Timeless or fad BLNR : GMT Master II

[DHPSU]

So I am awaiting, as patiently as possible, delivery of my NIB Rolex BLNR. I was in Tourneau today just making sure the fit was right, obviously had to try on the all black version since you can't get the BLNR walking into a store. I like the way it fits better than the submariner and I see Submariners everywhere. My favorite color is blue. So pretty much I have no issue on my choice.

I asked the salesperson his thoughts on the BLNR, and he says the black version is better in his opinion and that the BLNR is a fad. I'm pretty sure he said it because he had a black GMT to sell me, not a BLNR. I'm also pretty sure the dual color bezel is an integral part of the design of the GMT, correct me if I'm wrong please.

So, I thought it would be a good question to pose and get some more discussion going again on he BLNR.

BTW - what is the preferred name of this watch in the watch world? Batman, BLNR, blue black, bruiser, GMT Master II black and blue?


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[AK797]

Not a fad, a bezel that makes Day/Night sense. We call it the BLNR, ADs tend to call it Batman, so we win.

[520Matt]

I don't think the BLNR is a fad. You will love the watch. Bezel will look all black at times. BLNR is my preferred way of describing it. Hope you get it soon.

[DHPSU]

Originally Posted by AK797

Not a fad, a bezel that makes Day/Night sense. We call it the BLNR, ADs tend to call it Batman, so we win.

I like calling it the BLNR also


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[swils8610]

Not a fad at all. It's a future classic. I refer to mine as a BLNR. Typical Torneau salesman.


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[PLNYC]

Definitely the BLNR. I don't think it's a fad. Tourneau salesman was just trying to make a sale. Happened to me multiple times when I went in to browse. Went in to look at the 116613lb and they didn't have it so the sales manager tried to push the TT Daytona on mep

[.brian.]

While on the topic of the BLNR, I have been noticing quite a few trusted sellers with them listed for anywhere from $9000-$9300, whereas before they could be found in the $8200-$8800 range give. What gives for the recent increase?

[Tony64]

1) Not a fan of nicknames so it's BLNR for me.

2) I think the salesman was trying to sell what he had in stock.

3) Prefer the all black myself, but too early to call the black/blue a "fad". I'm not sure I'd agree that contrasting bezel color is integral to the design though. If I felt that way I'd think the blue/red would be my preferred choice.

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by DHPSU

I'm also pretty sure the dual color bezel is an integral part of the design of the GMT, correct me if I'm wrong please.

You can be absolutely sure you are right. Dual color bezel has been a signature feature since the GMT Master's inception in 1954, reference 6542. The all-black option for a bezel wasn't offered until 20 years later in the early 70's.

Your instincts are correct, the salesman was trying to sell you the all-black version. The BLNR is no more a "fad" than the Red/Blue or Red/Black combinations. Perhaps the actual "fad" is the all-black version?

[Heff]

Fad or not, I will never stop loving my BLNR.


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[Tony64]

Originally Posted by CRM114

You can be absolutely sure you are right. Dual color bezel has been a signature feature since the GMT Master's inception in 1954, reference 6542. The all-black option for a bezel wasn't offered until 20 years later in the early 70's.

Your instincts are correct, the salesman was trying to sell you the all-black version. The BLNR is no more a "fad" than the Red/Blue or Red/Black combinations. Perhaps the actual "fad" is the all-black version?

Well 40+ years for the black is one heck of a fad than! Colored, contrasting bezels aren't a fad either though, it's just a style that can more easily become dated and more likely to clash than classic black.

A multicolored bezel will always be more apt to attract attention. That can be a plus as long as one recognizes the inherent limitations.

All variants of the GMT are nice, some just like color while others prefer
a subtler statement.

[GradyPhilpott]

Fad and Rolex are two words that don't belong in the same sentence.

[GB-man]

Timeless. Next question.

[rushca01]

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=517006

[tng11]

It's a classic in the making. A colour combination that makes perfect sense for the watch's function.

[Ruud Van Driver]

I sold mine because I bought into the hype, but that was my fault and not the watch's.

