Rolex Batman vs Batgirl: Which Gotham Hero Is BEST for You?

Whether you’re a Marvel or a DC fan (or not into comic book heroes at all), you will have undoubtedly come across Rolex’s iconic Batman and Batgirl watches on your horological adventures. 

These two GMT Master II models, which are the ultimate Rolex tribute to the Dark Knight and his bold feminine counterpart, have definitively colored black and blue bezels that can be spotted miles away by even the least-keen eye. Thus, they’ve become polarising components of the watch world. 

While both models share some similarities, their intricacies set them apart. While the Batman exudes masculinity with its black and blue bezel, the Batgirl is a stunning representation of a slightly softer approach to the timepiece. Let’s explore the nuances of each watch and find out which one is the right match for you.

The Dark Knight Timer – The Rolex Batman

The Batman, as the name suggests, pays homage to the iconic comic book character and his signature colors of black and blue. Now, it should be noted that this isn’t Rolex’s intention, but rather (like all nicknames applied to Rolex watches), the Batman moniker is the result of the public’s reaction to the watch. After all, a superhero name is far catchier than a reference number…

This particular version of the GMT Master II (1167010BLNR) was first introduced in 2013 and became a fast favorite amongst watch collectors and enthusiasts. It quickly turned into one of Rolex’s most sought-after watches due to its unique color scheme and functionality.

As mentioned, the standout feature of the Batman is its bi-directional rotating bezel, which is crafted from scratch-resistant ceramic and has a 24-hour display, lending credence to the GMT functionality of the watch. 

The black and blue combination is relentlessly striking, and the stark blue color is achieved using Rolex’s patented Cerachrom technology. The Cerachrom bezel is not only incredibly durable but also retains its color and shine over decades (perhaps even centuries), adding to the unit’s overall value and collector appeal.

The original Batman was powered by Rolex’s in-house Calibre 3186 movement, which is COSC-certified and ensures exceptional accuracy. The watch also has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, making it reliable and practical for everyday wear but perhaps not perfect for a swap-out watch that you’ll slip on once a week (unless you’ve got a watch winder, which you should have).

Thanks to its GMT function, Rolex’s GMT Master II range is perfect for globetrotters who frequent different time zones, and it’s equally appealing to collectors who appreciate the unique color combination and the insinuated Batman theme. 

Although, I think that most people who buy this watch will do so because it’s a higher-end Rolex model with some edge, by way of its hues, that will speak to the personal tastes of prospective buyers, as opposed to the average watch enthusiast looking for a ‘walk around’ watch. Make no mistake, this isn’t a watch for everyone, regardless of how thick your wallet may be. The Batman requires – or demands – a certain degree of panache from its owner.

Queen of the Cave – The Rolex Batgirl

Rolex opened the curtain on the GMT Master II Batgirl 126710BLNR in 2019 and, in doing so, reinvigorated the Batman’s popularity in the luxury market in a way that few people could have predicted. And all this from what was ostensibly just a movement update and bracelet swap on an old darling of modern horology. 

Given that the Batgirl is practically identical to the Batman, except for a few very minor differences, which I’ll get to later, one could be forgiven for wondering why so much fuss has been made about this model at all.

Well, there are two reasons to be excited about the Batgirl, with the more obvious being its Jubilee bracelet, a five-link metal bracelet introduced in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary. The Jubilee bracelet adds a touch of elegance and femininity to the watch, making it perfect for women who appreciate both the technical and aesthetic aspects of a timepiece and for men who are after something that balances strength and sensitivity.

The second major update to the more recent BLNR GMT Master II is the movement. In place of the 3186 Calibre, Rolex rolled out their all-new, in-house Calibre 3285 movement, which is obviously also COSC-certified, offering all of the reliability and precision of its predecessor, with an increased power reserve of approximately 70 hours. 

This added functionality certainly warrants the release hype of the Batgirl, as does the fact that its bracelet moves it into an entirely new design paradigm. However, what inherent meaning does an all-new name designation for such a release hold, and what are the other comparative advantages of the latest iteration of the GMT Master II BLNR over the original release?

Batman Vs Batgirl – Who Should Win a Place on Your Arm?

I have an admission to make – the title of this article creates the impression that only two watches are being compared here, and while that is mostly true, it’s not technically the whole truth. In fact, there are officially three versions of the GMT Master II BLNR timepiece, and although we’ll be honing in on the two main players, there is a third contender that will sneak under the radar from time to time. 

The watch I’m referring to is the latest release of the Batman, which is in every way identical to the original but with an updated movement that matches the Batgirl’s internal workings. Bear that in mind moving forward – when I refer to the ‘original’ Batman, I’m talking about a watch that was manufactured from 2013 to 2019. Now, with that out of the way, let’s get into some detailed comparisons between our two leads.

Appearance

It doesn’t take a superhero to crack open the case of the Batman and the Batgirl’s shared features. From even a cursory glance, it’s all too apparent that these models have several characteristics in common, namely their 40mm Oystersteel cases and the GMT function (which is denoted by the extra, large-arrow-tipped hand), as well as the half-and-half, black and blue 24-hour bezel. 

