Rolex GMT-Master II Review: The Subtle Bruce Wayne Rolex

Before getting into the so-called "Bruce Wayne Rolex," let's establish some context. The Rolex GMT-Master is one of the Crown’s most popular models when it comes to the Professional line. It’s been an icon going back to its release in 1954, born out of a partnership with PanAm (in reality, it was a masterfully executed piece of marketing) that gave way to a new jet-setting, time-zone-malleable timekeeper. Since then, the GMT-Master (now the GMT-Master II, incorporating an even more user-friendly dual-time indication) has stood alongside the Datejust and Submariner as a core icon for the brand. It has also represented a platform for innovation for Rolex, being the first model line to see the brand transition to its “Super Case” format and its use of Cerachrom bezel tech. This paved the way for the introduction of a new, steel GMT-Master II in the late aughts with a black Cerachrom bezel insert, a green GMT hand, and green dial text.

This stood for years as the most under-the-radar option for potential GMT-Master II buyers that didn’t feel comfortable slapping on a "Batman" or a "Pepsi." However, like many other popular models, it was discontinued. We saw echoes of its design materialize in form of the “Lefty” GMT, with its bi-color green-and-black bezel and matching green GMT hand. But the “Sprite” didn’t strike the same chord as that discontinued OG. Then the 70th anniversary of the GMT-Master rolled around in 2024, and Rolex surprised us all when it released its only steel sports watch of that year: a near revival of that late-aughts marvel. Back was the green GMT hand, paired with a similar color format, but it wasn’t totally the same.

Now dubbed the “Bruce Wayne,” this watch featured a "stealth" bi-color bezel of black and grey, and while it had the green GMT hand, it did not feature the green dial text. But from a distance, this revived all of the pertinent vibes of the aforementioned model. We are now a year and a half removed from the release of that watch, and it remains an unsung hero, a quiet linchpin of the GMT line.

Sure, folks still fill waitlists for the Batman, and the Pepsi, but the Bruce Wayne persists as a reminder that we can appreciate a watch for its capability, but we do not have to spring for the most popular variation of the theme. The Bruce Wayne is reserved, with a certain stoicism, not unlike the character the fans have named it for — Batman's wealthy and reserved alter ego. It’s a watch that really hasn’t been talked about since Watches & Wonders 2024, but deserves a spotlight as much as, say, a silver-dial Datejust does. 

Rolex Bruce Wayne GMT-Master II Case

The case here is what you’ll find throughout the collection for years now, measuring 40mm wide and 12.1mm thick with a lug-to-lug measurement just around 48.1mm (with 100 meters of water resistance). This is one of the most tried and tested contemporary Rolex case styles, so it should be no surprise that we are talking about one of the most resilient and attractive travel watches out there.As for the bracelet, you have the option of both the three-link Oyster bracelet or the Jubilee bracelet with two brushed outer links and those lovely, polished center links. Both bracelets features the patented Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink extension which allows for 5mm of additional length.

Discussing the bezel requires a little bit of context. Back in 2005, Rolex introduced the very first sports watch in the super-case format with a Cerachrom bezel. It was a solid gold (because, of course it was) GMT-Master II with a black dial and black bezel, but with one colorful feature theretofore unseen in the range: a green GMT hand and green text on the dial. It was followed soon after by an identical model in steel (the Ref. 116710LN), which would serve as the only version available of the watch on the market in the mid- to late aughts — until the "Batman" came along with its blue-and-black bezel in 2013.

Pouring one out for the Rolex GMT-Master 116710LN

Rumor has it that Rolex was having a hell of a time crafting a "Pepsi" (blue-and-red) bezel in Cerachrom and so the Batman format was something of an experiment, and a feat worth bragging about because it represented bi-color victory. You see, the bezels aren’t two separately colored pieces but rather consist of a solid block of ceramic that is first colored black and then injected with the secondary color precisely. But this is a story for another time. The long and short of it is that by the time Rolex was able to make a Pepsi GMT-Master II in steel, it also discontinued that black-bezel edition with green details. 

Then came 2022, when Rolex shocked us all with a deeply esoteric model with a crown on the left side of the case. Its relevance to this particular part of GMT lore is that it revived the green color within the lineup, except now it was more pronounced. Instead of being a dial-only flourish, it now was made a color on the bezel. The black- and-green “don’t call it a lefty” GMT was the talk of the show that year. In 2023, the Crown doubled down on it by launching a standard version as well. The "GMT-Master II" text on these models, unlike on the previous edition, was white, not green.

In essence, Rolex had a run of splashy launches in the last five years, giving us new steel Submariners, GMT-Masters, Daytonas, and even Air Kings (more on that in a moment). So when 2024 rolled along, we thought more splash was in store. We brought ponchos. 

Instead, the 126710GRNR came in with an initially demure entrance. I remember seeing it come across the table during our meeting with Rolex at Watches & Wonders, taking a few moments to look at it, and passing it along. Then I got a little intellectually curious and begin to see patterns and significance in things.

It was in this headspace that I saw this watch for what it was: a masterclass in below-the-line iteration from Rolex in one of its most popular collections. Somehow, a steel GMT-Master went under-the-radar, and that’s amazing to me. This watch follows in the same incremental-improvement bucket as the modern Red Sea-Dweller (updated from one year to the next), the Starbucks Submariner (updated one year to the next), the Rolex Explorer II (discretely changed after about a decade), and the Air-King. But the Bruce Wayne Rolex went under the radar after its initial launch for some reason.

Rolex Bruce Wayne GMT-Master II Dial

The dial here hearkens back to the older Ref. 116710LN (which had the all-black bezel) with its green GMT hand and the green text on the dial surface. It’s basically the same as the older one but for a slightly tweaked bezel. Otherwise, we have the iconic and legible Mercedes hands, bright Chromalight lume throughout, and of course that date window magnified by the iconic Cyclops lens. The dial itself is done in a black lacquer which lends a really nice depth and sheen to this otherwise muted watch.

Calibre 3285 Movement

Inside is the Caliber 3285 which has been around since 2018 and has a 70-hour power reserve as well as the contemporary bells and whistles like a Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorbers. Naturally, it is highly accurate, to +/-2 seconds/day, and features hacking seconds, an independently adjustable hour hand, and quick date change.

Price And Final Thoughts

In a world where Rolex seems to be edging closer and closer to high, high luxury, it is nice to know that one of its most beloved collections still has a watch that doesn’t scream hype with loud colors. This watch gives you the same 40mm case size, your choice of bracelet (with Easylink extension) priced at $11,100 on Oyster and $11,300 on Jublilee and offers true GMT capability. I think, with time, this watch will catch on as all truly good watches do. There isn’t much to actually say about this watch that doesn’t speak for itself. So if, like many others, you forgot this watch came out in 2024, consider this your re-introduction. You can learn more about the so-called Rolex Bruce Wayne GMT-Master II at rolex.com.