Why is the Rolex GMT Master II so hot? 116710BLNR

A look at the Rolex GMT Master II Batman 116710 BLNR and an answer to the question: why is the Rolex GMT so desirable today?
Links:
Story of an Icon: Rolex GMT Master History (video): • Story of an Icon: Role...
Rolex GMT-Master History - Fratello Watches: www.fratellowa...
10 Things To Know About How Rolex Makes Watches | aBlogtoWatch: www.ablogtowat...

[@funkychicken2119]

Picked mine up really early. Great deal at $7,400USD before the craze. Don’t think it will ever get back to those prices again.

[@BRW-1973]

In my opinion you have the best watch channel. Your reviews are clear, crisp, and thoughtful. And the video quality is outstanding. Keep up the good work.

[@EMKWANREVIEWS]

Loved this! Made me fall in love again with my BLNR :-D

[@MattTonite]

I see many comments where people are agreeing with your statement that Rolex is overpriced. 1. I could be wrong, you did say those words, but I don’t think that was the sentiment you were trying to convey and 2. Rolex really isn’t overpriced. They’re expensive, yes. No doubt about that but they’re priced in such a way that most watches sell for over MSRP. Almost every other watch in the world loses value immediately after purchase while Rolex either holds its full value (even increasing for inflation) or goes for 2xs as much as MSRP (like the 126710BLNO which is currently on a 2-3 year wait list at an Ad or selling for more than double retail). No other watch Brand in the world has this wide spread appreciation in value. And another point, while some might think the price of a Rolex, whether it is a $8,500 Submariner or a $37,000 PM Daytona, it will last several lifetimes. Sure, you can tell time with a $40 Timex, but when you start buying products that will last 100+ years with only limited maintenance (and will hold its value at least 100% [with few exceptions]), it’s not a bad buy. Name something else that you could buy today, use every day, and sell it for full market retail 100 years from now. That doesn’t seem even slightly “overpriced” to me.

[@niekbeentjes8849]

I really love your opinion on watches. You said it perfect, Rolex makes the finest mass produced watches in the world (period). I'm waiting for you to dive into vintage seiko territory ;) just pick up a 6185/6-8000 VFA and get hooked. Or just a 45xx KS or GS. Just a few hundred dollars would buy you one of your most accurate watches ... apart from your snow flake cheat drive ;P

[@bombpop2461]

Not a shitter!

[@ZCT808]

5:27 - I don't think you can reasonably use the term 'overpriced' here. If you walked into an AD today and found a BLNR sitting on the shelf, and paid $9K MSRP for it, you could easily sell it for $1-$3K more than that online the following day. Now if it were priced at $15K, but used they sold for $10K, then clearly they are overpriced. But the very fact they hold their value so well proves they are not overpriced. I just went on ebay and the first few listings were for new BLNR watches selling for a couple of grand over retail. The first used one I found was so old it was a red hang tag, dating it prior to summer 2015, and not compliant with the new -2+2 standard. They are asking several hundred dollars over MSRP for an older used example, and they don't even have the box or papers with it! And guess what, THIRTY people are watching it! Between that and the LV Sub, these are like the two hottest watches on the planet right now. It is insane how desperately people want them. So I'd say Rolex priced them just fine. Personally, I prefer the LN variant, as it combines the dive watch look with the GMT functionality, and the green hand is a nod to Rolex' birthday. That's my daily wearer.

[@thegorn]

GMT pieces are so lol. Try living in a place that is GMT +9.5 and you'll learn how stupid they are - you can never get a half hour offset with them. GMT pieces ae dead to me.

[@skrads]

Since I like my 2016 Rolex explorer so much I just can’t justify adding this Rolex GMT. So I ended up getting something totally different for a GMT watch. A Nomos Tangomat GMT. I think the Explorer is a more versatile watch but if I had the Rolex GMT first, I would not get the Explorer. Maybe I am the only one who thinks one Rolex is enough.

[@davidgregory49]

skrads I ordered the GMT & was informed it would take 2 years to supply so I bought an Explorer. 4 months later the GMT arrived. I much prefer the Explorer over the Batman which I never wear. You only need one!

