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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116710BLNR GMT-Master}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex 116710BLNR GMT-Master}}
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex GMT-Master 116710BLNR (2013–2019) — Production & Dial Guide | BezelBase
|title=Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR, blue-black Cerachrom, 2013–2019 | Rolexopedia
|description=The 116710BLNR is the original Batman. Rolex launched it at Baselworld 2013 with a blue-and-black two-tone Cerachrom bezel, the first two-colour ceramic…
|description=The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is the 40mm steel reference introduced in 2013 with a blue-and-black Cerachrom bezel, caliber 3186, and an Oyster bracelet. It was replaced by the 126710BLNR in 2019.
|keywords=Rolex, 116710BLNR, GMT-Master, specifications, reference guide
|keywords=Rolex, 116710BLNR, GMT-Master, specifications, reference guide
|image=Ref 116710BLNR hero.jpg
|image=Ref 116710BLNR hero.webp
|image_alt=First two-tone ceramic bezel
|image_alt=First two-tone ceramic bezel
|type=Article
|type=Article
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}}
}}


<small>[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]] -> '''116710BLNR'''</small>
<small>[[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master]] › '''116710BLNR'''</small>


The [[Reference:116710BLNR|116710BLNR]] is the original Batman. Rolex launched it at Baselworld 2013 with a blue-and-black two-tone Cerachrom bezel, the first two-colour ceramic insert the brand had ever shipped. The reference shares its case, movement, and bracelet with the all-black [[Reference:116710LN|116710LN]] that had preceded it since 2007, and the only real change at launch was the bezel. That one change was enough to make the 116710BLNR the most talked-about steel GMT-Master II of its generation and to drive a secondary-market arc that still defines collector memory of the reference.
<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 116710BLNR hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex 116710BLNR GMT-Master, the original Batman|Rolex 116710BLNR GMT-Master, the original Batman]]
</div>


The nickname was not Rolex's. The community named it Batman for the DC colour scheme, and the name stuck. Rolex's own "BLNR" code parses as Bleu Noir.
The 116710BLNR is the steel GMT-Master II introduced at Baselworld 2013 with a blue-and-black Cerachrom bezel. It shares the 40mm Super Case, caliber 3186, dial, and Oyster bracelet with the black-bezel 116710LN; the bezel colour, blue 24-hour hand, and dial signature distinguish it. Rolex replaced it with the 126710BLNR in 2019.
 
Batman is a collector nickname for the blue-and-black colour scheme. Rolex's BLNR code refers to bleu/noir.


<span id="core-facts"></span>
<span id="core-facts"></span>


[[File:Ref 116710BLNR hero.jpg|thumb|right|250px|alt=First two-tone ceramic bezel|First two-tone ceramic bezel]]


== Core facts ==
==Core facts==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
|-
|-
! detail
! detail
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|-
|-
| key identity
| key identity
| first Rolex with a two-tone ceramic bezel
| first GMT-Master II with a single-piece blue-and-black two-colour Cerachrom insert
|}
|}


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== Where it sits in the line ==
== Where it sits in the line ==


The 116710BLNR is a bezel variant of the 116710LN. Same 40mm Super Case, same caliber 3186, same Oyster bracelet, same dial platform. The Batman swaps in a blue-and-black Cerachrom insert and a blue 24-hour hand, and it drops the green "GMT-Master II" signature line that the 116710LN carried.
The 116710BLNR is a bezel variant of the 116710LN, sharing the 40mm Super Case, caliber 3186, Oyster bracelet, and dial platform. The blue-and-black Cerachrom bezel, blue 24-hour hand, and absence of the green GMT-Master II signature line distinguish it from the 116710LN.


Downstream, the 116710BLNR is replaced by the [[Reference:126710BLNR|126710BLNR]] in 2019. The successor moves to the slimmer 126710-generation case, caliber 3285, and a Jubilee bracelet at launch. Rolex retired the 116710BLNR and the 116710LN at the same Baselworld event.
Rolex replaced it with the [[Reference:126710BLNR|126710BLNR]] in 2019, moving to the slimmer 126710-generation case, caliber 3285, and a Jubilee bracelet at launch. The 116710BLNR and the 116710LN left the catalogue together at that same Baselworld.


<span id="production-outline"></span>
<span id="production-outline"></span>
== Production outline ==
== Production outline ==


Production runs from 2013 through 2019. The Fratello and SJX Baselworld 2013 launch-day pieces are the period-press anchors for the debut. Fratello gives the CHF 8,500 launch retail price; period-market figures put the price at roughly EUR 7,250 at launch and around EUR 8,200 at retirement.
Published histories place production from 2013 through 2019. Launch prices are market data and are not needed to identify the reference.
 
