As we await the debut of latest Rolex watches, we glance again on one novelty we’ve got not coated extensively: the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Grasp II “Lefty”. Colloquially known as the whole lot from the aforementioned Lefty to Southpaw, the nicknames all revolve round each variation of left-handed that you can imagine, for apparent causes. Sometimes, watchmakers put crowns on the left facet of the case, or on the 3 o’clock place, to be extra exact; that is meant as recognition that most individuals are right-handed and can deal with the crown with their proper palms.

When the crown will get moved to the 9 o’clock place, it’s then recognized (confusingly) as a left-hander, as a result of it’s meant for left-handed folks, who will put on their watches on their proper palms. When this new variant of the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Grasp II reference 126720VTN debuted, it was maddening as a result of Rolex didn’t give it a particular title — how on the planet have been we to deal with it and instantly determine it?

In fact, fashionable Rolex fashions all obtain nicknames, sparing us the ordeal of getting the reference quantity proper each single time. We name it the Lefty, and it not solely incorporates a crown in that 9 o’clock place, however the date too. Different new introductions right here, as famous in our Watches and Wonders Geneva 2022 highlights story, embody the inexperienced and black mixture for the Cerachrom bezel (the traits of the bezel insert stay the identical) and the inexperienced GMT hand. To our information, Rolex has by no means used a inexperienced GMT hand so this can be of particular notice for collectors. Of these inexperienced components, each look similar — it’s the identical inexperienced as used within the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner variant.

Beneath the black dial (no change in specs right here from current variants), there may be extra to find. As has been famous too many occasions to quote, Rolex has launched a brand new calibre right here: the automated calibre 3285. That is primarily in recognition of the truth that the keyless works and the date practice have to maneuver, given the traits of the Lefty; we think about that the movement works (that’s what strikes the hour, GMT, minute and second palms) may need some minor modifications as properly, or no less than how the movement works engages the date practice.

The above is quite a bit for Rolex to introduce in a motion that’s principally only a variation on an current engine. The GMT-Grasp II works the identical method all GMT-Grasp II watches work. Nonetheless, together with the altered user-experience and distinctive aesthetics, the calibre modifications right here will certainly make this a basic within the years to return. We already solid our vote for the Lefty as probably the most surprising Rolex novelty of 2022. Most years, some of what’s new from the Geneva large of watchmaking will be predicted with a level of certainty — not the Lefty. We surprise if extra left-handers will observe…

MOVEMENT Automated calibre 3285 with GMT and date; 70-
hour energy reserve, roughly
CASE 40mm in Oystersteel; water resistant to 100m
STRAP Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel
PRICE $15,650

For extra watch reads, click on right here.