By Stella Kirchner
The Rolex Batman, Rolex Hulk, and Rolex Kermit are some of the most popular watches on the market. What exactly makes these models so special, and what’s the story behind the nicknames? Chrono24 takes a closer look at these superhero-esque timepieces.
What is the Rolex Batman?
The original Rolex Batman is the GMT-Master II ref. 116710BLNR from 2013. Its blue and black ceramic bezel made the timepiece an instant hit. The color combination is also what earned it the catchy nickname “Batman.” In 2019, Rolex released a successor model, the Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR, which has proven to be just as popular with fans. It’s no surprise that waiting lists for the timepiece from the current Rolex catalog are exceedingly long.
What makes the Rolex Batman so popular?
The first Rolex GMT-Master II Batman ref. 116710BLNR attracted the attention of collectors due to the innovative technologies that went into producing its bezel. It marked the first time Rolex was able to create a two-tone bezel made entirely of ceramic. Of course, the black and blue bezel design was also reminiscent of two-tone bezels on older GMT-Masters, such as the beloved Pepsi.
What is the difference between the Rolex Batman and Rolex Batgirl?
Have you ever heard of the Rolex Batgirl? Yes, there is also a popular Rolex model known as the Batgirl among insiders. In fact, it’s the successor model mentioned above, the GMT-Master II ref. 126710BLNR. The biggest difference between the two watches (i.e., the Rolex Batman and Rolex Batgirl) is the bracelet. The original version is mounted on an Oyster bracelet, while the successor comes on a Jubilee bracelet. As of 2021, Rolex also offers the modern watch on an Oyster bracelet. You can find this variant under the ref. 126710BLNR-003.
Does the Rolex Batman retain its value?
To date, prices for the classic Rolex GMT-Master II Batman only move in one direction: up. Prices for used watches are more than double what they were in 2013. The Rolex GMT-Master II Batgirl has likewise seen healthy appreciation. At its release, collectors had to fork over more than double the official list price. Prices have fallen slightly in the interim but seem to be on the rise again. It remains to be seen how the newest variant on the Oyster bracelet will perform in the coming years. The cost of new references is significantly higher than that of the original. Buyers have to spend over $19,000 for a Batman on a Jubilee bracelet and more than $22,000 for one on an Oyster bracelet. The classic Rolex Batman, in turn, goes for $17,000 to $18,000 on Chrono24.
What is the Rolex Kermit?
The Rolex Submariner ref. 16610LV is also known as the Rolex Kermit. One look at the green bezel quickly reveals where this nickname comes from. The choice of the green hue wasn’t intended to be a nod to what’s likely the most famous frog in the world; it’s actually Rolex’s brand color. The manufacturer introduced this very special Submariner in 2003 to mark the model’s 50th anniversary.
Why is the Rolex Kermit so popular?
The Rolex Submariner Kermit represents a milestone in the history of Rolex diving watches. While the eye-catching green bezel initially raised some eyebrows with those in the collecting community who were used to the simple elegance of the black Sub, there is no denying the design’s success today. While the brand discontinued the first Rolex Submariner Kermit in 2010, they didn’t abandon the popular green hue. The Rolex Hulk closely followed the first Rolex Kermit reference in 2010. Ten years later, we saw the introduction of the Rolex Starbucks and the new Rolex Submariner Kermit ref. 1226610LV.
Does the Rolex Kermit retain its value?
Prices for Rolex Kermit watches are steadily increasing. Since its introduction in 2003, prices for the original Kermit have more than quadrupled. On Chrono24, this watch currently demands between $19,000 and $23,000.
What’s the difference between the Rolex Kermit and Rolex Hulk?
The Rolex Hulk, the successor of the beloved Kermit, has proven just as popular. Rolex designers were even bolder with this watch’s color scheme, outfitting it with a solid green dial. The Rolex Kermit, on the other hand, boasts a black dial.
What is the Rolex Hulk?
The Submariner ref. 116610LV with a green bezel and green dial is known as the Rolex Hulk. The brand produced this Sub variant between 2010 and 2020. Following a redesign of the collection in 2020, Rolex released two new green Submariners: the “new Kermit” and a dark green variant that collectors have dubbed the Rolex “Starbucks.” Both of these watches measure 41 mm across, an increase of 1 mm from previous versions. It almost goes without saying that waiting lists for both references are infinitely long.
Why is the Rolex Hulk so popular?
Rolex jumped on the green bandwagon long before it became the “it” color for all watch brands in 2021. The manufacturer successfully built on the popularity of the Rolex Kermit with the subsequent release of the Hulk. The latter especially appealed to fans of bolder designs for whom the Kermit was lacking in color. Only time will tell if the brand turns back to this color scheme for a new reference in the future.
Does the Rolex Hulk retain its value?
Since its introduction in 2010, prices for the Rolex Submariner Hulk have more than tripled. There was a notable jump in 2020 when Rolex announced they would be discontinuing the popular Sub reference. Prices currently reside around the $23,000 mark.
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