When it comes to the world of watchmaking, there’s a fascinating tradition of giving cool and catchy nicknames to specific watch models. From the iconic “Pepsi” to “Arnie,” “Tuna,” “Samurai,” “Hulk,” or even “Smurf,” these names add a touch of personality to the timepieces. However, there’s one nickname that stands out in a league of its own: “BATMAN.” In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Batman watches, exploring why they are called Batman and highlighting some of the finest examples available.
What is a Batman Watch?
So, let’s talk about Batman watches! One important thing to know is that Batman watches are actually a type of GMT watch. You might be wondering what GMT means. Well, GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time, which is a time standard used in different parts of the world.
Now, what sets GMT watches apart is their distinctive bezel design. The bezel is the ring around the watch face. With many GMT watches, the bezel is two-toned or two-colored. The upper half of the bezel, from 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock, is usually black. The lower half, from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock, comes in different colors like red, blue, white, yellow, and so on.
It’s important to clarify that when we mention 3 or 9 o’clock, we’re referring to positions on the watch dial, not the bezel itself.
You see, GMT watches often have a 24-hour bezel. This bezel helps track a second-time zone. So, how does it work?
Let’s imagine the watch dial. Right next to the 3 o’clock position on the dial, you’ll find the number 6. This indicates 6 AM in a 24-hour format. The lower half of the bezel, from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock, represents the 12 hours of daylight. It ends next to the 9 o’clock position on the dial, where you’ll see the number 18. This indicates 6 PM. From 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock, the upper half of the bezel features a different color, representing nighttime.
The bezel serves as a visual aid to track two different time zones. It’s a clever way to keep track of time when you’re traveling or need to stay connected to different regions of the world.
Batman wearing Black and Blue?
A batman watch is a GMT watch that comes with that 24 hours bezel we mentioned above, using the colors black and blue. the upper half of the bezel will be black, while the lower part of the bezel will be blue. Now you must be wondering – ok, why do we call these colors “Batman”?
The association of black and blue colors with Batman stems from the character’s iconic costume. Batman is typically depicted wearing a dark, black-colored suit with a bat emblem on the chest and a cape. The cape and cowl are often portrayed as being black in color as well.
While Batman’s costume has traditionally been depicted as predominantly black, variations of the character’s suit over the years have incorporated different shades of blue. This blue color is often seen in the design elements such as the bat symbol, utility belt, and accents on the costume.
The black and blue color scheme used in the Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” watch was inspired by the character’s costume and was launched in 2013. The watch’s black and blue ceramic bezel resembles the color combination seen in Batman’s attire, hence earning it the nickname “Batman” within the watch community.
It’s important to note that the association between Batman and the black-blue color scheme is primarily based on visual representation in various Batman comics, movies, and merchandise. The specific color choices may vary slightly depending on the interpretation and artistic direction of different character adaptations.
All Batman watches are GMT?
So, here’s the thing: Initially, the term “Batman watch” was mainly associated with GMT watches. However, as time passed, watchmakers started getting creative with the black-blue color theme for bezels, even for watches that weren’t necessarily GMT watches.
One such example is the Seiko Prospex watch, specifically the reference SRPC25K1. Seiko decided to embrace the black-blue concept, similar to the Batman watches, for this particular timepiece. While it may not have the GMT functionality, it still carries the distinct black and blue bezel that became synonymous with the Batman watch aesthetic.
It’s interesting to see how the influence of Batman watches extends beyond the GMT category, inspiring watchmakers to incorporate the captivating black-blue color scheme into various watch models. This allows enthusiasts to enjoy the iconic Batman style even without the specific GMT feature.
Recommended Batman Watches
Rolex GMT-MASTER II
Rolex GMT-Master II, reference 116710BLNR, is still considered the top-notch Batman timepiece to this day. However, as with many Rolex sport watches, there’s a slight hitch—it’s essentially out of reach for most folks. You can’t simply stroll into a Rolex boutique and ask to purchase one outright. Instead, you’ll likely be offered a spot on a waitlist, but the unfortunate truth is that sometimes your turn may never come.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer GMT WAZ211A.BA0875
Tag Heuer, a brand that offers a range of fantastic GMT watches. Among them, there’s a particular gem that embraces the Batman color theme. It’s none other than the Tag Heuer reference WAZ211A.BA0875—a watch that captures the essence of Batman in its design.
This timepiece boasts a sleek 41mm stainless steel case with a striking black-blue bezel, reminiscent of the iconic Batman color combination. To enhance legibility, the GMT hand stands out in bold blue, filled with luminous white material. This ensures that you can easily read the time, even in low-light conditions.
The watch features a classic black dial, exuding timeless elegance.
Positioned at 3 o’clock, you’ll find a practical date aperture, allowing you to keep track of the day alongside the time. This combination of features makes it an incredibly versatile timepiece—a watch that effortlessly transitions from beachside relaxation in your swimming suit to business meetings in your sharp suit.
