The Rolex GMT-Master II 116710 BLNR, affectionately nicknamed the "Batman" due to its distinctive blue and black Cerachrom bezel, has become a legend in its own time. Its discontinuation, however, has sparked considerable debate among collectors and enthusiasts. Many question whether it was truly discontinued or simply underwent a significant upgrade, leading to the current generation. This article delves into the reasoning behind classifying the 116710 BLNR as discontinued, contrasting it with the discontinuation of the all-black 116710 LN, exploring the market impact, and examining the related models and their current status.
The assertion that the 116710 BLNR is "discontinued" rather than "upgraded" stems from Rolex's deliberate approach to product releases. Unlike some brands that explicitly announce upgrades or revisions with minor alterations, Rolex often subtly transitions models, sometimes without formal announcements. The shift from the 116710 BLNR to the current generation GMT-Master II (often the 126710BLRO or other references depending on the specific bracelet and dial) involves several key changes. These changes are significant enough to be considered a discontinuation rather than a mere refinement.
While the 116710 LN (the all-black GMT-Master II) was also discontinued, making way for its successor, the distinction lies in the scale and nature of the changes. The 116710 LN's successor retained a similar overall aesthetic, with the most noticeable difference being the movement upgrade. The BLNR, however, saw a more comprehensive transformation. This included, but was not limited to:
* Movement Upgrade: Both the LN and BLNR received movement upgrades, transitioning from the Caliber 3186 to the newer Caliber 3285. However, the 3285 boasts enhanced performance and features like Chronergy escapement and improved power reserve. This is a significant improvement, but not the sole differentiating factor.
* Case Changes: While subtle, there are differences in the case design and dimensions between the 116710 BLNR and its successor. These are often only noticeable upon direct comparison, but they represent a departure from the previous generation.
* Bracelet Changes: Depending on the specific model, the bracelet might have been changed. The jubilee bracelet, for example, is a popular option on some of the newer GMT-Master II models and was not available on the 116710 BLNR.
* Marketing and Branding: Rolex rarely explicitly labels a model as "discontinued." Instead, it simply ceases production and introduces a successor. The absence of the 116710 BLNR from official catalogues and its unavailability at authorized dealers strongly suggests discontinuation.
The argument for an "upgrade" rather than a discontinuation hinges on the incremental nature of the changes. However, the cumulative effect of these modifications, particularly when considering Rolex's typically conservative approach to design, constitutes a significant enough shift to justify classifying the 116710 BLNR as discontinued. The watch is fundamentally different from its successor, making the two distinct models in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts.
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