The editorial team of the watch magazine Chronos Japan covered Watches & Wonders 2025, the watch industry's trade fair for new releases. This article, originally published in the magazine under the title "New watches that shone in Geneva: The keywords were 'color' and 'small diameter,'" is now republished on webChronos. This time, we look back at Rolex's new models, focusing on the Land-Dweller, which features a new movement and a new design.
One of the most anticipated models from W&WG 2025. Equipped with the Dynapulse escapement, an evolution of the natural escapement. Combined with the adoption of a Syloxi hairspring, it achieves a high beat of 10 vibrations per second and a power reserve of approximately 66 hours. Only the bezel uses 18KWG. Automatic winding (Cal. 7135). 36,000 vibrations per hour. Power reserve of approximately 66 hours. Stainless steel x 18KWG case (40mm diameter). Water resistant to 100m.
Photographs by Yu Mitamura, Ryotaro Horiuchi
Masamasa Hirota (this magazine): Interview and writing
Text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
Edited by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
The new Land-Dweller shows the future of Rolex
The highlight of this year's Watches & Wonders Geneva 2025 is undoubtedly the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller. The Caliber 7135 movement, equipped with a completely new Dynapulse escapement and a silicon Syloxi hairspring, achieves a long power reserve of approximately 66 hours and an ultra-high frequency of 36,000 vph. Additionally, the thinner movement gives this watch a lighter feel on the wrist, unusual for a modern Rolex.
In addition to the 40mm diameter model, the Land-Dweller was also announced in a 36mm diameter. The lineup includes 18K Everose gold and platinum cases with diamond-set bezels and indexes. Automatic winding (Cal. 7135). 36,000 vph. Power reserve of approximately 66 hours. 18KRG case (36mm diameter). Water resistant to 100m.
The Perpetual 1908's 18KYG case is now fitted with a bracelet, a first for the collection. The seven-link bracelet, called Settimo, was designed exclusively for the 1908. It is a perfect match for the watch, which has a thinner head than the Oyster case. Automatic winding (Cal. 7140). 38 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 66 hours. 18KYG case (39mm diameter). Water resistant to 50m.
An unexpected surprise is the bracelet model that has been added to the Perpetual 1908 series. Its cohesiveness as a watch is not only superior to the Land-Dweller, but may be one of the best currently available. Some have said it's uninteresting, but Rolex is truly impressive at creating such a modest model. Additionally, they've cleverly differentiated themselves from other brands by using a neutral-colored dial, which is difficult to mass-produce.
This remarkable piece features a turquoise blue dial paired with a gold case and Oysterflex bracelet. The thickly applied lacquer on the dial is then polished to achieve a strong luster. It's sure to be hard to find. Automatic (Cal. 4131). 47 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve: approximately 72 hours. 18K yellow gold case (40mm diameter). Water resistant to 100m.
The left-hand crown model now comes with an 18KWG case. The Cerachrom insert on the bezel is the same green-black as the previous model, but the dial color has been changed to green. The bracelet is also an Oyster bracelet. Automatic winding (Cal. 3285). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. 18KWG case (40mm diameter). Water resistant to 100m.
However, not everything is good. For example, the Sky-Dweller even has a gold bracelet. It looks good as a watch, but it's more head-heavy than previous models. If the base movement were replaced with one that was thinner and larger in diameter, this annual calendar would be much easier to use. (Masamasa Hirota: This magazine)
The Sky-Dweller's dials have always been available in white, black, gold, or neutral colors. The 2025 model adds a long-awaited green dial. In contrast to the green of the models shown on either side, this model has a more saturated, deeper color. Automatic movement (Cal. 9002). 45 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. 18K yellow gold case (42mm diameter). Water resistant to 100m.
The green color added to the Oyster Perpetual is a dull hue called "pistachio green." Like other Oyster Perpetuals, it is painted with six layers of lacquer, then clear varnish is applied, and finally polished. Automatic winding (Cal. 3230). 31 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 41mm). Water resistant to 100m.
