Back in February 2021, we published an article about how the “Rolex Batgirl” nickname might not make the most sense for the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR. We argued that given the various other names for Rolex GMT watches, it might just be easier for everyone if all the GMT-Master II models with black and blue bezels were just called Rolex Batman watches. However, since we initially published that article, Rolex has updated the stainless steel GMT-Master II and now offers the ref. 126710BLNR with either the option of an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. Now that you can get the current model with either bracelet style, is there still a reason why there should be two different nicknames for the black and blue Rolex GMT-Master II?
When Rolex discontinued the first Batman GMT reference 116710 watch in 2019 and replaced it with the updated reference 126710BLNR, the most noticeable difference was that the new model featured the Jubilee bracelet, rather than an Oyster bracelet like before. While the updated model also featured a new-generation movement and a handful of other small refinements, the biggest factor separating the two watches was the style of bracelet fitted to them. To help distinguish between Rolex’s two different black and blue GMT watches, collectors began calling the ref. 126710BLNR the “Batgirl” – but now that the current stainless steel GMT-Master II models are available with either style of bracelet, is it time to retire the “Batgirl” nickname?
Before we dive in, it’s important to remember that Rolex nicknames are entirely informal and in reality, there is no right or wrong answer. An equal case could be made for both opinions regarding the proper nickname for the black and blue Rolex GMT-Master II. Therefore, to make sure that we are being thorough in our analysis, we looped in a few of our industry friends to weigh in on the ultimate Rolex Batman vs. Rolex Batgirl debate.
Rolex GMT-Master II Batman vs. Batgirl
Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 116710BLNR
GMT-Master II 116710BLNR Key Features:
- Reference Number: 116710BLNR
- Production Years: 2013 – 2019
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel)
- Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, GMT-Functionality
- Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Bidirectional, Black and Blue Cerachrom Insert w/ 24-Hour Scale
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3186
- Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
- Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
Rolex GMT-Master II Reference 126710BLNR
GMT-Master II 126710BLNRKey Features:
- Reference Number: 126710BLNR
- Production Years: 2019 – Present
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel)
- Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, GMT-Functionality
- Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Bidirectional, Black and Blue Cerachrom Insert w/ 24-Hour Scale
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3285
- Water Resistance: 100 Meters / 330 Feet
- Bracelet: Jubilee Bracelet or Oyster Bracelet (as of 2021)
A Case For The Rolex Batman Nickname
When it comes to nicknames for the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II, the most commonly used ones are typically based solely on the color of the insert itself. For example, all of the Rolex GMT watches that are fitted with red and blue inserts go by the same “Pepsi” nickname, regardless of the specific watch model, its materials, or even the generation of the bezel insert itself. If the “Pepsi” nickname can apply to both a modern white gold GMT-Master II with a ceramic and a stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master from the 1960s that has a faded aluminum bezel (while also applying to every single other red/blue Rolex GMT watch), then the “Batman” nickname can be used for all of the different black and blue GMT-Master II watches.
Most of the other famous nicknames for the Rolex GMT (such as the “Coke” and “Root Beer”) follow a similar format to the Pepsi moniker. Even outside of the GMT-Master II collection, a single nickname can often apply to multiple different Rolex references or configurations. For example, it is ultimately a Paul Newman dial that defines a Paul Newman Daytona, a blue dial and bezel that classifies a two-tone Submariner as a Bluesy, and any Day-Date is a Rolex President as long as it has a President-style bracelet, regardless of its case size, metal type, or the style of dial and bezel fitted to it.
Furthermore, the current-production Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR is now available with either the Oyster or Jubilee bracelet (as of 2021), which only further complicates matters. Since 2019, Rolex Batman watches were those with Oyster bracelets, while the Rolex Batgirl models were those that had the Jubilee bracelet. This meant that the reference 116710BLNR was the Batman, while the reference 126710BLNR was the Batgirl. However, now that you can get the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR with an Oyster bracelet, wouldn’t it just be easier if all the different black and blue GMT-Master II watches simply went by the same “Rolex Batman” nickname?
A Case For The Rolex Batgirl Nickname
Rolex nicknames are entirely unofficial, and the “true” nickname for a watch is simply the one that is most commonly used by people. For example, Rolex’s flagship collection of watches is formally known as the Day-Date, but the vast majority of people call it the President. Regardless of the watch’s official name, you can go up to virtually any watch collector or enthusiast on this planet, say the words “Rolex President,” and that person will know exactly what you are talking about. Similarly, just say the words “Rolex Batgirl” and everyone will instantly know that you mean the model on the Jubilee bracelet.
Additionally, there are many popular Rolex nicknames that apply to only one model or configuration. For example, the “Smurf” nickname exclusively pertains to the 18k white gold Rolex Submariner ref. 116619LB, the “Steve McQueen” name only refers to the reference 1655 Explorer II, and the Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 actually has two different nicknames (“Double Red” and “Great White”) depending on the dial variation fitted to the watch. Given all these other nicknames, having two separate monikers for the different versions of the black and blue GMT-Master II simply makes sense.
On top of that, there is the simple matter of shorthand clarity, which works in favor of keeping the Rolex Batgirl nickname. If you say “Rolex Pepsi” to someone, all that person knows is that you are talking about a red and blue GMT watch. Similarly, without a second nickname for the black/blue Rolex GMT-Master II watches, the words “Rolex Batman” will not convey anything more than the color of the bezel. However, say the words “Rolex Batgirl” to someone, and they will automatically know that you are talking about the newer model with a Jubilee bracelet. At this point, the Rolex Batgirl nickname already exists, and while it may not follow the same format as other GMT-Master nicknames, it is undeniable that it adds clarity to the general parlance of Rolex-collecting.
