5 of the best Batman bezel watches you can actually buy
Zach BlassCoke, Pepsi, Sprite – by now you have likely come across various nicknames for different configurations of bi-coloured bezels. Typically speaking, GMT watches will have 24-hour bezels with a brighter shade to represent the morning hours, and a darker one to represent the nights. While colour combos like Pepsi (blue and red) and Coke (black and red) are more historic, the nicknamed Batman (blue and black) bezel configuration has become a modern staple since 2013 when the 1166710BLNR first made its debut. Since then it has become an absolute fan-favourite, but the aforementioned Rolex is undoubtedly a challenge to score at retail. Below are some of the best Batman bezel watches you can actually buy.
Timex Waterbury Traditional GMT 39mm
On the affordable end, you probably thought the Timex Q would make an appearance but it appears the Batman bezel configuration has been removed from its website. The good news is, Timex still lists a Batman bezel watch I actually prefer: the Waterbury Traditional GMT 39mm. A watch that I feel could be dressed up well with a strap refresh, but also a watch that is sporty with 100 metres of water-resistance and outfitted on Tropic-style rubber strap, this stainless steel quartz Timex looks like a monopusher chronograph – but, of course, it is not. This pusher increments the GMT hand forward one hour, so it’s really simple to adjust this complication. A beginner-level solution for a beginner-level price tag, and it has friendly case dimensions of 39mm in diameter and 22.5mm in thickness. Price: US$199
Mido Ocean Star 39
Kicking things up to entry-level mechanical, this Mido Ocean Star 39 is the only watch on this best Batman bezel watches list that is not a GMT – just time and date. It’s not conventional for a diver’s watch without a GMT complication to have a bi-coloured bezel, but in this instance, it works. When the bezel is left in its default alignment, the bezel colour coordinates with the Ocean Star’s gradient and wavy-textured dial. It’s a robust watch, though its 39mm case is just 10.5mm thick, it sports 200 metres of water-resistance with a screw-down crown, and is driven by a 72-hour, ETA-based automatic movement you can rely on. All for just… Price: US$1,100
Citizen Series 8 GMT
If you’re looking at a similar price point as the Mido but want to level up to a GMT, then the Citizen Series 8 GMT should be on your radar. Only a few hundred dollars more, the Series 8 GMT is a “true GMT” watch with an independently adjustable hour hand. It’s also the first and only integrated bracelet watch on this list, boasting a 41.5mm diameter, 13.5mm thickness, with daily-wearer-approved 100 metres of water-resistance. Inside, you have an in-house automatic calibre with 50 hours of power reserve. Price: US$1,495
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT
Jumping up to what some would describe as entry-level luxury, the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT is both sturdy and handsome. Its rich blue textured dial will catch the eye for sure, but watch geeks will probably first notice the unusually placed cyclops lens over the 6 o’clock-positioned date window. It’s 300 metres water-resistant, with a chronometer-certified automatic movement. The TH31-03 automatic movement within is Sellita-based, but you can see the value of manufacture modification when you realise its power reserve has been extended to 80 hours. Price: US$4,000 (steel on strap), US$4,200 (steel on bracelet)
Seiko Prospex LX SNR033
Unfortunately, Grand Seiko Sport Spring Drive GMT watches often have bi-coloured rehauts rather than bi-coloured bezels, and the ones that do are blue and white rather than blue and black. Fortunately for this best Batman bezel list, Seiko comes to the rescue with its Prospex LX SNR033 Spring Drive GMT. The Seiko Prospex SNR033 is a more premium Seiko offering with an elevated external finish, and is driven by an in-house, automatic Spring Drive movement. The 5R66 has a 72-hour power reserve, with date, true GMT, and power reserve indications. Also, all of the hands and indices have LumiBrite coatings, so they will all glow in the dark, although it does irk me the central seconds counterweight is lumed rather than the tip. High-Intensity Titanium, 100 metres water-resistant, and large but flattering dimensions of 44.8mm x 14.7mm, with a compact-for-its-diameter 50.9mm lug-to-lug, this is a killer Seiko that happens to have a Batman bezel. If you prefer Hulkish hues, such a configuration does exist. Price: US$5,500
T+T Timeless Pick: Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLNR
Will the real Batman watch please stand up? For the rest of time, when asked to name a watch with a “Batman” bezel, the first to be mentioned will always be the Rolex GMT-Master II. It’s the reason the nickname even exists, in fact, it’s various Rolex watches that birthed such bezel nomenclature. The Crown, in regard to giving rise to nicknames, is in fact the Crown. Good luck scoring one at retail. Price: US$10,900