Rolex GMT-Master II

Overview

The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is one of the most recognisable modern Rolex travel watches, combining practical dual-time functionality with a distinctly contemporary appearance. Known by collectors as the “Batman”, this reference pairs a black and blue Cerachrom bezel with a 40mm Oystersteel case, creating a versatile design that works as confidently with business attire as it does at the weekend.

Its appeal lies in the balance between everyday robustness and specialist capability. The independent 24-hour hand allows the wearer to follow a second time zone, while the two-colour bezel provides an immediate day-and-night indication. Add the highly legible Rolex dial, luminous hour markers, Mercedes-style hour hand and Oyster bracelet, and the result is a watch designed for travel but equally compelling as an everyday luxury sports watch.

For collectors building a focused Rolex collection, the 116710BLNR occupies an important place in the evolution of the GMT-Master II. It introduced a black-and-blue ceramic bezel to the range and became a particularly desirable reference among Rolex watches. Its proportions, colour scheme and mechanical usefulness have helped establish it as a modern classic.

Brand and reference history

Rolex’s GMT-Master was originally developed for the demands of international aviation, giving pilots and travellers a practical way to read a second time zone. The GMT-Master II developed that concept further by allowing the 24-hour hand to be adjusted independently, making it possible to display local time, home time and, with the bezel, an additional time zone.

Reference 116710BLNR belongs to the generation that brought Rolex’s Cerachrom ceramic bezel technology to the GMT-Master II in a particularly distinctive configuration. The “BLNR” suffix is associated with the bezel colours: blue and noir, or black. Before this reference, producing a single, sharply divided two-colour ceramic bezel was a significant technical challenge. Its arrival therefore represented more than a colour update; it marked an important step in Rolex’s development of durable, high-definition ceramic components.

The reference is part of the broader GMT-Master II story, a family that remains central to the brand’s professional watch identity. While models such as the Rolex Daytona are associated with chronograph performance and motor racing, the GMT-Master II is defined by international travel and time-zone awareness. That purpose gives the 116710BLNR a character of its own within the Rolex sports-watch portfolio.

Dial, hands and design detail

The black dial is intentionally restrained, allowing the hands and hour markers to remain immediately readable. Applied hour markers provide a clean, structured layout, while the familiar Mercedes-style hour hand gives the watch an unmistakable Rolex identity. The minute hand is clearly differentiated, and the blue 24-hour hand introduces a carefully judged flash of colour that relates directly to the bezel.

In low-light conditions, the luminous treatment on the hour markers and hands supports quick reading without compromising the dial’s balanced appearance. The central hands are designed to separate visually, while the 24-hour hand points towards the graduated bezel rather than competing with the primary time display. This is an important part of the GMT-Master II’s usability: its additional function is present at a glance but never overwhelms the watch.

The black-and-blue colour combination is also unusually versatile. Black provides a sober foundation, while blue brings depth and a modern edge. The contrast is strong enough to make the bezel immediately identifiable, yet sufficiently understated for regular wear. The result is a design that feels sporty without becoming loud, and luxurious without relying on excessive ornament.

Rolex’s attention to detail extends to the bezel markings, which are designed to remain crisp and legible over time. Cerachrom is highly resistant to fading and corrosion, helping preserve the visual sharpness that distinguishes this reference. The overall effect is purposeful: every element contributes either to legibility, time-zone reading or the watch’s recognisable aesthetic.

Case, bracelet and wearability

The 40mm Oystersteel case gives the 116710BLNR a strong yet balanced presence on the wrist. Its dimensions place it in a highly versatile range: substantial enough to feel like a professional sports watch, but not so large that it becomes difficult to wear with cuffs or formal clothing. The case profile, lugs and polished and brushed surfaces create the familiar contrast associated with Rolex Oyster models.

Oystersteel was selected for its resistance to corrosion and its suitability for demanding daily use. The Oyster case architecture is designed to help protect the movement from external conditions, while the screw-down crown supports the watch’s water-resistant construction. The flanks remain comparatively clean, ensuring that the technical character of the GMT-Master II is expressed through its bezel, bracelet and dial rather than unnecessary case decoration.

