5 Best Left-Handed Watches

With roughly 90 percent of the world’s population being right-handed, the vast majority of 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 are meant to be worn on the right wrist, keeping the crown from digging into the arms of long-suffering lefties.

Today, these watches aren’t only making their way to the right wrist. With striking designs and ergonomic benefits, left- and right-handed collectors alike are enjoying the latest destro watches. Here are 5 of our favorites:

Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite” Bezel Ref. 126720VTNR

The Rolex GMT-Master II Sprite was introduced in 2022 as the brand’s contemporary left-handed watch. It was a surprise that no one saw coming, as the last of the Crown’s left-handed watches were from decades back such as the GMT-Master 6542 developed for Pan-Am Airlines, and the custom Oyster made for Charlie Chaplin in the 1950s.

Much like the other modern GMT-Masters, the “Sprite” comes in a 40mm Oystersteel case, with broad lugs and a link bracelet. It also features a black dial with a GMT hand (green, in this case) and runs on the in-house Caliber 2385, which offers a 70-hour power reserve.

Rolex GMT Master II Sprite Bezel Oystersteel 126720

The most significant change for this timepiece, however, is the placement of the outer watch elements. Instead of the usual 3 o’clock placement, its magnified Cyclops date window and screw-down pusher with slightly pointed crown guards are placed on the 9 o’clock mark, giving left-handed wearers the opportunity to enjoy the timepiece more conveniently.

The GMT Sprite’s bidirectional rotating bezel is also fitted with a black and green Cerachrom insert the first time we’re seeing this color combination in the GMT-Master collection. Eye-catching yet sleek, the green tone is warmer than the 2020 Submariner “Kermit” shade.

Rolex GMT Master II Black Blue Batman Steel 126710 BLNR /
Rolex GMT Master II Sprite Bezel Oystersteel 126720

Tudor Pelagos Left-Hand Drive Ref. M25610TNL-0001

One of the most popular left-handed watches in the dive watch arena is the Tudor Pelagos LHD. LHD stands for “Left Hand Drive,” which means that the crown is placed on the left side of the case.

Tudor Pelagos LHD Titanium Steel M25610TNL-0001

This watch stays true to the Pelagos’ design DNA with its titanium case and bracelet, a matte black ceramic bezel, and the Caliber MT612 with a 70-hour power reserve. However, what gives it away, aside from the position of the crown, is its cream-colored lume, “Pelagos” text in red, and date wheel with alternating black and red numbers.

Sized at 42mm, the Pelagos LHD feels light on the wrist and features 500-meter water resistance. A helium escape valve makes it suitable for diving activities.

TAG Heuer Monaco Ref. CAW211P.FC6356

Launched in 1969, the TAG Heuer Monaco is one of the most famous watches of the “destro” type. An icon in the watchmaking world, this timepiece became popular after it was worn by Steve McQueen in the 1969 film Le Mans.

Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Blue Dial Steel CAW211P.FC6356

Like other “destros,” the Monaco has the crown on the left and is a chronograph, it has two pushers that remained on the right side of the watch. The brand went for this then unconventional layout for them to easily install a chronograph in the movement and to demonstrate that manual winding was no longer necessary.

True to original Monaco, the Ref. CAW211P.FC6356 features a deep blue dial with steel indices, silver chronograph counters, a date window at 6 o’clock, and a red chronograph hand, which emphasizes its racing spirit. It runs on the Calibre 11 automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve.

Panerai Luminor Marina Left-Handed 8 Days PAM796

Panerai is no stranger to left-handed watches and is in fact one of the brands that regularly releases destro models. These are immediately recognizable because Panerai’s signature crescent crown guard is placed on the left side of the case.

Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Left-Handed PAM00796

The PAM796 comes in a 44mm steel case, paired with a black leather strap. Its sandwich dial comes in Panerai’s signature 6-9-12 layout, with a sub-seconds counter at 3 and faux patina hands and indices, which emphasize the watch’s vintage aesthetic.

Apart from offering a 300-meter depth rating, the watch also relies on the Caliber P.5001 with an 8-day power reserve indicator shown under the caseback. Blue accents on the dial and bracelet add a subtle pop of color.

Caliber P.5001

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch “Right-Hander” Ref. IW501012

The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch “Right-Hander” was introduced in 2019 as the Big Pilot for lefties. Limited to 250 pieces, this model, which comes at 46.2mm, is recommended for individuals with larger wrists and those who seek style and function.

The Big Pilot’s Watch “Right-Hander” retains most of the distinguishing elements of the classic Big Pilot including the large case size, steel construction, and the distinctive onion-shaped crown.

However, what sets it apart 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. Inside, the watch houses the Caliber IWC5201 – a self-winding movement with a long power reserve of 7 days.

These watches buck the design of traditional watches but perform just as well, and with added coolness and practicality. Explore our selection of left-handed watches at Buy Best Quality Watches .com.

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