A fake Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR is a counterfeit version of the 40 mm steel "Batman" GMT that Rolex produced from 2013 to 2019, known for its black and blue two-tone ceramic bezel. Replica builds range from cheap quartz copies to high-end clones built around a copy of the Rolex calibre 3186. The genuine watch trades for a five-figure price on the secondary market, and selling counterfeit watches is illegal in the United States.

What is the Rolex GMT-Master II 116710BLNR?

The 116710BLNR arrived in 2013 as the first GMT-Master II with a two-color Cerachrom bezel, pairing a blue daytime half with a black nighttime half. Rolex discontinued it in 2019 and replaced it with the 126710BLNR, which moved to a Jubilee bracelet. Collectors nicknamed the Oyster-bracelet version the "Batman" and the newer Jubilee version the "Batgirl".

Which specs should a replica match?

A close copy reproduces the following genuine specifications.

  • Case: 40 mm Oystersteel, about 12.5 mm thick, 20 mm lug width.
  • Bezel: bidirectional 24-hour Cerachrom insert in blue and black with platinum-coated numerals.
  • Movement: calibre 3186, 4 Hz, roughly 48-hour power reserve, Parachrom hairspring, independently set GMT hand.
  • Dial: black with white gold hour markers, blue GMT hand, Chromalight lume, Cyclops over the date at 3 o'clock.
  • Bracelet: three-link Oyster with polished center links, Oysterlock clasp and Easylink extension.
  • Water resistance: 100 m on the original, which few replicas actually reach.

How can you tell a replica from a genuine 116710BLNR?

The bezel transition is the fastest tell. A genuine insert has a crisp vertical seam where blue meets black and numerals that look filled with platinum, while low-tier replicas show a blurry or offset line and flat printed numerals.

The crystal and Cyclops come second. Genuine sapphire carries anti-reflective treatment with no blue haze and clean 2.5x magnification, whereas replicas often show distortion at the edges of the date window.

Movement behavior is the most reliable check. On a genuine calibre 3186 the GMT hand jumps in one-hour steps with the crown in the second position, while many replicas run a modified ETA 2836 where the 24-hour hand cannot be set independently.

Smaller details matter too: solid end-link fit, rehaut engraving depth, crown guard shape, date font, and lume color, since genuine Chromalight reads blue while many replicas glow green.

What movements do replica GMT-Master II watches use?

Most mid-tier replicas use an Asian ETA 2836-2 with a bolted-on GMT module, so the 24-hour hand tracks the hour gear instead of moving on its own. Higher-tier builds use a copy of the 3186 with a correct hand stack and a 48-hour reserve. The genuine calibre 3186 runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers.

What do replica versions cost?

Quartz and entry automatic replicas sell for roughly $60 to $150, mid-tier Asian ETA builds run $200 to $400, and high-end clones with a copied 3186 command $500 to $900. Genuine 116710BLNR examples typically trade well above $13,000 today. Price alone is a weak quality signal, because bracelets and bezel inserts vary between batches from the same seller.

Is it legal to buy a fake Rolex in the US?

No. Counterfeit watches infringe Rolex trademarks, and trafficking them violates federal law, so US Customs and Border Protection can seize and destroy shipments. Selling or importing a counterfeit can trigger civil damages and criminal penalties. Personal purchases carry lower exposure, but the item can still be confiscated and it holds no resale or service value.

Frequently asked questions

Is the "Batman" the same as the "Batgirl"?

No. The "Batman" is the 116710BLNR on an Oyster bracelet, sold from 2013 to 2019. The "Batgirl" is the 126710BLNR on a Jubilee bracelet, introduced in 2019 with the calibre 3285.

Does the 116710BLNR have a 48-hour power reserve?

Yes. Calibre 3186 delivers about 48 hours of power reserve at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The newer calibre 3285 in the 126710BLNR stretches that to roughly 70 hours.

What size wrist does the 40 mm case fit?

The 116710BLNR measures 40 mm across, 12.5 mm thick and 20 mm at the lugs, so it wears comfortably on wrists from about 6.5 to 7.5 inches. The 20 mm link size also makes spare Oyster links easier to source than 21 mm links on newer references.

What should you check before buying any replica 116710BLNR?

Request photos of the bezel transition line, the date window and the movement with the caseback removed, and confirm whether the GMT hand sets independently. Inspect the solid end-link fit and clasp engraving, since those are the first places where budget builds show gaps and soft stamping. Confirm the return policy and identify the movement type, because a true GMT calibre and an ETA 2836 conversion behave differently when you cross time zones.

Bottom line

The 116710BLNR is a 2013 to 2019 steel GMT with a black and blue ceramic bezel, a 40 mm case and calibre 3186. Replicas can copy the look closely but cannot match the movement, materials or legal status of the genuine watch. Treat any fake GMT-Master II as a novelty, not an investment.