It’s that time of the year again. Rolex has unveiled their latest collection, and this time there is a new timepiece included as well. The Rolex Land-Dweller!
The Rolex Land-Dweller:
The newest release from Rolex. Boasting 18 new patents, an all-new movement, and an integrated bracelet comes the Rolex Land-Dweller.
Movement:
Calibre 7135 is the new 36000 BPH (VPH) or 5 hertz movement. A self-winding & hacking movement with 66 hours of power reserve. The movement is enclosed in an exhibition sealed sapphire case back. Out of the 18 patents of the Land-Dweller 16 are filed for the movement. This is the first time Rolex has released a watch with a hi-beat movement. Rightly said in their marketing material, it is a revolutionary movement for a brand like Rolex.
Integrated Bracelet:
Love the integrated bracelets of the Nautilus or the Royal Oak but want a Rolex? Rolex has you covered now. This is in fact the 3rd time Rolex has released a watch with an integrated bracelet in its entire history. After the Rolex Quartz in 1969 & The Datejust ref. 1630 from 1974, both of which have been discontinued for a long time. This is the third time an integrated bracelet is in the Rolex Lineup as the Rolex Land-Dweller.
The bracelet is called the “Flat Jubilee Bracelet,” as is evident from the straighter and sharper lines of the links.
The center links are polished while the sides are a brushed finish. Outer links are much wider than the center links, and the center links are a bit raised as compared to the sides.
The bracelet also comes with the Rolex concealed folding Crownclasp, which is currently offered only in the Day-Date, the 31mm Datejust, and the Lady Datejust.
Configurations:
The Rolex Land-Dweller is available in 2 sizes, 36mm and 40mm. There are 3 material choices.
- Oyster-Steel with 18k WG fluted bezel
- Everose Gold with 18k Everose Gold fluted bezel or diamond-set bezel (with diamond-set dial).
- Platinum with a platinum fluted bezel or a diamond-set bezel (with a diamond-set dial).
Dimensions:
The 36mm Rolex Land-Dweller has a lug-to-lug height of 43.5mm, with a thickness of 9.3mm, while the 40mm watch has a lug-to-lug height of 46.5mm with the same thickness of 9.3mm.
Fluted Bezel:
Rolex has reduced the number of flutes to 60 in the Land-Dweller, which makes them bigger and provides a greater area of reflection; hence, it may appear more blingy as compared to the Day-Date with 72 flutes and 1908’s 180 flutes. The bezel is screwed onto the middle case, and the flutes, like the original Oyster bezels, are a functional component that is now further enhanced into an aesthetic element with these bigger flutes.
Dial:
On the White Rolesor (Oystersteel & white gold) AND Everose gold model the dial color is “intense white” with a honeycomb motif etched via a femtosecond laser & satin finish.
The Platinum model, however, has the “ice blue” & honeycomb motif with a sunray finish.
The dial features a Chromalight display. Hour markers are unique where the short sides are cut open, and the luminescent material can be seen through, which gives a beautiful display in the dark.
If you opt for the diamond set bezel, the hour markers on the dial are also replaced with baguette-cut diamonds.
This exquisite attention to detail not only enhances the watch’s elegance but also elevates its overall value. Each element is meticulously crafted, making it a true masterpiece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Rehaut:
Rolex has classified it as an Oyster Perpetual, but it is missing the “Rolex Branded Rehaut” (RBR) with the serial number at the bottom as opposed to every Oyster Perpetual branded Rolex model. For me, that rehaut is a distinguishing factor of Rolex Oyster Perpetual branding. Rolex replaced the RBR with a minute marker rehaut in the Land -Dweller. That is different from all other OP-branded watches. The 1908 also doesn’t have it, but then it’s not branded as an Oyster Perpetual model. The serial number of the watch is on the backside and not visible from the front unlike all other Rolex Oyster Perpetual branded watches.
Although Oyster refers to the water proofness of the watch while Perpetual refers to the automatic movement with perpetually turning rotor. The Land-Dweller does have 100m of water resistance and also a brillaint all new perpetual movement.
For the purist in me, the missing Rolex Branded Rehaut is a big difference from other Oyster Perpetual branded watches.
Initial thoughts:
The all-new Rolex Land-Dweller is a stunning timepiece and offers all the core attributes of a Rolex but adds on top some interesting, unique, and desirable characteristics like:
- The integrated bracelet design that arguably makes it stand (aesthetically) next to the legendary watches like the Nautilus and Royal Oak from the other big 2.
- Offers sharp angles and bevels that we haven’t seen in Rolex before. Notice the chamfering on the bracelet and the case edges; it’s something that just uplifts the experience and aesthetics.
- The exhibition caseback, which so far, we have never seen in the stainless-steel watch from Rolex.
- Flat links adding to the way the bracelet will reflect the light, giving the Royal Oak like vibe.
- The perfect size of 40mm that’s not offered in either the Datejust or the Oyster Perpetual range.