The secondary market tells a louder story. EUR prices ran from around EUR 8,500 at the start of the discontinuation signal into the EUR 16,000 range as collectors reacted to the Batman's retirement. The premium persisted after production stopped, which is why Phillips was still able to offer a new-old-stock stickered example at the Geneva Watch Auction XIX in May 2024 from the Guido Mondani Collection.


<span id="movement-notes"></span>
<span id="movement-notes"></span>
== Movement notes ==
== Movement notes ==


The 116710BLNR runs caliber 3186 for its entire life. The movement carries a blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock protection, and the revised GMT wheel that Rolex used across its Super Case sports references. Power reserve is 48 hours.
Caliber 3186 runs the whole production. It carries a blue Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock protection, and the revised GMT wheel Rolex used across its Super Case sports references. Power reserve is 48 hours.


The 3186 is the same calibre that powers the 116710LN, which is what lets collectors treat the Batman and the all-black ceramic GMT as mechanical siblings. It is also the movement that the 126710BLNR moves past in 2019, when caliber 3285 arrives with a 70-hour reserve and the Chronergy escapement.
The same 3186 powers the 116710LN, so the two ceramic-bezel references share the movement. They remain distinct in bezel, 24-hour hand and dial printing. Caliber 3285 replaced it on the 126710BLNR in 2019, bringing a 70-hour reserve and the Chronergy escapement.


<span id="dial-map"></span>
<span id="dial-map"></span>
== Dial map ==
== Dial map ==


[[File:Ref 116710BLNR dial-detail.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Blue/black Batman dial|Blue/black Batman dial]]
[[File:Ref_116710BLNR_dial-detail.webp|thumb|right|300px|alt=Blue/black Batman dial|Blue/black Batman dial]]


The 116710BLNR has one dial configuration: glossy black Maxi dial with 18K white-gold markers, Chromalight luminescent plots, and a blue 24-hour hand. The printed text omits the green "GMT-Master II" signature that appears on the 116710LN. Time+Tide's December 2014 long-form review confirms the same dial layout in hand.
The documented dial is glossy black in the Maxi layout with 18K white-gold markers, Chromalight plots, and a blue 24-hour hand. The cited record does not establish that every production-year dial was identical. The printed text omits the green "GMT-Master II" signature that appears on the 116710LN, which is the fastest way to separate the two in a photograph.


The dial is shared with the 116710LN in every respect other than the 24-hour hand colour and the signature line. That deliberate reuse is part of the Batman's design logic: the bezel is the change, the dial is the pair.
The hand colour and signature line distinguish the two references in the cited photographs. Service history still matters when assessing an individual dial.


<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
<span id="case-bezel-crystal-and-crown-notes"></span>
== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes ==
== Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes ==


[[File:Ref 116710BLNR caseback.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Caseback detail|Caseback detail]]
The case is the Super Case generation used across Rolex's professional sports references from the mid-2000s. Compared with the 16710, it has heavier crown guards and wider lugs. Rolex used Oystersteel through this period.
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 116710BLNR case-flank.webp|alt=Case flank and Triplock crown|Case flank and Triplock crown
File:Ref_116710BLNR_caseback.webp|alt=Caseback detail|Plain screw-down caseback
</gallery>


The case is the Super Case generation that Rolex introduced across its sports catalogue from 2005 onward. Compared with the 16710, the crown guards are heavier, the lugs are wider, and the overall wrist presence is thicker. Rolex used 904L steel through this period.


The bezel is the story. The 116710BLNR introduced Rolex's blue-and-black Cerachrom insert as a single ceramic ring, not two joined pieces. That is the important technical point, because it made the clean colour split possible and set up every later two-colour ceramic GMT. On the wrist the blue shifts with the light; in low light the insert can read almost black.
 
The bezel is a single blue-and-black Cerachrom ring rather than two joined pieces. The two-colour manufacturing process became the basis for later ceramic GMT bezels. The blue can appear darker under low light.