[@kevinkohler2750]

I absolutely rode The Rolex Curve as I learned about watches, and came to the same conclusions you have. You're the first reviewer I've heard articulate it so well, though.

[@JoeGiz64]

Just found your channel...great review on the GMT! I’m looking for a new Batman...any idea if this is readily available given its been out for some time with the ceramic bezel?

[@jamesmoninger1982]

Nice video, well done. I love this watch.

[@dylvasey]

It's just a thing of beauty.

[@jfdomega7938]

That's one beautiful watch!

[@smitty923]

This watch is truly amazing!

[@dunkingstudios]

Should I get a batman by trading in my black ceramic gmt and adding some cash?

[@AustinGordon4]

Why not? Maybe wait until Basel World 2019 to see what the market is like for the Batman

[@borjastick]

Love this watch and would consider buying one but i don't like the bracelet.

[@michaelturner7949]

The GMT design is beyond criticism.

[@YoureTerrific]

Nothing is beyond criticism except my wife.

[@M123OCT]

I work with people in the same building. So we all just work in the same time zone. It's so handy. 👍

[@FourIntoOne]

Hmmmm - I much prefer the vintage GMT's (which is why I have one) - this one is way to overpriced, to big and a bit to blingy/brash. But to each his own

[@wokevikki4332]

*Cough* patek is better *cough*

[@justint.3311]

Vikki yes and no. I have a few Pateks and APs and they are not really that robust like Rolex. My first Rolex is still running great after 30 years . It has been to rolex center only once. Patek needs servicing every five years.

[@wokevikki4332]

@@justint.3311 ok but a g-shock is more robust than a Rolex that doesn't make it better.

[@justint.3311]

@@wokevikki4332 yes, very true. My Casio G- shock beats Rolex hands down in terms of robustness. Pateks are at different level.

[@Prophet293]

5:04 would you like to see my dad's Daytona from the 90s with its Zenith movement? /rolleyes

[@RafaelContageWinter]

great video!!! agree... for me, the best bezel color combination... tks!!

[@drewsneakerverse]

Would love to see an updated version of this video and your opinion on the watch now ✌🏼

[@ypkr]

of course this GMT Master II has super high accuracy as only +0.1sec. per a day in my case, I've been checking everyday the current time using specific app. from Android market, it shows only +0.1sec./day average in 40days. i think only Rolex calibre can reach here, the other high-ends can't even they are 10 times more expensive.

[@ypkr]

in these days Rolex ADs don't have any stock for S.Steel models even for not-super-popular models, not only even Korean ADs, but also many EU ADs. I really want to know where we can purchase the Steel models with the regular retailing listed price.

[@DislikeFRIDAY]

i dont think they are overpriced. i bouthg the blnr 3 years ago. imo it was worth every cent

[@rawright759]

Cool, like the selvedge jeans. Looks like pair of APC's

[@taylormzalewski]

rolex curve is my description after working with a jeweler that sold AP and the likes.

[@eyebidder]

If I change my bezel to a Batman does it become a Batman or is it the movement that really matters?

[@johann23]

I was under the impression the hands of a Rolex are not in-house.

[@ramiola11]

I loved it , but how to remove the scratches... it’s horrible man

[@jessicarabbit1138]

Watching this puts me in 😴😴😴😴😴 time zone, boring!

[@watchlookerwatch]

This is a terrific video. Thanks for the update. Is this currently overpriced? Perhaps but the market calls the shot on this. Love the colors.

[@hbueain]

This is the best youtube video of BLNR. Thank you!

[@WillingTan]

Great video. Thanks!

[@figupro]

Great review and video quality is awesome

[@edken5735]

Nice review! It's truly amazing on how a half blue ceramic bezel makes it look awesome. Plus, it emits the aura of the Dark Knight... LOL

[@MA-xf2lu]

Brilliant review that suits such gorgeous time piece.. Fully agreed: functionality, beauty and quality that are combined with the brand history.

[@11Karpovich11]

Thank you for such informative review! I was just about to make a selection between this one and Submariner. Due to your video, I understood this watch is exactly what I need for everyday wearing. Thanks!

[@cedarcanoe]

In my opinion the day part should be the upper part of the bezel. The night part, the lower part if the bezel. Makes sense, right?

