Rolex Batman vs Batgirl: The Ultimate Debate with Special Guests | Bob's Watch Talk Ep. 14

We’re back with another installment of Watch Talk. This time, we’re comparing the Rolex Batman and Batgirl. Shop pre-owned Batman watches here: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex/gmt...

Where did the Rolex Batman and Batgirl nicknames come from? To learn more about these iconic iterations of the GMT Master II, visit our GMT Master II Rolex review here: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blo...

Joining our discussion today are special guests: Rob (@spanishrob), Eli (@watchesofgibraltar), Sam (@samray_gtr), Ripley (@ripley.sellers), and Justin (@abeautifulwrist).

Shop our collection of pre-owned Rolex GMT Master II watches now: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-gmt...

Rolex nicknames are nothing new. Enthusiasts have been assigning their favorite iterations of many Rolex staples with charming nicknames for decades now. Often, their unofficial monikers are based on famous wearers or unique colorways, as is the case with the Batman and Batgirl Rolex GMTs featured in today’s edition of Watch Talk.

THE ROLEX BATMAN
The Batman came to market in 2013, making history under reference 116710BLNR with the first-ever two-tone ceramic bezel. Additionally, it was the very first Rolex to feature a bezel insert in black and blue. Its resemblance to the beloved Dark Knight comic book character earned the GMT 116710BLNR its famed nickname “Batman.”

It joined the ranks of other iconic GMT nicknames, including the red and blue “Pepsi,” black and red “Coke,” and Rootbeer in warm brown tones. Interestingly enough, these nicknames are all based on beverages, while the Batman nickname is decidedly more contemporary and on-trend.

It’s worth noting that reference 116710BLNR belonged to the very first generation of 6-digit GMT’s, complete with noticeably more robust lugs, a larger crown guard, a Maxi dial with larger hour markers and hands, and the sole use of the three-link Oyster bracelet. The case earned the nickname “Super Case” after its slightly larger appearance on the wrist, despite keeping the same 40mm diameter as its predecessors.

The Batman also introduced the series to the cal. 3186 Perpetual movement with integration to the Paraflex shock absorbers, Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring, and a smoother hour hand.

THE ROLEX BATGIRL
Reference 116710BLNR was replaced in 2019 with the new and improved GMT Master II reference 126710BLNR. Initially, the watch was only produced on the 5-piece Jubilee bracelet, marking an end of an era of stainless steel GMTs on the iconic three-link Oyster bracelet. However, we didn’t have to wait long for the brand to eventually release the new series on the Oyster bracelet as well. Unlike reference 116710BLNR, the Batgirl is also available with both bracelet options.

When the Rolex Batgirl ref. 126710BLNR hit the market just a few years ago, its use of the Jubilee bracelet was initially part of the reason it earned its nickname. The 5-link bracelet is somewhat classier than the sporty Oyster bracelet, giving it a more sophisticated and refined aesthetic more on par with a classy dress watch than a professional series pilot’s watch.

The Super Case seen on reference 116710 has also been refined on the newer edition with thinner and more curved lugs, lending itself even further to the Batgirl moniker. Another noteworthy upgrade includes replacing the cal. 3186 with the new and improved cal. 3285 with a longer 70-hour power reserve and more efficient Chronergy Escapement.

BATMAN VS. BATGIRL
Understandably, there is some confusion regarding the black and blue GMT’s nicknames. Both watches are technically mens sport watches and aren’t marketed towards women. The nickname Batgirl might cause some confusion among collectors who aren’t already familiar with the Rolex brand and the GMT Master II collection. Additionally, if Rolex ever chooses to release a ladies edition of the black and blue bezel GMT, the feminized nickname is already spoken for.

Additionally, should Rolex choose to release more editions of the black and blue bezel GMT (and we think that there is a strong possibility they will), there aren’t very many bat-themed nicknames left to choose from. Sticking solely to the nickname “Batman” for each iteration, rather than introducing the nickname Batgirl as well, would have been a better decision long-term.

Ultimately the battle between the two watches comes down to the varying feature sets. Do you prefer the option of having a Jubilee bracelet? Then ref. 126710 might appeal to you more. On the other hand, ref. 116710, with its place in GMT Master history and its more robust proportions, holds a special place in the hearts of die-hard Rolex enthusiasts.