So, you’re left-handed… congratulations?
Can we all admit that the world is built for right-handed people? Scissors, can openers, desks, guitars, and even spiral notebooks are designed to make life difficult for lefties. And don’t even get us started on writing with an ink pen (smudging is basically a birthright if you're a lefty).
But what about watches?
For decades, left-handers had to awkwardly reach across their wrists to adjust the crown on their watches because nearly every model was made for right-handed folks. It was proof that watch brands weren’t thinking about the 10% of the population who do things with their left hand.
That’s where destro watches flip the script.
What Is a Destro Watch?
A Destro watch is a timepiece with the crown on the left side instead of the right.
That’s it. That’s the big idea.
But this small tweak makes a huge difference, especially for left-handed wearers.
The name “Destro” is Italian for "right."
Why?
Because these watches were originally designed to be worn on the right wrist, making it easier for lefties to adjust the crown with their dominant hand. It’s a small but game-changing design move that makes life a lot easier for the southpaws of the world.
But here’s the kicker: Destro watches aren’t just for left-handed people anymore. Righties are wearing them, too, and they’re doing it for one simple reason: comfort.
Why Do Destro Watches Exist?
Let’s paint a picture. You’re a lefty. You finally get yourself a nice watch. You strap it onto your right wrist. Then, when you go to adjust the time or wind it, you have to do some weird, unnatural hand gymnastics to reach the crown on the right side of the case.
Frustrating? Oh, just a little.
Destro watches fix this. By moving the crown to the left, they let lefties adjust their watch normally like a right-hander would with a standard watch. Simple, elegant, and effective.
But even right-handed wearers are jumping on the Destro train. Because traditional right-handed watches can be uncomfortable. When worn on the left wrist (which most people do), the crown and pushers sometimes dig into the back of your hand when you bend your wrist.
Not fun.
A Brief History of Destro Watches
To understand the rise of Destro watches, you have to go back to a time when wristwatches were tools first and fashion statements second.
Before smartphones ruled our lives, wristwatches were the go-to gadgets for soldiers, divers, and adventurers. People who needed precision, durability, and functionality in extreme conditions.
But most watches were made for right-handed people. That meant the crown was always on the right side, assuming you'd be wearing it on your left wrist. For lefties, this was a problem. They either had to:
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Wear the watch on their right wrist and struggle to adjust the crown or
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Wear it on their left wrist and deal with an awkward, unnatural hand motion every time they need to set the time.
And that’s where Panerai stepped in.
Panerai and the Italian Navy Connection
In the 1930s and 1940s, Panerai was supplying watches to the Italian Navy's elite combat divers, underwater operatives who needed serious gear to navigate the deep. These guys were already wearing compasses and depth gauges on their left wrists, so slapping a standard watch on top of that wasn’t ideal.
Panerai had an idea: flip the crown to the left so divers could wear their watches on the right wrist instead. This allowed them to operate their watch crown easily while keeping their left wrist free from other essential gear.
Thus, the first Destro dive watches were born.
Are Destro Watches Actually Better?
This is the million-dollar question: Is a Destro watch just a cool novelty, or is it actually superior to a traditional right-crown watch?
The answer? It depends on who’s wearing it.
For Lefties: An Absolute Game-Changer
If you’re left-handed, you know the struggle. Everything is made for righties: scissors, coffee mugs, and car stick shifts.
Watches are no different.
A Destro watch finally gives lefties the experience right-handed folks take for granted: a crown that’s easy to access. No more awkward wrist contortions. No more fumbling. It’s a simple yet revolutionary fix.
For Righties: Surprisingly Comfortable
Even if you’re right-handed, a Destro watch might be the best thing you never knew you needed.
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Ever had a watch crown dig into the back of your hand? If you wear chunky watches, you know the pain. A left-crown watch eliminates this problem because the crown won’t press against your wrist when you move.
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Want to stand out? Most people won’t recognise your $5,000 timepiece, but they’ll notice when the crown is on the "wrong" side. It’s a conversation starter.
How to Wear a Destro Watch Without Looking Clueless
Some people hear Destro watch and think, Oh, that’s only for lefties!
Wrong.
Lefties: The Right Way to Wear It
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Strap it on your right wrist.
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Adjust the crown with your dominant left hand — finally, no more awkward wrist gymnastics.
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Enjoy having a watch designed for you.
Righties: The "Rule Breaker" Move
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Wear it on your left wrist, just like you would a regular watch.
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The crown won’t dig into your hand when you bend your wrist. Surprisingly comfortable!
At the end of the day, there’s no “wrong” way to wear a Destro watch. It’s all about what feels right (or, in this case, left).
The Best Destro Watches Right Now
Destro watches aren’t just for lefties anymore.
They’ve become a style statement, a rare flex for those who want something different, something unexpected. Whether you’re left-handed, right-handed, or just love the idea of a watch that refuses to conform, these are some of the best Destro watches you can get right now.
