Introduced in 2013, the GMT-Master II BLNR uses a distinct Black/ Blue (or ‘Day & Night’) bezel in ceramic. It is powered by caliber 3186.
Watch our tour video about the ROLEX GMT-MASTER II “BATMAN” 116710BLNR
When watch fans talk about modern legends, the 116710BLNR (nicknamed the “Batman”) always comes up. That blue-and-black Cerachrom bezel looks great, but its real strength is in helping you track day and night hours across time zones. When it debuted in 2013, it made history as the first Rolex with a two-tone ceramic bezel in these colors, instantly setting it apart from anything else in the lineup.
- Related: Rolex Review Overview
It is the kind of watch that appeals to frequent travelers and to anyone who appreciates a design with history behind it. Let’s rewind the clock and see how the Batman earned its place in the GMT-Master II family.
How the Black-and-Blue GMT Became the “Batman”
Back in 2013 at Baselworld, Rolex introduced the 116710BLNR – a GMT-Master II that would go on to become one of the most talked-about modern sports models. The standout feature was its bezel: a black-and-blue Cerachrom insert that marked night hours in black and daylight hours in blue. This might seem like a small detail, but it was a big deal for Rolex. It was the first time they had ever produced a two-tone ceramic bezel, something many thought couldn’t be done without compromising color separation or durability.
The “BLNR” in the reference stands for Bleu/Noir (French for blue and black), but the nickname “Batman” came from watch enthusiasts almost immediately after release. The mix of deep black and vivid blue mirrored the colors of the comic book hero’s suit, and the association stuck so well that it’s now part of the watch’s identity as much as the bezel itself.
Interestingly, the Batman has its own counterpart in the modern lineup — the Rolex GMT Master Bumblebee, a two-tone yellow Rolesor model with a grey-and-black bezel. Where the Batman’s blue-and-black colors feel cool and contemporary, the Bumblebee offers a warmer, more luxurious contrast while keeping the same adventurous GMT spirit alive.
Inside, Rolex fitted the 116710BLNR with the Caliber 3186 – a reliable movement with a Parachrom hairspring for resistance to shocks and magnetism, and an independently adjustable hour hand that makes jumping between time zones quick and easy. The watch came only on the three-link Oyster bracelet, giving it a sportier, more travel-ready personality than later versions.
Production ran until 2019, when it was succeeded by the 126710BLNR with the updated Caliber 3285 and a Jubilee bracelet option. But for many collectors, the original Batman remains special: the first of its kind, with the Oyster bracelet that keeps it closest to its tool-watch roots.
With its origin covered, let’s take a closer look at the case and bracelet design that give the Batman its ready-for-anything personality.
The Bracelet and Case Design That Keep It Ready for Action
The Batman’s 40 mm case is made from Oystersteel, the premium 904L stainless steel that resists corrosion and keeps its shine even after years of travel. The lugs are brushed on the top for a tool-watch feel, while the case sides are high-polished, giving a flash of light when it catches the wrist at certain angles. At about 12 mm thick, it sits solidly on the wrist without feeling oversized. The Triplock crown uses a triple-seal system to keep water out, giving you 100 meters of resistance – a reassuring feature whether you’re by the coast or caught in a rainy city.
The black-and-blue Cerachrom bezel insert is made from a fade-resistant ceramic that’s nearly impossible to scratch. Its notched edge gives you a firm grip when rotating it, while the engraved 24-hour numerals and markers are coated with platinum for crisp contrast. Working with the blue GMT hand, this bezel lets you track a second time zone at a glance.
Completing the watch is the solid-link Oyster bracelet, brushed on top and high-polished along the sides. The Oysterlock clasp keeps it secure, and the Easylink extension system allows a quick 5 mm adjustment, perfect when switching from the cabin of a flight to warmer weather outside.
Now that we’ve covered the exterior, let’s take a closer look at the dial that keeps information clear and easy to read.
The Dial Layout That Keeps Travelers on Track
The dial of the 116710BLNR is all about clarity. A glossy black finish sets the stage for white gold hour markers in the familiar mix of shapes – triangle at 12, rectangles at 6 and 9, and circles for the rest. Each is filled with the Rolex Chromalight lume, which gives off a long-lasting blue glow in low light.
