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 pieces with a Jubilee strap and a new movement in this feature.
The blue and black color combination on the bezel of this Rolex GMT-Master II has led its fans to dub 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 Rolex model to feature a two-tone ceramic bezel. This particular color combination did not exist before. The first imitation Rolex 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 time in a second-time zone.
Today, the GMT-Master II steel watch is available in two versions that differ only in the bezel’s color: 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 previously equipped the gold and Rolesor GMT-Master II models with the sportier three-row Oyster strap.
So, Batman or Pepsi? The color combination on the Batman is more reserved; the Pepsi is closer to the original. The Jubilee strap is very comfortable to wear. Its small links fit snugly and don’t pull on delicate wrist hair. 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 replica Rolex watch has recently started calling “Oyster Steel”.
The high-quality clasp on the Jubilee bracelet is near perfect in both workmanship and operation. When closed, the folding safety lever is integrated into it. Opening the safety lever by lifting the clone Rolex crown reveals a lever that is also easy to lift to fully open the clasp.
The winding crown is also easy to use, and after unscrewing it from the locked position, the watch can be wound. In addition, with the GMT-Master II, the bezel can temporarily set another time zone. For example, if you are in the United States and working with a company in Europe, simply turn the bezel so that the GMT-Master II displays the time in the desired time zone, and you will know at a glance if your business contact is available. All in all, the GMT-Master II offers extremely useful time zone functions.