Few modern luxury watches are as instantly recognisable as the Rolex GMT-Master II. Its two-colour bezel, additional 24-hour hand and connection with international travel have made it one of the most sought-after professional watches in the world.
Among the current Oystersteel models, two references attract particular attention: the red-and-blue Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO-0002 on an Oyster bracelet and the blue-and-black Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR-0002 on a Jubilee bracelet.
Collectors commonly call them the “Pepsi” and “Batgirl,” although these are informal nicknames rather than official Rolex model names. Mechanically, they are closely related. Visually, however, they offer two very different personalities.
One GMT-Master II legend, two distinct personalities
The GMT-Master story began in 1955, during the rapid expansion of international aviation. The original watch was adopted by Pan American World Airways flight crews and became closely associated with pilots and long-distance travellers.
The GMT-Master II arrived in 1982 with an important development: its conventional local-hour hand could be adjusted independently in one-hour increments without stopping the movement or disturbing the minute and seconds hands.
This practical function remains central to the modern GMT-Master II. A traveller can update local time after landing while the arrow-shaped 24-hour hand continues to display a home or reference time.
Rolex 126710BLRO vs 126710BLNR: quick comparison
| Feature | 126710BLRO-0002 | 126710BLNR-0002 |
|---|---|---|
| Popular nickname | Pepsi | Batgirl |
| Bezel colours | Red and blue | Blue and black |
| Bracelet | Oyster, three-piece links | Jubilee, five-piece links |
| Case | 40 mm Oystersteel | 40 mm Oystersteel |
| Dial | Black | Black |
| Movement | Automatic calibre 3285 | Automatic calibre 3285 |
| Power reserve | Approximately 70 hours | Approximately 70 hours |
| Water resistance | 100 metres | 100 metres |
| Overall character | Colourful, historic and sporty | Contemporary, versatile and refined |
The 126710BLRO “Pepsi”: the historic colour combination
The red-and-blue bezel is the colour combination most strongly associated with the GMT-Master story. On early models, the contrasting colours helped distinguish the daytime and night-time hours on the 24-hour scale.
On the modern 126710BLRO, the colours are formed within a single two-colour Cerachrom ceramic insert. Ceramic provides excellent resistance to scratching, corrosion and fading while preserving the visual identity that made the GMT-Master famous.
The red-and-blue bezel gives the watch a more expressive presence than many other professional Rolex models. Against the black dial and steel case, it creates an immediate connection with the history of international travel watches.
The Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO-0002 listed by Nautilus Dubai is fitted with the three-piece-link Oyster bracelet. This bracelet strengthens the professional and sporting character of the watch.
The 126710BLNR “Batgirl”: a quieter blue-and-black alternative
The 126710BLNR uses a blue-and-black Cerachrom bezel. During the day, the blue section adds a recognisable flash of colour. In lower light or with formal clothing, the black portion gives the watch a more understated appearance.
The blue-and-black combination feels contemporary and adaptable. It remains clearly identifiable as a GMT-Master II without being as visually bold as the red-and-blue BLRO.
The specific Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR-0002 offered through Nautilus Dubai is presented on the five-piece-link Jubilee bracelet.
Collectors often distinguish the informal nicknames according to the bracelet: “Batman” is generally associated with the blue-and-black bezel on an Oyster bracelet, while “Batgirl” commonly refers to the same bezel colours paired with a Jubilee bracelet. Rolex itself uses the reference number and official colour description rather than either nickname.
Oyster bracelet or Jubilee bracelet?
The bracelet may be the biggest practical difference between these two watches.
The Oyster bracelet on the BLRO
The Oyster bracelet uses broad, flat three-piece links. Its design feels direct, robust and closely connected with Rolex professional watches.
It gives the red-and-blue BLRO a purposeful, sporty appearance and may appeal to someone who prefers a simpler bracelet design with fewer polished surfaces.
The Jubilee bracelet on the BLNR
The Jubilee bracelet consists of five smaller links across each row. The additional articulation allows it to follow the wrist closely, while the polished centre sections create a more decorative appearance.
Although the Jubilee looks more refined, this GMT-Master II version still uses an Oysterlock safety clasp and an Easylink comfort extension. The Easylink system allows the bracelet to be extended by approximately 5 mm when extra room is needed.
Neither bracelet is objectively better. The Oyster feels more tool-watch oriented; the Jubilee gives the GMT-Master II a slightly more elegant and versatile personality.
How does the GMT-Master II function work?
The watch displays local time using the conventional hour and minute hands. The arrow-tipped hand travels around the dial once every 24 hours and is read against the 24-hour bezel.
When the bezel is in its normal position, the 24-hour hand can display a second time zone, such as the wearer’s home time while travelling.
The local hour hand can be moved forwards or backwards in one-hour steps through the winding crown. The date changes together with the local hour hand in either direction, making it practical when crossing the International Date Line.
Rotating the bezel also allows an experienced wearer to reference an additional time zone. This means that the GMT-Master II can be used to follow three different locations, although only two are read directly without moving the bezel.
Calibre 3285 and approximately 70 hours of power reserve
Both references are powered by Rolex calibre 3285, a self-winding mechanical movement developed for the modern GMT-Master II.
Winding: Bidirectional automatic winding through the Perpetual rotor
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, 24-hour display and independently adjustable local-hour hand
Power reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Stated precision: −2/+2 seconds per day after casing
Shock protection: High-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
Certification: Superlative Chronometer
A power reserve of approximately 70 hours means the watch can generally be removed on Friday evening and still be running when worn again on Monday morning, depending on its winding state and actual usage.
What do both references share?
Beyond the bezel and bracelet, the two watches have the same essential technical foundation:
40 mm Oystersteel case
Black dial with Chromalight luminescent display
Bidirectional 24-hour graduated ceramic bezel
Sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens over the date
Triplock screw-down winding crown
100-metre water resistance
Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink extension
Automatic calibre 3285 with GMT function
The decision is therefore less about mechanical performance and more about colour, bracelet construction and how the watch feels on the wrist.
Which Rolex GMT-Master II should you choose?
Choose the BLRO “Pepsi” when:
You want the colour combination most closely connected with GMT-Master history.
You prefer a brighter and more immediately recognisable watch.
You favour the robust appearance of the Oyster bracelet.
You want a professional Rolex with a strong sporting identity.
Choose the BLNR “Batgirl” when:
You prefer a more restrained blue-and-black bezel.
You want a watch that moves easily between casual and formal clothing.
You enjoy the flexibility and visual detail of the Jubilee bracelet.
You want a modern GMT-Master II with a slightly more refined character.
For many collectors, the BLRO has the stronger historic identity. The BLNR may be the easier watch to wear in a wider range of situations. The right choice is ultimately the one that feels more natural on your wrist.
Buying a Rolex GMT-Master II in Dubai
Before purchasing either reference, review the exact watch rather than relying only on general model specifications.
Confirm the condition of the case, bezel, bracelet, clasp and crystal, together with the included box, warranty card, links and accessories. The warranty-card date, service history and evidence of previous polishing may also affect the evaluation of a pre-owned example.
Availability and price can change, so both should be reconfirmed before visiting or transferring payment.
Compare both watches at Nautilus Dubai
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Nautilus Dubai is an independent luxury-watch specialist and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or authorised by Rolex. Brand names and references are used solely to identify and describe the watches presented.