Hands-On Review of the Rolex Land-Dweller Collection
At Watches & Wonders 2025, perhaps the biggest splash was made by the Crown with the introduction of all-new Rolex Land-Dweller. With it’s introduction, it is clear Rolex has ventured into entirely new territory. But the release didn’t come as a complete surprise. Rumors began circulating weeks before Watches & Wonders, including when low-quality images of what appeared to be the Land-Dweller popped up on social media. But this happens every year, and normally, they end up being fake images created for clicks. However, this time, the images were confirmed when Rolex Testimonee Roger Federer was spotted wearing the Land-Dweller in an Instagram post he shared just one day before the the watch world’s biggest event of the year kicked-off. While this isn't the first new Rolex collection introduced in recent years (the Rolex 1908, introduced in 2023, feels more like an elegant continuation or replacement of the Cellini line), the magnitude of the Land-Dweller's launch feels more on-par with the introduction of the Sky-Dweller in 2012. The Land-Dweller stands out as Rolex’s bold debut in the integrated bracelet sport watch category, previously dominated by Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. Seven years in the making, this launch feels genuinely impactful, innovative, and fresh. We went hands-on with the entire collection, and we definitely came away impressed.
There is so much to unpack with the new collection, but the new case and bracelet are definitely the most noticeable aspects of the Land-Dweller, at least upon first glance. Rolex is probably not the brand that jumps to mind when you think about integrated bracelet sports watches. But Rolex is clear about their inspiration for this collection: the Oysterquartz and 1974 Datejust. But let’s be clear: the Land-Dweller isn’t a reissue. The case itself is innovative: Rolex has developed at least two new patented technologies just for it. The bracelet is also new. Clearly, it looks a lot like a Jubilee bracelet. And that’s because it is one. Well… sort of. It is a five-link bracelet, like the Jubilee. But it is much more angular, with the outer links being more prominent as compared to the 3 inner links. This also allows for a more severe taper that we tend to associate with integrated bracelet designs.
Like many older Datejust bracelets and modern Day-Date bracelets, the Land-Dweller’s clasp is hidden and seamless, with only Rolex’s crown as an indicator of where the bracelet closes. This comes at the expense of a microadjust. While I love a microadjust, especially Rolex’s, most integrated bracelet designs still lack microadjusts. Except for some novel designs, microadjusts interrupt the flow of the bracelet. But learning how many patents the Land-Dweller has, I wouldn’t be surprised to see one appear in the future. And as for comfort, the Flat Jubilee, as Rolex calls it, is incredibly comfortable. I would say that the comfort is close to that of the traditional Jubilee bracelet, which if you’ve worn, you know that it is one of the most comfortable bracelets in the entire industry.
The Land-Dweller is initially available in 2 sizes, 36mm and 40mm. As you would expect, both wear incredibly well. I am often a little skeptical of integrated bracelet watches because they don’t often fit my wrist perfectly. These Rolexes definitely did. The case is just a hair under 10mm in thickness, making for a very pleasant fit, especially as it slides under a cuff very easily. The angular design of the case also gives it nice form-fitting feel. Often, integrated bracelet designs end up wearing much larger than you’d expect, given the integration of the case and bracelet. This isn’t the case for the Land-Dweller at all. The fit is really nice, even if you don’t have the largest wrist. And for those interest in Rolex heritage and legacy, particularly for the die-hard Oysterquartz and Jubilee fans, the case and bracelet are going to be the highlight of the Land-Dweller
Available in stainless steel, rose gold, and platinum, the precious metal variants feature an optional diamond-set bezel, a luxurious alternative to the traditional fluted bezel. The 36mm rose gold variation we were able to go hands-on with, featured a diamond-set bezel. It also had matching baguette-diamond indexes. Because of the diamond hour markers, there is no numerical 6 and 9 on the dial (like the non-diamond-set variations). Because of the new dial-design, this might actually be preferable for someone looking for something a more simple.
And the dial is definitely something new and different.The honeycomb pattern might look familiar to you, it certainly did to me, as it bears a strong resemblance to the fluted motif pattern that has been featured on some Datejust models. This honeycomb pattern was made using a new laser technology developed by Rolex: so we’re definitely going to be seeing more of it soon. The dial either comes in white, on the steel and rose gold models, or in ice blue on the platinum (a color exclusive to platinum Rolex models). The ice blue dial comes with a very nice contrast that brings out the honeycomb pattern and includes a blue seconds hand. The numerals on the dial is where opinions may be divided. Personally, I love the small nod to the Explorer collection which makes the Land-Dweller feel more functional. However, I have also completely fallen in love with the extravagant and flashy diamond indices on the gem-set models. As discussed, it brings a nice symmetry and wholeness to the watch that you don’t quite get with the Explorer numerals.
Now let’s talk about the star under the hood: Rolex’s new Caliber 7135. Now, Rolex doesn’t roll out new movements often, especially not ones that bring major architectural changes. But the 7135 is just that: an entirely new high-frequency movement that runs at 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour). That puts it on par with chronographs from Zenith and Grand Seiko’s Hi-Beat movements, but with Rolex's famously over-engineered twist.
So what’s actually new here? The big innovation is the Dynapulse escapement, a Rolex-patented design with two silicon escape wheels that use indirect impulse. Sounds nerdy, and it is, but it’s also a big deal. The idea is to increase efficiency and reduce wear over time, which not only means better timekeeping, but also potentially longer service intervals (a quiet win for anyone who’s ever spent $1,000+ on a full Rolex service). It’s a modern, high-tech solution wrapped in that very Rolex way of being quietly futuristic without screaming about it.
Rolex also kept their Syloxi hairspring, which they’ve used in some of their smaller movements before, and paired it with their Paraflex shock absorbers, so this thing is built to take a beating. Despite the high frequency, you still get a respectable 66-hour power reserve, which is more than enough to leave it on the dresser all weekend and not come back to a dead watch Monday morning.
What stands out to me about the 7135 is that it’s Rolex stepping a little out of their comfort zone. They’ve always focused on bulletproof reliability and incremental improvements. And that has always worked incredibly well for them. But with this movement, you can feel them nudging toward innovation in a more visible way. And for those of us who’ve sometimes felt that Rolex plays it too safe, this is a welcome change. It's not just a new movement, it feels like a new chapter.
Ultimately, the Rolex Land-Dweller is undeniably compelling, masterfully blending Rolex’s rich heritage with genuine innovation and exceptional craftsmanship. Both the 36mm and 40mm variants impressed me, though the 36mm model felt especially well-proportioned. Pricing starts at $13,900 USD for the steel 36mm, which feels somewhat ambitious. However, given the means, the stunning 36mm rose gold variant with the diamond-set bezel at nearly $90,000 would be my immediate choice. With the Land-Dweller, Rolex has crafted an exciting new category and a watch sure to capture the hearts of collectors, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike.
If you would like to find out more about the Rolex Land-Dweller collection, you can do so at Rolex's website.
