At Watches and Wonders 2022, the spotlight fell firmly on the new Rolex Deepsea Challenge. Understandably so—it was a showstopper, representing a whole new collection and a bold leap in technical innovation. But in its shadow, other intriguing releases were left largely overlooked.

One such sleeper? The left-handed white gold GMT-Master II, nicknamed the “Sprite.” Not only did it bring a luxurious twist to an already unconventional design, but it quietly debuted a historic first for Rolex: a dial made entirely from ceramic.

The “Lefty” Dilemma

The GMT-Master II “Sprite,” also known as the “Destro,” is a watch that messes with your brain. If you’re used to wearing watches on your left wrist—as most people are—the crown and date on the left side can feel disorienting. I remember handling it for the first time and instinctively trying to rotate the bezel so it looked “right.” But of course, the design isn’t a mistake. It’s meant to be worn on the right wrist, and once you accept that, it starts to make sense—sort of.

The steel “Sprite” already made waves with its green and black Cerachrom bezel. But Rolex wasn’t finished. This year, the brand released a white gold version, reference 126729VTNR, with a dial that elevates the entire concept.

A Ceramic First

Yes, the real headline here isn’t the precious metal—it’s the dial. This is Rolex’s first-ever dial made from ceramic, specifically a glossy green Cerachrom. Rolex has been refining its ceramic expertise since 2005, starting with black bezels, then introducing bicolor variants, and now finally applying the material to a dial.

Like Rolex’s natural stone dials, the ceramic disc is mounted to a brass base. The result is a lustrous, seamless match between dial and bezel, especially in daylight. The uniform green aesthetic feels cohesive, confident—even daring. In fact, it makes the quirky “Lefty” layout feel more intentional and stylish, rather than just experimental.

The Details

The white gold “Sprite” sticks to the core specs of its steel sibling: a 40mm case, 11.9mm thick, with an Oyster bracelet featuring brushed and polished links and an Oysterlock clasp. However, unlike the steel model, there’s no Jubilee option.

The dial features applied white gold hour markers and Mercedes hands with Rolex’s Chromalight lume, glowing blue in low light. A subtle design tweak sets the white gold version apart: its GMT hand has a steel-colored stem for improved legibility, replacing the green stem on the steel model.

Powering it all is the familiar caliber 3285, a COSC-certified chronometer with 70 hours of power reserve. It includes the brand’s hallmark innovations: a Chronergy escapement for efficiency and a Parachrom hairspring for magnetic resistance and shock protection.

Quiet Luxury Meets Bold Design

What’s fascinating is how quickly this new “Sprite” feels more at ease than its 2022 predecessor. Maybe it’s because we’ve had time to adjust to the left-handed design. Or maybe the green ceramic dial just ties the whole watch together more elegantly.

It’s not a conventional GMT, and it’s not trying to be. This is Rolex leaning into eccentricity—but doing it with polish and precision. And if you’re going to go bold with a layout like this, why not go all the way with a high-gloss green ceramic dial?

What's next for Ceramic Dials?

Now that Rolex has broken the seal on ceramic dials, it’s hard not to speculate on what might come next. Ceramic isn’t just scratch-resistant and glossy—it’s also remarkably color-stable and durable. Could we see red dials for the “Pepsi”? A matte black version for a future Explorer? Or perhaps something bolder still?

Here’s an idea: a Submariner Date in brushed RLX titanium, with a matte deep-sea-blue ceramic dial and matching bezel insert. Functional, yes, but also quietly luxurious in the way only Rolex can pull off. The matte texture would speak to its tool-watch roots, while the rich blue hue would offer something totally new.

Final Thoughts

The white gold “Sprite” is a watch you wouldn’t expect from Rolex. It’s left-handed, it’s green-on-green, and it introduces a material that could redefine how Rolex dials look going forward. Yet somehow, it works—because Rolex didn’t just change things for the sake of novelty. There’s a logic and a confidence behind every choice.

Still, this isn’t a watch for everyone. You have to be open to its quirks and bold enough to wear them proudly. But if you are, the left-handed GMT-Master II “Sprite” in white gold isn’t just another version of a classic—it’s a quiet revolution on the wrist.