Rolex GMT-Master II

Overview

The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is one of the most recognisable modern travel watches Rolex has produced. Better known by collectors as the “Batman”, it combines a practical second-time-zone complication with the restrained, durable character of an Oystersteel sports watch. Its defining feature is the two-colour Cerachrom bezel, divided into black and blue to represent night and day, with the colour contrast giving the watch an unmistakable identity on the wrist.

At 40mm, the 116710BLNR occupies a versatile position within the Rolex professional range. It has enough presence to feel substantial, yet its proportions remain comfortable for everyday use. The black dial, luminous hour markers, Mercedes-style hour hand and vivid blue 24-hour hand create a highly legible display, while the independently adjustable 24-hour hand allows the wearer to read a second time zone. For buyers seeking a refined, robust and genuinely useful luxury sports watch, this reference remains a compelling choice among gmt & travel watches.

Although designed with international travel in mind, the GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is equally at home as a daily watch. Its Oystersteel construction, secure Oyster bracelet and Cerachrom bezel provide the resilience expected from Rolex, while the black-and-blue colourway gives it more visual character than a conventional monochrome sports model. It is a watch with a clear technical purpose, but one that has become just as admired for its design.

Brand and reference history

Rolex introduced the original GMT-Master in the 1950s for professional pilots and travellers who needed to track local time alongside Greenwich Mean Time. The concept was straightforward but highly effective: a fourth hand made one rotation every 24 hours and worked with a graduated bezel to display an additional time zone. Over time, the GMT-Master evolved into the GMT-Master II, adding an independently adjustable 24-hour hand and making the complication significantly more practical.

The reference 116710BLNR belongs to the modern generation of GMT-Master II watches fitted with a black and blue Cerachrom bezel. The “BLNR” suffix reflects the bezel colours, with “bleu” and “noir” represented in Rolex’s naming convention. Its arrival was significant because producing a single-piece ceramic bezel in two contrasting colours presented considerable technical and manufacturing challenges. The resulting black-and-blue design quickly became one of the most distinctive configurations in the contemporary Rolex catalogue.

Reference 116710BLNR also represents an important stage in the development of Rolex’s professional watches. It brought together the familiar 40mm Oyster case, the highly engineered Oyster bracelet, a ceramic bezel resistant to fading and scratching, and a modern automatic movement with independently adjustable time-zone functionality. It sits within the broader history of Rolex watches as a reference that helped define the aesthetic of the modern luxury travel watch.

Dial, hands and design detail

The dial is finished in deep black, providing a high-contrast background for the applied hour markers and polished white-gold surrounds associated with Rolex’s professional models. The markers are filled with luminous material, allowing the hour layout to remain clear as ambient light falls. The result is a display that feels purposeful rather than decorative: every element is easy to distinguish, whether the watch is being read in bright daylight, an aircraft cabin or a dimly lit room.

Rolex’s Mercedes-style hour hand and sword-shaped minute hand are instantly familiar, while the slim blue 24-hour hand is the key visual indicator of the GMT function. To read a second time zone, the wearer sets the blue hand against the graduated 24-hour bezel. The local hour hand can then be adjusted independently when crossing time zones, without interrupting the movement or losing the reference time indicated by the 24-hour hand.

Small design details reinforce the watch’s identity. The date aperture at three o’clock is equipped with the familiar Cyclops lens, magnifying the calendar display for quick reading. The applied Rolex crown at twelve o’clock balances the dial composition, and the combination of polished surrounds, luminous infill and bright hands gives the watch a crisp, technical appearance. The blue GMT hand echoes the bezel without overwhelming the otherwise restrained black dial.

The two-colour Cerachrom bezel is more than a decorative accent. Its 24-hour scale is essential to the watch’s second-time-zone display, while the ceramic material is highly resistant to ultraviolet light and everyday surface wear. Black occupies the night-time portion and blue the daytime portion, creating a visual distinction that can be understood at a glance. It is this blend of useful information and memorable design that makes the 116710BLNR so recognisable.

Case, bracelet and wearability

The 40mm Oyster case is manufactured in Rolex Oystersteel, an alloy selected for its corrosion resistance, strength and ability to retain its finish. The case architecture is familiar to anyone acquainted with the GMT-Master II: substantial lugs, a screw-down crown protected by crown guards, and a solid overall construction intended to withstand the demands of regular wear. Its proportions remain balanced, with the bezel and bracelet integrating neatly into the case rather than making the watch feel oversized.

