The first generation of the Batman had the calibre 3186 inside of it which would give you a power reserve of 50 hours, but the new calibre 3285 offers a 70 hour power reserve. Despite both old and new Batman models looking very similar, there is an easy way to tell if it has the old or new movement inside of it by looking at the 6 o’clock position. The older model has ‘Swiss Made’ at the bottom of the dial while the new has ‘Swiss Crown Made’ at the bottom. A nice little extra attention to detail that Rolex continues to perfect.
Then in 2020 Rolex discontinued the Batgirl all together only to then re-release the Batman AND batgirl (126710BLNR) in 2021….again. Some liked this as it would give them another chance at getting one at retail, but flippers who hoped its value would skyrocket like the submariner hulk didn’t like it as much.
Rolex GMT BLNR: What's the difference between Rolex Batman and Batgirl
The Rolex BLNR (116710BLNR) was first released back in 2013 and because of its striking blue and black ceramic bezel, it soon adopted the nickname of the “Batman”. When it made its debut, it was released only with an oyster bracelet, however that all changed in 2019 when they discontinued it on the oyster bracelet. From 2019, you could only buy GMT blue and black ceramic bezel on a jubilee only which led to it receiving the nickname the “batgirl”. The watch community felt like the Batman was only to be referred to as the version on an oyster and the batgirl was to be referred to as the one on the jubilee.
The first iteration of the Batman in 2013 was with a 40mm case and whilst the new model released in 2019 is laso 40mm, there is on subtle difference. Just like what Rolex did with the Submariner, they did to the GMT line up as well, lug tapering. The lugs on the older models of the GMT were more boxy, just like the old submariner (116610 LN). The lug tapering plays a nice tribute to the very first Rolex GMT watches to be made which had very thin lugs, it also gives a more elegant feel and look to the watch itself. Another very subtle difference between the old and new Batman (116710BLNR) is found at the very bottom of the dial at the 6 o’clock position.
The main differences
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James Talbot