Rolex debuted several new watches at Watches and Wonders Geneva held during April 1st – 7th, 2025. This is part 1 of our Rolex coverage.
The most important of all Rolex launches – perhaps the most important watch of Watches and Wonders – is the new Land-Dweller collection. Teased by Roger Federer – 20-time Grand Slam winner and Rolex brand ambassador – just prior to the show, it garnered the undivided attention of the entire global watch community, both on and off social media.
Dynapulse escapement
The Land-Dweller’s calibre 7135 features Rolex’s new Dynapulse escapement.
“The Dynapulse escapement is the most significant innovation in the regulating system of our new calibre 7135. Seven patent applications have been filed for this sequential distribution escapement. Thanks to its elaborate architecture, it transmits energy to the oscillator through a rolling motion, representing a revolutionary alternative to the traditional Swiss lever escapement.
Composed mainly of silicon parts, the Dynapulse escapement is lightweight and virtually insensitive to magnetic fields. Its energy efficiency is significantly superior to that of a standard mechanism.”
A state-of-the-art oscillator
The Land-Dweller’s calibre 7135 features a new innovative oscillator.
“The oscillator, another component of the movement’s regulating system, also benefits from significant innovations. The various materials used for its components allow it to withstand strong magnetic fields.
Its balance wheel is made of optimized brass, marking Rolex’s first use of this type of alloy. The balance staff – in white ceramic – represents a two-fold technical challenge. Firstly, this patented staff is crafted from a new high-technology ceramic exclusive to Rolex. Secondly, it is sculpted using a laser: a first for the brand.
The ceramic balance staff is also cushioned at both ends by optimized Paraflex shock absorbers, giving the oscillator greater shock resistance in any position.”
Frequency of 5 Hz or 36,000 vph
The Land-Dweller’s calibre 7135 beats at a high frequency of 5 Hz or 36,000 vph.
“A rare frequency in watchmaking, and unprecedented for Rolex. Fitted with a silicon Syloxi hairspring, the oscillator beats 36,000 times per hour, for a frequency of 5 hertz: an intense rhythm that measures time to one tenth of a second. This rapid rate means that chronometric precision is better maintained, as the watch becomes less sensitive to the wearer’s movements.
Although a high frequency requires more energy, calibre 7135 guarantees a comfortable power reserve of around 66 hours. This is achieved thanks to the performance of our Dynapulse escapement, which significantly improves energy efficiency.”
Restyled Oyster case integrated with a flat Jubilee bracelet
The Land-Dweller is an integrated bracelet watch.
“The Land‑Dweller’s design places it in the category of watches with integrated bracelets. The lines of the new Flat Jubilee bracelet extend to form the silhouette of a completely redesigned Oyster case. Its links have a distinctive flat surface: a unique feature among our metal bracelets.
While the case sides, the slightly raised centre links and the edges of the outer links are polished, the upper part of the middle case and the outer links have been given a technical satin finish: the alternating finishes continue from case to bracelet. This enhances the harmony of the whole timepiece. If you rest your eyes on the watch’s sleek silhouette, the polished chamfers on the top edges of the case and bracelet reveal a radiant circle of light.
The Land‑Dweller features a redesigned fluted bezel – also available in a diamond-set version – and a concealed Crownclasp that add to its elegance.”
Honeycomb dial
The Land-Dweller’s dial features a honeycomb pattern.
“The identity of the Land‑Dweller becomes fully apparent when you examine the intricacies of its dial.
Surrounded by an angled flange, this graphic dial is adorned with a honeycomb motif that demonstrates a mastery of various techniques, both classic and cutting-edge. The satin finish on the intense white dial and the sunray finish on the ice-blue dial are the product of traditional watchmaking expertise. A high-technology laser is used to create the honeycomb structure, as well as concentric circles with their subtle lustre, visible in the grooves separating each cell.
Some versions of the Land‑Dweller also feature a Chromalight display for optimal legibility in any circumstances. The sleek hands, open 6 and 9 numerals and index hour markers with luminescent material that extends to each end, have been specially designed for this model. As for the seconds hand, it features a counterweight shaped like the cells of the honeycomb motif that symbolically completes the aesthetics of the Land‑Dweller.”
