With the update of 2019’s Rolex GMT-Master II 126710 BLNR “Batman” we saw a sudden resurgence of interest in the blue and black colour scheme. And in true Rolex fashion, this watch remains as elusive as ever either through the barrier of price or scarcity. So, if you can’t seem to get your hands on one now, this is a list of five alternatives you can consider at every price point.

Bell & Ross BR V2-93 GMT Blue

For a brand that specialises in watches inspired by the gauges found in an aircraft cockpit, a GMT complication is something they definitely want in their collection. The Bell & Ross BR V2-93 GMT was first launched with a grey and black two-tone bezel but earlier this year, as a precursor to the now-cancelled Baselworld, they unveiled one with a blue and black bezel. At roughly half the price of a Rolex GMT-Master II, the watch is by no means cheap but over the years Bell & Ross have been consistently coming out with watches of pretty great quality. (read the full article here.)

Price: MYR 14,600

TAG Heuer Aquaracer GMT

Yet another blue-dial, Batman-coloured option is the very recent TAG Heuer Aquaracer GMT launched for 2020. The blue and black bezel on this watch comes with all the signature elements of the Aquaracer line, including the slightly angular bezel and horizontal lines that are present on the dial. Coming from a reputable Swiss watch manufacture, the watch also offers dual coloured lume and is water-resistant to 300m. One thing to note however that the movement within the watch is the Calibre 7 Automatic that is modified from an ETA 2893-A2 movement that can also be found on the other more affordably priced options.

Price: MYR 13,100 or USD 3,050

Yema Superman Heritage GMT

For those that don’t know Yema, they are a French brand that has existed since 1948. This model with the bi-colour bezel is a limited edition and unfortunately has already sold out on their website. However, if you keep an eye out, you would probably be able to find one on the various second-hand watch sites out there. The watch uses an ETA 2893-2 movement and has a bezel in aluminium. The little thing you see there near the crown is their unique bezel-lock that prevents you from accidentally rotating the bezel.

Price: MYR 6,520 or USD 1,499

Steinhart Ocean 39 GMT Premium 500

Steinhart is a bit of a niche brand as they are known mostly for their very impressive Rolex homage watches. You want a ‘Kermit’, a ‘Pepsi’ or a Submariner without having to pay Rolex prices, Steinhart has good options. Their take on the ‘Batman’ however is a bit different as they chose to go with their own design on the piece. The watch is made with 316L stainless steel and has a smaller 39mm case and even a ceramic bezel. Underneath the dial, you get either an ETA 2893-2 or SW330 movement, both élaboré grade so it does have some sort of finishing done to it.

Price: MYR 3,248 or EUR 690

Timex M79 Automatic

It started with the Q Timex, a watch inspired by the first-ever quartz watch from the brand in the 1970s. This piece was so successful that this year Timex decided to offer a new version, this time with a bigger case and an automatic mechanical movement. To be fair, the Batman colours on this watch is purely aesthetic as the M79 does not have a GMT function. But for its price, it provides a very affordable way to scratch this ‘Batman’ itch and it is quite a handsome looking watch on its own. (Read the full article here.)

Price: MYR 1,499 or USD 279