It’s so weird when a thing that you think you know so well changes your perception in the most unexpected matter. It’s about the recent Rolex GMT-Master II that we received from our replica factory. I thought I knew everything about it. But, everything turned upside down because of its left-handed construction. My brain couldn’t process the information right away. I had to wear it in our office for about a week to understand how it feels.
When I first heard about the Destro GMT from Rolex, I thought it was nothing else than rumors. Well, the brand did and I then thought only adventurous people would have it just for fun. Well, it seems I was wrong because not long after that, our customers began emailing us with questions about the “lefty version” and when it would be available in its replica version.
I thought “no way our replica manufacturers would take the challenge”. Here it is, the lefty replica GMT-Master II in our office, waiting to be shipped to all those who are so eager about it. I’m staring at it, it is staring at me with that wide and clean face, and its left-sided crown that distorts my visual perception.
I asked my seniors to not integrate it into our online store; I needed a week to wear it, to feel it, and to write about it so that people know what to expect from it. So, here it is on my wrist- on my RIGHT ONE, the GMT-Master 126720VTNR replica, strange, and unusual.
Green and black abundance
I don’t find this color combination necessarily surprising. I’m kind of familiar with this blend as one of the previous steel GMT-Master II featuring a Cerachrom-like replica had the same colors. I recall it having a black bezel and dial, while the GMT hand and some writings were green. The choice for a fully black bezel had an explanation actually. At those times, the brand didn’t have enough technical support to transit colors on the ceramic bezel. But, those times are over, and currently, even the replica industry can apply several techniques to obtain a bi-color bezel.
If you remember, “Batman” was the first to bring the beauty of a bi-colored bezel and it was a total marvel. From that on, the brand gradually removed the one-tone models. In the replica industry, mono-tone bezels can still be found in GMTs, but the demand for them is far more inferior than for the two-tone ones.
In fact, it’s not the bi-color bezel that took me aback, but rather the whole lefty construction. For what refers to the genuine model, I know that Rolex had to change the whole 3285 movement in order for the left-sided crown to be integrated. The whole change also refers to the date aperture that also needed movement adjustments. So, it all involved huge tweaks. Therefore, I was curious, extremely curious to know how the manufacturers made it in the replica version.
On the whole…
I think you know it all about the watch if you are familiar with the entire line-up more or less. So, there is nothing new for you about this imitation; the same 40 mm case, scratch-proof sapphire crystal with colorless anti-reflective coating inside out, a Swiss cloned 3285 movement, GMT 24-hour and seconds hands, and a pretty promising power reserve of about 70 hours. A quick spoiler here: after my testing, the power reserve resists up to 58 hours actually.
The only thing left unknown about this watch was the experience of wearing it.
A week in the office
Every day once I arrived at my job I was putting on the imitation. I didn’t take it home as I was afraid my children would want to “test” it as well. Of course, during the first days I was by default putting it on my left wrist until I remembered “oh, boy, it’s the wrong way”. So, it will probably happen to you too. Each time you want to put on the watch, you unconsciously tend to put it on your left hand. It’s a complete brain distortion with this watch, but it’s kind of fun.
Either way, I was intending to wear this imitation on both my wrists during the week. It’s because there is no right or wrong way to wear it. It’s all about comfort and experience. Also, a few watches give you the opportunity to experiment with them on both sides.
So, when I put it traditionally on my left hand, I instantly felt like something was missing. I couldn’t realize that the crown was atop my wrist; I thought it was simply missing because the edge of the case was bare on the side where the crown should usually be. It was kind of strange at first but on the go, it was like training for my brain to focus on aspects that it usually disregards.
Shortcomings
Apart from the unusual feeling on the left wrist I also spotted a functional shortcoming. Considering that the entire technical construction has been rotated to 180 degrees, the date aperture isn’t as visible as it should be if wearing the watch on the left hand. First of all, all my long-sleeve sweaters were covering the date watch side, so it was a bit uncomfortable to take a look at it.
Visually, when you take your watch to the standard position to look at the hour and the date, it’s like there is no date window at all. Can’t really say it’s a critical shortcoming, especially for those who don’t give a damn about the date window. But, still, it’s an uncomfortable feeling to know there is a date aperture, but you can’t really read it properly.
On the other hand, I’m the kind of person who doesn’t really use the date index. So, to be honest, the clean dial of my lefty imitation just reminded me about a no-date timepiece. And I have no issues with that; less is more for me. So, if the date window is not a must in your watch, wearing it on your left wrist might be fun for you as well.
The lefty watch on the right wrist
So, after having some fun with the GMT on the left, I switched to the side where it should naturally be: the right wrist. It wasn’t a new feeling for me to put a watch on the right side, as I do it frequently with most replicas just for curiosity. Still, it was the first time to experience a real destro piece. From what I recall, wearing a watch on my right wrist wasn’t the most comfortable experience, to be honest. I always felt like I put on the wrong shoe, the right one instead of the left one. So, I wouldn’t say that my expectations were high with this “lefty”.