Transparent caseback
The Land-Dweller features a transparent caseback, not a typical Rolex feature.
“The Land‑Dweller reveals its movement through its sapphire crystal case back. The aesthetic of calibre 7135 has been meticulously crafted to the smallest detail. It features a cut-out oscillating weight in 18 kt yellow gold, and its bridges are adorned with Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration. This exclusive reinterpretation of the traditional Côtes de Genève technique is distinguished by the presence of a slight polished groove between each band. Other finishes create subtle plays of light, such as the circular-graining of the main plate, the snailing of the barrel ratchet wheel and the curved satin-finishing of the balance bridge.
This new movement also bears the words “Chronometer Perpetual” and “Superlative Adjusted” engraved respectively on its oscillating weight and one of its bridges. They highlight its superior performance in terms of precision, autonomy, and reliability.”
Our Thoughts
Image: If it looks this good on Roger Federer, it will surely look good on my wrist.
The Land-Dweller is a revolutionary new watch collection by Rolex. 32 new patent applications have been filed for the Land-Dweller, 18 of which are exclusive to it.
Typically, Rolex makes incremental changes to their existing collections every year. They do so only when necessary and when they feel it is justified. Rolex lives by the adage – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” With the Land-Dweller, it seems Rolex decided to let its hair down and go all out.
Notice that the launch video features Roger Federer – considered one of the greatest tennis players ever, and Yuja Wang – one of the greatest (if not the greatest) concert pianists in the world.
The Land-Dweller is not love at first sight, but the more you read about it and understand it, the more you begin to appreciate and fall in love with it. (Not unlike modern supercars. Many are not classically beautiful, but where the individual design elements have a key function.) The Land-Dweller has a “technical vibe,” one that I like. A bit like a testbed for Rolex R&D and innovations.
I predict Rolex will evolve the Land-Dweller collection and incorporate calibre 7135 in other collections or upgrade its other movements with the Dynapulse escapement and the new oscillator. They might also incorporate the new dial, case, and bracelet elements to other collections as well.
Love it or dislike it, the Land-Dweller cannot and will not be ignored. The entire watch industry will be watching and learning. The global collector community is already in a frenzy. This is why Rolex wears the Crown.
Specification and References
Left: Rolesor with Fluted bezel. Middle: 18K Everose gold with Diamond set bezel and hour-markers. Right: 950 platinum version with Fluted bezel.
Functions: Central hours, minutes, and seconds. Date at 3 o’clock.
Movement: Powered by automatic calibre 7135, that features the new Dynapulse escapement and state-of-the-art oscillator. Frequency: 5 Hz or 36,000 vph. Power reserve: 66 hours.
Case sizes and Materials: Available in a 36 mm and 40 mm case size in White Rolesor, Everose gold, and 950 platinum. Water resistant up to 100 metres.
Diamond versions: Diamonds on bezels are trapeze-cut. Diamond hour-markers are baguette-cut.
Ref. 127234 (36 mm, White Rolesor version, Fluted bezel)
Ref. 127334 (40 mm, White Rolesor version, Fluted bezel)
Ref. 127235 (36 mm, 18K Everose gold, Fluted bezel)
Ref. 127285 TBR (36 mm, 18K Everose gold, Diamond set bezel and hour-markers)
Ref. 127335 (40 mm, 18K Everose gold, Fluted bezel)
Ref. 127385 TBR (40 mm, 18K Everose gold, Diamond set bezel and hour-markers)
Ref. 127236 (36 mm, 950 platinum, Fluted bezel)
Ref. 127286 TBR (36 mm, 950 platinum, Diamond set bezel and hour-markers)
Ref. 127336 (40 mm, 950 platinum, Fluted bezel)
Ref. 127386 TBR (40 mm, 950 platinum, Diamond set bezel and hour-markers)
Please visit the Rolex website and Instagram page for more information and for prices in your specific region.
Image Credits: Rolex and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons websites, respectively.
