There were rumors of a left-handed Rolex much before the Watches and Wonders 2022 trade show opened its doors to a live audience for the first time since the pandemic created havoc two years ago. Almost everyone dismissed it as gossip considering the brand’s conservative approach with the launch of novelties. But now with the event underway, we can only say that we’re thoroughly surprised. The new Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126720VTNR features a brand-new colorway and an eye-catching “destro” layout, which means it’s meant for lefties who wear the watch on their right-hand wrist. It’s also the first series-production left-hand model by Rolex.
Considering the fact that Rolex’s CEO Jean Frédéric Dufour himself is left-handed, the release of the new Rolex GMT-Master II reference 126720VTNR makes sense. In case you’re wondering what’s a destro layout and how is it different from the traditional design, the prominent change comes in the form of the location of the crown which is rotated 180 degrees. With the crown moved to the left side of the case, it’s easier to operate for those who wear their watch on their right wrist. In addition to the crown, the cyclops magnified date window has also been moved to the 9 o’clock position instead of the usual 3 o’clock on the new Rolex GMT-Master II for better legibility.
The other big change comes in the form of a new bi-color Cerachrom bezel. The two-tone engraved ceramic bezel insert wears a new color combination of black and verdant forest green, thanks to which people have already started calling it the “Sprite” GMT. The familiar gloss black dial layout of previous GMT-Master II models, but the arrow-tipped GMT hand is now rendered in a classic Rolex green to match the theme of the watch. Housed inside the 40mm stainless steel case is an in-house 3285 automatic GMT movement that offers a 70-hour power reserve. Rolex is also offering the timepiece on both steel Oyster or Jubilee bracelets, which is equally a surprise. The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126720VTNR is available now through authorized dealers priced at $11,050.