The bidirectional 24-hour bezel turns with firm, precise clicks, allowing the wearer to position the reference time. Its black-and-blue Cerachrom insert has a glossy, jewel-like appearance when it catches the light, contrasting with the more functional character of the steel case. The ceramic surface also helps preserve the bezel’s colour and crisp graduation over time, an important consideration for a watch intended to be worn and travelled with rather than kept solely as a display piece.

The Oyster bracelet is a defining part of the watch’s character. Its three-link construction offers a strong visual connection to the Oyster case, with polished centre links adding refinement to the otherwise technical design. The clasp is designed to close securely and can be adjusted to accommodate changes in wrist size, making the watch suitable for long days of travel, office wear and leisure use.

The 116710BLNR has the versatility expected of a modern Rolex sports watch. It can be paired with tailoring without appearing out of place, yet it remains robust enough for casual clothing and active days. The black-and-blue palette is distinctive but not difficult to style, and the polished and brushed surfaces provide enough variation to keep the watch visually interesting from different angles.

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 brand’s professional travel watches. Its principal practical feature is the independently adjustable local hour hand. This allows the wearer to move through local time zones while keeping the 24-hour hand set to home time or another reference zone. The date changes in step with the local hour setting, making the watch convenient for frequent travellers.

The movement is fitted with Rolex’s Parachrom hairspring, designed to provide improved resistance to magnetic fields and variations caused by temperature changes or shocks. A self-winding rotor supplies power during normal wear, while the movement is protected inside the Oyster case. As with any mechanical watch, performance depends on use, environment and maintenance, but the calibre was designed as a dependable and durable engine for everyday ownership.

The 24-hour bezel is bidirectional and works in combination with the blue GMT hand. When the hand is set to a reference time, the wearer can interpret the bezel’s 24-hour scale quickly and intuitively. The conventional hour and minute hands continue to display local time, so the watch provides a clear separation between the two indications rather than forcing the wearer to perform a complicated calculation.

The case includes a screw-down crown and screw-down case back, contributing to the water-resistant Oyster architecture. Exact water resistance should always be considered in relation to the watch’s service history and current condition, particularly with a pre-owned example. The watch is powered by a mechanical movement and does not require a battery, although regular servicing remains important for preserving reliable operation and protecting the movement over the long term.

Sizing and how it wears

The 40mm diameter is one of the reasons the GMT-Master II 116710BLNR remains so broadly wearable. It offers the visual confidence associated with a professional Rolex without the additional bulk of a larger case. On the wrist, the watch presents as purposeful and substantial, but the curved lugs and integrated bracelet help it sit securely rather than feeling top-heavy.

Wrist shape and bracelet adjustment naturally influence the fit. The Oyster bracelet distributes the case weight across the wrist, while the clasp’s adjustment options make it possible to achieve a closer fit for many wearers. Buyers who prefer a snug, compact feel may appreciate the 40mm format, while those accustomed to larger contemporary sports watches may find it understated by comparison. Its proportions are particularly appealing to owners who want one watch that can move between travel, business and weekend settings.

The thickness of the case reflects the GMT mechanism and the robust Oyster construction, but the watch remains practical beneath a shirt cuff. The bezel adds some visual height, yet its rounded profile avoids the abrupt, slab-like appearance that can affect larger sports watches. The polished centre links bring a dressier note, while the brushed case sides and bracelet outer links retain the tool-watch foundation of the design.

As a daily wearer, the 116710BLNR benefits from a useful balance between toughness and refinement. The ceramic bezel offers reassurance against common cosmetic wear, while the steel case and bracelet can be professionally refinished when appropriate. Because the watch is both functional and visually distinctive, it does not rely on formal occasions to justify its presence.

Collectability and market value

The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR has a strong position among modern pre-owned Rolex watches because its appeal is based on more than brand recognition alone. It combines a genuinely useful complication, a recognisable 40mm case, a highly distinctive two-colour ceramic bezel and a versatile steel bracelet. The “Batman” nickname has also become firmly established among collectors, making the reference easy to identify and widely discussed within the enthusiast community.

Its market value is influenced by a number of factors, including overall condition, bracelet completeness, service history, the presence of original accessories and the quality of the bezel, dial and hands. Examples that have been carefully maintained and retain a coherent set of original components are generally more attractive to discerning buyers. A pre-owned watch should therefore be assessed as an individual piece rather than judged solely by its reference number.

The discontinued status of a reference can contribute to collector interest, particularly when the model has a clear visual identity and a strong following. However, collectability should not be confused with guaranteed financial performance. The most compelling reason to buy this GMT-Master II is its combination of design, engineering and daily usability. Any future market movement is secondary to owning a watch that remains satisfying to wear and practical to use.

