Rolex Batgirl vs Batman

From Coke and Sprite to Kermit, Fat Lady and Root Beer : Rolex watches often have nicknames that any real watch connoisseur can immediately associate with the respective Rolex model. The GMT-Master II Batman and Batgirl timepieces are also among the examples with distinctive nicknames. In this article, we take a closer look at these two Rolex models and discuss the differences between the luxury watches.

The origin of the names: Why Batgirl and Batman?

The Rolex GMT-Master II with the reference 116710BLNR - called Batman - owes its name primarily to its color scheme. This special watch from the Swiss manufacturer has a two-tone bezel. One half of the bezel is black, the other half blue - a visually very interesting combination.

The name Batman comes from the masked superhero from the DC universe. He appears as an action hero at night and lives the "normal" life of a super-rich man during the day. The blue part of the bezel symbolizes the day, the black half stands for the night, when the character Bruce Wayne, wearing a mask and cloak, goes hunting for villains as the "Bat Man".

The slightly more feminine version of the GMT-Master II in a blue and black look - the Rolex reference 126710BLNR - is accordingly called Batgirl. The origin of the name is simply due to the fact that it is the more delicate, newer "little sister" of the Batman.

Rolex Batgirl vs Batman: What are the main differences?

If you look at the two watches side by side and compare them, the layman might not notice much difference at first glance. But there are significant, albeit small, differences that separate the Rolex Batgirl and Batman. For example, the minute hand on the Rolex Batgirl is a little longer than on its older equivalent. In addition, the newer Rolex Batgirl is equipped with a delicate Rolex crown at the bottom of the dial - a detail that is missing on the Rolex Batman.

The biggest difference, however, is the bracelet. The Batgirl has a Jubilee bracelet with an Oysterlock safety clasp. This five-row bracelet looks particularly elegant and fits wonderfully comfortably on the wearer's wrist. The older Rolex reference 116710BLNR, on the other hand, is worn on a three-row and somewhat simpler Oyster bracelet.

Rolex design art: How is it reflected in Batgirl and Batman?

In terms of design, the two-tone bezel immediately catches the eye on the two GMT-Master II watches from Rolex. This gives the timepieces a unique look and - contrary to what one might initially assume - does not cause visual unrest. Rather, the combination of black and blue emphasizes the harmonious symmetry of the Rolex watch and spices up its appearance with a pinch of sporty extravagance. In both Rolex models, the individual components, such as the hands, the luminous indices and the otherwise plain dial, unfold their full potential when combined. The result: Both Batman and Rolex Batgirl are real eye-catchers that effortlessly refine any outfit.

Materials and workmanship: Are there differences in quality?

The classic Rolex Batman is mainly made of two materials: stainless steel and ceramic. The strap and case are made of stainless steel, while the rotating bezel is made of Cerachrom. This is a special ceramic material that is considered to be particularly durable. Cerachrom is not only scratch-proof and amazingly corrosion-resistant, but also UV-resistant. This means that sunlight, impacts and other external influences cannot do much damage to a bezel made of Cerachrom, such as the one integrated into the Rolex Batgirl and its predecessor.

For years, Rolex only worked with single-colour ceramic bezels. The reason: it was not yet technically possible to use two-coloured Cerachrom in watches. It was not until 2013, around eight years after the introduction of the Cerachrom material, that Rolex managed to implement the bezel in two colours with the release of the 116710BLNRer Batman. An absolute novelty that certainly contributed to the Rolex GMT-Master II in this version instantly becoming one of the most sought-after Rolex models.

As far as the materials and their processing are concerned, the comparison "Batman vs. Batgirl" reveals no differences. The Rolex Batgirl also has a stainless steel bracelet and case as well as the characteristic Cerachrom bezel.

Technical aspects in focus: Which watch has better functions?

In terms of functions and "inner values", the Rolex Batgirl and Batman also initially appear to be similar. Both Rolex models are water-resistant to 100 meters, have a date display, are equipped with a second time zone and have a powerful automatic caliber. On closer inspection, however, it becomes apparent that different calibers are actually installed. The Batman is powered by a caliber 3186, which has a 50-hour power reserve. The newer Rolex Batgirl, on the other hand, houses the anti-magnetic caliber 3285, with a power reserve of a full 70 hours thanks to the optimized Chrono Energy escapement. In terms of movement, the Rolex Batgirl is therefore ahead.

Rolex Batgirl vs Batman: Which model suits which lifestyle?

One thing is certain: if you want a functional, visually striking and luxurious sports watch, you can't go wrong with either the reference 116710BLNR or the GMT-Master II 126710BLNR (Rolex Batgirl). The two high-quality watches from Rolex impress with first-class functions and an extremely successful design. The decision between the two Rolex models can therefore be difficult.

Basically, the reference 116710BLNR looks more straightforward and even sportier than the Rolex Batgirl. The latter version is more elegant thanks to the Jubilee bracelet and tends more towards a dress watch, whereas the older version with the Oyster bracelet retains uncompromising sportiness and simplicity. The choice between the Rolex references 116710BLNR and 126710BLNR is therefore best made based on personal taste.

The question of price: Which model offers the better price-performance ratio?

Every Rolex GMT-Master II has its price, and Batman and Batgirl are no exception. The list price for the Batgirl is currently €10,500 - a price for which you can only get the watch directly from the dealer. If you buy on the secondary market , you can expect significantly higher prices of between €14,000 and €20,000. The Rolex Batman can no longer be purchased at the list price at all, as its production has been discontinued or replaced by the production of the 126710BLNR. As a result, even more drastic price developments can be observed here, with a constant strong upward trend.

Ultimately, you get pure quality for your money with both Rolex references. The Batgirl has the technically more powerful caliber, but the Rolex Batman is likely to be even more interesting for collectors due to its enormous scarcity and discontinued production. As is typical for Rolex, the price-performance ratio of both watches can be considered equally reasonable given their quality and functionality.

Collector value and availability: Which watch is more sought after?

As already mentioned, the reference 116710BLNR in particular arouses the interest of collectors. As the first Rolex with a two-tone bezel, this version is historically more conspicuous and also rarer, as it is no longer produced. Nevertheless, availability of the Rolex Batgirl is also rather poor. If you want to buy this watch from a dealer, you have to live with years of waiting .

More about Rolex watch nicknames

In addition to the Rolex Batgirl and the Batman, there are numerous other Rolex timepieces that are known by memorable nicknames. For example, there is the Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" with a red and blue bezel, the bright blue Rolex Submariner Date " Smurf " or the legendary Rolex Gold Cosmograph Daytona 116588TBR , which is reverently called "Eye of the Tiger". All of these Rolex watches are characterized by certain optical features that have given them unique names.

Conclusion

Rolex's history is marked by novelties, historic achievements and innovations that amaze every watch connoisseur. The Rolex Batgirl and Batman timepieces, with their unique blue and black Cerachrom bezel, fit perfectly into the picture and are a worthy addition to the list of famous Rolex watches. The two models are distinguished from one another by small differences, but also have a lot in common - above all their huge popularity.