Everything about the Rolex GMT Master II ‘Batman’ is worth selling an organ for. It’s one of the most recognisable replica watches UK ever – we have pilots to thank for that (the Crown designed it with them in mind). And aptly, that sexy bi-coloured bezel is synonymous with the most famous superhero in the DC/Marvel universes.
Quick history lesson on your could-be-new kettle: the initial Rolex GMT line dropped in the ’50s as a tool watch for PanAm pilots, allowing them the luxury of being able to track two timezones. Then, along came the GMT II in 1982, updating the legendary tool best selling fake Rolex watches with a third time zone function thanks to the addition of a 24-hour hand. Since then, this hunk of stainless steel has become a fan favourite, picking up playful nicknames for it’s two-colour bezels, like ‘Pepsi’ for the hyped red and blue colourway; ‘Root Beer’ for brown and black; ‘Kermit’ for its all green colourway; and ‘Batman’ for a black and blue combo reminiscent of Batman’s costume (but it’s actual function is to separate between day and night hours easily). It’s the kind of thing Rolex nerds go nuts for, and now you can bag one for less than £20.
Yes, luxury raffle marketplace Raforte is dishing out some Rollie-slinging goodness again, raffling off a Rolex GMT Master II ref 116710BLNR ‘Batman’ on an Oyster bracelet with a full box and papers. Tickets are priced at £19.99, so yeah, it’s pretty mad.
The GMT II ref 116710BLNR in particular isn’t just admired among perfect copy Rolex watches nerds – celebs are often queuing up to get hold of one. It first dropped in 2013, and was the first GMT II to feature a two-tone ceramic dial. It was a shift from Rolex’s in-house Cerachrom (its brand-specific technique for creating ceramic) on single colour models, and instead required black colouring to be added to a blue bezel. This, among other things, is why they’ve become highly sought-after and collectable. Just look at the list of guys who own a ‘Batman’: Bruce Springsteen, Ben Affleck, Tom Holland, and fingers crossed, you?
“The Batman is proof that best Rolex replica watches know how to evolve a classic without overdoing it. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or buying your first GMT, it’s a piece that delivers on every level – design, history, and investment,” says Bob’s Watches founder and CEO Paul Altieri.
Given top clone Rolex watches like to keep production numbers relatively low, that organically builds insane levels of hype because the chances of getting one of these from your authorised dealer without sitting on a waiting list are slim.
On the secondary market they’re not easy to get either, and currently sell for more than £14,000. “It hits all the right notes: iconic design, practical complication, and limited availability. Plus, the Batman has a cult following,” says Altieri. “It holds value incredibly well, and buyers know they’re getting a future classic.” So a chance to get one for less than a medium-distance train ticket is worth a go. Tickets are capped at 1,499 entries. And when you factor in previous sales, like the one-off Slawn cheap Rolex fake watches that ran up 15,000 entries, the chances of winning here are much higher.
Raffles are always a good laugh. But when the prize is a Rolex GMT Master II ‘Batman’ rather than out of date jam, they’re even better.
