Almost every day, lefties feel “left out” in a world dominated by righties. Their childhood days were spent feeling frustrated using even the most common tools and instruments such as scissors and fountain pens, which are designed for 90% of the world’s population. They have always been on their own to figure things out.
It’s not shocking to learn that even some popular watch companies are yet to release left-handed watches for the ten-percenters internationally celebrated each year on August 13th. Fortunately, there are still numerous options that you, as a left-handed person, can opt for without compromising on style, usability, and comfort. This article will walk you through some of the best left handed watches for men and women that you must review before making up your mind for a final purchase.
Table of Contents
In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks for Watches for Left Handers …
OUR TOP LUXURY PICK
Tudor Pelagos LHD
- Date window, trio of hands, 70 hours power reverse
- Optimal for divers
- Self-winding Automatic Chronometer Movement
- Sub-brand of Rolex
OUR AFFORDABLE PICK
Nixon 51-30 Chrono. Men’s Watch
- 3 sub-dials, Arabic numerals, trio of hands, and date window
- Optimal for swimming and snorkeling
EXCLUSIVELY FOR WOMEN
Nixon Women’s Facet Watch
- Center hour dial, outer seconds dial, trio of hands
- Optimal for swimming and snorkeling
What is a Left Handed Watch?
Contrary to what you might think, a left-handed watch isn’t worn on the left hand but is designed for the right wrist with the crown located on the left-hand side at 9 o’clock or lower. Practically speaking, you can wear the watch on whichever wrist you want. However, the critical alteration in the crown’s location is what differentiates between watches for left-handers and those for righties.
If you wear a watch on the right hand with the crown located at 9 o’clock, it will be easier for you to adjust the time and other settings on your watch with your left hand. However, many might argue that changing your watches’ settings while wearing it might not be as practical as it sounds. Now that we know the essential difference between left-handed or destro and right-handed watches, let’s take a look at the best left-handed men’s watches and the best left-handed women’s watches.
One thing to note; you’ll probably find quite a few left-hander’s watches to be diver’s watches. That’s not because a large number of divers are lefties! It’s because most divers like to wear their important instruments on their left wrist, which means there’s no room left for a watch.
Affordable Left-handed Watches
While opting for left-handed gadgets can sometimes mean paying a premium price, luckily, this doesn’t hold any truth when it comes to watches for left-handers and they would make excellent gifts for a left-hander. The following are some affordable options to consider:
Invicta Men’s Force Stainless Steel Japanese-Quartz Watch
If you’re on the lookout for a left-handed men’s watch that will fit your dapper personality and style choices, then the Invicta Men’s Force Stainless Steel Japanese-Quartz Watch’s model 3330 and model 3332 are definitely worth a shot. Both these models feature luminous hands to support night vision and a 45.6 to 46 mm stainless steel dial but one is gold-toned and the other is black.
Both these masterpieces come with a Japanese quartz movement with an analog dial, chronograph subdials, and are water-resistant to 100m or 330 ft. They also have a mineral glass dial window and a leather strap that’s both high-quality and durable. Both these watches tell the exact hour, minute, and second of the day with just a glance.
What most people specifically love about these watches is that they provide high-end style and quality at a relatively budget-friendly price, and there are minimal to no drawbacks of owning the two models of this watch. However, like many fantastic watches, this one also requires careful handling; otherwise, you can risk breaking or damaging the watch.
Pros
It is luxurious and stylish yet budget-friendly.
The watches are made with premium quality stainless steel.
They come with a waterproof analog dial and chronograph subdials.
They have luminous hands.
Cons
They might show signs of wear and tear after several years of use.
You may face minor, unnoticeable problems with the subdials.
Nixon Chronicle SS
If you’re a sucker for dark, elegant watches, then the Nixon Chronicle SS will be a perfect match for your liking. The overall black watch houses relatively lighter grey hour markers, while the hands and the date marker are pure white. All of these instruments are visible through a thick, magnifying glass that adds to this watch’s elegance and style.
The watch supports a Swizz Quarts Movement, while the date window is located at the 9′ o’clock window, giving it a unique design element. The overall case diameter is 49 mm, while the thickness totals 12 mm. The band is made of stainless steel and is 23 mm wide.
Most fall in love with this watch due to its design, but many also prefer wearing it due to its relatively lightweight. The watch weighs approximately 6.88 ounces, and its water-resistant quality makes it suitable for swimmers. However, since this watch contains somewhat lighter hour markers and hands, we wouldn’t suggest wearing it when you’re going for a swim.
Pros
It is an ultra-chic choice for those who prefer stylish watches.
It is made with premium-quality, long-lasting materials.
It’s waterproof and can be worn underwater.
