Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR: The Blue-and-Black Original

The blue-and-black GMT-Master II rewards a closer look than its “Batman” nickname suggests. The 116710BLNR pairs a black dial, steel Oyster bracelet and two-colour ceramic 24-hour bezel. For a buyer, its appeal is practical: a travel complication that remains easy to read and a colour scheme that adds character without giving up the watch’s tool-watch purpose.

Why this version matters

Rolex says it introduced the blue-and-black single-piece ceramic bezel on an Oystersteel GMT-Master II in 2013. The photographs in Rallo’s archive show that combination on an Oyster bracelet. The bracelet matters when comparing listings: the more recent 126710BLNR can also be found on an Oyster bracelet, so a blue-and-black bezel and three-link bracelet alone do not establish the reference. Confirm the reference through reliable paperwork and an independent inspection before paying a reference-specific premium.

A travel watch first

The GMT-Master II has a conventional hour hand for local time and a separate arrow-tipped hand that completes one circuit every 24 hours. With the bezel at its neutral position, the 24-hour hand can track home time. Its independently adjustable local hour hand lets a traveller move between time zones without resetting the minutes or the reference-time hand. Turning the bezel offers another way to compare time zones. This is a complication worth practicing with in person; check that the local-hour adjustment, date change and bezel all operate smoothly.

What the photographs reveal

The Rallo archive set includes a wrist view, dial view, case-side view, an open-box view and a clasp view. Together they show the scale of the 40 mm Oyster case, the blue-and-black bezel, the crown-side profile and the polished centre links of the Oyster bracelet. They are useful screening photos, but no photograph can establish the movement, water resistance, originality of every component or service history.

How to buy one carefully

Start with the exact reference and configuration. Ask for clear images of the dial printing, bezel, case sides, bracelet, clasp and identifying paperwork. Check that the bracelet has enough links for your wrist and examine the clasp and polished surfaces for wear or heavy refinishing. A box and papers may add useful provenance, but they should match the watch and do not replace an independent authenticity check. Budget for a qualified inspection and discuss service records with the seller. Any water-resistance claim for a pre-owned example should be tested rather than assumed from the model’s original specification.

The verdict

The 116710BLNR is compelling because the blue-and-black bezel marks a real step in Rolex’s ceramic-bezel history while the GMT function remains genuinely useful. Buy the individual watch, not the nickname: reference verification, condition, bracelet fit and provenance are the details that will matter long after the first impression.

Sources and image credits

Watch facts checked October 1, 2026 against Rolex’s official GMT-Master II newsroom and features pages. The current 126710BLNR Oyster product page was used only to distinguish the newer reference. Sources: https://newsroom.rolex.com/watches/oyster-collection/gmt-master-ii ; https://www.rolex.com/watches/gmt-master-ii/features ; https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/gmt-master-ii/m126710blnr-0003

Five photographs: courtesy Rallo Watches / Ron King collection archive, photographed April 26, 2023 and supplied for this article with Ron King’s authorization. The Rallo archive filenames are 2023-04-26 20.15.34.jpg (wrist), 20.06.58.jpg (full watch), 20.07.54.jpg (case), 20.07.11.jpg (dial) and 20.07.34.jpg (clasp).