[@globalnova]

it looks better with black on top, but when i am away from home , which is a lot, i turn it upside-down and have the blue hand on home time. this way this hand represents the sun rising at 6am into the blue and setting at 6pm... :)

[@paultheodore2834]

I own the GMT master ll half gold ,grate watch with my family in two different part of the world I know exactly when to ring them .The Rolex Way !!!!!!

[@Julie-ee2hu]

Paul Theodore

[@minutesofwisdom8511]

Absolutely agree with the "Rolex Curve" . I'm currently at the stage where I think Rolex is way overpriced and Seiko is a far better option...but I can't help myself look at Rolex watches...I maybe reaching the end of the curve :P

[@brit1066]

Minutes Of Wisdom In the 18 years that I have owned Rolexes I cannot count the number of times someone has whispered to me “is that a REAL one” to which I answer “it had better be or the dealer who sold it will get a visit from a very angry customer” That never happened when I wore a Seiko or even an Omega.

[@minutesofwisdom8511]

hahah...dayumm...guess i'll stick to Seiko's for now :P ... But maybe a Rolex BLNR someday.. :P

[@milenkoboljevic4247]

When some brand is the best in its field, everybody wants to copy it. It is a simple explanation. Take Iphone for instance. Every other brand copied their design. I have always been against any kind of copying because it destroys the original design and uniqueness of the brand.

[@martinp9173]

Minutes Of Wisdom f

[@mc5phantommg488]

When I wore my AP noone even noticed. But when I wore my Rolex everyone on the streets and shops stared or took a sneaky glance at it. Just goes to show that Rolex is a becoming big as brand name like LV not because its high on quality.

[@onenippon]

Try a Aquanaut Travel time and then try the Rolex GMT Master, and then review it again !

[@algorithm007ify]

Aquanaut is not as robust...looks like a 1960s TV..if you are going haute horology, buy a dress watch.

[@golfraven5669]

If Tudor drops a ‚batman‘ GMT it will be a hard choice not to go for the Tudor.

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

Hmmm. I wonder whether they will? That would be a spanker for sure. Good point

[@oaktree1628]

Is the wait truly several years for some GMT models, or is that true only if you live in a remote area with only 1 authorized dealer in your area and cannot travel to an authorized dealer who has the particular model you are interested in. I would think that any GMT model could be purchased fairly quickly in a large US city with many authorized dealers.

[@brit1066]

I bought my first Coke watch from a large AD in Chicago, a quick call to them recently confirmed a LONG WAIT, Daytona's are about 2 to 3 years. GMTs are all over the place with a minimum of 6 months.

[@williamburnette588]

Sorry man but the music is too loud in between your talking points. It's louder than your voice.

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

Oh for God's sake stop not picking and being a big girl. Grow up!

[@djm9676]

Try and buy one ? Impossible!

[@LildaddyFire151]

Which rolex is on the thumbnail?

[@geztaylor]

Finest watch you can buy is a Grand Seiko spring drive, the watch you can buy that impresses people the most is a Rolex.

[@bigchiponmyshoulder7573]

Yes.

[@davidofglenbrook4487]

Seems to me you both have a “chip on your shoulder!”

[@answerskp]

It's hilarious how a number of you commenters including Evan think this timepiece is overpriced by X amount of dollars, yet as this vid states there is a multiyear waiting list?? Sooo, there is an overwhelming number of buyers who think the price is...all good...

[@mre9346]

sp_szn Not as hilarious as you thinking price and value are the same thing.

[@answerskp]

Mr E we’re on different spectrums. Quality vid tho.

[@davidgregory49]

Enough to fill a book😂

[@americanjedi5721]

This Video should be rated X for my wallet. Great watch and great job!

[@AllecZB]

Whats the source on that its OK to service it every 10 years?

[@algorithm007ify]

Many of the older Rolex movements have been serviced by owners every 10 years, without issues..It's a little anecdotal, however...

[@SILVERBRIT1]

Safe queen

[@exoticmale33]

very very nice...LOVE mine

[@j.taveras8447]

Really nice video.

[@thewatchhipster3605]

excellent video!