The bezel is complemented by a black dial, which features luminescent markers and hands, a running seconds hand, and a date window that lies below Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens. Both cases are made of 904L Oystersteel, which meets the flat sapphire crystal glass with a degree of accuracy that makes the fissure almost imperceptible.

The GMT Master II BLNR, however, received some major updates upon its (re)release in 2019, which saw the watch unveiled on Rolex’s slightly less masculine, far more dressy jubilee bracelet, a five-link binding with polished central links that is a polarising contrast to the sporty professionalism of the GMT Master II watch itself. 

Although many people may be fans of the jubilee bracelet as a standalone item, or especially as the fastening on other well-known and perhaps more fitting Rolex models such as the ever-sexy Day-Date, I can’t help but feel as though the Batman’s Oyster bracelet is a more appropriate partner for this watch. 

There’s something about its simple, unaffected robustness that contributes a great deal of vigor to the entire package without detracting at all from the main focal points of the case. Unlike the Jubilee, the 3-link Oyster bracelet demands no attention for itself, happily and dutifully directing all audiences towards its master’s face.

However, one thing to be said for the case of the Jubilee is the unavoidable truth that it is a more comfortable bracelet. Perhaps that’s all that’s needed to convince you of its necessity. Thus the Batgirl is, without a doubt, more easy-wearing than her masculine predecessor, which means a great deal to frequent flyers who would buy this watch for its intended GMT use.

Movement

The (original) Rolex Batman is run by the Calibre 3186 movement, which is a self-winding mechanical movement that has been in production since 2005. This movement features Rolex’s usual suspects on sports watches, including but not limited to a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, enhancing the watch’s accuracy and durability. 

It should be said that Rolex’s proprietary Parachrom hairspring is not only anti-magnetic and more resistant to temperature changes but also roughly 10 times more accurate than traditional hairsprings when shocked. These are geeky stats that beg to be flaunted.

Being a GMT movement, it also features a 24-hour hand, which can be independently set from the main time display to track a second timezone. With 31 jewels and a running frequency of 4Hz or 28,800 vibrations per hour, time runs smoothly on the dial of Batman, and I can’t say that I’d want much more from a movement than what one gets from the 3186. 

Since 2015, every Rolex GMT Master II watch has been equipped with the Calibre 3285, which ensures a precision rating of -2/+2 seconds per day. This accuracy level is twice as rigorous as the parameters set by the COSC for a mechanical chronometer wristwatch. 

This is one of the upsides available with the Batgirl, the other being its extended power supply – compared to the Batman’s (rather generous) 48-hour backup, the 3285 movement boasts an ample 70-hour reserve, meaning you’ll likely never have to worry about running out of juice. 

The 3285 also features a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers but has been further improved with a new Chronergy escapement, which is responsible for the aforementioned increased reserve.

Both the Calibre 3186 and Calibre 3285 movements are manufactured entirely in-house by Rolex and are COSC certified, ensuring their accuracy and precision. The Calibre 3186 movement has a long history and has been featured in many iconic Rolex models, including the GMT Master II and the Explorer II but has now been entirely phased out of production by Rolex to be replaced by the more efficient Calibre 3285 movement. 

Make no mistake – while the 3186 and 3285 movements share some similarities, the latter is a more advanced and refined version. It stands to be said, though, that both movements are a testament to Rolex’s excellence in their field and that anyone fortunate enough to wear either should thank the gods of horology every day for their luck.

Price & Availability

Both the Rolex Batman and Rolex Batgirl are highly sought-after models, and as such, they can be difficult to come by. These watches have a retail price of around $9,700 (the Jubilee bracelet is a touch more expensive), but due to their popularity, they can often be found selling for much higher prices on the secondary market. More on this shortly. 

As with almost all new Rolex watches, it will require a great deal of patience, luck, or both, to obtain a new Batman or Batgirl from the Rolex factory. Like the GMT Master II ‘Pepsi’, another fan-favorite among collectors, the Batman and Batgirl iterations of this watch are highly sought after, and thus, waitlists for a new BLNR timepiece can run up to 2 years.

Let that settle in, and remember that only the most special kind of desire is capable of transcending a 24-month wait. Thankfully, Rolex recently launched an aftermarket program that allows customers to purchase used watches directly from the brand. This is an excellent (and sensible) option for those who want to ensure they get a genuine timepiece under warranty without waiting an eternity to do so.

However, the program often has limited availability of certain models and isn’t accessible across the globe, so bear that in mind. If you’re interested in buying a second-hand Batman or Batgirl, prices can vary widely based on the watch’s condition, age, and rarity.

The first-release Batman with its original box and papers up to anywhere from $17,000 to $22,000, depending on its condition and service history. A second-hand Batgirl can be found for roughly the same amount.

Value Retention & Investment

This may be the section that many of you scrolled down to read, and in this economy, who could blame you? It’s no secret that luxury watches are being purchased more and more as investments as opposed to just being rewarding accessories or status symbols. 

