Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller: Rolex’s First Fully New Watch in Over a Decade

Image from Rolex

At Watches and Wonders 2025, Rolex did something that had been rumored for months—but still took nearly everyone by surprise. Meet the Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller: the brand's first fully new model line since the Sky-Dweller launched in 2012. Just like that, it became the most talked-about watch of the show. Why is it such a big deal? Because Rolex is not adding a new face to its lineup, it is starting from scratch with a new case and new movement as they are entering into a territory they have not explored in decades.

The Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller Is A Modern Retrospective With Purpose

The Land-Dweller immediately returns Rolex to the world of integrated-bracelet sports watches, a space it began to play in the 1970s, with the Oysterquartz but hasn’t revisited for almost 25 years. However, this is not a retrospective; rather, this is Rolex entering the modern period on its own terms. Just look at that new Flat Jubilee bracelet. The proportioning and sculpting of the watch is a change from its typical design, and the updated version looks sleek. The design brings together polished facets, and the seamless flow into the case with no visible lugs adds a cohesive, purposeful touch. It is a new design language that is being spoken, yet at its center it still embodies the brand of Rolex.

The Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller Is Slim, Sleek, and Made to Wear

Here's something collectors will love: the Land-Dweller comes in 2 sizes: 36mm and 40mm, and they are both thin at 9.7mm thick. For an automatic Rolex, that is significant. It's very close to the wrist, is low on the wrist, allowing for a compact feel even at the larger diameter 40mm case. The smaller 36mm is especially appreciated by collectors, as it opens the door for collectors who’ve been waiting for something more classic, or just better suited to a smaller wrist. Rolex has noted that this watch can be a part of your daily wear as the ceramic inserts at the pivot point of the bracelet protect against stretching. The watch also features a screw-down Twinlock crown and up to 100 meters of water resistance. Rolex hasn’t done anything over the top; they’ve just included subtle but smart touches that make the Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller built to last.

The Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller Has A Dial That Dares

The next significant aspect of the Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller to mention is its dial. Rolex has let themselves loose here. This watch comes with either an ice blue or intense white dial, both having the laser-engraved honeycomb pattern that catches light in interesting ways. For some collectors, this design aspect may be a bit too decorative, but Rolex wanted this dial to be something unique. Even the markers have been rethought in this new version. They’re polished, and they are sitting just above the dial, thanks to a new version of Chromalight that could be precisely cut and set. Add in the recessed rehaut and engraved minute track, and you’ve got a dial with real depth.

Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller’s Eye-Catching New Movement

Beyond the eye-catching design, the new Land-Dweller’s hype is underneath its hood. Rolex has taken the time to create a brand-new movement, Caliber 7135, and it might be the most advanced movement that they have ever created. Why? Well, to start, it’s high-frequency (5 Hz, or ten beats per second), has a solid 66-hour power reserve, and is certified as a Superlative Chronometer (meaning it keeps time within -2/+2 seconds per day). The best part? It’s powered by a brand-new escapement called Dynapulse. This new engine is more than an upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift in the watch world. Dynapulse runs on two escape wheels and a silicon lever, which means it does not need conventional lubrication at the impulse points, and Rolex even used curved precision needles only to apply minuscule amounts of oil in the movement only where required. The next-level thought in the design makes it clear Rolex has one agenda: to make their movement cleaner, more durable, and stable over time. The watch also includes a balance wheel made of a non-magnetic brass alloy, a reworked Syloxi hairspring, and ceramic in the balance staff. The whole system has been reengineered to run efficiently, accurately, and for decades without problems.

Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller Shows They Still Have More Tricks Up Their Sleeve

The Land-Dweller launches with ten different references, including versions in white Rolesor (steel and white gold), Everose gold, platinum, and even a few diamond-set options for those looking to have eye candy on their wrist. The watch’s starting price is $13,900. This year has already been full of exciting announcements in the watch world, but Rolex may now have the biggest of them all. The crown brand continues to revolutionize its DNA, reminding us it can still evolve, and it can still unquestionably surprise us when it chooses to. And just like that, Rolex is back in the conversation—not just as the king of classic, but as a true forward-thinking watchmaker with something that feels positively fresh to say.