[@brit1066]

I had a GMT II Coke For 18 years and loved it. I recently traded it in for a Bat Man which just captured me. However I think I have made a mistake, the new Pepsi with a jubilee bracelet is what I want. My Bat Man is less than 3 months old so I am confident that I can sell it and get my money back. Then I will order a Coke and simply wait. In the mean time I will enjoy deciding which watch to buy to tide me over. One thing that I do not like about the Bat Man is the color of the 24 hr hand, the same blue as the bezel. I am now 76 so maybe my eyesight is letting me down BUT when the arrow head of the 24 hr hand is over a luminous hour marker the hand DISAPPEARS. The blue of the hand is difficult to see against the black dial and I have to look long and hard to see it. With my Coke watch the 24 hr hand was red, easily seen or at least MORE easily seen than the blue. I have been told that Daytona’s May take 2 to 3 years to get, fortunately I have never liked Daytona’s. I bought my Coke in Chicago in 2000 but my Bat Man came from a small Rolex dealer in TN, he got the BM in about 4 weeks I will now sell my BM and place an order for a new Coke with that dealer.

[@ElementsMMA]

Science-is-god what is a bat man?

[@ElementsMMA]

Science-is-god and what Rolex ref is aka the dark knight?

[@brit1066]

ElementsMMA ?

[@algorithm007ify]

Batman colours are better...and more versatile IMO.

[@cal2201]

The reason is simple :Because it's Rolex, that's it!

[@michaelbishop9157]

or because a watch that is nearly 70 years old still manages to look contemporary. A lot to be said for the enduring styling

[@DHeisenberg-up6in]

Patek, AP and VC beats Rolex movement!

[@alexthyer1681]

D Heisenberg hahahahah

[@davidofglenbrook4487]

D Heisenberg Not if your criteria are accuracy and durability.

[@isupportyou9929]

Too big too heavy for daily use

[@galingeorgiev6527]

Maybyyyyyyyyy.

[@michaelgay7649]

LOL

[@jgrammm]

That beat tho

[@hirpm8564]

👑👑👑

[@Apollonius12]

Stunning

[@amsarg]

such a beauty

[@bshulman5113]

I bought a used one in 1993 for $1,200 . It is worth $12,000+ today. Rolex sports watches are solid investments.

[@doomfathertm8771]

I like it, it's just over value by about $3000

[@paullynch4021]

Crazy how much more you pay over the price of the regular GMT2 just for a half blue bezel.

[@tomsmyth5138]

Doom Father I agree

[@ZCT808]

If it were over-valued, the price would plummet on the used market. But in reality, if you were lucky enough to score one for full MSRP today, you could sell it tomorrow for at least $1000-$3000 more. Whereas most good watches would lose at least that much on day one. So it absolutely isn't over-valued at all.

[@doomfathertm8771]

I'm not talking about what people are willing to pay, I'm talking about raw cost to make. Rolex has a higher mark up frost cost to make / produce to MSRP than almost anything else, not just watches, ANYTHING else.

[@gabodds2221]

Try the SS Blue Dial Sky Dweller; with a premium of over $6,600. Its really not that bad

[@RohamBroccoli]

“From one dog all the dogs bark”, thats why Rolex so hot

[@nsavernon]

I need one...

[@brit1066]

Nick Vernon Easy, I have a Bat Man which is 3 months old and needless to say is in PRISTINE condition. Make me an offer.

[@robynsjp]

Premium quality, worth about 3500 $ in my book, currently 7000 $ or more on the market. Do I personally want it? No. I prefer vintage pieces, and I prefer Omega, but this is personal taste. Do I have a modern Rolex ? Sure, and I wear it like 5 days a year. I like it but no real passion. There are some Rolexes I do love like a vintage Sea Dweller Double Red, but my limit for a steel watch is 5000 $. Beyond that, it becomes unreasonable and becomes a "no". To each his own.

[@lethaltarget9798]

frieswithmayo it's all subjective bro, we have different tastes. I love omegas and APs but am not too much of a fan of new Rolex's

[@AllanDC97]

You lost credibility after "I prefer Omega"

[@antg.3846]

Any other brand that you can think of that’s on Rolex’s level?