The Oyster bracelet is an important part of the watch’s identity. Its broad three-link structure combines a confident sports-watch appearance with a smooth, familiar feel on the wrist. Brushed outer links help disguise the marks that naturally accompany regular use, while polished centre links add refinement and reflect light as the wrist moves.

Rolex’s clasp system provides a secure closure and contributes to the watch’s practical everyday character. The bracelet and case work together as a single design rather than appearing as separate components. This integration is one reason the GMT-Master II remains so wearable: it feels engineered for continuous use, yet retains the finishing expected of a luxury timepiece.

Movement and technical specification

At the heart of the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is Rolex calibre 3186, an automatic mechanical movement developed for the demands of the GMT-Master II. Its architecture provides the independent adjustment of the 24-hour hand that defines the model’s second-time-zone function. This allows local time to be altered without stopping the movement or losing the reference time shown by the additional hand.

The movement uses Rolex’s Parachrom hairspring, designed to offer improved resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations compared with more traditional hairspring materials. This is particularly relevant in a travel watch, where the wearer may encounter different climates, transport environments and everyday sources of magnetic exposure. The movement is also equipped with Rolex’s regulating and shock-resistant technologies, supporting dependable use over the long term.

The 24-hour Cerachrom bezel is graduated for reading a second time zone alongside the blue GMT hand. By aligning the bezel with the desired reference, the wearer can interpret the second time against a 24-hour scale. The two-colour division provides the useful visual distinction between daytime and nighttime hours, allowing the display to be understood quickly without calculation.

The watch is self-winding, with the movement powered by the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist. Its specification is rooted in practicality rather than complication for its own sake: automatic winding, a date display, independent GMT adjustment, a robust case and a highly legible dial. Together, these features explain why the GMT-Master II has remained one of the most enduring categories within gmt & travel watches.

Sizing and how it wears

At 40mm, the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is a versatile size for a wide range of wrists. It has enough visual weight to feel purposeful, but its proportions remain controlled. The case does not dominate the wearer, and the integrated Oyster bracelet helps distribute the watch’s presence evenly rather than concentrating it at the centre of the wrist.

The watch is particularly easy to style across different settings. The black dial and bezel provide a restrained foundation for office wear, while the blue details prevent the design from appearing overly conservative. With casual clothing, the Oystersteel construction and ceramic bezel naturally reinforce its sports-watch credentials. This flexibility is central to its appeal as a one-watch option for frequent travellers and collectors alike.

Wrist comfort is also influenced by bracelet adjustment and clasp positioning. A correctly sized Oyster bracelet should sit securely without feeling restrictive, allowing the case to remain stable when reading the time or adjusting the crown. Buyers considering the reference should pay attention not only to the nominal 40mm diameter, but also to wrist circumference, lug-to-lug feel and personal preference for bracelet tension.

The watch’s visual profile can change depending on lighting. The brushed steel surfaces create a more technical impression in diffuse light, while the polished elements and ceramic bezel produce greater presence in brighter conditions. This changing character is one of the pleasures of wearing the 116710BLNR regularly: it can appear understated at one moment and unmistakably luxurious at the next.

Collectability and market value

The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR has strong collector appeal because it combines an established professional model with a memorable modern design detail. The black-and-blue bezel gives the reference an immediate identity, while its 40mm case and Oyster bracelet reflect a proportion and configuration that many enthusiasts regard as particularly balanced.

Its desirability is also linked to the development of Rolex ceramic bezel technology. The reference helped make the black-and-blue Cerachrom combination a defining part of the modern GMT-Master II range. As a result, it is often considered an important contemporary Rolex sports watch rather than simply another variation of an existing model.

Market value is influenced by several factors, including overall condition, bracelet integrity, evidence of servicing, presence of original accessories and the quality of the bezel, case and dial. Watches that retain crisp case geometry and a complete, well-preserved bracelet can attract particular interest. Conversely, heavy polishing, stretched bracelet components or uncertain servicing history may affect desirability.

