Rolex continues the legend of the GMT-Master with the Jubilee bracelet this time. The new GMT Master II aka Batman that is also equipped with the upgraded movement, attracts heavy attention from the loyal fans of the brand.
I believe it will be safe to say Rolex is the world’s most sought after post WWII aviation themed timepiece. The adventure that began in the 1950s continues full steam ahead and Rolex dominates this segment with the variations of the current GMT-Master II model.
To be clear, the "Batman" nicknamed 116710BLNR was never the most popular and demanded model of Rolex. This situation changed right after the rumors spread telling the model will be discontinued. At this year’s Baselworld, Rolex introduced the new version, Ref. 126710BLNR, featuring the Jubilee bracelet. Of course, the old version, Ref. 116710BLNR, started to be treated as one of the most hard to find models. Crazy!
The new or updated GMT-Master II, like the previous model, has a 40-mm diameter case made of Grade 904L stainless steel, a grade that is resistant to conditions which a wristwatch unlikely to encounter with. Even though the model is water resistant to 100 meters, the watch is extremely reassuring thanks to the Triplock crown used in the Submariner as well. The total height of the watch is 13mm including the 2.5x magnifying cyclops over the crystal, making the watch very comfortable to wear. The total weight of the watch is 134gr, a fair value for a stainless steel watch with bracelet. The indexes and hands are filled with Chromalight phosphor material that glows like a torch in the dark. I would like to remind you that Rolex is one of the most successful brands in the industry in terms of phosphor applications. In the bezel, the watch employs blue-black colored ceramic insert, which gives the watch its nickname “Batman”.
126710BLNR is powered by the new Caliber 3285 movement. 31 jewels self-winding movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28.800vph) and offers a power reserve of 70 hours. Being one of the most robust and precise movements of the industry with its blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbing system. Although the accuracy of the movement is stated as ± 2 seconds per day, its actual performance is far better in many samples. Three different time zones can be displayed with the model’s GMT feature and the 24h bezel. If you are a frequent traveler, this is the right watch for you.
The new GMT-Master II comes with Rolex’s Jubilee bracelet, which is associated with elegance. The multi-piece structure of the bracelet, which provides a glittering look on the wrist when exposed to different angles of light, is quite comfortable to wear as well. The micro adjustment compatible Easylink folding clasp takes a comfortable feel to an upper level.
It’s pretty hard to find a negative side for the Rolex 126710BLNR. While I understand that a brand being preservative when upgrading a model that has already achieved excellence, I do not find it right to give a new identity to an existing model only by changing the bracelet. In fact, I liked the Oyster bracelet on this watch. Well, I guess I can live with that and have the watch... If I can find one, of course.