[@Tonyip83]

Ant G. like it or not Seiko. Apart from the fact that Seiko caters for all market segments. Much older company than Rolex, Seiko shares all alot of similarity with Rolex. All being built inhouse. The pursue of pure accuracy (Spring drive) The pure artistry of quality and finish (GS range) And a rich history of making proffessional diving too watches as well as other specialised tool watches (Quartz Tuna and the 6105 / 6309 has a history with US military)

[@imranbecks]

Omega.

[@remycris2108]

Ant G. Idiot there’s a bunch on and past Rolex’s just look it up it’s not hard

[@antg.3846]

jeremy arroyo thanks idiot. Maybe look at my question as a conversational starter instead of immediately bashing it. Apparently this doesn’t capture your imagination, cuz maybe you don’t have one and isolate yourself with Invictas. If that’s the case then so be it. Damn troll. Go tuck yourself back under that bridge and stay there.

[@robynsjp]

Ant G. Sure. Patek, Longines, Omega, Vacheron, JLC... you need to consider the history of those brands

[@pedrosaenz2800]

Thank you! You are right Rolex insane overpriced, however, every time I wear mine I have to smile!!😀

[@stgeorge3287]

Isn't the GMT Master II a red and blue bezel?

[@robmorrison1043]

St George , it's available in the Red and Blue aka (pepsi) Blue and Black aka (batman) and all black.

[@robmorrison1043]

St George , also red and black aka (coke)

[@tosinn364]

On the waiting list

[@PALWE]

Did you get it before it discontinued

[@tosinn364]

@@PALWE yes, I actually did! The same month it got discontinued I received it.

[@PALWE]

@@tosinn364 lucky you. I got mine in 2016, I’m wearing it now. It’s a keeper

[@tosinn364]

@@PALWE I don’t think I will ever sell mine! What do you think of the blnr with the jubilee

[@PALWE]

@@tosinn364 I’m not a fan of it on jubilee , but I know many are. Do you prefer the batgirl ? I paid a deposit for my two tone rootbeer a few weeks ago to collect it at retail price from my AD when UK lock down ends. I’m also on the list for the black dial ceramic steel Daytona which I’ve been told only a couple years wait on now . You got anything lined up?

[@Seven77-JTTW]

I wish one day Rolex main stream watches will have see through case back. Before that, it's boring.

[@grantbarclay7132]

Submariners all day sell so easy hold the money better

[@jasonsmith1143]

I like the Hulk more 👍👍

[@danielvennberg4782]

And? They both tell time how different can they be?!

[@algorithm007ify]

Batman is WAY better...IMO. Green is tacky.

[@golfraven5669]

Still like it and want one. In my top 3 of watches.

[@Chris-es3wf]

Ultimately, the new case is a bit to bulky and it's too blingy (coming from a Hulk owner myself). Also, the PCLs are scratch magnets. The 5-digit GMTs are really the perfect balance of wearability, durability, and function. 6-digit references (newer models) are great for a collection, but wouldn't have it as a one-and-only watch.

[@globalnova]

i have one and my wrist is 6.25 ". it is the perfect size, and it's not that noticeable especially at night . the PCLs are not really scratch magnets either, unless you are a builder or mechanic etc.

[@algorithm007ify]

Don't you the think the green in the hulk is way more "blingy"?

[@TopSecretVid]

Yet Rolex still can’t make a Hulk and deliver it to my local AD... this is where I lose respect, also I have seen some pretty bad quality control issues on some Rolexes. This “lack of supply by design” feeds the replica/counterfeit market which I am sure Rolex has a hand in as well.

[@winstyfung4115]

how much

[@skelejp9982]

Why is the Rolex GMT Master II so hot? Because Money in the Bank give no Interest ! Since Bitcoin has Cracked People looking for other Value,Like a Rolex Hulk..... I always loved that Watch,but What the Hell 40 MM.This watch should be 44 ,im Telling U. My best mate Bought a Hulk Rolex ,I was amazed how small it looked,he was amazed,when I said: U ARE WEARING a HULK... He bought it for himself getting 50, I was impressed that the watch didn't look much bigger than my Sweet Vostok Amfibia,having the cheapest Bevel ever(am goanna change that) Rolex got a Whole New Market laying out there,Deep Sea,Pepsi, Hulk ,Kermit,all bring em out on 44 MM. Greetings Watch Lovers !

