From SwissWatchExpo…
Spotlight on: the 5 best left-handed watches – our picks.
With roughly 90 percent of the world’s population being right-handed, most watches are designed
to be worn on the left wrist. That is, with the crown on the right, for easier wear and setting.
While rare, there have been watches made for left-handed folks even decades back. Dubbed destro
or Italian for right, they keep the crown from digging into the arms of long-suffering lefties.
With striking designs and ergonomic benefits,
left and right-handed collectors alike are enjoying the latest destro watches.
Here are 5 of our favorites. Subscribe to our channel to get updates on new videos!
The Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite was introduced in 2022
as the brand’s contemporary left-handed watch.
It came as a surprise, because the last of Rolex’s left-handed watches were from decades back –
namely, the original GMT Master, and the custom Oyster made for Charlie Chaplin in the 1950s.
Like other modern GMT Masters, the “Sprite” comes in a 40 millimeter Oystersteel case,
with a bi-colored bezel.
The most significant change was placing the Cyclops date window and
screw-down pusher at 9 o’clock, giving left-handed wearers a more comfortable wear.
The GMT Sprite’s bidirectional rotating bezel is fitted with a black
and green Cerachrom insert – a new color combination in the GMT Master collection.
One of the most popular left-handed dive watches
is the Tudor Pelagos Left Hand Drive, whose crown is placed on the left side of the case.
This watch stays true to the Pelagos’ design DNA
with its titanium case and bracelet, a matte black ceramic bezel, and the Caliber MT 6-12.
What gives it away is the cream-colored lume,
Pelagos text in red, and date wheel with alternating black and red numbers.
Sized at 42 millimeters, the Pelagos LHD
feels light on the wrist and features 500-meter water resistance.
Launched in 1969, the Tag Heuer Monaco is one of the most famous watches of the “destro” type.
This iconic timepiece became popular after being worn by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans.
Like other “destros,” the Monaco has the crown on the left. The brand went
for this unconventional layout to easily install a chronograph,
and to demonstrate that manual winding was no longer needed.
True to original Monaco, this reference features a deep blue dial with steel indices,
and a red chronograph hand. It runs on the famed Calibre 11 automatic movement.
Panerai is no stranger to left-handed watches, and often releases destro models.
These are immediately recognizable because Panerai’s signature crescent crown guard
is placed on the left side of the case.
The Pam 7-96 comes in a 44 millimeter steel case. Its sandwich dial features a 6-9-12 layout,
with a seconds counter at 3. Faux patina hands and indices emphasize the watch’s vintage aesthetic.
This model offers a 300-meter depth rating
and an 8-day power reserve. Blue accents on the dial and bracelet add a pop of color.
The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Right-Hander was introduced in 2019 as the Big Pilot for lefties.
Limited to 250 pieces, this 46 millimeter model is recommended for people with larger wrists.
It retains the distinguishing elements of the classic Big Pilot,
but what makes it stand out is the layout of the slate gray dial.
Rather than a central seconds hand, the watch has a small
seconds counter at 3 and a power reserve indicator at 9.
It’s powered by the Caliber 52-01 which offers a power reserve of 7 days.
Left-handed watches perform like traditional watches, with added
coolness and practicality. Explore our selection of left-handed watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.
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