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 referred to as all the things from the aforementioned Lefty to Southpaw, the nicknames all revolve round each variation of left-handed that you can imagine, for apparent causes. Usually, watchmakers put crowns on the left aspect 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 arms.
When the crown will get moved to the 9 o’clock place, it’s then identified (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 arms. 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 identify — how on the earth have been we to handle it and instantly establish it?
In fact, widespread 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 contains 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, embrace 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 data, Rolex has by no means used a inexperienced GMT hand so this will likely be of particular observe for collectors. Of these inexperienced parts, each look similar — it’s the similar 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 arms) may need some minor adjustments as nicely, or at the least how the movement works engages the date practice.
The above is rather a lot for Rolex to introduce in a motion that’s mainly only a variation on an current engine. The GMT-Grasp II works the identical approach all GMT-Grasp II watches work. Nonetheless, together with the altered user-experience and distinctive aesthetics, the calibre adjustments right here will certainly make this a basic within the years to come back. 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 marvel if extra left-handers will observe…
MOVEMENT Automated calibre 3285 with GMT and date; 70-
hour energy reserve, roughly
CASE 40mm in Oystersteel; waterproof to 100m
STRAP Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel
PRICE $15,650
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