Singer John Mayer spotted wearing a Rolex

John Mayer stepped out at a taping of Bravo's Watch What Happens Live wearing a Rolex GMT-Master II reference 116710BLNR on his wrist — the iconic model collectors have called the 'Batman' since its 2013 debut. Dressed in a relaxed linen blazer and jeans, Mayer let the watch speak quietly, which, given his status as one of the most knowledgeable celebrity watch collectors alive, reads as a deliberate and considered choice.

The 116710BLNR is a landmark reference in modern Rolex history. Introduced at Baselworld 2013, it was the first GMT-Master II rendered in Oystersteel to receive a bicolor Cerachrom ceramic bezel — the upper half in black, the lower in blue — giving the watch its dark, brooding palette that prompted the Batman comparison. The 40mm Oyster case houses the Calibre 3186, a COSC-certified movement featuring a Paraflex shock absorber system and Parachrom hairspring, offering improved resistance to magnetic fields and shocks. Power reserve sits at approximately 48 hours. The Oyster bracelet on the 116710BLNR features a Glidelock extension system and solid end links, giving it a level of fit precision that earlier sport Rolexes lacked.

Among collectors, the Batman occupies a particular sweet spot: it is modern enough to wear daily without anxiety, technically accomplished, and carries a clean aesthetic that reads across formal and casual contexts. It preceded the even more sought-after 'Batgirl' (Jubilee bracelet variant, ref. 126710BLNR) and has since been discontinued in the reference 116710 series, which has only strengthened its grey-market position. Demand consistently outpaced supply during its production run, and it remains a benchmark steel sports watch.

Mayer's watch collection is genuinely extraordinary — he owns examples ranging from Patek Philippe complications to rare Paul Newman Daytonas and Rolex 'Tropical' dials. Against that backdrop, the Batman signals his appreciation for the utilitarian, tool-watch side of Rolex rather than trophy collecting. It is the kind of piece a knowledgeable collector reaches for on a casual evening out.

At list price the 116710BLNR retailed at approximately $9,700 USD before its effective discontinuation. On the grey market, strong collector demand has pushed examples to between $16,000 and $19,000 USD depending on condition, papers, and box completeness — a premium that reflects both its legacy status and the scarcity that followed production shifts to the updated 126710BLNR generation.