For decades, the Rolex GMT-Master II has been a mainstay of the brand’s professional watch collection, and in 2013, Rolex introduced a version with the number 116710BLNR – featuring a distinctive two-tone black and blue ceramic bezel – that quickly attracted a cult following. This particular color combination earned it the nickname “Batman”, which technically only applies to models wearing the Oyster bracelet; if the Jubilee bracelet is worn, the nickname is “Batwoman”. Generally speaking, “Batwoman” is itself a version of “Batman”.
The Nickname “Batman” vs. “Batgirl”
The “Rolex Batman” with its two-tone ceramic bezel, the first ever produced by Rolex, is a modern interpretation of the original GMT-Master “Pepsi”, one of the world’s first and undoubtedly the most iconic dual time zone wristwatch. The “BLNR” in the ‘Batman’ numbering is an abbreviation of “Bleu Noir”, the French word for “blue-black”. The “Batwoman” version with a Jubilee bracelet was first released in 2019 as the Rolex 126710. some consider the Jubilee bracelet to be a more formal option.
Hollywood’s Favorite Rolex Batman Wearers
Most celebrities prefer the “Batman” version because it’s more iconic. And among its fans, one name stands out: Ben Affleck, who has actually played Batman in several movies: “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016), “Suicide Squad” (2016), “Justice League” (2017), the Zack Snyder-directed “Justice League” (2021) and “The Flash” (2023). Variety rated Affleck a 5 out of 10 among all actors who have portrayed the iconic DC Comics superhero, better than George Clooney but nowhere near the Batman star’s #1: Christian Bale.
A Nod to Rolex’s GMT-Master Legacy
There was a false report that Affleck wore a Batman GMT in one of the Batman movies, but this was not confirmed. However, another superhero actor has also worn a “Batman” Rolex: Tom Hollander, who was seen in Captain America: Civil War (2016), Spider-Man: Heroes Return (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man: Heroes Expenditure (2019), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Out (2021). Other actors who wear the Batman watch with a personal touch include Jason Statham and Steve Carell.
Musicians and Athletes Who Love the Rolex Batman
Musicians, both onstage and off, have also expressed a strong love for Batman. Among the most popular were Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer. There were also a number of famous athletes, including Rolex ambassador Roger Federer, football star Patrick Mahomes (who is known as “Batgirl”) and basketball superstar Stephen Curry. Notably, there is also a superstar chef, Gordon Ramsey, who loves Batgirl.
Is the Rolex Batman Getting Discontinued?
Rumor has it that Rolex may discontinue the Batman at the upcoming Geneva Watch Fair on April 1st. While this may be unfortunate, it is speculated that the watch will be replaced by a different GMT version, such as a replica of the iconic black and red bezel “Coke” watch. However, these types of rumors always revolve around Rolex’s intentions and we won’t know until the official release. However, if the “Batman” line is indeed discontinued, expect prices to rise significantly, at least initially.
Final Thoughts: The Rolex Batman’s Lasting Appeal
Last year, GQ magazine declared that the Batman watch would still be a hero more than a decade after it was produced, and Paul Altieri, founder and CEO of Bob’s Watch Company and one of the world’s leading Rolex collectors, said that the early models would remain highly collectible for years to come. Whether Rolex goes out of production or not, the Batman will always be a coveted timepiece for celebrities and collectors.