Hands-On With The Rolex GMT-Master II “Destro” — Because Every Watch Deserves A Second Chance
When Rolex introduced the left-handed GMT-Master II ref. 126720VTNR in 2022, it seemed like the world this watch is intended to navigate had stopped — well, the world of watches, at least. It certainly made my head spin. It also had me write an article in which I voiced my confusion. That was almost three years ago. Recently, I had the chance to go hands-on with the Rolex GMT-Master II “Destro,” and since I am a strong believer in second chances, I grabbed it with both hands. I picked it up, put it on, and went in with an open mind, willing to learn to love a watch that is just so confusing.
You can’t give up after the first try. This applies to many things, including books. I was gifted Swiss novelist Albert Cohen’s (1895–1981) most popular book, Belle du Seigneur (Her Lover), and at first, I had a hard time getting into the story. After leaving the 1968 French Academy Award-winning book in the bookcase for a while, I gave it another shot. It gripped and pulled me into the story. I also remember vividly how, in 1986, a friend lent me Metallica’s third studio album, Master of Puppets, now widely regarded as an important milestone in metal. I didn’t get it at all at first. Songs like “Battery” and “Damage, Inc.” went way too fast for me, especially. My musical brain had trouble adapting to the speed of metal beats and furious guitar riffs, but I was hooked once it got to grips with the blistering pace.
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 is for sure: the watch still baffles me as much as it did nearly three years ago. The Destro arrived in a box with other GMT-Master II models and looked completely out of place — or upside down. Nothing is upsetting about the green and black Cerachrom 24-hour bezel. Rather, the Cyclops and the crown at 9 o’clock put the world upside down. And that’s what you naturally want to do — turn the watch upside down. That doesn’t work, of course. The best way to try and come to grips with the Destro is to put it on your right wrist. At least everything is in the right position, although you get the idea you’re looking into a mirror.
Two kinds of Destros
Looking at it and wearing the Destro might be a slightly upsetting affair that causes some elusive discomfort. That’s because the watch is nearly flawless. The build quality is superb and solid, as expected from a sporty Rolex model made of 904L steel. The watch is available in two configurations — the €12,000 ref. 126720VTNR-0002 on a Jubilee and the €11,750 ref. 126720VTNR-0001 on an Oyster bracelet. The first one was at my disposal. Every time I get to experience the elegant five-row Jubilee bracelet and patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp, I’m amazed at how well the bracelet looks, feels, and wears. The case dimensions are also nothing to complain about. Its 40mm diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug length, and 12mm thickness are proportionally sound and sit very well on my 18cm wrist. The wrong wrist. My right wrist.
Switching to the left
Wearing a watch on my dominant hand is not something I can ever get used to. I felt like I was completely unbalanced and heeling over to starboard. That’s why I switched the Destro to my non-dominant hand. Physically speaking, the balance was restored. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get used to how it looked on my wrist. And that left me disappointed — in myself. I see myself as an open-minded, guy, and I have proved that with, for instance, the Albert Cohen novel and Metallica. If you try, you can learn to love something that initially didn’t speak to you. But I guess I have met my match with the Destro.
At least I know why I can’t learn to love the left-handed GMT watch. To me and, I’m sure, plenty of other watch enthusiasts, the Rolex GMT-Master, with or without the “II,” is more than an object, especially in red and blue. It’s a benchmark and an icon. With the crown and the date magnifier on the left, the Destro proves in the metal that Jeffrey C. Alexander’s theory of iconic consciousness is a reality. The GMT-Master is an idea turned object — a travel watch that has, over time, become “… something experienced, something felt, in the heart and the body.” You can’t just mirror an icon; that borders on blasphemy. You also can’t make a square of an icon without consequences, but that’s another matter…
Why so serious?
Maybe I’m taking it all too seriously. But how can a black and green GMT-Master II be fun? The balloons on the Oyster Perpetual’s Celebration dial and the Emoji Puzzle dial in the Day-Date are fun, although the fun comes at quite a cost in the latter case. I can’t see the Destro as lighthearted or quirky. But perhaps it is a future classic or at least a cult watch. Looking at the prices on the secondary market might shed some light on that matter.
At the time of publishing, there are 653 Destro GMT-Master IIs on Chrono24, with a minimum price of €15,716. On average, that’s about €2,000–3,000 less than the famous “Pepsi” ref. 126710BLRO, of which there are more than 800 available on Chrono24. These figures don’t exactly tell us that the Destro is destined to be a collector’s pet. Then again, as with many aspects of this watch, its future remains an enigma.
What are your thoughts three years after Rolex stunned us with the GMT-Master II 126720VTNR? Were you a fan of it from the first hour? Or, like me, are you still unable to wrap your head around it, let alone wrap it around your wrist? Alternatively, have you finally seen the light? Let me know in the comments. I’m especially curious if you can answer the last question positively.