Here's a thread I started recently, which ruffled a few feathers, but it does contain some measured and balanced views. Ignore the posts from those that tried to turn it into a hate thread:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=557929

One thing I am curious about is how anyone can think that a GMT can fit better than a Sub. The Glidelock with it's incremental adjustments is the best invention ever.

[Investr]

Originally Posted by .brian.

While on the topic of the BLNR, I have been noticing quite a few trusted sellers with them listed for anywhere from $9000-$9300, whereas before they could be found in the $8200-$8800 range give. What gives for the recent increase?

It's called greed! Just be patient and pay MSRP ($8950) and you have an AD to always back it. I'd NEVER pay over sticker for a watch that's fairly easy to find in the US. You can still find them preowned for $8300ish here if you wanna go that route.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I sold mine because I bought into the hype, but that was my fault and not the watch's.

Here's a thread I started recently, which ruffled a few feathers, but it does contain some measured and balanced views. Ignore the posts from those that tried to turn it into a hate thread:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=557929

One thing I am curious about is how anyone can think that a GMT can fit better than a Sub. The Glidelock with it's incremental adjustments is the best invention ever.

It fits more flush to the wrist.

I find both very comfortable but would say the GMT slightly more unless we are talking PM where a tight fit is key.

[swils8610]

My SD4k is my best fitting Rolex then my Bluesy. My BLNR fits good also but the other 2 fit better.


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[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by GB-man

It fits more flush to the wrist.

I find both very comfortable but would say the GMT slightly more unless we are talking PM where a tight fit is key.

Ah, got it. That might be why I'm finding my Daytona particularly comfortable this week

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

Ah, got it. That might be why I'm finding my Daytona particularly comfortable this week

Yes Daytona is king in my book as far as comfort goes

[CRM114]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I sold mine because I bought into the hype, but that was my fault and not the watch's.

Here's a thread I started recently, which ruffled a few feathers, but it does contain some measured and balanced views. Ignore the posts from those that tried to turn it into a hate thread:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=557929

One thing I am curious about is how anyone can think that a GMT can fit better than a Sub. The Glidelock with it's incremental adjustments is the best invention ever.

I'm curious why every Sub-lover tries to turn every unrelated thread into a thread about Subs, and how they're supposedly "the best". Is it because almost nobody actually dives with them using their forte' of >300' WR, so therefore there's a constant quest to lay claim to being "the best" at whatever else comes to mind?

Glidelock....wooowheee. Someone please help me, I'm swooning over a massive clasp containing an over-engineered adjustment mechanism for my hyper-sensitive, swelly wrist. Now all someone has to do is invent a shoe with 47 eyelets per side so I can go through the day constantly adjusting my laces for a precise fit according to variations in temperature and humidity. That would be the best invention and most comfortable shoe ever until someone thinks of inventing one with 64 eyelets per side.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Fad and Rolex are two words that don't belong in the same sentence.

As always, words of wisdom.

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by tng11

It's a classic in the making. A colour combination that makes perfect sense for the watch's function.

Only if you're lucky enough to live in a country where the sky is blue some countries with eternal smog... they'd be more familiar with Black & Grey

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by AK797

Not a fad, a bezel that makes Day/Night sense. We call it the BLNR, ADs tend to call it Batman, so we win.

Only correct answer.

[WEST HAM ROLEX]

I love the BLNR
But the Black GMT LN is my favourite wear

[sager]

Not a fad at all. If anything, it will be a classic. Honestly, very rarely do I see Rolexes as fads. But that's just my opinion.


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[zesty55]

GMTs are great, no matter. Not a fad. Probably the worst two-color bezel combo they've made as yet, but doesn't make it bad or a fad.


The unique blue & black combo will probably make it sought after in future when they quit making that one. I'm doubting folks will quit buying then Rolex stop making (that'd be a fad), it'll be the other way 'round.

[tjbender]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Fad and Rolex are two words that don't belong in the same sentence.

I do think +40mm cases are though - they just don't look right

[Wcdhtwn]

Tourneau sales guy saying something to try to get you to buy what he has now.

Not a fad, but not for everyone.

Have you seen one in person? I had one saved for me, went to buy and didn't like it on. Bought the LN instead. BLNR photographs very well, but I found it a different story on the wrist. Certainly don't buy before you see it in person. Don't pay over retail.