It’s also almost a given that Rolex stands shoulder-to-shoulder with a glaringly small amount of watchmakers at the tip of the investment needle (I won’t use the word ‘pyramid’, for obvious reasons) in terms of manufacturing iconic watches that not only retain their value but increase in value, sometimes exponentially, over time. 

Both the Batman and the Batgirl have shown impressive value retention over the years, which contributes greatly to the excessive demand for them on the secondary market. The Batman, with its striking black and blue bezel, was officially priced at under $10,000 upon its 2013 release and now goes for an average of about $18,000. 

Although to get an unworn 116710BLNR, you’d be more likely to pay around $20,000 – more than double the original listing price. The Batman’s relative rarity, combined with its popularity, has made it a desirable item for collectors, resulting in prices significantly higher than its original retail price.

The Batgirl, released in 2019, is a newer model and hasn’t been on the market for as long as the Batman. However, it has shown signs of ridiculously strong value retention, with prices on the secondary market already coming in at approximately twice Rolex’s official asking price. 

Given that the luxury watch market has grown rapidly over recent years, this is no surprise. Coupled with the scarcity of new Rolex models due to the global supply-chain issues with which we’re all too familiar, the Batgirl is kicking proverbial ass on the investment front and indeed, if you’d bought one in 2019, you’d be able to sell that and, provided you’ve got the patience of a monk, afford two new BLNR models with your profits.

Ultimately, when it comes to investing in watches, it’s important to consider the rarity, condition, and history of each piece. Both the Batman and the Batgirl are excellent investments due to their popularity and limited production. 

However, it’s important to note that the value of any investment can fluctuate and that there are never any guarantees – we’re looking at a rather volatile market, comparatively speaking. No one knows when the taste for these watches could diminish enough to negatively affect their prices, but I, for one, still think that now more than ever, a professional Rolex is a great investment, especially as it looks much better than a government bond.

Other Notable Rolex GMT Master II Models

I’ve seen some incredible timepieces in my day, but few hold a candle to the casually sporty Rolex GMT Master II. A true icon in the world of horology, it’s beloved by collectors and enthusiasts alike. 

It’s only right, therefore, that we take a quick look at some of the most notable Rolex GMT Master II watches, each of which has as storied and intriguing a history as the BLNR range of timepieces that we’ve been looking at here.

Rolex GMT Master II “Pepsi”

The ‘Pepsi’ GMT Master II is a timeless classic that has become an icon of the Rolex brand. With its signature blue and red bezel, this ultra-recognizable piece is a nod to the brand’s aviation heritage. 

As with all current GMT Master II watches, it’s powered by the 3285, with a -2/+2 seconds per day rating. Originally designed for pilots in the 1950s, the GMT Master II became a favorite among travelers and adventurers alike. Today, the Rolex Pepsi GMT Master II is considered one of the most desirable watches in the world.

Rolex GMT Master II “Root Beer”

Rolex’s ‘Root Beer’ GMT Master II is the only watch here to be released in more than one color variant under the same name, with the 126711CHNR being a graphic step away from its predecessors, whose bezels were brown and gold, as opposed to the newer Root Beer’s black and brown bezel. 

The watch was first introduced in the 1970s and has undergone several updates and revisions over the years. The Root Beer GMT Master II is a versatile watch that can be worn in various settings, from the boardroom to the beach. Its somewhat unconventional color scheme makes it an acquired taste, but given its popularity, Rolex knew something we didn’t from the very beginning of the Root Beer’s tenure on their roster.

Rolex GMT Master II “Sprite”

Rolex introduced the latest addition to the GMT Master II lineup, the ‘Sprite’, in 2022. This GMT wristwatch has the same black dial as the rest of the family, coupled with a striking green and black bezel, both quintessential colors in the Rolex palette.

Despite the novelty pairing of these colors on a bezel, that’s not the focus of the Rolex fan club’s fevered attention. It’s this: the Sprite GMT Master II is the Swiss giant’s first left-handed timepiece. Not only has the crown been shifted to the opposite side, but the date window has also been moved.

The Sprite’s unconventional design has sparked a debate among Rolex enthusiasts, and we’ll see whether this is a trendsetter or the beginning and end of a quietly quirky idea. Whatever happens, you can’t hold it against Rolex for trying – lefties deserve good watches, too!

The Good Guys Win Again

In all honesty (yes, I know this sounds like quintessential fence-sitting), both the Rolex Batman and Batgirl are top-notch watches with visual appeal that no other timepiece can match. They’re strong, pinpoint-accurate, well-finished, and luxuriously fitting on any wrist.

It’s important to note that while these watches are widely coveted and, therefore, can be quite expensive, they also have a strong history of remaining expensive, which is good for your peace of mind and peace of…wallet. Ultimately, whether you’re a fan of the Dark Knight or the She-Bat, the Rolex GMT Master II BLNR range is an excellent choice for watch enthusiasts looking for a high-quality and stylish timepiece.

My personal preference is for the updated Batman 126710BLNR, but whether you choose the subtle arbiter of class on a Jubilee bracelet or the robustly sporty original, you’ll be bowled over by the unapologetic aesthetic and endless reliability of these watches.