This watch is offered at £11,700. As with all pre-owned luxury watches, value should be considered in the context of condition, authenticity, specification and long-term collectability rather than price alone. The 116710BLNR’s combination of recognisable design, useful complication and Rolex provenance makes it an especially compelling choice for a buyer seeking a serious everyday sports watch with enduring appeal.

Authenticity, condition and servicing

Authenticity is fundamental when buying a pre-owned Rolex, particularly a sought-after reference such as the GMT-Master II 116710BLNR. A proper assessment should consider the watch as a complete system: case, bezel, dial, hands, movement, bracelet, clasp and reference-specific details all need to be consistent with one another. Isolated visual checks are not enough to establish originality or condition.

Condition should be assessed with equal care. Surface marks from previous wear can be expected on a pre-owned watch, but buyers should distinguish between light use and more significant alteration. Case edges, lug definition, bezel condition, bracelet stretch, clasp operation, crystal clarity and dial and hand integrity all contribute to the watch’s overall quality and future appeal.

Servicing is part of responsible ownership. A mechanical watch benefits from periodic inspection, lubrication and regulation, although the appropriate interval depends on usage, performance and the advice of a qualified watchmaker. A service should not be assumed merely because a watch is running, and a claimed service history should be supported by appropriate documentation where available.

We recommend that prospective buyers ask for clear information about the watch’s condition and included items before purchase. Where details have not been supplied, they should not be presumed. Our aim is to present each watch accurately, explain its specification clearly and ensure that the buyer can make an informed decision based on the individual example offered.

Buying this watch from us

This Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is available from us for £11,700. It represents an opportunity to acquire one of the most distinctive modern Rolex GMT references: a practical 40mm travel watch with a black-and-blue Cerachrom bezel, automatic dual-time functionality and the everyday versatility of an Oystersteel case and bracelet.

We understand that purchasing a pre-owned luxury watch is a considered decision. The appeal is not only the name on the dial, but also the precise condition, originality, specification and ownership experience of the individual watch. For that reason, we focus on clear descriptions and straightforward communication, helping buyers understand what they are buying before they commit.

The 116710BLNR is equally suited to a collector adding a significant Rolex sports model and to a traveller looking for a dependable watch with a genuinely useful complication. Its design is recognisable without being excessive, and its GMT function remains practical whether the second time zone belongs to home, family, business or a destination visited regularly.

If you are comparing this reference with other luxury travel watches, consider the qualities that matter most to you: case size, bracelet design, bezel readability, movement architecture, servicing expectations and long-term collectability. The GMT-Master II’s enduring appeal comes from how effectively it brings these considerations together in one coherent, highly wearable design.

For further information about this watch, its condition or the buying process, please contact us before ordering. We will be pleased to discuss the specification and answer reasonable questions so that your purchase is approached with confidence and clarity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR?

The 116710BLNR is a Rolex GMT-Master II with a 40mm Oystersteel case, black dial, black-and-blue Cerachrom 24-hour bezel and automatic calibre 3186. It is widely known by collectors as the “Batman”.

Why is the 116710BLNR called the “Batman”?

The nickname refers to its black-and-blue bezel, whose dark colour combination is associated with the comic-book character. The name is informal, but it has become widely used by collectors and dealers.

What does the GMT function do?

The GMT function allows the wearer to track a second time zone using the independent 24-hour hand and graduated bezel. The bezel’s two-colour division also indicates daytime and nighttime hours.

Is the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR suitable for everyday wear?

Yes. Its Oystersteel case and bracelet, robust construction, legible dial and automatic movement make it well suited to regular wear. As with any mechanical watch, sensible care and appropriate servicing remain important.

What affects the value of a pre-owned 116710BLNR?

Condition, originality, case geometry, bezel and dial quality, bracelet integrity, servicing evidence and included accessories can all influence value. The reference’s collectability and distinctive black-and-blue ceramic bezel are also significant factors.

How much does this watch cost?

This Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is offered at £11,700. Buyers should also consider the individual watch’s condition, authenticity, specification and available documentation when assessing its overall value.