The crystal is sapphire with a Cyclops. The crown is the Triplock system shared across Rolex's modern sports references, and the reference carries 100m water resistance.
The crystal is sapphire with a Cyclops. The crown is the Triplock system shared across Rolex's modern sports references, and the reference carries 100m water resistance.
Line 102: Line 108:
== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==
== Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes ==


[[File:Ref 116710BLNR bracelet-detail.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Oyster bracelet detail|Oyster bracelet detail]]
[[File:Ref_116710BLNR_bracelet-detail.webp|thumb|right|300px|alt=Oyster bracelet detail|Oyster bracelet detail]]


The 116710BLNR ships exclusively on an Oyster bracelet with solid end links. The Oysterclasp carries the Easylink 5mm comfort extension. Glidelock, the longer micro-adjustment system Rolex uses on the Submariner and Deepsea, does not appear on the GMT-Master II. The Jubilee bracelet does not enter the Batman family until the 126710BLNR in 2019.
The 116710BLNR ships exclusively on an Oyster bracelet with solid end links. The Oysterclasp carries the Easylink 5mm comfort extension. Glidelock, the longer micro-adjustment system Rolex uses on the Submariner and Deepsea, does not appear on the GMT-Master II. The Jubilee reaches the Batman family only with the 126710BLNR in 2019.


Full-set packaging is the Rolex presentation box, the International Guarantee card, and the swing tags. Sotheby's 2019 full-set lot description and Phillips's 2024 stickered new-old-stock lot both confirm the same full-set expectation.
Auction catalogues sometimes show a presentation box, International Guarantee card, booklets, and swing tags with the watch. Those accessories belong to the individual lot and do not prove standard delivery for every example.
 
[[File:Ref 116710BLNR box-papers.webp|thumb|right|300px|alt=Full set with box, warranty booklets, and warranty card|Full set: presentation box, warranty booklets, and warranty card naming the model and serial]]


<span id="special-branches"></span>
<span id="special-branches"></span>
== Special branches ==
== Special branches ==


The 116710BLNR is itself the named variant. Where the 116710 family has two published configurations — the all-black 116710LN and the blue-and-black 116710BLNR — the Batman is one of them, not a sub-branch inside it. Late-production full-set examples carrying 2019 guarantee-card dates are a minor collector sub-branch because they mark the final year of original Batman production and sit adjacent to the 126710BLNR transition. Sotheby's 2019 lot is the auction-grade anchor for that sub-branch.
The 116710 family carries two published configurations, the all-black 116710LN and the blue-and-black Batman, so the 116710BLNR has no sub-branches inside it. The one grouping collectors do pull out is late production. Full sets with 2019 guarantee-card dates mark the final year of the original Batman and sit right against the 126710BLNR handover; Sotheby's catalogued one of them.


<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>
<span id="historical-market-and-auction-record"></span>
== Historical market and auction record ==
== Historical market and auction record ==


The auction record is stronger than the 116710LN's. Phillips offered a new-old-stock 116710BLNR from the Guido Mondani Collection at the Geneva Watch Auction XIX in May 2024 — a Phillips-condition stickered example five years after discontinuation, with bracelet, guarantee, hang tag, and presentation box intact. Sotheby's had already catalogued a late-production full-set example dated to 2019 as the reference exited production.
The auction record runs deeper than the 116710LN's. Sotheby's catalogued a late-production full set, box, warranty booklets, and warranty card, dated to 2019 as the reference left the catalogue.


Secondary-market pricing positions the 116710BLNR against its successor 126710BLNR. EUR prices climbed from around EUR 8,500 at the start of the discontinuation signal into the EUR 16,000 range shortly after. The post-discontinuation premium has persisted.
Prices have varied with the discontinuation, dial and bezel condition, box and papers, and the wider watch market. The page records no fixed premium or valuation range.


== Related references ==
== Related references ==


* [[Reference:116719BLRO|GMT-Master 116719BLRO]] — 2014–2019
* [[Reference:116719BLRO|GMT-Master 116719BLRO]], 2014–2019
* [[Reference:116710LN|GMT-Master 116710LN]] — First Steel Ceramic (2007–2019)
* [[Reference:116710LN|GMT-Master 116710LN]], First Steel Ceramic (2007–2019)
* [[Reference:116713LN|GMT-Master 116713LN]] — Two-Tone Ceramic (2006–2019)
* [[Reference:116713LN|GMT-Master 116713LN]], Two-Tone Ceramic (2006–2019)
* [[Reference:116718LN|GMT-Master 116718LN]] — 2005–2019
* [[Reference:116718LN|GMT-Master 116718LN]], 2005–2019
* [[Reference:126711CHNR|GMT-Master 126711CHNR]] — 2018–present
* [[Reference:126711CHNR|GMT-Master 126711CHNR]], 2018–present
* [[Reference:126715CHNR|GMT-Master 126715CHNR]] — 2018–present
* [[Reference:126715CHNR|GMT-Master 126715CHNR]], 2018–present