This watch is lightweight and easy to wear and carry.
Cons
The light markers and hands over a black dial might not make it a suitable fit for divers.
Nixon 51-30 Chrono. 100m Water Resistant Men’s Watch
The Nixon 51-30 Chrono. 100m Water Resistant Men’s Watch is an excellent choice for those who are into big, chunky designs. The whopping 51 mm case features 3 CD textured subdials, including the 24-hour, 60-seconds, and 60 minutes dials. Additionally, you will also find a date window located at 6 o’clock on the face.
The chunky watch also features numerals in big, bold, and chunky fonts, making it easier to look at the time from a distance without having to strain your eyes. The dial also comes with a rotating bezel featuring the countdown timer. Additionally, the stainless steel band has a double clasp closure and is 26 mm wide, adding to the watch’s chunky design.
This watch is great for diving, as its 300m water resistance will ensure that it doesn’t get foggy or damaged.
The mineral dial material, analogical screen type, and water-resistant qualities are all part of this mid-priced watch. However, if you have a small wrist or want a relatively more long-lasting watch, then this option might not be for you.
Pros
It features a chunky design, specifically made for big wrists.
The bold hour markers make it easier to check the time even from a distance.
It’s great for diving up to 300 meters.
Comes in 17 different color combinations.
Cons
It might not look good on relatively smaller wrists.
Compared to other watches on this list, it’s not as budget-friendly.
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver
Another chunky and extremely reliable watch to consider, especially if you’re a diver, is the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver watch. In addition to its unique design and Arabic numerals, this watch also stands out as it runs without batteries. You will never have to invest a dime to keep this watch running, as it uses solar power to operate.
Additionally, the 48 x 19 mm stainless steel case houses the luminous and chunky hour, minute, and seconds hands, which are clearly visible even from a distance. The watch features a Japanese quartz movement with an analog display and is water-resistant to 300 m or 1000 ft. It’s no secret that this watch is perfect for divers and swimmers, and the design and chunky features make it an optimal choice as well.
In addition to all of this, the watch also features a rotating bezel, a mineral dial window, and a band made with durable and high-quality rubber. The total band size is 8 inches, while its total width stands at 29 mm.
Pros
It is stylish and a perfect option for divers.
The watch features high-quality and durable materials.
It is water-resistant to 1000 ft.
It’s completely solar powered.
Cons
It might be an investment, considering other options in this list.
The watch might not fit sleek wrists without a wetsuit or a swimsuit.
Apple Watch Series 7
Although the Apple Watch Series 7 is not explicitly designed for lefties, its rotating display makes it a suitable option for them. All you have to do is change some settings and you’re good to go. We have a guide on how to make an Apple watch work for left-handers. If you’re on the lookout for a premium-quality yet mid-priced watch, it’ll be essential to know that this smartwatch is second to none. Featuring aluminum and stainless steel materials, this watch has both a digital and analog display, which you can choose depending on your personal preferences.
Additionally, the watch comes with several advanced features, which were also a part of the Series 6 Apple Watch, including international emergency calling, high/low heart rate notification, irregular heart rhythm notification, fall detection, always-on altimeter, cellular connectivity, and Family Setup support.
The brand has gone a step further to include additional features in the Series 7 watch, which include 33% faster charging time, ECG app support, blood oxygen app support, and an always-on retina display. The display area is also much larger than Series 6, adding approximately 20% more screen area. Additionally, the case is 41-45 mm.
Pros
It is a smartwatch that can be worn by lefties as well as righties.
The watch supports cellular and GPS connectivity.
You can read texts, answer calls, or listen to music and audiobooks while you’re away from your phone.
It includes the option of tracking your workouts with the Apple Fitness+ app.
Cons
It can take a while to set up the watch according to your preferences.
Compared to other watches, this may be a little on the premium end.
Left Handed Luxury Watches
Now, for those who consider themselves collectors of luxury watches but want to invest in left-handed watches to suit their needs, let’s take a look at some of the top-favorite left-handed luxury watches:
Hamilton Khaki X-Wind
Nothing screams luxury and fashion as well as the Hamilton Khaki X-Wind, complete with a 44 mm stainless steel case, a leather band with buckle closure, and a first-drift angle calculator for left-handed pilots to calculate and record crosswinds. In addition to its intricate design and sophisticated features, the watch also features contrast stitching on the leather strap, which makes it pleasing to the eyes.
This is a true collector’s watch, and although the dials may seem complicated at first, with time, you’ll appreciate all the intricate details that this watch delivers. At 9 o’clock, you’ll find the date and month marker, while the subdials reflect the hours, minutes, and seconds.
This watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling but might not be ideal for divers as it is water-resistant to 100 m or 330 ft. The dial is made of synthetic sapphire crystal and features an analogical screen type. The overall case dimensions are 44 x 16 mm, while the leather band has a width of 22 mm. It’s also pertinent to mention that this is a Swizz automatic watch.
Pros
This watch is ultra-luxurious and intricately designed.
It has expressly been made for pilots and shows first-angle drift.
It’s a collector’s watch and features many subdials and functions.
Cons
Although the watch is water-resistant, it’s not suitable for divers.
Tudor Pelagos LHD
As complicated as the Hamilton Khaki X-Wind’s design is, the Tudor Pelagos LHD watch is strictly sophisticated and elegant. The watch is a sub-brand of Rolex, and hence the design might reflect many qualities found in Rolex but at a relatively lower price than the premium brand. It features a trio of hands, and the date marker at 3 o’clock, all inside the neatly designed dial.
The watch features Manufacture Caliber MT5612-LHD movement that supports a power reverse of approximately 70 hours. Additionally, the unidirectional rotating titanium bezel comes with a matte black ceramic disc, which only adds to this watch’s elegance and style. The Swiss-made watch carries a titanium bracelet and case and is water-resistant to 1640 ft, making it an optimal choice for serious divers.
There is no need for a battery here, as the rotor inside is self-winding and automatic.
Pros
The watch features a COSC Certified Chronometer.
It is water-resistant to 1640 ft.
It’s made by the same brand as Rolex.
The self-winding rotor means that there’s no battery.
It’s a premium-quality watch with a sophisticated design.
Cons
While there’s no con for this watch, the only drawback you might face is the premium pricing.
Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 11
Our list of luxurious watches for left-handers wouldn’t have been complete without the inclusion of the Tag Heuer Monaco Calibre 11. Actor Steve McQueen wore this watch in the 1971 movie Le Mans. This fine-quality watch features an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant dial made from premium-quality sapphire crystal.
The rectangular stainless steel case is 39 mm, which features a denim blue dial and bright red accents on the trio of hands and the hour markers. The chronograph style watch also features 2 subdials which represent the 60-seconds and 30-minutes on the watch. A date window is present at 6 o’clock. In addition to the push-down crown on the left-hand side at 9 o’clock, the watch also has two pushers on the right side, which is a signature detail.
Supported with Swiss Calibre 11 self-winding automatic movement, this watch is one of the best luxurious watches for left-handers. The watch is resistant up to 100 m or 330 ft, and the black leather band is approximately 22 mm.
Pros
This watch is made by the most famous luxury watch brand.
It will make you stand out with a unique design and sophisticated features.
It’s made with high-quality materials, making it highly durable.
It’s a perfect choice for collectors.
Cons
This watch is not suitable for divers, as it’s only water-resistant up to 100 m.
Left Handed Watches for Ladies
Finally, let’s take a look at the best left-handed women’s watches. While many of the above are unisex watches, there’s one that’s only for women:
Nixon Women’s Facet Watch
The Nixon’s Women’s Facet Watch is one of the best watches for left-handed women, and it is available in three different color options, including black, gold, and rose gold. The watch features a 20 mm stainless steel dial made with a mineral crystal that holds a sophisticated design.
The hour markers are located in the center dial, while the seconds’ markers are on the outer concave ring. The three hands are relatively thinner sticks that are supported by a Japanese quartz movement. Additionally, the three-ring bracelet with double-locking micro-adjustable lock is made with metal, and its total size is 9 inches with a 20 mm width.
This analog watch is perfect for women who are looking for a classy, relatively budget-friendly watch with a sophisticated design element. It is also water-resistant up to 100 m, making it suitable for general swimmers.
Pros
It’s stylish and elegant.
You can get it at a budget-friendly rate.
It’s relatively durable and suitable for swimming.
Cons
It’s not suitable for divers.
The watch might be less long-lasting than some other high-end options.
FAQs
Which arm do you wear a watch on?
The general rule of thumb is that the watch should be worn on your non-dominant arm, which for most people is their left arm.
How should a left-handed person wear a watch?
Since a left-handed person’s non-dominant arm is their right arm, it would be more suitable for them to wear their watch on the right wrist. However, personal preferences also play a significant role in how one wears their watch.
What are left-handed watches called?
Left-handed watches are also commonly known as destro watches. The word destro means right in Italian, and it signifies the arm in which the left-handed watches are worn.
Does Rolex make left-handed watches?
During the 1940’s and 1950’s, Rolex produced left handed Day-Dates and GMT-Masters in very small numbers, more than likely in response to requests. However, they don’t anymore except under their sub-brand, Tudor.