Tag Heuer Aquaracer GMT WAY201T.BA0927
Tag Heuer offers another stunning GMT Batman watch, the reference WAY201T.BA0927, featuring a captivating Black-Blue bezel. Compared to the WAZ211A.BA0875, this timepiece boasts a 43mm case with sleeker contours from the Aquaracer 300 series, giving it a distinct appearance. Additionally, the dial showcases a striking blue color with elegant horizontal notches traversing its surface.
Seiko SSK003K1 GMT Watch
Seiko SSK003K1 is another beautiful watch offered by Seiko. The watch is a part of the Seiko 5 Sports series, with the distinctive SKX sport-style case, with the watch crown positioned at 4 o’clock.
The watch comes with a black-blue bezel, a blue dial with a black hue, large white indexes, large white hands, and a GMT hand in red.
This watch comes in a 42.5mm stainless steel case with a 13.6mm thickness, with a water resistance of up to 100 meters. Inside the watch, we find one of the most reliable automatic calibers from Seiko, Caliber 4R34, providing a 41 hours power reserve.
Compared to the GMT watches we mentioned above, this Seiko is much more affordable. While the Rolex is priced at around $10,000, and the Tag Heuer Batman watches are priced between $2,500 to $3,000. With the Seiko, you will get a change from $500, as the watch is priced at $460.
Bernhardt Corsair GMT Black/Blue
Named in honor of the F4U Corsair fighter plane, the Bernhardt Corsair GMT is a 42mm Batman Style watch with a highly-reliable Swiss ETA 2836 automatic movement.
This watch comes in a 42mm 316L stainless steel case with a thickness of 14mm. The watch dial is black, but it’s a bit busy, as Bernhardt provides another 24-hour display next to the dial’s indexes, not just on the bezel itself.
The GMT and second hand are blue, and the watch is water resistant up to 200 meters. Bernhardt Corsair GMT is another affordable watch with a price tag of $689.
Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Classic Ceramic
Steinhart, a microbrand watch manufacturer renowned for its homage timepieces, has established a strong presence among watch enthusiasts by offering exceptional value for money, all priced below $1,000.
Crafted from robust 316L stainless steel, this watch showcases a 39 mm diameter and a 13 mm thickness. Powered by Selita’s caliber SW330-2, it ensures precise timekeeping, while boasting an impressive water resistance of up to 300 meters.
Featuring a sleek black-blue ceramic bezel, a sophisticated black dial, and a GMT hand in captivating blue with a white tip, this timepiece exudes elegance.
True to the brand’s philosophy, this watch delivers remarkable quality at an affordable price, priced at 650 euros.
Davosa Ternos Professional GMT Black-Blue
Davosa , a Swiss-based microbrand watchmaker, has become renowned for its exceptional homage timepieces. Once you hold a Davosa watch in your hands, you’ll immediately recognize the exquisite craftsmanship and impeccable quality that sets them apart. In fact, if you were to remove the company’s logo from the watch face, many would mistake it for the genuine article rather than a homage timepiece.
Davosa offers a diverse range of GMT watches, available in both quartz and automatic movements, catering to various price ranges. Moreover, the brand spoils watch enthusiasts with a plethora of captivating color combinations for their GMT watches, including classic black bezels, striking black-red or red-blue bezels, and the coveted GMT Batman design with its captivating blue-black bezel.
Davosa GMT watches are crafted with Swiss precision and often feature automatic movements, ensuring accurate timekeeping and reliability. They typically incorporate high-quality materials such as stainless steel cases, sapphire crystals for enhanced durability, and comfortable bracelets or straps.
One of Davosa’s standout advantages lies in its commitment to offering watches in a wide array of sizes. While other brands may limit their Rolex GMT watches to a 40mm diameter, Davosa ensures that watch enthusiasts have options. They offer GMT watches in both 40mm and 42mm diameters, as well as an impressive range of diving watches in sizes ranging from 36.5mm to 42mm. This dedication to size variety ensures that customers can find the perfect fit for their personal preferences and style.
Batgirl Watch?!
Yes. There’s a Batman watch, and there’s a Batgirl watch. A Batman GMT watch usually refers to the Rolex GMT Master II With Black-Blue bezel, with the oyster bracelet. a Batgirl watch is usually the GMT Master II with black-blue bezel on a jubilee bracelet.
Wrapping It Up
Batman-inspired GMT watch combines style, functionality, and the enduring appeal of the Dark Knight. It’s a timepiece that pays homage to the legendary character while offering the versatility to accompany you through various aspects of your life.
So, whether you’re a Batman enthusiast, a watch aficionado, or simply appreciate a well-crafted timepiece, one of our recommended GMT watches is definitely worth considering. they embodies the spirit of Batman in a way that can seamlessly complement your personal style, making a statement wherever your adventures take you. Which one to choose? Though question. We leave this critical decision to you.