1. Rolex GMT-Master II "Sprite" (Ref. 126720VTNR)
Rolex doesn’t exactly do quirky.
Their designs are timeless, conservative, and meticulous, which is exactly why the GMT-Master II "Sprite" was such a shock when it landed in 2022. This was Rolex’s first-ever left-handed GMT, with a left-side crown and date window that threw the entire watch world into a frenzy.
And let’s talk about that green-and-black Cerachrom bezel. Green isn’t new to Rolex. After all, they love a good anniversary edition. But the way it plays against the black is just chef’s kiss.
It’s bold without being loud, different without being gimmicky. Inside, it’s powered by the in-house Caliber 3285. It offers a rock-solid 70-hour power reserve and the legendary dual-time function that makes the GMT-Master series one of the most practical travel watches ever made.
If you’re a lefty looking for your grail watch, this might just be it.
2. Tudor Pelagos LHD
The Tudor Pelagos LHD (Left Hand Drive) is built for the kind of people who actually use their dive bezels to time decompression stops instead of pasta cooking times.
Tudor originally made destro dive watches for the French Navy back in the ‘70s, and the Pelagos LHD is a modern tribute to those military-issued models. It’s made of titanium, meaning it’s super lightweight but incredibly strong. The creamy, vintage-style lume gives it a touch of old-school charm, while the 500-meter water resistance makes it overqualified for anything short of a James Cameron-level deep-sea expedition.
One of the coolest things about this watch?
The roulette date wheel.
Some days the numbers are red, some days they’re black — because why not? Powered by Tudor’s in-house MT5612-LHD movement, this beast has a 70-hour power reserve, which means you can leave it on your nightstand all weekend, and it’ll still be ticking come Monday morning.
3. Panerai Luminor Marina Left-Handed 8 Days (PAM00796)
Panerai and Destro watches go together like espresso and biscotti. This brand has been making left-handed watches since the 1940s, and their military roots run deep. The Luminor Marina Left-Handed PAM00796 is everything you expect from a Panerai: big, bold, and built like a tank.
If you’ve never worn a Panerai, here’s the first thing you’ll notice: they are huge. This one comes in at 44mm, with that iconic crown guard system that Panerai is famous for. The stainless steel case feels substantial on the wrist, and the sandwich dial with luminous markers means it glows like a torch in the dark.
But the real party trick? The 8-day power reserve. Most mechanical watches last around two days before needing a wind, but the manual-winding P.5001 calibre in this Panerai just keeps going. Wind it once, forget about it for over a week, and it’ll still be running like a champ.
4. TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11
If there’s a single Destro watch that screams vintage racing swagger, it’s the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11.
This isn’t just any watch. It’s the Steve McQueen watch, the one he wore in Le Mans, the one that helped define the golden age of motorsports.
The Monaco was already a rebel when it debuted in 1969. Square case, left-side crown, automatic chronograph, all in one. It broke every rule in the book, and that’s exactly why it became a legend.
Today’s Calibre 11 version stays true to the original, with a 39mm case, bright blue dial, and two white sub-dials that pop like racing stripes on a vintage Porsche.
And then there’s the crown placement. Back in the day, Heuer put it on the left to show off the fact that this was an automatic watch—you didn’t need to wind it, so the crown was almost an afterthought.
Now?
It’s just another reason why the Monaco is one of the coolest damn watches you can put on your wrist.
5. Sinn EZM 1.1
Most Destro watches are built for style and comfort.
But the Sinn EZM 1.1? This one’s built for absolute function.
Designed for elite military and law enforcement units, it’s a lefty chronograph that prioritises usability in extreme conditions.
At 43mm, it’s got a solid presence on the wrist, but it’s made from bead-blasted stainless steel, which gives it a rugged, no-nonsense look. The chronograph pushers and crown are all on the left, so they don’t dig into your wrist during intense activity.
And because Sinn doesn’t mess around, this watch is packed with their signature tech:
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Ar-Dehumidifying Technology (prevents fogging and moisture buildup inside the case)
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Magnetic Field Protection (keeps your movement running precisely even in high-magnetic environments)
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Hydro Oil Filling (improves underwater readability)
So… Should You Get a Destro Watch?
Alright, let’s cut to the chase — should you actually get a Destro watch?
If you’re left-handed, it’s an easy yes. Finally, a watch that won’t have you awkwardly twisting your wrist just to set the time.
But even if you’re right-handed, there’s a solid argument for wearing one. They’re comfortable, unique, and a little rebellious.
Here’s the thing, though: not all great watches have to be brand new. Sometimes, the best finds, the ones with real character, history, and craftsmanship, are pre-loved luxury watches that already have a story to tell.
Here’s where we tell you to check out Love Luxury. Buying pre-owned means you get incredible quality at a better price, plus the chance to own something truly special.
So, if you’re thinking about adding a Destro watch to your collection, why not check out what’s already out there?
