When the Rolex GMT‑Master debuted in 1955, it was the first wristwatch to display two time zones at once—an innovation created for Pan Am pilots crossing the Atlantic in the early jet age. Today, that legacy lives on in the GMT‑Master II, a watch that bridges its jet‑age origins with the technical mastery of modern watchmaking. In 2013, that evolution marked an important development with the introduction of the first black‑and‑blue bi‑colour Cerachrom bezel, a technical breakthrough that evolved from pilot’s instrument to widely recognised sports watch in high horology.
Engineering Heritage
Born in the golden age of aviation, the GMT‑Master was created to accompany Pan Am crews on increasingly ambitious transatlantic routes. Its rotating bezel and fourth 24‑hour hand allowed aviators to track home and destination times simultaneously. By the 1960s, the watch had travelled beyond the cockpit, embraced by astronauts, jet‑set executives, adventurers and Hollywood figures. Astronaut Scott Carpenter wore one during NASA’s Mercury missions, cementing the watch as a trusted companion in extreme environments.
Building on this heritage, Rolex launched the GMT‑Master II in 1982, which introduced independent adjustment of the hour hand, an essential innovation for the frequent flyer. By 2013, Rolex would again push boundaries with the introduction of the black‑and‑blue Cerachrom bezel, a feat long thought impossible in refined ceramic production.
The 116710BLNR Breakthrough
The reference 116710BLNR, unveiled in 2013, became known among collectors as the “Batman.” Its bezel—half blue, half black—was more than an aesthetic flourish. Achieved by firing zirconium oxide at extreme temperatures before chemically treating and separating pigments, it was a breakthrough that refined ceramic production. Platinum‑filled numerals provided contrast, while the 60‑click bezel rotation demonstrated Rolex’s commitment to functional precision.
This was the first time Rolex had created a two‑tone Cerachrom insert, and it arrived housed in the classic 40mm Oystersteel case, water‑resistant to 100 metres, with brushed lugs and polished flanks offering both presence and subtlety. Inside beat the Calibre 3186, a movement with a 50‑hour reserve and Parachrom hairspring for magnetic resistance, improving durability for everyday use.
The 116710BLNR, initially offered exclusively on the Oyster bracelet, soon became one of the most sought‑after modern Rolex sports models. Its production ran until 2019, when it was discontinued. That decision drove immediate demand. Values surged almost overnight on the secondary market as collectors chased what was now a closed chapter of Rolex history.
Refinement and Evolution
The same year saw an updated form with the 126710BLNR, which the watch community dubbed the “Batgirl” due to its pairing with the five‑link Jubilee bracelet. This reference marked a significant departure from its Oyster‑braceleted predecessor, with the Jubilee’s smooth movement and contrasting finish lending a distinctly different feel. Beneath the caseback lay the Calibre 3285, Rolex’s refined automatic with a 70‑hour power reserve and the efficient Chronergy escapement, delivering improved shock resistance, energy efficiency and chronometric precision.
Adding another chapter to this evolution, Rolex reintroduced the Oyster bracelet option for the 126710BLNR in 2021. Suddenly, buyers had a choice: the rugged sportiness of the Oyster or the more refined Jubilee, each changing the watch’s character while preserving its essential identity. This choice defines its current appeal.
Market Performance
Throughout its lifespan, the 116710BLNR has exhibited a remarkable ability to sustain demand, both in the UK and abroad. Early references of the 116710BLNR regularly sold above retail price shortly after release, and following its discontinuation in 2019, values accelerated markedly. Pieces that once fetched around £10,000 (c.$13,000 USD) in the mid‑2010s now command as much as £18,500–£19,000 (c.$24,000 USD) for pristine examples with complete documentation.
The current 126710BLNR, still in production, officially retails for approximately £8,000–£9,000 (c.$10,000–$11,500 USD). Yet on the secondary market, values are significantly higher, averaging £13,500–£14,000 (c.$17,000–$18,000 USD). Configurations with the Jubilee bracelet tend to command premiums, often reaching £14,000–£16,000 (c.$18,000–$20,500 USD), reflecting both their sophistication and relative scarcity at the point of retail allocation. Waiting lists at authorised dealers continue to stretch from 18 to 36 months, reinforcing its exclusivity.
Market performance continues to favour the 116710BLNR: values have risen by 10–15% since 2023, driven by global demand for luxury sports watches. Condition, provenance and authenticity now carry heightened importance—an untouched, Jubilee‑braceleted example with box and papers commands a notable premium, while polished or incomplete sets tend to trade at a discount. The rise of sophisticated counterfeits requires careful authentication amongst collectors.
What sets the 116710BLNR apart, however, is the reliability of its price appreciation. Its price growth has remained steady, reflecting Rolex’s disciplined production strategy and the model’s enduring market appeal.
Future Prospects
As Rolex enters the seventieth anniversary year of the GMT‑Master, speculation amongst collectors has increased. Collectors closely follow the possibility of new colourways or materials, particularly in light of Rolex’s introduction of the grey‑black 126710GRNR in 2024——nicknamed “Bruce Wayne” by the watch community for its sleek, shadowy bezel—an expansion many see as a signal of future directions for the line.
Legacy and Significance
The Rolex GMT‑Master II 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR stand as modern benchmarks within the GMT line, uniting technical achievement with enduring collector appeal. From the first bi‑colour Cerachrom bezel to the option of both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets, they show Rolex’s gradual evolution. As the GMT‑Master marks its seventieth anniversary, the black‑and‑blue bezel has already secured its place as one of the standout models for today’s collectors.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Prices and market conditions may change. Readers should conduct their own research before making any purchase decisions. The Exclusivist accepts no responsibility for any outcomes arising from the use of this information.
