Rolex is presenting its new releases for this year at Watches & Wonders 2025. Highlights include a left-handed GMT-Master II with a green dial, revised Oyster Perpetual models, and several new dials. This year’s star of the show, however, is a completely new model: the Land-Dweller, housing several innovations in the movement.
Land-Dweller: new model, innovative technology
The new model is unmistakably a Rolex, with many design elements taken from current and historical models. At the same time, it has a more modern look and, above all, a greater richness of detail, reflecting the more exacting standards of luxury today.
The case and integrated bracelet of the Land-Dweller are reminiscent of a Rolex Oysterquartz model from 1969 and a Datejust model from 1974, which also had an integrated metal bracelet. The brand combines the Datejust date with Explorer-like indices and numerals, as well as a honeycomb pattern on the dial. The outer bevelled dial ring is also striking – Rolex does not usually use such a rehaut.
On closer inspection, you can see that the dial and hands are more intricately designed than usual: the baton hands are also new. This is noteworthy because Rolex had previously only used two different hands – either the ‘Mercedes’ hands on the sports models or the obelisk hands on the other Oyster models. The counterweight of the seconds hand once again picks up on the honeycomb motif. The indices are also more complex in shape than the baton indices on the Datejust, for example: whereas on the Datejust the luminous material is framed by the metal, here the luminous material takes up the entire length. In addition, the shape of the profile, with its sloping surfaces, is once again reminiscent of a honeycomb. The raised honeycomb pattern is created using a femtosecond laser. The numerals are inspired by the Explorer, but executed in an open design.
Innovative movement: calibre 7135
The new flat self-winding calibre 7135 is based on the 7140 of the 1908 model, but stands out from it thanks to several technical innovations and a revolutionary escapement. The movement has been awarded 16 patents. In total, the development of the movement took seven years.
The Rolex-developed Dynapulse escapement is made largely of silicon, making it light and insensitive to magnetic fields. It is also designed to be particularly energy-efficient. Unlike the Swiss lever escapement, it does not require sliding friction and should therefore – at least in theory – work without lubrication. You can read all the details about the new Rolex escapement in our article here.
The balance wheel has also been further developed. The balance staff is made of ceramic, and the optimised Paraflex shock absorber is mounted on both sides of the balance staff. According to Rolex, the balance wheel is made of ‘optimised brass’, a new alloy that is also designed to withstand strong magnetic fields. The Siloxi hairspring made of silicon, which Rolex had already used in a ladies’ movement and in the calibre of the 1908, also ensures high resistance to magnetic fields.
Another first for Rolex is the increased frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour. For decades, the brand worked with 28,800 A/h. A higher frequency usually leads to greater precision and less susceptibility to shocks, but is usually accompanied by a shorter power reserve. But Rolex gives the all-clear: thanks to the lightweight Dynapulse escapement, the calibre 7135 has an above-average power reserve of 66 hours. As with other models, Rolex specifies the accuracy as -2/+2 seconds per day. And, of course, it is the proud bearer of a chronometer certificate.
Thankfully, Rolex has equipped the Land-Dweller with an open caseback, which until now was only available on a few precious metal watches. This allows you to see the new technology as well as the Geneva striping on the bridges and the skeletonised gold rotor.
The new movement has also made it possible to create an extremely flat case: the 40-millimetre Land-Dweller is only 9.7 millimetres thick. By way of comparison, the already elegant Datejust 41 is 11.8 millimetres thick, making the Land-Dweller more than 20 percent thinner. Despite its low height, the watch remains waterproof to a depth of 100 metres and is protected by a Twinlock crown. Incidentally, the bezel has a less intricate fluting: while there are 74 individual surfaces on the Datejust and other models, there are only 60 on the Land-Dweller.
The newly developed Flat Jubilee bracelet differs from the previous Jubilee bracelet in its flat links and a polished bevel that extends from the case over the entire length of the bracelet. Rolex has also satin-finished the outer links. The strap is attached to the case with the help of wear-resistant ceramic sleeves, for which Rolex has applied for a patent. The concealed Crownclasp folding clasp ensures a secure fit on the wrist.
Three versions of the new model will be available upon launch: a 40-millimetre version in steel with a white gold bezel and a white dial, a 40-millimetre watch in platinum with an ice-blue dial, and a 36-millimetre version in Everose gold with baguette-cut diamond hour markers. Prices start at €15,350 for the steel model. The platinum watch costs €64,200.
Other new models
Another new model is the GMT-Master II with a crown on the left, which is now available in white gold with a green dial. It is the first Rolex to have a ceramic dial. This dial will remain reserved for the white gold version. In 2023, Rolex had initially introduced the GMT-Master II with a green-black 24-hour bezel for left-handers. As usual, the GMT-Master II is powered by the Rolex 3285 self-winding calibre. This model costs €47,750.
Furthermore, Rolex has slimmed down the case and clasp of the Oyster Perpetual 41. This model is now available with a matte pistachio green or beige dial. The Oyster Perpetual 36 and 28 are also available in lavender. Depending on the size, the models cost €6,700, €6,350 and €5,850.
New dials are also available for the Daytona in yellow gold (turquoise lacquer, €37,400), the Sky-Dweller in yellow gold (green with a sunburst guilloché pattern) and the Everose GMT-Master II. The latter features a tiger iron dial. This natural stone consists of tiger’s eye, red jasper and hematite and has a unique aesthetic.
Rolex is also presenting a new dial with a colour gradient from red to black for the Datejust 31 in yellow gold. The PVD-coated dial with a black lacquer finish took Rolex three years to develop. Diamonds set in gold are used as hour markers. The bezel is also set with diamonds.
The last new product Rolex is showing is the 1908 with a delicate gold bracelet. The elegant watch with a glass back and the flat calibre 7140 was previously only available with a leather strap. Now the metal bracelet, christened the ‘Settimo’, is an option that can also be retrofitted. The new product costs €35,600.