See also the [[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
See also the [[Reference:gmt-master|GMT-Master family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 116710BLNR hero.webp|Whole-watch view
File:Ref_116710BLNR_dial-detail.webp|Dial and blue 24-hour hand
File:Ref 116710BLNR case-flank.webp|Case flank and crown
File:Ref_116710BLNR_caseback.webp|Caseback
File:Ref 116710BLNR_bracelet-detail.webp|Oyster bracelet and clasp
File:Ref 116710BLNR box-papers.webp|Box and papers
</gallery>


== Sources ==
== Sources ==
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/baselworld-2013-rolex-gmt-master-ii-116710blnr/ Baselworld 2013 - Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR Live Pictures And Official Price] — Fratello Watches
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/baselworld-2013-rolex-gmt-master-ii-116710blnr/ Baselworld 2013 - Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR Live Pictures And Official Price], Fratello Watches
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2013/04/baselworld-2013-rolex-gmt-master-ii-with-blue-and-black-ceramic-bezel-ref-116710blnr-with-specs-and-price.html Baselworld 2013: Rolex GMT-Master II with blue and black ceramic bezel ref. 116710BLNR] — SJX, SJX Watches
* [https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/gmt-master-ii Rolex, GMT-Master II newsroom — 2013 two-colour blue-and-black Cerachrom insert]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-gmt-master-and-gmt-master-ii-1955-2024-iconic-traveller-watch-in-depth-review/ In-Depth: The History of the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II] — Monochrome
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2013/04/baselworld-2013-rolex-gmt-master-ii-with-blue-and-black-ceramic-bezel-ref-116710blnr-with-specs-and-price.html Baselworld 2013: Rolex GMT-Master II with blue and black ceramic bezel ref. 116710BLNR], SJX, SJX Watches
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/fasten-your-seatbelts-rolex-gmt-master-history/ Fasten Your Seatbelts: Rolex GMT-Master History and Overview of All Major References] — Fratello editorial, Fratello Watches
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/history-rolex-gmt-master-and-gmt-master-ii-1955-2024-iconic-traveller-watch-in-depth-review/ In-Depth: The History of the Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II], Monochrome
* [https://timeandtidewatches.com/editors-pick-does-the-rolex-batman-still-hold-its-own-now-that-theres-a-new-red-and-blue-hero-on-the-block/ IN-DEPTH: The Rolex GMT Master II BLNR review] — Bruce Duguay, Time+Tide Watches
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/fasten-your-seatbelts-rolex-gmt-master-history/ Fasten Your Seatbelts: Rolex GMT-Master History and Overview of All Major References], Fratello editorial, Fratello Watches
* [https://timeandtidewatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ii-batman-batgirl-review/ Who wore it better: Batman or Batgirl?] — James Robinson, Time+Tide Watches
* [https://timeandtidewatches.com/editors-pick-does-the-rolex-batman-still-hold-its-own-now-that-theres-a-new-red-and-blue-hero-on-the-block/ IN-DEPTH: The Rolex GMT Master II BLNR review], Bruce Duguay, Time+Tide Watches
* [https://www.watchcollectinglifestyle.com/home/rolex-gmt-master-ii-blnr-batman-ref-116710blnr-hands-on-with-one-of-the-hottest-rolex-watches-on-instagram Rolex GMT Master II BLNR Batman ref. 116710BLNR Hands-on] — Watch Collecting Lifestyle editorial, Watch Collecting Lifestyle
* [https://timeandtidewatches.com/rolex-gmt-master-ii-batman-batgirl-review/ Who wore it better: Batman or Batgirl?], James Robinson, Time+Tide Watches
* [https://www.the1916company.com/blog/rolex-gmt-master-ii-116710blnr-dark-knight-returns-first-time.html Rolex Batman GMT Master 2 (116710BLNR): The Dark Knight Returns For the First Time] — The 1916 Company (WatchBox), The 1916 Company
* [https://www.watchcollectinglifestyle.com/home/rolex-gmt-master-ii-blnr-batman-ref-116710blnr-hands-on-with-one-of-the-hottest-rolex-watches-on-instagram Rolex GMT Master II BLNR Batman ref. 116710BLNR Hands-on], Watch Collecting Lifestyle editorial, Watch Collecting Lifestyle
* [https://www.the1916company.com/blog/rolex-batman-guide.html History & Complete Guide to the Rolex Batman] — Emily Smith, The 1916 Company