At a price of £11,700, this example sits within the luxury pre-owned market for a sought-after steel GMT watch. Buyers should compare condition, specification, completeness and seller standards alongside the headline figure. The 116710BLNR’s popularity means that an apparently similar watch can differ meaningfully in presentation and long-term appeal depending on how it has been owned and maintained.

Authenticity, condition and servicing

Authenticity is central when purchasing a pre-owned Rolex, particularly for a widely traded and highly recognisable reference such as the GMT-Master II 116710BLNR. The watch should be assessed as a complete system: case, bezel, dial, hands, bracelet, clasp, crown, movement and any supplied documentation or accessories must be considered together. Reference details alone are not sufficient to establish authenticity or quality.

Condition should be evaluated with an understanding of how the watch was made to be worn. Light signs of use may be consistent with pre-owned ownership, while deeper marks, excessive polishing, bracelet stretch or damage to the ceramic bezel require closer consideration. The sharpness of the case, the definition of the lugs, the condition of the bracelet and the clarity of the dial and hands all contribute to the watch’s overall presentation.

Mechanical servicing is part of responsible ownership. The movement should be checked for winding efficiency, timekeeping, power reserve, date change and correct operation of the GMT hand and bezel. Water resistance should also be tested where appropriate, especially if the owner intends to wear the watch around water. Service recommendations vary according to use and condition, but a watch that is running well should still be monitored and maintained by suitably qualified professionals.

We do not make assumptions about provenance or service history beyond the information available for the individual watch. Any documentation, accessories or known work should be clearly represented rather than overstated. This approach gives buyers a more accurate basis for assessing the watch and supports confident ownership after purchase.

Buying this watch from us

Buying a pre-owned Rolex GMT-Master II should be an informed and enjoyable experience. We present the 116710BLNR with its defining specification clearly explained, including the 40mm Oystersteel case, black-and-blue Cerachrom bezel, black dial, blue 24-hour hand and Oyster bracelet. The aim is to give prospective owners a precise understanding of what makes this reference desirable before they commit to purchase.

At £11,700, this watch offers the opportunity to own one of the most distinctive modern GMT-Master II configurations. It is a practical travel companion, an established luxury sports design and a highly versatile everyday watch in one package. Its colourway is immediately identifiable without being overly loud, and its complication has a clear purpose for anyone who travels across time zones or simply appreciates useful mechanical engineering.

Our wider collection includes watches for different occasions and preferences, including alternatives such as the Rolex Datejust for buyers seeking a more traditional everyday Rolex style. For those specifically drawn to professional models, the 116710BLNR remains especially appealing because it delivers the durability of an Oyster sports watch with the added practicality of an independently adjustable second-time-zone hand.

We encourage buyers to consider how the watch will be worn, the importance of condition and the relevance of available accessories or service information. A luxury pre-owned purchase should be approached with the same care as any significant acquisition. When selected on its merits, the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR offers lasting design appeal, excellent usability and the enduring satisfaction of owning a modern classic.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR?

The 116710BLNR is a 40mm stainless steel Rolex GMT-Master II with a black-and-blue Cerachrom 24-hour bezel. It is commonly known as the “Batman” and is designed to display local time alongside a second time zone.

Why is the 116710BLNR called the “Batman”?

The nickname refers to its black-and-blue bezel, a colour combination associated with the comic-book character. The name is informal but widely used by collectors, dealers and enthusiasts to identify this particular GMT-Master II configuration.

How does the GMT function work?

The blue 24-hour hand points to a second time zone on the graduated bezel, while the conventional hour and minute hands display local time. The local hour hand can be adjusted independently when travelling, leaving the reference time unchanged.

Is the bezel ceramic?

Yes. The watch uses a two-colour black-and-blue Cerachrom bezel insert. Rolex developed Cerachrom as a highly durable ceramic material designed to resist scratching and fading from ultraviolet exposure.

Is the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR suitable as an everyday watch?

Yes. Its Oystersteel case, Oyster bracelet, robust automatic movement and strong legibility make it suitable for regular wear. As with any mechanical watch, it should be maintained appropriately and protected from impacts or conditions outside its intended use.

What should I check when buying a pre-owned 116710BLNR?

Consider authenticity, case and bracelet condition, bezel and dial originality, movement performance, service information and the completeness of any supplied accessories. The seller’s inspection standards and transparency are also important parts of the buying decision.