In 2022 Rolex surprised almost everyone with a GMT-Master II built in mirror image. The crown moved to the left side of the case, the date window moved to nine o’clock, and the bezel arrived in a new green and black combination. Collectors called it the “Sprite”, after the soft drink’s green, and some also call it the “Destro”, from the Italian for right, since it is designed to be worn on the right wrist.
It was the first left-handed model in Rolex’s current collection, and it has become one of the most talked-about GMTs.
Why did Rolex make a left-handed GMT?
Most watches are designed to be worn on the left wrist, with the crown on the right where the right hand can reach it. Left-handed people, who often wear their watch on the right wrist, have to reach across awkwardly and can find the crown digging into the back of their hand. The 126720VTNR solves that by mirroring the case. Rolex also added a date at nine o’clock so the Cyclops and date sit correctly for a right-wrist wearer.
What exactly is different?
| Standard GMT-Master II (126710) | Sprite (126720VTNR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Crown position | Right, at 3 o’clock | Left, at 9 o’clock |
| Date position | 3 o’clock | 9 o’clock |
| Crown guards | Right side | Left side |
| Bezel | Various | Green and black Cerachrom |
| Movement | Calibre 3285 | Calibre 3285 |
| Bracelet | Jubilee or Oyster | Jubilee or Oyster |
Everything else, from the 40 mm case and 100-meter water resistance to the GMT function, is the same as the other current GMT-Master II models. The movement is the same calibre 3285 with about 70 hours of power reserve, adapted to operate from the left side.
What do VTNR and the colors mean?
VTNR stands for vert and noir, green and black in French. The green half of the bezel covers daytime hours and the black half the night hours. The green GMT hand matches, and the Rolex text on the dial is in green too. It sits alongside the Pepsi and Batman as one of the most distinctive GMT color schemes; compare them all in GMT-Master II bezel colors explained.
How does it feel to use a left-handed GMT?
For a right-wrist wearer, the Sprite simply feels correct: the crown faces the fingers of the left hand, the watch sits flat, and the date reads in its natural place relative to the Cyclops. For a left-wrist wearer there is a short adjustment. Winding and setting mean reaching around the watch or taking it off, and the eye expects the date on the right for the first day or two. After that, many owners say they prefer it, because the crown never presses into the back of the hand when the wrist bends, for example when typing or doing push-ups.
Is the Sprite a gimmick?
No. Left-handed watches have a long history, especially among military and sports watches from other makers, and Rolex’s version is fully engineered rather than a flipped dial. The case, crown guards, crystal and movement orientation are all designed specifically for it. That is why its value is driven by the same fundamentals as any other steel GMT: demand, condition and completeness.
Who should buy a Sprite?
- Left-handed people who wear their watch on the right wrist. This is the watch Rolex designed for you.
- Anyone who dislikes crowns digging into the wrist. Many left-wrist wearers find that a crown on the left side sits against the forearm rather than the back of the hand, and never presses into the wrist when bending.
- Buyers who want something different. The mirrored layout and green bezel make the Sprite one of the most unusual watches in the Rolex catalog.
It is less suited to anyone who finds an asymmetrical dial layout distracting. Try the look in photos before you commit.
How does the Sprite wear on the left wrist?
Many owners wear it on the left wrist and love it. The crown sits away from the hand, the watch feels more balanced on the wrist when you bend it, and the left-side date takes a day or two to get used to. Setting the watch means reaching around with the left hand’s fingers or taking it off, which is easy with a screw-down crown you only use occasionally.
Jubilee or Oyster bracelet?
The Sprite has been offered on both. The Jubilee is dressier and more flexible; the Oyster is sportier and a little more robust. Green bezels pair especially well with the Jubilee’s shine, while the Oyster makes the watch look more like a tool. Prices can differ with demand. Our guide to Rolex bracelets compares them in detail.
What should you check on a pre-owned Sprite?
- Bezel condition. The green and black ceramic halves should meet sharply at six and eighteen hours, with no chips.
- Left-side crown and tube. It should screw down smoothly, and the crown guards should be free of deep dings.
- GMT function. Jump the local hour hand both ways; the 24-hour hand should hold home time and the date should change at local midnight.
- Box and papers. On a model introduced in 2022, a full set and a dated warranty card should be expected, along with the remainder of the five-year Rolex guarantee.
- Unworn claims. If a listing says unworn, protective stickers and an unmarked clasp should support it.
How much does a Sprite cost?
The 126720VTNR sits among the current steel GMT-Master II models on the pre-owned market, usually above the Batman and below the Pepsi, depending on bracelet, card date and condition. Demand for new releases moves prices, so compare current listings. Our live table below shows our current asking prices, and every Sprite we have is on our Sprite GMT page.
Sprite vs Batman vs Pepsi: which GMT should you choose?
If you want the classic, choose the Pepsi. If you want the most versatile and understated, the Batman or the newer Bruce Wayne. If you are left-handed, or want a GMT nobody else in the room is wearing, the Sprite. They are otherwise identical watches, so choose the one that makes you smile when you look at it. Our GMT-Master II buying guide covers the rest of the range, and all current examples are on our pre-owned GMT-Master II page.
Frequently asked questions
What does Destro mean?
Destro means right in Italian. Collectors use it for left-handed watches that are designed to be worn on the right wrist, such as the Rolex Sprite with its crown on the left side of the case.
Can a right-handed person wear the Sprite?
Yes. Many right-handed owners wear it on the left wrist and like that the crown never presses into the back of the hand. It simply looks different from a conventional watch.
Is the Sprite a limited edition?
No. The 126720VTNR is part of Rolex’s regular GMT-Master II collection. Demand has exceeded supply at authorized dealers, which is why it is often easier to find pre-owned.
Does the Sprite use a special movement?
It uses the calibre 3285, the same movement as other current GMT-Master II models, adapted so that it is wound and set from the left side of the case.
