Alright, so I’ve been messing around with watches lately, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. Today, I want to share my experience with trying to replicate the Rolex GMT-Master II Left-Handed Version, also known as the “Southpaw.” I got the idea when I stumbled upon some articles saying that this is a great model for lefties. And there I found that this watch is quite something with its 24-hour hand and a two-colour rotatable bezel. I mean, who wouldn’t want to try their hand at making one of these?
Getting Started
First things first, I had to gather all the materials. This wasn’t just a walk in the park. I spent days, maybe even weeks, scouring online stores and local shops for parts that could even remotely resemble those of a real Rolex. The hardest part was finding a decent movement that could handle the GMT function. After a lot of trial and error, and let me tell you, a lot of error, I finally settled on a movement that seemed promising.
The Build
Next up was the actual building process. I started with the movement, carefully placing it into the case I’d managed to find. This case, by the way, was a whole other story. Trying to find one that looked like the real deal but was designed for a left-handed setup was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Once the movement was in, I moved on to the dial. I decided to go for a green and black bezel design, inspired by the “Sprite” model I saw online. Attaching the hands was probably the most nerve-wracking part. One wrong move and you could end up bending them, or worse, scratching the dial. I can’t tell you how many times I had to stop, take a deep breath, and start over.
- Assembling the Bezel: I managed to find a two-color bezel that was pretty close to the original. Getting it to rotate smoothly was a challenge, but after a few adjustments, it worked like a charm.
- Securing the Crystal: This was another tricky part. The crystal had to be perfectly aligned and secured without any dust or fingerprints getting trapped underneath. It took a couple of tries, but I eventually got it right.
- Final Touches: Lastly, I attached the bracelet. I opted for a simple, yet sturdy one that would complement the overall look of the watch. And just like that, after countless hours of work, my homemade Rolex GMT-Master II was complete.
The Result
In the end, did it look exactly like a real Rolex GMT-Master II? No, not quite. But, did it capture the essence of the watch? I’d like to think so. It’s got the look, the feel, and most importantly, it tells the time in two different time zones. Plus, it’s made for lefties, which is a nice touch. I’ve been wearing it around for a few weeks now, and it’s held up pretty well. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s a testament to what you can achieve with a bit of patience, a lot of hard work, and a passion for watches. I am so satisfied with my work and enjoy wearing it.
So, that’s my story of how I made my own version of the Rolex GMT-Master II Left-Handed. It was a challenging, yet rewarding experience. Would I do it again? Maybe. But for now, I’m just going to enjoy wearing my creation and see where this watch-making journey takes me next.