Okay, here’s my blog post about trying to make a Rolex GMT-Master II Batman Bezel:
So, I’ve always been a huge fan of the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman. That black and blue bezel just looks so darn cool. But let’s be real, those things are expensive! I started looking into maybe getting a replica, but even those can be hit or miss in terms of quality. Then I thought, “Why not try to make my own?” I mean, how hard could it be, right? Famous last words…
First, I hit up the internet to see what I was getting myself into. Turns out, there are tons of people who try to make their own Rolex replicas or modify cheaper watches to look like them. I spent hours reading reviews and watching videos. There’s this one brand called Timex that a lot of folks seem to use as a base for their projects. Their Allied Three GMT watch came up a lot as a decent starting point, especially because it has a GMT function like the real Rolex Batman.
After diving deep into forums and seeing what other people had done, I decided to go for it. I ordered a Timex Allied Three GMT online. While I was waiting for it to arrive, I started looking for parts. Finding a good-quality bezel insert that looked like the Batman was a real pain. There are a lot of cheap, crappy ones out there. I finally found one that looked pretty decent and ordered it. I also ordered some basic watchmaking tools, like a case back opener, a bezel remover, and some small screwdrivers. I felt like a real watchmaker already!
Once everything arrived, the real “fun” began. Opening the Timex case was surprisingly easy. I guess those watchmaking tools were worth it. But then came the hard part: removing the original bezel. It was stuck on there pretty good, and I was terrified of scratching the watch case. After some careful prying and a lot of sweating, I finally got it off.
- I ordered a Timex Allied Three GMT and started looking for parts.
- Finding a good-quality bezel insert was difficult, but I found one that looked pretty decent and ordered it.
- I opened the Timex case easily and removed the original bezel carefully.
Putting the new Batman bezel insert on was even harder. It didn’t quite fit perfectly, and I had to do some sanding and filing to get it to sit right. I’m not going to lie, there were a few moments where I thought I had completely ruined the watch. But I kept at it, and eventually, I managed to get the new bezel on. It is not perfect, but it does look like the batman!
The Result
So, did I end up with a perfect, high-end Rolex Batman replica? Nope. Not even close. But, did I have a blast trying to make one? Absolutely! The bezel isn’t a perfect match, and the overall quality is obviously not the same as a real Rolex, not even as the expensive fake ones. But I learned a ton about watches, and I have a unique timepiece that I put together myself. It’s definitely not something I’d wear every day, but it’s a fun conversation starter. Plus, I can now say I sort of, kind of, built my own watch! If you’re thinking about doing something like this, I say go for it. Just be prepared for a challenge, and don’t expect to fool any Rolex experts. It’s more about the journey than the destination, you know?
Click to consult