Rolex Expands Its Legacy with the New ‘Land-Dweller’
By the luxury hutIf the watch world is even remotely familiar to you, you’d know just how conservative Rolex is in the industry. A new dial colour here, a slight font adjustment there, or a refined bracelet fit – that’s all the Crown has been routinely doing over the years. So, when we first saw leaks of a new Rolex watch with a strange name and familiar case weeks before the Watches and Wonders 2025, we knew it was the start of something really big at Rolex.
Finally, at Watches and Wonders 2025, the new Rolex “Land-Dweller” was born. It’s the brand’s second new collection since 2013. So, you know it’s a huge deal.
A new case, new indirect impulse escapement and movement, and a new bracelet—this is perhaps Rolex’s most important release in decades. It punctuates the top Swiss brand’s manufacturing and industrial prowess while drawing on some vintage design inspiration.
On all levels, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller is a great leap towards opening new horizons.
What is the Rolex Land-Dweller?
After conquering the Sea and the Sky with dedicated watches, Rolex aims for the Land. Although the Explorer previously covered this territory, Rolex wanted to underline it with a high-end luxury sport-chic timepiece and, hence, released the all-new Land-Dweller, taking on a new haute horlogerie movement and ultra-refined design aesthetic.
Offered in 36mm and 40mm, the Land-Dweller has been designed to deliver exemplary performance in all situations.
- Land-Dweller 40 (Ref. 127334) a white Rolesor version (steel and white gold) with a fluted bezel and an intense white dial featuring a striking honeycomb motif.
- Land-Dweller 40 (Ref. 127336) made of platinum with a fluted bezel and an ice-blue honeycomb motif dial. It also comes with a diamond-set bezel and diamond dial with Ref. 127386TBR.
- Land-Dweller 40 (Ref. 127335) is crafted out of 18ct Everose gold with a fluted bezel and an intense white honeycomb motif dial. Another version is the Ref. 127385TBR, with a diamond-set bezel and diamond dial.
- Land-Dweller 36 (Ref. 127234) a white Rolesor version with a fluted bezel and intense white honeycomb motif dial.
- Land-Dweller 36 (Ref. 127236) made of platinum with a fluted bezel and ice-blue honeycomb motif dial. Another version with a diamond-set bezel and diamond dial has Ref. 127286TBR.
- Land-Dweller 36 (Ref. 127235) comes in 18ct Everose gold featuring a fluted bezel and intense white honeycomb motif dial. Also available with a diamond-set bezel and diamond dial, Ref. 127285TBR.
The Land-Dweller is meant for those exploring familiar terrain. Or, as Rolex puts it, “The new OP Land-Dweller is designed for those men and women who build tomorrow’s world today”.
There are 32 patent applications and patents pertaining to the Land-Dweller, 18 exclusive to this watch and 16 concerning its new movement. These testify to the brand’s pioneering spirit and ongoing quest for precision.
Let’s get a closer look now.
The Dedicated OysterQuartz Case
The Land-Dweller is presented in an Oyster case (40mm and 36mm) specifically designed for the model. Rolex draws inspiration from the 1970s Oysterquartz and mechanical Oyster models with integrated bracelets to style the new Rolex Land-Dweller. But it is in no way identical to the past.
The new case is full of angles, chamfers and surface finishing, and all of it is carried out in a very Rolex way, making sharp and soft edges feel deliberate. It has a monobloc Oyster barrel-shaped middle case without the traditional lugs as seen on a Datejust. This thin middle case makes the latest watches feel thinner and more dress-like. Not to mention, it’s also fairly compact on the wrist. The case is crowned by a fluted bezel on some and with trapeze-cut diamonds on precious metal versions.
The 40mm edition has a 9.70mm thickness profile and 46.5mm lug-to-lug, and the 36 edition has 43.5mm lug-to-lug.
The bold and distinct case draws attention to the innovations buried inside. There’s a historical context to why the Crown chose this particular case type to debut its new movement.
Previously, Rolex used these blockier designs during the 1970s for the Oyster quartz line, featuring a movement that was totally groundbreaking at the time. Now, Rolex is bringing it back just as it stamps another achievement in watchmaking.
While restyling the case, Rolex modified the waterproofing system around the crystal. Flip the watch and the transparent sapphire case back allows onlookers to admire the beautiful movement inside. For the rest, we have 100 metres of water resistance, finely fluted screwed case back, flat sapphire crystal with AR coating and Twinlock screw-down crown.
