Buffy Acacia
August 13th was International Left-Handed People’s Day. As a regular lefty here at Time+Tide (or Mollydooker, if you’re Australian), I wanted to take the opportunity to write a slightly belated review of the 8 best watches for lefties. Ironically, having the crown on the left side of the case is actually better suited for right-handers who don’t want it to dig into their hand, and the fact that you can’t (and shouldn’t) wind the watch while it’s on your wrist is a small trade-off. So let’s take a look at some highlights from these rare watches that cater to every orientation of the population.
Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic
Left-handed crowns are popular with divers primarily due to their comfort. The left-handed option of the Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic goes one step further by placing the crown at the 8 o’clock position, making it comfortable for use on the right wrist of true lefties. With a compact 44mm case and a nearly endless range of color configurations, the Promaster Dive is the perfect entry point into the world of left-handed watches when your budget isn’t as high as other luxury watches. Price: $595 USD
Zodiac Super Seawolf LHD Pro Diver GMT
These days, Zodiac tends to be associated with vintage-inspired diving watches. Or whimsically bright colorsWhile this characterization is far from wrong, the Zodiac also has a sophisticated, darkly modern feel. The Super Seawolf LHD ProDiver GMT is thoroughly decorated from top to bottom, with its crisp white markers and vibrant orange highlights that really stand out in contrast. The left-handed crown is screwed down, ensuring water resistance to 300m and protecting the C125 movement that is COSC-certified for chronometer precision. A helium escape valve at 2 o’clock on the case lends a touch of asymmetrical flair, matched by the off-center hands and indexes.. Price: $2,295, from Time+Tide Shop
Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind GMT Chrono Quartz
It’s really hard to find a quality left-handed watch unless you’re ready to spend thousands of dollars. It’s even harder if you want a chronograph, but the Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Wind Auto Chrono is one of the more affordable options. With complications like a chronograph, day/date, and pilot’s crosswind calculator, the Khaki Aviation X-Wind is the real deal when it comes to tool watches. If you like the look of a highly detailed cockpit, the Khaki Aviation X-Wind is for you. Available at the Time+Tide shopPrice: $2,395
Sinn EZM 3
No list of left-handed crown deep divers would be complete without the Sinn EZM 3. This high-tech timepiece is reminiscent of strict German military precision and is backed by rugged specifications. The 41mm case is designed to withstand depths of 500m and is bead-blasted for a practical matte look. In the unlikely event that moisture does get inside, it also features dehumidification technology to remove it before it can cause damage. The black dial with crisp white printing and red highlights is easy to read and will appeal to those who like a practical feel. Price: USD 2,450
Micro Mil Spec Milgraph
Speaking of military precision, if you’re looking for a tool watch with a totally discreet crown, the new Micro Mil-Spec Milgraph might be just what you’re looking for. Recently unveiled at Geneva Watch Days 2024, this robust chronograph is one of the Norwegian brand’s few models available to the public, with the majority of its production made for military commissions. The left-hand-mounted pushers and crown are ultra-slim, and the “Quad-Grip” bezel is designed to be easy to operate even with gloves on, yet it’s still a very mil-spec oriented design. Each subdial is explicitly labeled for maximum visibility, and the sturdy titanium case is powered by the La Joux-Perret L121 movement. Price: USD 3,850
Tudor Pelagos LHD
The Pelagos is something of a cult classic, especially when compared to the reverence shown to the Tudor Black Bay 58. Pelagos LHD And there’s more niche appeal. With its matte black case and bezel, off-white markers and dark titanium case, this watch is clearly meant to take you down a sinister path. The left-sided crown enhances diving comfort for right-handers and lends an element of curiosity to the overall picture. The blend of modern and vintage design elements is strong in the 42mm look, making it a strong favorite among left-handed enthusiasts. Price: $5,025 USD
TAG Heuer Monaco
The TAG Heuer Monaco appears on every list of the greatest watches of all time. Even if we are talking about a square watch. or Racing ChronographThe Monaco has always been a left-handed watch at heart. While many of the more recent models have moved the crown to the “standard” position between the pushers on the right side, models based on the 1969 original retain the left-handed crown. This is also the configuration made famous by Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans, and is a big part of the watch’s considerable legacy. US$8,100
Rolex GMT-Master II “Sprite”
The Rolex GMT-Master II is arguably the most iconic GMT watch of all time (the very definition of the genre), and seeing it released for lefties was a very pleasant surprise. Nicknamed the “Sprite” for its black and green bicolor ceramic bezel, the reference 126720 presents lefties with an interesting color scheme rather than the drab black and blue we’re used to. The 40mm Oystersteel case is very comfortable to wear, and while the ability to track three time zones is great, the date window at 9 o’clock makes it very clear that Rolex simply reversed the movement. A little more effort could have been made, but Rolex is Rolex, so that’s good enough. Price: USD 11,250
Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M
Excessive engineering and Omega sometimes go hand in hand, and outside of the Planet Ocean Ultra Deep, the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200m is perhaps the best example of this. It can’t withstand the same depths as the Ultra Deep, 15,000 meters.However, the ProPro 1200m He certainly has diving abilities beyond anyone’s imagination.Moreover, it is quite wearable, with a thickness of 15.5mm. The left-handed crown is a must given the protruding crown guards and the right-side bezel locking system, which makes the watch more comfortable to wear. Unique and rugged silhouettePrice: $14,300 USD