[@shanewright2772]

A dissenting view - I was given a GMT II "Coke" as a re-up incentive on a project a couple of months back. Have to disagree on the "thing of beauty" - like most Rolexes, the GMT II is clunky and inelegant and of all the Rolexes I've had, one of the least comfortable to wear*. It has no practical application that anyone capable of rudimentary mathematics cant do quicker for themselves. Thus, like all but one of the Rolexes I have owned, I'll leave it in its box, sit on it and sell it to one of those idiot watch snobs who will overpay for anything (hopefully around about the time my next contract extension is due and I maybe get a replacement Rolex) *I'm not, btw, totally down on Rolexes. I have an Air King that I adore and will probably be buried in. It's the "all but one" Rolex :-)

[@globalnova]

air king hahahahahahahahahaha

[@shanewright2772]

Well, seeing you fit the category of idiot watch snob, wanna buy a 2017 GMT Master II 16710?

[@edwardclark4043]

Overpriced😎🇬🇧

[@joeyben2733]

I’m lucky to pick up the Batman at my local AD in the summer of 2017 now I see some gray market price at 11-12k crazy I hope it gets discontinued the price will really pop

[@andyreiter6253]

Joey Ben I dont think it will ever get discontinued unted ... they need some color variations ... but I do hope hover hulk willl get discounttinued ... but even if not who the hell cares ? It’s like not it would ever go to 80 k .... because only then it makes to sell your piece of love

[@brit1066]

Andy Kiesling Agreed, the blue and black are just a touch too subdued, the red and black of my Coke was perfect. I am going to sell my BM and wait for a new Coke or Pepsi.

[@YTsuuuucks]

Nope

[@mrk131324]

What bothers me everytime I see this watch is that it is disfunctional. You cannot track a third timezone because the watch lacks a static 24h chapter ring. So when you turn the bezel how do you read the original timezone? Look at some proper GMTs with rotating bezel (Grand Seiko, Breitling, etc.) they all have that feature. The fact that people who buy this watch don‘t even notice this obvious flaw tells you a lot. Ever the author said „turning the bezel gives me headache“ - true because the watch is a bad design.

[@cjack202003]

wow. The hour hand tracks local time, the GMT has tracks GMT time, the 24hr ring tracks whatever other time you want from the gmt hand. Educate yourself. Watch this video...kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHjPqppth66mh8U

[@mrk131324]

cjack202003 And how do you read GMT time once you rotate the bezel? By estimation?

[@the.mikethompson]

The same way you read your home timezone without numbered markers on the dial. It doesn't take long to get used to it. You associate the hand position with hours, the same way you do with a standard watch. When you look at your watch, chances are you don't count the hour markers, you just see the hour hand and know what it is.

[@mrk131324]

Mike Thompson No thanks. I‘ll stick with a properly designed watch. No 24h watch comes without numerals. There is reason for that. When mixed with 12h scale and if you consider that there are half hour and quarter hour time zones (those the Rolex cannot Display in sync with local time BTW) there is too much guessing involved. If you want a Rolex fine, if you want a GMT watch stay away from this one.

[@justint.3311]

Simple I can use my mobile phone for over a dozen different time zones, so can you.

[@bnick25352535]

Way over priced for a small watch.

[@SLSAMG]

I can think of better things to drop 10k on

[@brit1066]

Miguel Vale I agree, when I look at my BM I sometimes ask myself “ why am I wearing $10,000 on my wrist”. Hmmmmm! Here is how I rationalize it. My wife and I are comfortably off, we are careful and do not splash money around, except perhaps on our two grandchildren. We have NEVER spent large amounts of money on ourselves especially on such personal possessions such as watches. However in 2000 I did splash out with my first Rolex a Coke, wife wife then stunned me and bought a SS and Gold women’s Rolex, very unlike her. Recently I found out just how much my Coke had appreciated and for the second time in my life I succumbed to the lure of a NEW ROLEX. I DESERVE IT AND SO DOES MY WIFE.

[@jimbrown8818]

I have a Coke I bought in about 1998. Holy cow! Didn't realize it had appreciated like that. I just wear it every day and don't think about it. May be time to trade.

[@gmshadowtraders]

Fantastic photography. Gold standard of watch reviews.