Intricate Dial Detailing
Here, also, the Land-Dweller has some stories to tell. We all know by now how Rolex has amplified its dial-making expertise in recent years with ceramic dials, guilloche patterns, and much more. Although the Land-Dweller doesn’t feature such articulate techniques, the dial does involve some intricate processes.
The Land-Dweller’s dial features an intricate honeycomb pattern, composed of repeating hexagonal cells and finely recessed lines. Textured dials are a significant feature of the elegant sports watch category, and the Land-Dweller is no exception.
Rolex uses a femtosecond laser to execute the honeycomb structure in a high-tech way. This laser is also used to etch the delicate lines in the grooves between each cell. Looking closely reveals laser-etched concentric circles within the grooves, introducing an added layer of intricacy to the dial's design.
Another distinct element of the Land-Dweller dial is that it recalls the old Ref. 1630 featuring an angled inner flange and a precise, pad-printed half-second minute track. This is not what Rolex usually does. Plus, there’s no classic inner metal rehaut where the serial number is normally engraved—it is now on the case back.
The choice of colours includes intense white for the Rolesor and gold version, and ice blue for the platinum edition. The model name, logo, and chronometer mentioned are all placed inside a frame on the dial. The applied 6 and 9 Arabic numerals draw inspiration from the Air-King and Explorer models but are now opened at the centre for a modern, contemporary outlook.
For the rest, there are classic lumed batons. The hour markers are now open-ended, and a solid luminescent material lies inside them. Rolex has introduced a patent application for this new construction.
Straight baton hands indicate the time and are coated with the same luminescent material. The platinum version has blue PVD-coated lume, and the versions with diamonds lack lume. The second-hand features a counterweight shaped like a honeycomb motif cell.
Flat Jubilee Bracelet
The distinctive five-row ‘Flat Jubilee’ bracelet has been exclusively designed for the Land-Dweller. It is a reinterpretation of the emblematic Jubilee bracelet unveiled with the launch of the Datejust in 1945. This new design retains the five-link structure of the past and enhances it with three narrower links at the centre, flanked by two broader ones at the edges. What makes this new bracelet design different is that all the links are flat.
This is what is known as an ‘integrated’ bracelet – meaning the Flat Jubilee hooks directly into the case without any lugs. This is another major innovation by Rolex, which puts the brand on par with its hot contemporaries.
The centre links are polished and slightly elevated compared to the outer links, which feature a technical satin finish except for their polished edge.
Rolex also devised a robust, durable attachment system to ensure easy and seamless integration of the Flat Jubilee bracelet with the Oyster case. To avoid premature wear, Rolex has inserted the short spring bars inside ceramic tubes found inside the first link.
The bracelet has an elegant, concealed folding Crown Clasp, contributing to the timepiece's visual harmony. Aside from the prominent raised Coronet used to open it, the clasp remains completely invisible.
Overall, the construction of this new bracelet design is linked to a patent application for its connection with the case. This new Flat Jubilee integrated bracelet gives the Land-Dweller a contemporary, almost sporty-luxury feel, marking a step up in terms of refinement from the standard Jubilee bracelet.
High-Frequency Calibre 7135
The new Calibre 7135 is an evolution of Calibre 7140, which drives the Perpetual 1908. This new self-winding movement delivers commendable performance, particularly in terms of precision, convenience, power reserve and reliability.
The Calibre 7135 is modified with a new type of escapement and high-frequency regulating organ, which Rolex has used for the first time (more on this later).
The Calibre 7135 operates at an outstanding rate of 5 Hertz /36,000 beats per hour, enabling it to measure time to one-tenth of a second—an unprecedented frequency for Rolex. It is a relatively thin movement with a central bidirectional rotor and a single barrel.
The movement also presents an attractive design, which can be appreciated through the transparent case back. The sparkle of the oscillating weight in yellow gold, the polished chamfers, the intricate Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration on the bridges, and the gold settings around some of the jewels can be fully admired.
The Dynapulse Escapement
The most significant innovation in the Calibre 7135 is the revolutionary Dynapulse escapement. Despite having two wheels, it is not a natural escapement but a sequential distribution escapement with an impulse rocker and seven patent applications.
The Dynapulse escapement features a transmission wheel that drives two distribution wheels, activating the impulse rocker connected to the oscillator. The new Dynapulse escapement enhances how the barrel's energy is transmitted to the oscillator.