Rolex Batman vs. Rolex Batgirl: Guest Opinions
Regardless of the specific reference or configuration, all of Rolex’s black and blue GMT-Master II watches are incredibly similar. However, all of our guests had different favorites, along with different opinions regarding which nickname to use for these ultra-desirable luxury travel watches. Below is a quick summary of the thoughts and opinions of the different people who participated in the Rolex Batman vs. Batgirl debate.
Rob – @spanishrob
I just cannot picture the Jubilee bracelet version being called the Batman. I love that it is called the Batgirl, and it will forever be the Batgirl to me. I just love that together as a community, we came up with that name and it makes so much sense – especially considering that not everything in this community always makes sense – but somehow, someone came up with it, everyone was like “that really works” and people just went with it. For that reason, I can’t ever call the Jubilee bracelet version of the BLNR anything except the Batgirl.
I purchased the original Batman on an Oyster bracelet back in 2018, but it wasn’t something that I chose because I was in love with it, but rather because the opportunity came up at the right time. However, I didn’t realize how much I was going to fall in love with that watch. There is an argument to be made about how the Batman on an Oyster bracelet is possibly the most perfect modern Rolex (in my opinion), and while the Oyster bracelet was never something that initially appealed to me, once I actually owned the watch, I found that the Oyster just suited it so well. For me, it’s Oyster on the Batman and Jubilee on the Pepsi, so when it comes to which bracelet specifically for the Batman, I am 120% for the Oyster.
– Rob’s Favorite: Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR (Oyster Bracelet)
Eli – @watchesofgibraltar
I’ve heard that the reason for one model being called the Batman and the other the Batgirl has to do with the fact that the Jubilee bracelet is slightly more feminine – I don’t know if the watch community agrees with that or not, but I understand that it’s at least some of the reasoning behind the watches having two different nicknames. The introduction of the Oyster bracelet on the full stainless steel models does make things a bit more complicated, but despite the changes to the movement and all that, I think it still depends on the bracelet. If the watch is on a Jubilee bracelet then I call it the Batgirl, and if it’s on an Oyster then I call it the Batman.
I own the Batgirl, and in terms of comfort, the Jubilee bracelet is top-notch. The GMT is essentially a watch made for traveling, so having that aspect of added comfort is fantastic – especially during the summer months when you are dealing with hotter temperatures. The Jubilee bracelet is very comfortable and sits quite freely on the wrist. After some time spent actually looking at the watch, it perhaps appears a bit more robust on the Oyster, but in terms of comfort, I’ll definitely go with the Jubilee.
– Eli’s Favorite: Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR (Jubilee Bracelet)
Sam – @samray_gtr
I think calling the Jubilee bracelet version the Batgirl can be a good talking point when introducing the watch to different types of people (such as my wife). When I told her I’d be talking about the Rolex Batman and Batgirl, she was more intrigued because she thought it might be a woman’s watch or a watch that would be more relatable to women. The Batgirl nickname for the Jubilee bracelet version can be a good way to get more people into this hobby by engaging different genders and making everything a bit more gender-neutral.
I definitely prefer the newer model on the Jubilee bracelet; it just seems more dynamic and the look of it is much more satisfying to photograph. The color of blue is a bit more refined and it just looks more mature and maybe possibly a shade darker. On the older models from 2013, the shade of blue just doesn’t work for me for some reason – it just seems a bit more cartoon-like, which is fitting for the Batman nickname, but I still prefer the new one. I’ve seen it on the Oyster bracelet in person a couple times, but to me personally, it just seems a little more sterile and I just prefer it on the Jubilee.
– Sam’s Favorite: Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR (Jubilee Bracelet)
Ripley – @ripley.sellers
I’m not a big fan of the Batgirl nickname. I think the name itself makes sense and helps with general shorthand, but within the context of other GMT-Master nicknames, it just doesn’t work. Every red and blue GMT insert is known as a Pepsi and anything with brown is often called a Root Beer (even though not everyone agrees with that), so it seems weird to now start differentiating between the different black and blue GMT watches. The Batgirl nickname isn’t going anywhere, but if we are going to call the Jubilee bracelet model the Batgirl, then we need to start calling the Oyster bracelet version of the ref. 126710BLNR something different like the “Batman Beyond” or the “Batman Returns” – and then we also need to start differentiating between the different Pepsi models… Diet Pepsi? Pepsi Max? At what point does it end?
I prefer the Oyster bracelet for the Batman from a purely aesthetic standpoint. However, at the same time, if you already own a ceramic Submariner or a Sea-Dweller, then the Jubilee bracelet version is a bit more unique – especially for that person who might already have a few modern Rolex sports watches in their collection.
– Ripley’s Favorite: Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710BLNR
Justin – @abeautifulwrist
Now that they offer the GMT-Master II reference 126710BLNR with both bracelet styles, the whole Batgirl nickname is a bit of a moot point. Even when the Jubilee bracelet version was first announced in 2019, I didn’t necessarily feel that we needed a whole new nickname for the watch, and now that you can order the current model with either the Oyster or Jubilee, can’t they just all be called Batman watches?
I think the Jubilee is a little more refined. It’s a little nicer and it just feels a little more elevated, while the Oyster feels more utilitarian. Neither one is better or worse than the other, but it ultimately comes down to individual usage and personal preference. It is two different camps of people and it can also depend on the specific watch. I think the Jubilee is a great pairing with the GMT in general and if we were talking about the Pepsi version, then I might have a different answer. However, when it comes to the Batman, I think I still prefer the Oyster bracelet.
– Justin’s Favorite: Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710BLNR
