Red and blue, or blue and black? The "Pepsi" 126710BLRO and the "Batman" 126710BLNR are the two most famous steel GMT-Masters Rolex makes, and mechanically they are the same watch. The choice is about colour, history and how each one feels on the wrist.
At a glance
| GMT-Master II 126710BLRO | GMT-Master II 126710BLNR | |
|---|---|---|
| Nickname | "Pepsi" | "Batman" (also "Batgirl" on Jubilee) |
| Introduced | 2018 | 2019 |
| Case | 40mm Oystersteel | 40mm Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Bidirectional, red and blue Cerachrom, 24-hour | Bidirectional, blue and black Cerachrom, 24-hour |
| Calibre | 3285 | 3285 |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours | About 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100m | 100m |
| Bracelet | Jubilee or Oyster | Jubilee or Oyster |
A short history
The GMT-Master was born in 1955 for airline pilots who needed to track two time zones at once. Its red-and-blue bezel, separating daytime and night-time hours, became one of the most recognisable designs in watchmaking. The blue-and-black combination arrived much later: Rolex first produced it in ceramic in 2013 on the 116710BLNR, a technical feat because two-colour ceramic in a single piece is hard to make.
In 2018 Rolex brought the red-and-blue ceramic bezel to steel with the 126710BLRO, launched on a Jubilee bracelet. The following year the Batman moved to the new 126710BLNR, also on Jubilee. Today both are offered on Jubilee or Oyster bracelets.
The bezel
This is the whole decision. Both bezels are Cerachrom, Rolex’s scratch-resistant ceramic, and both rotate in either direction, so you can set a third time zone by turning it. The Pepsi’s red and blue are brighter and more playful, a nod to the 1950s original. The Batman’s blue and black are more understated and pair easily with almost anything.
The movement
Both run the calibre 3285, with the Chronergy escapement, a Parachrom hairspring and around 70 hours of power reserve. The red-tipped (Pepsi) or green-tipped (Batman) 24-hour hand can be set independently for a second time zone, while the hour hand jumps in one-hour steps without stopping the watch, which is useful when you land somewhere new.
Jubilee or Oyster
The five-link Jubilee bracelet is dressier and drapes more softly on the wrist. The three-link Oyster is sportier and a little more robust-looking. Both use the Oysterlock clasp with the Easylink extension. Many collectors feel the Pepsi suits the Jubilee and the Batman the Oyster, but there’s no wrong answer.
How they wear
At 40mm with fairly short lugs, the GMT-Master II sits well on most wrists, from about 6.25 inches up. The Pepsi draws more attention from across a room; the Batman feels more like a daily tool watch. On the Jubilee, both feel a little more refined than on the Oyster.
Buying checklist
- Full set. Box and warranty card add confidence and value. Match the serial on the card to the watch.
- Bezel insert. Check for chips or cracks in the ceramic, especially at the edges.
- Bezel action. It should turn smoothly both ways and click crisply at each hour.
- GMT function. The local hour hand should jump cleanly in one-hour steps when set.
- Bracelet. Jubilee bracelets can stretch with heavy wear; look for gaps between links.
- Polishing. Original cases keep sharp edges on the lugs and crown guards.
Which one to choose
Choose the Pepsi 126710BLRO if…
You want the classic GMT colours with the most history behind them, and a watch that gets noticed.
Choose the Batman 126710BLNR if…
You want something a little quieter that pairs with everything and wears like a daily tool watch.
FAQ
Are the Pepsi and Batman the same size?
Yes. Both are 40mm Oystersteel with the same case and movement.
What is the difference between "Batman" and "Batgirl"?
It’s a collector nickname: "Batgirl" usually refers to the 126710BLNR on the Jubilee bracelet.
Can the bezel track a third time zone?
Yes. Rotate the 24-hour bezel to read a third zone against the GMT hand.
Which holds value better?
Both are among the most sought-after steel Rolex references. Ask us for current numbers on a specific watch.
Shopping for one of these? Every watch we sell is authenticated in Los Angeles, with insured delivery and video on request. Text us at (310) 363-0481.
