As we await the debut of recent Rolex watches, we glance again on one novelty we now have not coated extensively: the Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Grasp II “Lefty”. Colloquially known as every thing 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 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 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 individuals, 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 this planet had been we to deal with it and instantly determine it?
In fact, in style 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, 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 can be of particular observe for collectors. Of these inexperienced components, each look an identical — 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 present variants), there may be extra to find. As has been famous too many instances 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 prepare 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 adjustments as effectively, or at the least how the movement works engages the date prepare.
The above is rather a lot for Rolex to introduce in a motion that’s mainly only a variation on an present engine. The GMT-Grasp II works the identical approach all GMT-Grasp II watches work. Nevertheless, together with the altered user-experience and distinctive aesthetics, the calibre adjustments 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 big of watchmaking will be predicted with a level of certainty — not the Lefty. We surprise if extra left-handers will comply with…
MOVEMENT Computerized 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
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