The Mercedes-style hour hand, pointed minute hand, and the seconds hand with its luminous circular tip are also coated in Chromalight, keeping the display easy to read at a glance. The fourth hand (the GMT hand) carries a bright blue arrow tip, matching the bezel’s daytime half and making the second time zone instantly recognizable.
At 3 o’clock, the date window sits under the Cyclops lens, magnifying the numbers for quick reading. Paired with the 24-hour bezel, the GMT hand lets you track another time zone with precision, whether for work, travel, or simply keeping in touch with someone across the globe.
With the dial designed for quick glances and the bezel providing instant time zone changes, the movement inside is what keeps everything running smoothly.
Reliability and Accuracy in Every Time Zone
Driving the Batman’s functions is the Caliber 3186, a Rolex-made automatic that’s as dependable in the air as it is on the ground. This movement offers a 48-hour power reserve and is built with the Parachrom hairspring, giving it strong resistance to shocks and magnetic interference, qualities that matter when you’re constantly on the move.
One of its most practical features is the independently adjustable hour hand, allowing you to change the local time without stopping the seconds or affecting the 24-hour GMT hand. This means you can set your watch to a new time zone in seconds while keeping your reference time untouched.
As with all modern Rolex watches, the Caliber 3186 is COSC-certified and tested to Superlative Chronometer standards, ensuring accuracy within +2/-2 seconds per day. Together, these qualities make it a movement that’s not just built to last but built to perform wherever your travels take you.
Now that we know what keeps Batman ticking, let’s see how all of these elements come together on the wrist.
What It’s Like to Have the Batman on Your Wrist
The 40mm case feels just right when you put it on – not too big, not too small. It sits well on the wrist without moving around, and the Oyster bracelet feels solid without being heavy. If you need a quick adjustment during the day, the Easylink extension lets you loosen or tighten it in seconds.
Turning the bezel gives a satisfying, precise click, and the blue-and-black color pairing gives it a fresh look that stands out from the all-black GMT-Master II. It is the kind of watch you can wear on a trip, to the office, or out on the weekend without ever feeling out of place. Once it’s on, it’s hard to take off.
If you prefer something a little stealthier, the Rolex GMT Master II Bruce Wayne offers a refined twist on the Batman’s design. It carries the same DNA but swaps the bright blue accents for darker tones, creating a more understated, sophisticated presence on the wrist. It’s a subtle evolution that feels right at home in both business and casual settings.
For quick reference, here’s a breakdown of Rolex Batman’s key features
| Feature | Details |
| Case | 40mm Oystersteel with brushed lugs and high-polished sides; approx. 12mm thick; Triplock screw-down crown with triple-seal system; 100m water resistance |
| Bezel | Bidirectional 24-hour bezel with notched edges for grip; two-tone Cerachrom insert in blue (day) and black (night); engraved numerals and markers coated in platinum |
| Bracelet | Solid-link Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel; brushed top surfaces with high-polished sides; Oysterlock safety clasp; Easylink 5mm comfort extension |
| Dial | Glossy black dial with Chromalight luminous hour markers in triangle, rectangle, and circle shapes for easy orientation |
| Hands | Mercedes hour hand, minute hand, and seconds hand with luminous tips; blue GMT hand with arrow tip to match bezel’s daytime half |
| Date | Date window at 3 o’clock with Cyclops lens for 2.5× magnification |
| Lume | Chromalight blue-glow luminescence on all hour markers and hands, including the GMT and seconds tips |
| Movement | Rolex Caliber 3186 automatic; COSC-certified; 48-hour power reserve; Parachrom hairspring; independently adjustable hour hand for local time changes |
| On-Wrist Feel | Balanced fit for most wrist sizes; solid yet comfortable; versatile styling that works for travel, office, or casual wear |
A GMT That Might Just Become Your Most-Worn Watch
Every traveler has that one essential item they won’t leave home without. For some, it is this watch. It’s dependable, easy to read at a glance, and has just enough personality to remind you that travel should be as fun as it is functional. If you’ve been searching for a watch that can keep pace with your adventures and look good doing it, the Batman fits the role perfectly.
