Batman vs Hulk? There is no right or wrong answer, just a personal choice or taste.
Since their introduction, many Rolex watches have gained popular nicknames. Two superhero-inspired ones that have emerged are the Batman and the Hulk. The Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” showcases a captivating blue and black ceramic bezel insert, while the Rolex Submariner “Hulk” exhibits an enticing green dial and bezel. Both watches have become iconic in their own right, but it’s essential to recognize their distinct characteristics: the Submariner is designed for diving, while the GMT-Master II serves as a pilot’s or traveler’s watch. This leads us to the ultimate question: which watch is superior? Is it the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman or the Rolex Submariner Hulk?
Rolex Submariner 116610LV “Hulk”
The Rolex Hulk (officially known as the Rolex Submariner 116610LV) is characterised by its vibrant green dial and bezel, earning it the nickname “Hulk.” It stands out and makes a bold statement on the wrist.
Like all Rolex watches, the Hulk is built to last. It features a solid stainless steel case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a waterproof rating of 300 meters (1,000 feet). It is designed for both professional diving and everyday wear.
Rolex watches, including the Hulk, tend to hold their value well over time. Nowadays, prices are at an all time high, and constantly appreciating in value, making them attractive to collectors and investors. Especially if you had bought one at retail years ago.
Rolex discontinued its production in 2020. Its scarcity adds to its appeal among watch enthusiasts. What retailed for £6950 on launch is now worth on the grey market in excess of £17,000. A substantial investment to say the least
While the green dial and bezel make the Hulk distinctive, it may not be everyone’s preferred style. Some individuals may find the vibrant green too eye-catching or difficult to match with different outfits.
The case is made from 904L stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and durability. It has a diameter of 40mm, which is a standard size for Rolex Submariner models. The case is equipped with a screw-down crown and features a unidirectional rotating bezel with a green ceramic insert.
It features a distinctive green dial with luminescent hour markers and hands. The hour markers and hands are made from 18k white gold, providing longevity and enhancing legibility in low-light conditions. The dial also includes a date window at the 3 o’clock position with a Cyclops lens for magnification.
Powered by Rolex’s in-house automatic movement, the Caliber 3135. It is a COSC-certified chronometer, meaning it meets stringent accuracy standards. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH) and offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
It features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, providing excellent protection for the dial. The crystal is also equipped with a Cyclops lens over the date window, which magnifies the date display by 2.5 times for easier reading.
It is designed as a professional diving watch and offers a water resistance rating of 300 meters (1,000 feet). It features a screw-down case back and a Triplock triple waterproofness system on the crown, ensuring a secure seal against water intrusion.
Paired with a sturdy and comfortable Oyster bracelet, also made from 904L stainless steel. The bracelet features Rolex’s Glidelock extension system, allowing for easy adjustment of the bracelet length without the need for tools.
It’s bezel is a notable feature, with a vibrant green ceramic insert and unidirectional rotation. The ceramic material is highly scratch-resistant and resistant to fading or discolouration over time.
The luminescent material used on the dial and hands of the Hulk provides excellent visibility in dark or low-light conditions.
It’s a robust and reliable timepiece known for its striking green colour and exceptional build quality. It has gained a significant following among watch enthusiasts and collectors for its distinctive appearance and professional diving capabilities.
Rolex GMT Master II 116710BLRN “Batman”
The Rolex Batman (officially known as the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR) gained popularity for its unique blue and black colour combination on the bezel. It is a tribute to the iconic DC Comics character, with the blue representing the darkness of the night.
The Batman features a GMT complication, allowing the wearer to track two different time zones simultaneously. This feature is especially useful for frequent travellers or individuals conducting business in different regions.
The Batman’s black and blue colour scheme makes it more versatile and easier to match with various outfits compared to the Hulk’s bold green
The Rolex GMT-Master II collection has a long-standing reputation for precision, durability, and craftsmanship. The Batman inherits these qualities and carries the prestige associated with the Rolex brand.
The Rolex Batman is also in high demand, leading to limited availability in the market. Obtaining one at retail price may require joining waiting lists or purchasing from authorised dealers at a premium.
Rolex offers several GMT-Master II models with blue and black bezels, such as the “Batgirl” and “Pepsi” versions. Some may find it challenging to distinguish between these models at a glance.
As with the Hulk, the Batman too is crafted from 904L stainless steel, renowned for its resistance to corrosion. It has a diameter of 40mm, which is the standard size for Rolex GMT-Master II models. The case is fitted with a screw-down crown and features a bidirectional rotating bezel with a blue and black ceramic insert.
The watch boasts a black dial with luminescent hour markers and hands. The hour markers and hands are made from 18k white gold, ensuring durability and enhancing legibility in low-light conditions. The dial also incorporates a date window at the 3 o’clock position with a Cyclops lens for magnification.
It is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3186, an in-house automatic movement. This movement is COSC-certified as a chronometer, guaranteeing high accuracy. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH) and provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
The watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, providing excellent protection for the dial. A Cyclops lens is positioned over the date window to magnify the date display by 2.5 times, making it easier to read.
The watch comes with an Oyster bracelet made from 904L stainless steel. The bracelet is known for its comfort and durability. It incorporates Rolex’s Easylink extension system, allowing for easy adjustment of the bracelet length without the need for tools.
The Batman’s bezel is one of its distinctive features, featuring a blue and black ceramic insert. The blue represents the day and the black represents the night, paying homage to the iconic DC Comics character. The ceramic material is highly resistant to scratches and fading.
It is also equipped with a GMT complication, allowing the wearer to track two different time zones simultaneously. The additional 24-hour hand, with its blue colour, can be set independently to display a second time zone.
The luminescent material on the dial and hands of the Batman ensures optimal legibility in low-light conditions.
Both the Rolex Hulk and Batman watches are highly popular among watch enthusiasts. The popularity of each model can fluctuate over time due to factors such as limited availability, discontinuation, and trends within the watch community. While it is challenging to determine which model is more popular definitively, both the Hulk and Batman enjoy a dedicated following and are highly coveted timepieces.
It’s worth noting that watch preferences are subjective, and what may be popular for one individual might not be the same for another. Ultimately, the choice between the Rolex Hulk and Batman boils down to personal style, preference, and availability.
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