Growing up lefty was kind of tough. I returned home from primary school each day with the edge of my hand and forearm (and cheap replica watch strap) coated in graphite from the horse leg-sized pencils we were issued.
To this day, I am atrocious with pair of scissors (and, oddly, even worse with so-called “left-handed” scissors). I had to hunt for special baseball mitts, nor could I use my family’s hand-me-down righty golf clubs. I know, poor me.
That’s why, when fake Rolex introduced the GMT-Master II at Watches & Wonders in Geneva this year, I instantly spotted the down-played special feature and was instantly excited. This Rolex was a “destro;” this was a Rolex replica for “me.”
And all apologies to my colleagues at the same meeting, but I kind of monopolized handling it.
Fun Fact: Lefty watches are often referred to as “destro,” after the Italian artisan term that has come to mean something specifically designed to be worn on the right arm.
While not the first left-handed watch by any means, the fact that Rolex fake watches put in the effort to relocate the crown and date window to the left side for this year’s GMT-Master II speaks volumes.
Like many lefties, I’ve had to develop some work-around ambidextrous approaches to get through daily life. Still, the fine motor control of my left fingers far outshines my right’s.
However, when I slipped the Swiss made Rolex GMT-Master II replica on my right wrist deftly and comfortably in Geneva, for the first time in my experience, I was able to pull out and manipulate a watch crown while it was still on my wrist with smooth dexterity and a sense of satisfaction. And it was a feeling I hadn’t realized I was so desperately missing.