Clash of the Rolex Superheroes - The Batman (GMT-Master II BLNR) vs. The Hulk (Submariner - Green)

Welcome back, watch fam. Today, we’ve got an in-depth, epic battle for you, a real clash of the titans...Batman vs The Hulk...the Rolex watch version, anyway. We’re going to compare the Rolex “Batman” GMT-Master II 116710 BLNR to the Rolex “Hulk” Submariner 116610 LV. 

Rolex partnered with Pan Am Airlines in the 50s to create a watch that their pilots could use to easily switch between time zones. Due to this need, the GMT-Master 6542 was born and officially introduced to the public in 1954. The model exploded in popularity ten years later on the wrist of Pussy Galore in the film “Goldfinger.”

This BLNR variant of the current GMT-Master II was issued in 2013, earning the nickname “the Batman” in honor of its black and blue ceramic bezel.

1954 was a busy year for Rolex as they also introduced the Submariner 6204, a direct response to Blancpain’s 50 Fathoms, which was a popular dive watch during the golden age of recreational diving. In the 60s, the sales of the watch exploded after becoming the unofficial watch of James Bond in the popular films starring Sean Connery.

A descendent of the 50th anniversary update of the Submariner, this all-green variant Submariner  was released in 2010 and quickly garnered the nickname The Hulk.

Observing the cases, both watches utilize Rolex’s newer design language with the “super case” and the “maxi dial,” which are thicker and more substantial than designs of the past. The Submariner has a bit more thickness than the GMT, which helps it survive three times the diving depth.

The Batman and the Hulk share a triple-locking crown, or triplock, giving the cases three levels of water and dust resistance.

As for the Batman GMT’s graduated bezel features bi-directional rotation with 24 clicks, one for each hour of the day. The bold two-tone coloring in black and blue represent daytime hours versus nighttime hours.

The Hulk Submariner’s 60-minute graduated bezel is unidirectional, which means it only rotates counter-clockwise. The bezel features a lume pip for viewing in low light and deep waters. Each bezel is constructed of Cerachrom, Rolex’s super strong proprietary ceramic material. The Cerachrom material leads to its UV resistance and is virtually scratch-proof.

Both models also share a near-identical dial. The GMT adds a fourth hand, the GMT hand, for 24-hour tracking. Each model features a 1x magnification cyclops for clear date viewing. The Submariner touts its pressure-resistance in the text at 6 o’clock.

As for the powerhouse behind the models, the pair boast in-house Rolex COSC certified movements, with a parachrom hairspring, offering greater resistance to shock and temperature fluctuations. These certified chronometers guarantee the highest level of accuracy, at just plus or minus two seconds a day.

The Batman’s four hand GMT 3186 movement allows the wearer to rapidly set the hour hand independently from the GMT hand. The Hulk’s three hand 3135 movement grants the wearer instantaneous date changes. Both movements are automatic, kinetically powered with a bi-directional self-winding rotor.

The Oyster bracelet on the GMT is a three piece link with a high polish center link. The clasp features an easylink 5mm comfort extension and is easily expanded. The Oyster bracelet on the Submariner is a three piece link with a brushed finish. This clasp has a glidelock extension, allowing for more adjustment than The GMT.

We prefer the Batman outfitted with our own Everest blue rubber strap, and the Hulk with a complimentary Everest green rubber strap. Whether you’re more of a Batman or more of a Hulk, you’ll feel heroic with either of these powerful Rolex watches on your wrist.