Rolex has updated its popular travel watch, the GMT-Master II, with a steel, blue and black “Batman” bezel. We tested one of the first watches with the Jubilee strap and the new movement in this feature from the WatchTime archives (original photo by Marcus Krüger).
Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” – reclining
The blue and black color combination on the bezel of this Rolex GMT-Master II has led its fans to call it “Batman”. The current version comes with a Jubilee strap and a new movement, launching in 2019. Its predecessor with these same colors appeared in 2013 and was the first fake Rolex model to feature a two-tone ceramic bezel. This particular color combination did not exist before. The first GMT-Master II in 1954 featured a blue and red 24-hour scale and was later dubbed the “Pepsi” for this color combination. These colors were originally chosen to more clearly distinguish between day and night hours in a second-time zone. These and other specifications originated with Pan Am, who requested this model. New jet aircraft made intercontinental flights shorter and more popular, and as the number of flights increased, so did the demand for dual time zone replica watches. The GMT-Master’s popularity increased with its pilot’s watch style and brightly colored, instantly recognizable bezel. Later, more reserved versions appeared, such as the black and red “Coke” model.
Today, the GMT-Master II in steel is available in two versions, differing only in the color of the bezel: the Pepsi and our test watch, the Batman. Both are equipped with a new movement and a five-row Jubilee strap that was once reserved only for the Datejust model. Rolex had previously equipped the gold and Rolesor (steel and gold) GMT-Master II models with the sportier three-row Oyster strap. Replica Rolex designed the Jubilee bracelet for the Datejust in 1945; however, as early as 1959, the GMT-Master was also available with the optional Jubilee bracelet. Like the GMT-Master II’s Oyster bracelet, the inner bracelet is polished and the outer bracelet has a brushed finish.
Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman”&”Pepsi” bezels
Batman or Pepsi? The Batman color combination is somewhat more reserved; the Pepsi is closer more closely adheres to the original.
The Jubilee bracelet is very comfortable to wear. Its small links fit snugly together and do not pull on the hair of the slender wrist. The Oyster bracelet is also comfortable thanks to its curved links. The bracelet and case are still made of non-corrosive 904L stainless steel, which Rolex has recently started calling “Oyster Steel”.
