Batman discontinued?

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Jamhot

Fracture and hairline cracks? First time I’ve heard of this. That is not common knowledge. State your sources please.

It’s pretty common knowledge on TRF. Initially, I didn’t think there was an issue until I started looking into it further and finding more and more threads and pics on the topic with just the BLRO. Apparently the BLRO ceramic is fired at a hotter temperature than all the others because of the color. That was one theory why it was getting hairline cracks.

It’s been on the forum with pics a few times when discussing this topic. Several others had a pretty good collection of pics. Many had such fine hairline cracks that you couldn’t see it unless under a macro pic.


Just a few links offhand that I can recall.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=797018

[Jamhot]

I remember reading that the materials used to create the BLRO bezel are completely different from the others because that was the only way they could get the red. Did not realize it was more fragile. Thank you for reminding us. This makes the BLNR the better buy in my eyes

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Jamhot

I remember reading that the materials used to create the BLRO bezel are completely different from the others because that was the only way they could get the red. Did not realize it was more fragile. Thank you for reminding us. This makes the BLNR the better buy in my eyes

No problem. I personally believe that Rolex knows there is an issue and is working on a process of making the BLRO more durable, which might even change the tint/hue again??? That is why the BLRO slowed down its release considerably the last 2 months and produced more BLNR.
Like any company that doesn’t disclose issues, Rolex will silently replace the current BLRO bezel as needed under warranty and replace it with a new improved one.
Looking back, it is very possible the multiple huge changes in the BLRO bezel was not done purely for cosmetic reasons but trying to make a less brittle ceramic red/blue insert.
I don’t think the BLRO is going away as it’s still too new.

[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by Mystro

We don’t really know other than the higher fracture and hairline cracks showing up almost exclusively on BLRO bezels compared to other bi-color bezels. Only Rolex really knows the numbers.

What’s our sample size? We drawing conclusions for an N<50?


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[3sheets86]

Originally Posted by Mystro

No problem. I personally believe that Rolex knows there is an issue and is working on a process of making the BLRO more durable, which might even change the tint/hue again??? That is why the BLRO slowed down its release considerably the last 2 months and produced more BLNR.
Like any company that doesn’t disclose issues, Rolex will silently replace the current BLRO bezel as needed under warranty and replace it with a new improved one.
Looking back, it is very possible the multiple huge changes in the BLRO bezel was not done purely for cosmetic reasons but trying to make a less brittle ceramic red/blue insert.
I don’t think the BLRO is going away as it’s still too new.

I agree that it's too new. I think if it were to be discontinued this year it would just be temporary to buy them more time to perfect the bezel and then reintroduce it. Obviously they wouldn't say it's coming back, they'd do it just like the reintroduction of the BLNR on oyster.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Hollie_Rollie

What’s our sample size? We drawing conclusions for an N<50?


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Recent observation after looking into the topic more. Also some inside observations from a watchmaker that factory services Rolex. More of one particular color bezel than all the others combined getting damaged. I initially didn’t think there was a difference in ceramic bezels getting hairline cracks until I started to investigate it the last few months. I even chimed in on some of the older threads, not knowing that a patter was starting to emerge.

Turns out there is a pattern with BLRO bezels as this has been going on a long time on TRF starting with the first PM models. Some were a owner mishap but others are undetermined. With Rolex there is never any hard statistical information the public or even Rolex watchmakers will have access to.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=499858

[ericlim122]

Personal guess BLNR will discontinue as it marked 10th years.
It could be always highly sought after reason being the only bezel colour that true to natural and sense. Blue for day and black for night. Answer will reveal in the next few more hours.

[saywhat44]

I hope it doesn't get discontinued. I'm on the list for one and really love the watch.

[spellmanski]

On the GMT section of Rolex.com (the Canada site), they have removed pricing of some of the models...

[spellmanski]

the batman and rootbeer have no prices anymore, but pepsi and all-gold rootbeer still do

[spellmanski]

my apologies - now they have prices. Laptop must have been doing something weird. Didn't mean to scaremonger anyone (including myself)!

[jb335]

To the Moon, Alice!


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[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by jb335

To the Moon, Alice!


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Haha I think to the moon days are over. It’ll just be used watch dealers trying to quickly profit off any new discontinuation on inventory they already have.

To the moon was all hype - smoke and mirrors


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