* [https://www.the1916company.com/blog/rolex-gmt-master-ii-116710blnr-dark-knight-returns-first-time.html Rolex Batman GMT Master 2 (116710BLNR): The Dark Knight Returns For the First Time], The 1916 Company (WatchBox), The 1916 Company
* [https://www.41watch.com/en/journal/buyers-guides/review-gmt-master2-batman Technical review of Rolex GMT Master II BLNR Batman] — Clément C., 41Watch
* [https://www.the1916company.com/blog/rolex-batman-guide.html History & Complete Guide to the Rolex Batman], Emily Smith, The 1916 Company
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/editorial/rolex-116710blnr-review.html Rolex 116710BLNR Review & Guide: The Original Rolex Batman] — Bob's Watches
* [https://www.41watch.com/en/journal/buyers-guides/review-gmt-master2-batman Technical review of Rolex GMT Master II BLNR Batman], Clément C., 41Watch
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/editorial/history-of-rolex-batman.html The History of The Rolex Batman GMT-Master II] — Paul Altieri, Bob's Watches
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/editorial/rolex-116710blnr-review.html Rolex 116710BLNR Review & Guide: The Original Rolex Batman], Bob's Watches
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/comparisons/rolex-gmt-master-ii-116710blnr-vs-126710blnr-ultimate-guide.html Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR vs. 126710BLNR Ultimate Guide] — Bob's Watches
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/editorial/history-of-rolex-batman.html The History of The Rolex Batman GMT-Master II], Paul Altieri, Bob's Watches
* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/2020/10/01/rolex-batman-116710-vs-126710 Rolex Batman 116710 vs 126710] — SwissWatchExpo editorial, SwissWatchExpo (The Watch Club)
* [https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-blog/comparisons/rolex-gmt-master-ii-116710blnr-vs-126710blnr-ultimate-guide.html Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR vs. 126710BLNR Ultimate Guide], Bob's Watches
* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/rolex-batman-gmt-master-ii-history/ From Bezel to Icon: The Unveiling of the Rolex Batman GMT-Master II's Storied History] — SwissWatchExpo editorial, SwissWatchExpo (The Watch Club)
* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/2020/10/01/rolex-batman-116710-vs-126710 Rolex Batman 116710 vs 126710], SwissWatchExpo editorial, SwissWatchExpo (The Watch Club)
* [https://watchcharts.com/watch_model/739-rolex-gmt-master-ii-batman-116710blnr/overview Rolex GMT-Master II Batman 116710BLNR Price Overview] — WatchCharts
* [https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/rolex-batman-gmt-master-ii-history/ From Bezel to Icon: The Unveiling of the Rolex Batman GMT-Master II's Storied History], SwissWatchExpo editorial, SwissWatchExpo (The Watch Club)
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080224/172 Rolex 116710BLNR GMT-Master II Batman — Geneva Watch Auction XIX lot 172] — Phillips
* [https://watchcharts.com/watch_model/739-rolex-gmt-master-ii-batman-116710blnr/overview Rolex GMT-Master II Batman 116710BLNR Price Overview], WatchCharts
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-116710blnr-gmt-master-ii-batman-a Reference 116710BLNR GMT-Master II 'Batman', circa 2019] — Sotheby's
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-watches/reference-116710blnr-gmt-master-ii-batman-a Reference 116710BLNR GMT-Master II 'Batman', circa 2019], Sotheby's


* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2024/11/in-depth-rolex-gmt-master-ii.html In-Depth: Rolex GMT-Master II Materials and Mechanisms] — JX Su and David Ichim, SJX Watches
* [https://watchesbysjx.com/2024/11/in-depth-rolex-gmt-master-ii.html In-Depth: Rolex GMT-Master II Materials and Mechanisms], Richard Lee and David Ichim, SJX Watches
* [https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/how-did-they-do-that-rolex-s-bi-color-ceramic-bezel-inserts How Did They DO That: Rolex Bi-Color Ceramic Bezel Inserts] — Ed Estlow, Everest Bands
* [https://www.everestbands.com/blogs/bezel-barrel/how-did-they-do-that-rolex-s-bi-color-ceramic-bezel-inserts How Did They DO That: Rolex Bi-Color Ceramic Bezel Inserts], Ed Estlow, Everest Bands


[[Category:GMT-Master]]
[[Category:GMT-Master]]
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