You know that saying?: “the secret to happiness is having low expectations”. It sounds a bit philosophical, but it mirrors exactly my experience with my lefty GMT. When I put it on the right wrist, it felt… right, so right. It fitted perfectly and I can’t describe how immediately the comfort settled. Throughout the day, I was simply forgetting that I made that change. I was feeling it like I always have worn the watch on my right wrist. And honestly, I never switched it back to the left wrist, nor did I change the watch during the whole week.
Shortcomings
Wearing the imitation, and reading time on it is all such a comfortable experience. Still, I came across a little inconvenience regarding its handling. It’s about the winding procedure. Since my dominant side is the right one, I usually do all the stuff with my right hand. Therefore, I felt a little uncomfortable when having to wind the imitation with my left hand. I tried a couple of times and must admit it wasn’t the most pleasant experience. Maybe, I should have tried it more frequently to get used to it. We get used to everything new if we repeat it constantly. But the lazy spirit in me found another solution. Can you guess what’s it about?
Nothing special, I just turned the piece upside down and performed the task with my usual dominant right hand. As long as it solves the issue, I don’t have a problem with it, for how weird it wouldn’t look.
Honestly speaking…
The GMT Rolex line comforts me a lot because I often use all its functions. My parents live in Austria and the GMT helps me so well in showing the time in that country to know when it is opportune to call them. So, obviously, I set my lefty GMT according to Austria’s time zone. The imitation, just like the genuine model, comes with two bracelet options: the Oyster and the Jubilee. I opted for the Oyster one for its “calmer” look. The jubilee seems to me too loud, considering the expressive case shape of the watch.
I didn’t even notice when the week flew by. My seniors came to ask me about the lefty and the experience related to it. What can I say? I resonated with the emotion so well that I kept it for myself. Now, I have to pay for it every month of my paycheck as I took it in installments. But, it’s worth the money, as the experience is really amazing.
Comparing the GMT-Master “Lefty”
At a certain moment, I caught myself thinking that maybe I had made a compulsive purchase and that I should have compared the timepiece before having bought it. Even though there was no turning back, I did make my comparison, just for my own peace of mind. The first to compare the “lefty” GMT was with its usual “version” with a right crown and date. Further on, I took other lefty models from our store to spot the differences between them.
The “usual” Rolex GMT-Master II replica watch
If we were speaking about the genuine versions, there would be a slight price difference. While the standard GMT-Master II is about 10k $, the “lefty” version is about 1K. In contrast, replica manufacturers offer the “lefty” version at the same price as the standard version. AAA-quality imitations vary between $450-$650, while Swiss clones can be about 1,000$. And I’m talking exclusively about our imitations, whose quality is tested and confirmed. Other dealers might offer other prices. But I can’t say much about their quality, as they come from other replica manufacturers.
So, in terms of price and functionality, there is no difference. Therefore, the customers can opt for the “lefty” or usual version, according to their mood for fun choices.
Tudor Pelagos LHD replica watch
Finding out that Tudor has added a left crown model in its Pelagos line was pretty surprising for me. On the other hand, it was something to expect actually, considering that it had already built two standard GMTs. Either way, the difference between my “lefty” and the Pelagos LHD imitation consists of the date aperture positioning. While Rolex has staked it all and modified the whole movement for the crown and date, Tudor confined itself to only changing the crown. The date is still next to the 3 o’clock index.
It’s an easier way for Tudor, and perhaps it’s more convenient for some customers. Remember when I was telling you that the date window isn’t visible enough with the watch on the left wrist? Well, with lefty Tudor, this issue gets immediately solved. Thus, I dare to say that the Pelagos LHD is more for both wrists than my GMT Explorer II.
TAG Heuer Monaco replica watch
I might think this Monaco should be pretty comfortable and pleasant to wear. Sadly, we don’t have it in our stock currently, so I can’t compare it on the wrist. But, I like its formal spirit and I think it could be a great choice for those who look for a dressier timepiece. From what I see, the crown is on the left side while the two pushers remain on the right. So, I don’t really think the customers would feel uncomfortable with it, as not much has changed with this Heuer LHD.
Omega Seamaster Ploprof replica watch
And I shall cap off with this wild and loud LHD Omega imitation. Some watch enthusiasts find it beautiful. Personally, I’m a bit reticent about it. It’s probably far from my style. But one thing I’m sure of: the right crown configuration makes the watch exclusively for the right wrist. It’s unlikely you can wear it on the left, just for fun. The watch lugs covering the crown extend the width of the case. And it would seriously harm the wrist, or at least, would generate severe discomfort.
As for the rest, it’s just a matter of taste.
Concluding thoughts
So, what are the different things this GMT lefty beauty brought to me? A breath of freshness is the first thing that comes to my mind. I interact a lot with different replica watches. And rarely experience new and different vibes. They are all different, but all so identical at the same time. But, with this twist, I had fun, I felt vibrancy, and I really enjoyed it.
In addition, I feel like my brain has been working out during the first week of wearing the LHD GMT. The change of crown and date only seems like a “no big deal” thing. But, in fact, it feels just vigorous and lively. You should give it a try.