As the various components interact by rolling against each other, instead of sliding, as in the case of Swiss lever escapements, it is much more devoted to efficiency. This is why even after beating at 5Hz; the watch doesn’t consume more energy than Chronergy escapement. In fact, it is about 30% more efficient than a traditional Swiss lever escapement.
Thanks to the escapement’s excellent efficiency and barrel architecture, the Land-Dweller provides a power reserve of approximately 66 hours. This escapement is primarily made of silicon components, ensuring it is extremely lightweight and virtually resistant to magnetic fields.
State-Of-The-Art Oscillator
The Calibre 7135 also features a new oscillator composed of a ceramic balance staff (patented), which ensures low friction, more efficiency, durability, and anti-magnetism. This new high-technology ceramic, exclusive to Rolex and patented is also resistant to strong magnetic fields.
The balance wheel itself is made from an alloy Rolex used for the first time—optimised brass, which, like the ceramic, is resistant to magnetic fields.
Finally, advanced Paraflex shock absorbers protect the ceramic balance staff, while the reengineered Syloxi silicon hairspring—with its thicker, reshaped coils—delivers added strength and stability to handle both the high-frequency 5Hz movement and the natural motion of the wearer.
Of course, the Land-Dweller is Superlative Chronometer certified, ensuring an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds/day.
Price and Availability
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller is available for immediate purchase. But of course, as expected from Rolex, despite being a new addition to the catalogue, it’s not easy to get a Land-Dweller at retail due to its high demand. And, if you ask us, the steel Land Dweller is definitely subject to a waiting list.
But there’s one thing Rolex got right this time. Historically, the brand has a habit of releasing versions of a new watch model over a period of years. For example, when a new watch makes its debut, Rolex usually starts with precious metal models and only releases its more affordable stainless steel counterpart after a few years.
With the Land-Dweller, Rolex took an entirely new approach. From the start, the Land-Dweller is available in two case sizes, three material choices (including stainless steel), and with or without diamond decoration on the dial and bezel.
This isn’t to say that Rolex won’t expand this collection further, but from the start, you can purchase an all-platinum model as well as a stainless steel model with a white gold fluted bezel. All these signs suggest that Rolex intends the new Land-Dweller to be commercially available and cater to varied consumer preferences.
As for the price:
| Model | Retail Price |
|---|---|
| Land-Dweller 40 (White Rolesor), Ref. 127334 | £13,050 |
| Land-Dweller 40 (Platinum), Ref. 127336 | £54,600 |
| Land-Dweller 40 (Platinum & Diamonds), Ref. 127386TBR | £100,450 |
| Land-Dweller 40 (Everose Gold), Ref. 127335 | £40,300 |
| Land-Dweller 40 (Everose Gold & Diamonds), Ref. 127385TBR | £90,350 |
| Land-Dweller 36 (White Rolesor), Ref. 127234 | £12,250 |
| Land-Dweller 36 (Platinum), Ref. 127236 | £50,800 |
| Land-Dweller 36 (Platinum & Diamonds), Ref. 127286TBR | £81,550 |
| Land-Dweller 36 (Everose Gold), Ref. 127235 | £36,900 |
| Land-Dweller 36 (Everose Gold & Diamonds), Ref. 127285TBR | £77,250 |
Does the price feel justified? Honestly, paying that much for a steel time-and-date timepiece is a little too much - no doubt. However, after looking at everything Rolex has put into it, it’s fair to say that the price hike is legitimate. You get a new watch – a new movement – and an impressive quality for your money. And if you were to ask us, we are genuinely curious to see how this collection evolves over time because it will!
Conclusion
Ever since the Watches and Wonders 2025 happened in April, the Rolex Land-Dweller has been the talk of the watch world. This latest release captures the very essence of Rolex’s identity.
While it nods to the past decades, its modern execution sets it apart in today’s market. If that wasn’t enough, the Dynapulse escapement and the perfecting of this technology are something that only Rolex could pull off entirely in-house, leading the entire mechanical watch industry into an era of innovation and chronometry.
Is this a perfect release? Technically, yes, but visually, it is purely subjective. Whatever it is, only time and sales will tell if the Rolex Land-Dweller is a hit or a miss. For now, let’s take a moment to appreciate what Rolex has brought to the table.
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