When Rolex introduced the left-handed GMT-Master II Ref. In 2022, 126720VTNR, the world this watch was trying to navigate, or at least the world of watches, seemed to have stopped. It certainly made my head spin. Also, I ended up writing an article expressing my confusion. That was almost three years ago. I recently had the opportunity to pick up the Rolex GMT-Master II “Destro” and, as I believe in second chances, I grabbed it with both hands. I picked it up, wore it, and started with an open mind and a desire to learn to love a very elusive watch.
You can’t give up on the first try. This applies to many things, including books. I was gifted a copy of Swiss novelist Albert Cohen’s (1895-1981) most popular book, Belle du Seigneur, and at first I had a hard time getting into the story. . After leaving the 1968 French Academy Award-winning book on my bookshelf for a while, I decided to read it again. I was captivated and drawn into the story. I also vividly remember a friend loaning me Metallica’s third studio album, Master of Puppets, in 1986. This album is now widely regarded as an important milestone in the metal world. At first I didn’t understand it at all. Songs like “Battery” and “Damage Inc.” It was too fast especially for me. My musical brain had a hard time adjusting to the speed of the metal beats and blistering guitar riffs, but once I got used to its breakneck pace, I was hooked.
Is the Rolex GMT-Master II “Destro” a Master of Puppets watch?
The question is, will the Rolex GMT-Master II “Destro” be a Master of Puppets type watch? One thing’s for sure: this watch still baffles me as much as it did nearly three years ago. The Destro arrived in a box with the other GMT-Master II models, but it looked completely out of place or upside down. There’s nothing wrong with the green and black Cerachrom 24-hour bezel. Rather, the Cyclops and the crown at 9 o’clock turn the world upside down. And that’s what you naturally want to do – turn the clock upside down. Of course that doesn’t work. The best way to understand Destro is to wear it on your right wrist. It feels like looking in a mirror, but at least everything is in the right place.
There are two types of Destro.
Seeing it and wearing Destro can be a slightly upsetting event that causes an elusive feeling of discomfort. That’s because this watch is almost perfect. The build quality is nice and solid, as you would expect from a sporty Rolex model made of 904L steel. This watch is available in two configurations. Jubilee’s 126720VTNR-0002 for €12,000 and Ref. Jubilee for €11,750. Oyster bracelet 126720VTNR-0001. The first one was at my disposal. Every time you experience the elegant 5-row Jubilee bracelet and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, you’ll be amazed at how well the bracelet looks, feels and wears. The dimensions of the case are also perfect. The 40mm diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug length, and 12mm thickness are well-balanced and fit my 18cm wrist very well. Wrong wrist. my right wrist.
switch to left
It’s hard to get used to having a watch in your dominant hand. I felt like I was completely off balance and leaning to starboard. So I switched the Destro to my non-dominant hand. Physically speaking, balance has been restored. But no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get used to the way it looked on my wrist. And it made me disappointed in myself. I consider myself an open-minded guy, and I’ve proven that with Albert Cohen novels and Metallica, for example. If you try, you can learn to love what you didn’t talk about at first. But I think I’ve found my match with Destro.
At least I understand why I don’t like left-handed GMT watches. For me, and many other watch enthusiasts, the Rolex GMT-Master, with or without the “II”, is more than just an object, especially in red and blue. It is a benchmark and an icon. With its crown and date magnifier on the left side, the Destro is proof in metal that Jeffrey C. Alexander’s theory of symbolic consciousness is a reality. The GMT Master is a travel watch that is an idea that has become an object, and over time has become something that can be experienced and felt with the mind and body. You can’t just mirror the icon. That’s almost blasphemy. Also, you can’t make the icon square without consequences, but that’s a different issue…
why so serious?
Maybe I’m taking it too seriously. But what makes a black and green GMT-Master II so fun? The balloons on the Oyster Perpetual’s Celebration dial and the emoji puzzle dial on the Day-Date are fun, but in the case of the latter, the fun comes at a hefty price. I don’t find Destro to be an easy-going or eccentric person. But perhaps it will become a future classic watch, or at least a cult one. A look at secondary market prices may shed some light on this issue.
At the time of publication, there are 653 Destro GMT Master IIs listed on Chrono24, starting at 15,716 euros. On average, it costs about 2,000-3,000 euros less than the famous “Pepsi” reference. 126710BLRO, over 800 available on Chrono24. These numbers don’t exactly indicate that Destro is destined to become a collector’s pet. However, like many aspects of this watch, its future remains a mystery.
What do you think, three years after Rolex surprised us with the GMT-Master II 126720VTNR? Have you been a fan of this piece since the first hour? Or maybe you’re like me and still can’t wrap it around your head, let alone your wrist? Or have you finally seen the light? Let us know in the comments. I’m especially curious if you can answer the last question positively.
