New Rolex Batman or Old Version? – 126710BLNR VS 116710BLNR

New Rolex Batman or old version? 126710BLNR VS 116710BLNR!

Is The New Rolex Batman A Better Buy Than The Old One?

The Ref 116710BLNR vs The Ref 126710BLNR.

To the casual observer, the ref 116710BLNR and Ref 126710BLNR may look exactly identical.

The Rolex ”Batman” has gained a devoted fan audience over the years. There is just something special about the blue and black colorway of this modern classic that appeals to people.

The Rolex ”Batman” was first released in 2013 with the reference 116710BLNR. At Baselworld 2019, it was time for Rolex to update the model, because the blue and black GMT-Master II was not ready to leave the collection. The result is reference 126710BLNR. A new generation GMT-Master II, but still with its iconic and instantly-recognizable blue and black bezel.

Due to its colorway of blue and black, the GMT-Master II is a bold and bright timepiece that stands out in the crowd.

In this article, we are comparing the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR vs Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR.

Rolex 116710BLNR VS 126710BLNR

When the 116710BLNR was first released in 2013, the colorway of the watch was something completely new. Rolex had made the ”Pepsi” GMT colorway before, and equally so the ”root beer”, but never a GMT-Master II with a black and blue bezel.

Quite quickly, the model acquired the nickname ”Batman” due to its color scheme being reminiscent of the cartoon batman’s color scheme. The “Batman” has always been a very popular watch, but its popularity grew even further when the old model was discontinued, and a new version was released in 2019. But the catch is that the new model reference 126710BLNR splits opinions as not everyone is a huge fan.

The question is: is the new GMT-Master II 126710BLNR better than the previous 116710BLNR?

BLNR stands for Bleu Noir which, in French, means blue and black.

The biggest difference between the old and the new Batman GMT is their bracelet. The new 126710BLNR has a jubilee bracelet as opposed to an Oyster bracelet. The Oyster bracelet is sporty and robust, and the Jubilee bracelet is more elegant. This removes a bit of the sportiness of the model and makes it more of an elegant everyday dress watch.

In general, a lot of people prefer a robust Oyster bracelet on their sports watches, and so the new bracelet has caused some split opinions. Now, the Jubilee bracelet is by no means a bracelet that doesn’t belong on the GMT-Master. If we go back in time, the GMT-Master has actually been available on the Jubilee bracelet, so to find it once again to be used in the range is not hugely surprising.

The Jubilee bracelet appears to be a strategy from Rolex’s side, as there is no longer a GMT-Master II in steel available on the Oyster bracelet. So if you prefer the Oyster bracelet on the GMT-Master II, you will either have to turn to two-tone or full gold – or look on the pre-owned market.

But it’s safe to say that the bracelet option does a lot to the looks of the watch. Rather than looking sporty and tool-like, the new GMT-Master II looks more refined and elegant.

Apart from the bracelet, the 116710BLNR and the 126710BLNR may look identical, but there are a few differences. Although the watches are very similar. The new watch keeps the same case dimensions of being 40mm in diameter and 12.5mm in thickness. The black and blue ceramic bezel remains the same.

The dial is also the same apart from a tiny detail at 6 o’clock. On the latest 126710BLNR, you will find a Rolex crown logo between ”Swiss” and ”Made”. This is to show that it uses the latest generation Rolex caliber. The previous 116710BLNR has the text written plain and simple as ”Swiss Made”. However, the 126710BLNR has gotten slightly slimmer lugs which, together with the Jubilee bracelet makes the watch more refined.

And the movement is indeed the biggest change between these two watches. The new 126710BLNR uses the caliber 3285, which incorporates a more efficient escapement and gear train, as well as a new variable-inertia balance wheel and an improved power reserve of 70 hours.

The previous 116710BLNR uses the caliber 3185 and only offers a power reserve of 50 hours. Both movements are of course certified chronometers.

116710BLNR VS 126710BLNR-  Which is the Best Buy?

There is really no fixed answer to this. Naturally, since the 126710BLNR is more recent, it incorporates modern technology and a better movement. So in terms of technicality, the 126710BLNR is a better watch with better specifications.

But the question is if that makes the 126710BLNR the better option. And this is something that seems to split opinions.

The 126710BLNR is more refined than the 116710BLNR, but based on people’s options, it seems like newer isn’t always better. Of course, both watches are appreciated and praised, but at the same time, they both have a loyal audience. Those who prefer the 116710BLNR and those who prefer the 126710BLNR. One thing is certain though, and that is that the 116710BLNR has increased in value steadily over the years, and mostly so when it was announced that the model was discontinued.

When it comes down to it, the debate between these two models essentially comes down to a matter of Jubilee VS Oyster bracelet, because this is the major visual difference between them. For some, it also comes down to collectability. The GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is no longer made, and thus those watches that are made are the ones that will exist. On the other hand, we don’t know for how long the 126710BLNR will be in production.

After all, a production time from 2013 to 2019 is not a short one, and during this time, Rolex has had the time to make quite a few pieces. But for the short term at least, the discontinued version will naturally be more attractive to people who buy watches for investment purposes.

However, that is not to say the 126710BLNR cannot be a good investment, but there are still years-long waiting lists for this piece at most authorized Rolex retailers, which has led to it selling at a big premium on the secondhand market.

Specifications: Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR ”Batman”

• Case: 40mm. Water-resistant to 100 meters.
• Movement: Calibre 3186. Bidirectional self-winding rotor. 50-hour power-reserve. GMT function. Date function. Independent rapid-setting of the hour hand. Instantaneous date. Certified chronometer (COSC).
• Bracelet: Oyster bracelet with polished middle links. Equipped with an Easylink extension system.

Specifications: Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR ”Batman”

Case: 40mm. Water-resistant to 100 meters.

Movement: Calibre 3286. Bidirectional self-winding rotor. 70-hour power-reserve. GMT function. Date function. Independent rapid-setting of the hour hand. Instantaneous date. Certified chronometer (COSC).

Bracelet: Jubilee bracelet with Oyster clasp. Equipped with an Easylink extension system.

New Rolex Batman vs Old Rolex Batman – which should you choose?

At the end of the day, it is a matter of preference. Do you prefer the bulkier and sportier 116710BLNR, or do you enjoy the refined 126710BLNR with the Jubilee bracelet? Also, do you prefer to have a discontinued watch that you know will not be made in more numbers?

Design-wise, you will have to decide if you prefer the GMT-Master Batman with an Oyster bracelet or with a Jubilee bracelet. Both have merits in their own right but they each give a very different look to the watch. If you prefer the sportier style of the Oyster bracelet, then the older GMT-Master II ref. 116710 BLNR is your better option. On the other hand, if you like the dressier Jubilee bracelet look, then the new GMT-Master II ref. 126710 BLNR is the way to go.

If you are someone who wants the best possible technology when it is available, the 126710BLNR is obviously the route to go considering its new-generation movement. At the same time, the old generation 3185 is tried and true and has proven to be a reliable and durable workhorse, so this is a movement you can’t go wrong with.