Rolex "Batman" GMT-Master II Watch Ref.116710BLNR
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Rolex "Batman" GMT-Master II Watch Ref.116710BLNR

Rolex "Batman" GMT-Master II Watch Ref.116710BLNR: An Overview

The Rolex GMT-Master II Batman (reference 116710BLNR) is a highly popular stainless steel sports watch known for its distinctive blue and black "Batman" bezel. It features Rolex's sturdy 40mm Oyster case, bidirectional rotatable bezel, sapphire crystal, and 100m water resistance.



Equipped with a GMT complication, the watch can track a second time zone via the blue 24-hour hand and rotating bezel. This makes it great for travelers and frequent fliers. The black dial has a date window at 3 o'clock and Mercedes-style hands with Chromalight lume for legibility.


Inside ticks Rolex's proven Caliber 3186 automatic movement with around 48 hours of power reserve. The Oyster bracelet provides rugged durability, along with the Glidelock clasp for easy on-the-fly adjustment.


First introduced in 2013, the 116710BLNR quickly became highly coveted for its versatile good looks and robust Rolex build quality. It remains one of the most popular GMT-Master II models. Reviewers praise its classic styling, GMT functionality, and rugged feel on the wrist. Fans spanning from sporty adventurers to businessmen appreciate the Batman GMT as an outstanding everyday watch with an enduring design.


Spesifications:

  • Brand: Rolex

  • Brand Code / Ref: 116710BLNR

  • Dial: Black with 18K white gold hour markers

  • Movement: Rolex 3186 self-winding movement

  • Certification: Swiss Official Chronometer Certified by COSC

  • Case Diameter: 40mm

  • Depth Of Case: 12.4mm

  • Case Material: 904L stainless steel

  • Bracelet & Size: Oyster bracelet, 20mm

  • Bracelet Feature: "Easy Link" for a 5mm bracelet extension for added comfort

  • Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft

  • Crown: Screw-down crown with crown protectors

  • Special Features / Complications:

    • GMT Function (independent 24-hour hand)

    • Rotating bi-directional 24-hour bezel

    • Bi-color bezel (black and blue, a first-ever!)

    • Date window with Rolex cyclops crystal


Rolex "Batman" GMT-Master II Watch Ref.116710BLNR Inspirations

The Rolex GMT-Master watch was originally inspired and designed for professional airline pilots in collaboration with Pan American Airways in the mid 1950s. Some key points on what inspired this iconic watch:

  • Long haul flights emerging - With the advent of commercial jet travel in the 1950s, airlines like Pan Am offered longer transcontinental and intercontinental flights. This created a need for pilots to easily track multiple time zones.

  • Dual time zone tracking - Rolex developed the GMT-Master to allow pilots to track both the local time and home time simultaneously on the watch. This involved creating a separate 24-hour hand and rotatable bezel.

  • Readability - The GMT-Master was designed for optimal legibility. The contrasting colors on the bezel, Mercedes hands, and large luminous markers made it easy to read the multiple time zones clearly.

  • Durability - Ruggedness and reliability were required for aviation use. The GMT-Master featured a waterproof Oyster case, durable bracelet, and automatic mechanical movement.

  • Partnering with Pan Am - Rolex worked directly with Pan Am pilots to create a watch tailored to their needs and feedback while using it during flights.

The Rolex GMT-Master became an aviation classic, combining form and function. Its innovative dual time zone tracking inspired by the rise of intercontinental travel made it an essential tool for professional pilots. This heritage endures in the GMT-Master II today.


Rolex "Batman" GMT-Master II Watch Ref.116710BLNR: Design and construction

The Batman GMT features Rolex's signature 40mm Oyster case crafted from a solid block of 904L stainless steel. The monobloc architecture provides robustness and waterproofness down to 100m. The bidirectional rotatable bezel has a distinctive color scheme of blue and black ceramic inserts. This 24-hour scale allows tracking of a second time zone.


The rugged black dial has applied polished 18k white gold hour markers and Mercedes-style hands filled with blue Chromalight luminescent material for excellent legibility in any lighting. At 3 o'clock sits the date window with the iconic Rolex "cyclops" magnifier for easy reading. The sapphire crystal is virtually scratchproof.


On the caseback, Rolex engravings surround the screw-down fluted caseback that hermetically seals the watch. Powering the GMT-Master II is the Swiss-made Caliber 3186 perpetual, self-winding mechanical movement offering approximately 48 hours of power reserve when fully wound.


The integrated satin-finished stainless steel Oyster bracelet includes a machined and polished Oysterclasp equipped with the Easylink extension system for on-the-fly 5mm adjustments. Overall, the watch exudes Rolex's reputation for masterfully engineered designs built to last generations.

​Pros:

  • Iconic and versatile black & blue "Batman" color scheme

  • GMT complication useful for tracking additional time zone

  • Durable 904L stainless steel 40mm Oyster case with 100m water resistance

  • Legible black dial with Chromalight lume on hands/markers

  • Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour bezel for second time zone

  • Robust steel Oyster bracelet with Easylink extension system

  • In-house Rolex Caliber 3186 automatic movement

  • Sapphire crystal is virtually scratchproof

​Cons:

  • Relatively thick case at 12.4mm may not suit smaller wrists

  • No exhibition caseback to view the movement

  • Higher price point

  • Can be difficult to acquire at retail price due to demand

  • Date window positioning not symmetrical on the dial


The Bottom-line

Overall, the Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR, nicknamed the "Batman", is an exceptionally popular stainless steel sports watch from the iconic Swiss brand. It combines good looks, functionality, robust build quality, and Long-term value - making it highly coveted.The iconic blue and black bezel is both sporty and elegant. Despite the minor drawbacks are the thick case, closed caseback, and higher cost.


The blue and black "Batman" ceramic bezel is both sporty and refined. The GMT complication allows tracking a second time zone - useful for frequent travelers and pilots. Inside, Rolex's self-winding mechanical movement powers the watch with accuracy and reliability.


On the wrist, the 40mm Oyster case provides rugged durability with 100m water resistance, while the 904L steel Oyster bracelet is secure and comfortable. Overall, the Batman GMT-Master II is a versatile everyday watch suited for both casual and business settings. For those seeking a high-quality GMT watch from a prestigious brand, the 116710BLNR is a top choice.


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