLNR has a natural price floor and a well-established market. Unpolished cases, full sets with the original card, and earlier production years (2013-2016) drive premiums for first-generation examples.
Batman Gen 2 (126710BLNR)
This is where 2026 changed the picture most. The 126710BLNR retails for approximately $11,800 after Rolex’s January 2026 price increase, but secondary market examples now trade between roughly $16,000 and $21,000 on Chrono24. That is no longer a narrow premium over retail; it’s a wide one.
Two forces drove the gap. Authorized dealer allocation remains effectively closed for most buyers, with multi-year waitlists. And with the Pepsi gone from the catalog since April, more of that demand landed on the BLNR. The Jubilee-fitted Batgirl typically commands a slight premium over the Oyster version.
Side-by-Side Comparison (At a Glance)
| Specification | Cookie Monster | Batman | Batman Gen 2 |
| Reference | 126619LB | 116710BLNR | 126710BLNR |
| Collection | Submariner Date | GMT-Master II | GMT-Master II |
| Case Size | 41mm | 40mm | 40mm |
| Case Material | 18k White Gold | Oystersteel | Oystersteel |
| Bezel Function | Unidirectional, 60-min | Bidirectional, 24-hr | Bidirectional, 24-hr |
| Bezel Color | Solid Blue | Split Black/Blue | Split Black/Blue |
| Dial Color | Glossy Black | Black | Black |
| Movement | Cal. 3235 | Cal. 3186 | Cal. 3285 |
| Power Reserve | ~70 hrs | ~48 hrs | ~70 hrs |
| Bracelet Options | Oyster only (Glidelock) | Oyster only (Oysterlock) | Jubilee or Oyster (Easylink) |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 1,000ft | 100m / 330ft | 100m / 330ft |
| GMT Hand | No | Yes | Yes |
| Production Status | Discontinued (2026) | Discontinued (2019) | Current |
| 2026 Market Band | ~$34,000-$50,000 | ~$14,000-$17,000 | ~$16,000-$21,000 |
Which Rolex Should You Choose?
Both watches look similar at a glance, but they answer different questions. Here’s how to sort out which one fits your situation.
Choose the Cookie Monster if:
- You want the only Submariner ever made that combines a blue bezel with a black dial in a precious metal case
- The tactile weight and luster of white gold on the wrist are part of why you want the watch
- You prefer a cleaner dial layout with no GMT hand
- You want a true 300-meter dive rating built into a sports watch
- The Glidelock clasp’s 20mm of micro-adjustability matters for daily wear comfort
- The closed 2020-2026 production run appeals to you, and you’d rather buy before the discontinuation is fully priced in
Choose the Batman if:
- You travel frequently and want a watch that tracks two time zones natively via the GMT hand and bezel
- You prefer a steel sports watch for everyday durability without precious metal considerations
- A lighter watch is a priority for all-day comfort
- You want bracelet flexibility, including the Jubilee option on the 126710BLNR
- The historical significance of the 116710BLNR as the first bi-color Cerachrom Rolex appeals to you
- You want the last blue-bezel steel GMT-Master II still in production now that the Pepsi is gone
Where to Buy Authentic Watches Online
There are a handful of legitimate online channels for either of these watches. Chrono24 carries the deepest inventory of both references and publishes the asking-price data cited throughout this article; we’ve written up what to watch for when buying on Chrono24.
eBay runs an Authenticity Guarantee program that has listings verified by third-party experts before delivery. Grailzee operates an auction format that sometimes surfaces sharper pricing on full-set examples. Watch forums and independent grey-market dealers round out the options, though vetting falls entirely on you there.
We also sell, buy, and trade luxury watches, and the reason clients choose us over a big marketplace comes down to what happens before you commit. We send tour videos of the actual watch, not stock photos, along with detailed condition notes, and you talk directly with someone who has inspected the piece in hand. You can see what’s available at any time.
With the Cookie Monster now discontinued, that inspection layer matters more: you’re buying from a closed pool of examples, and condition separates the good buys from the regrets.
That’s reflected in our 4.9-star Google rating, which comes from clients who wanted to know exactly what they were getting before wiring five figures.
If you’re weighing a Cookie Monster against a Batman and want tour videos and condition notes on what we currently have or can source, reach out and we’ll walk you through both options side by side.
Final Thoughts on the Rolex Cookie Monster vs Batman
The decision still comes down to material versus function, but 2026 sharpened both sides of the trade. The 126619LB is now a discontinued white gold Submariner whose market hasn’t caught up to that fact, while the Batman is the last blue-bezel steel GMT standing, with a widening premium to show for it.
Still mapping the wider catalog before committing? Our full Rolex buying guide walks through every current line.
Two final tips. Whichever you choose, verify the warranty card date against the seller’s claimed production year, since post-discontinuation markets attract mismatched sets. And on the Cookie Monster, prioritize an unpolished case: the polished vs unpolished difference hits white gold harder than steel, and no fresh examples are coming to reset the pool.
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