Rolex Land-Dweller: a new pearl in the Oyster
Seven years of development, thirty-two patents, a new design, a new movement and an unprecedented collection. With this new Land-Dweller, Rolex makes a big splash. The announcement surprised the specialized press: even the toughest watchmaking journalists went speechless. Except Frank Sans C, who reveals al the secrets of this new watch, in a precision-themed video.
Rolex Land-Dweller: delicacy is the watchword
Inspired by the iconic 1969 Oysterquartz released amid the quartz crisis, the Land-Dweller follows on from the first watches with an integrated bracelet.
But reducing the watch’s aesthetics to such a simple trend would be an error: its true singularity lies in its thinness. The Oyster case, restyled to reconcile elegance and sturdiness, preserves the DNA invented by Hans Wilsdorf in 1926: a water-resistant feature guaranteed by screwed-down case back, bezel and crown.
The new case was entirely restyled and the dimension lines of the waterproofness system were adapted to follow the usual technical standards. The polished sides and the chamfers add a refined dimension, while the sapphire case back reveals the new calibre. The fluted bezel, redesigned with wider fluting, gives the model a modern outline while keeping in touch with its visual heritage.
The case displays a fluted bezel, yet with wider fluting.
Another aesthetic feat, the Flat Jubilee bracelet
Rolex reinterprets the Jubilee bracelet that first appeared on a Datejust in 1945, this time in a “Flat” version. Keeping the same five-piece link structure, it shows three narrower links in the centre, surrounded by two broader ones. Yet this time, the flat centre links, slightly raised, alternate polished and satin finishing that shine anytime the wearer moves.
The chamfered top edges of the outer links are polished, creating an uninterrupted stream of light along the case. The bracelet is equipped with an invisible Crownclasp decorated with the famous crown logo. For the first time ever, this bracelet includes ceramic inlays that ensure a longer lifespan to the spring bar.
An avant-garde honeycomb dial
This new dial sows dissent: some applaud the discreet and refined honeycomb motif, while others remain faithful to a more sober aesthetic. The challenge was demanding, as the idea was to add discreet relief and contrast between the top and the grooves of the hexagons, that ought not to be too deep. Too high or too visible, and the honeycomb’s elegance would have been scattered into pieces. The only visible thing is the technical feat – the use of femtosecond laser to engrave the pattern with micrometric, surgical even, accuracy.
Another innovation: the luminescent surface of the indices isn’t confined to a small, closed rectangle. It is now shaped like a little bar that sticks out of the metallic index, creating a dramatic ray of light that literally flows through the index when exposed to UV light. The experienced eye can easily notice that the usual Chromalight – exclusive to Rolex – was replaced by a new substance: a mix between luminescent ceramic powder and a polymer. Brilliant!
Calibre 7135: cutting-edge technology
The calibre 7135, beating heart of this Land-Dweller, propels Rolex into a new era. Despite having a 5Hz frequency (36,000 vibrations per hour) like other prestigious movements, it stands out thanks to its silicon Dynapulse escapement.
This innovative escapement is 30% more effective than a classic Swiss lever escapement, while remaining insensitive to magnetic fields. Besides, the movement is also equipped with patented ceramic coils associated with Paraflex shock absorbers – a real proof of stability and resistance. For the first time with Rolex, it can measure to a tenth of a second, with a power reserve of 66 hours. The Syloxi hairspring, already renowned for its performances, was reinforced in order to be even more powerful.
Same required level for the finishing: a transparent case back that highlights the Côtes de Genève pattern – here called Côtes de Rolex – and a pierced gold oscillating weight. As any other Rolex watch, the Land-Dweller collection is waterproof to 100 meters and is Certified Chronometer by the COSC, while also enjoying the house Superlative Chronometer status that guarantees a daily gap of -2/+2 seconds a day.
Precious first editions
The Land-Dweller is available under 2 sizes: 36 or 40mm, an offer that will fit both female and male wrists. The first variations play with noble materials: white Rolesor (steel and white gold), Everose gold (an exclusive alloy made of 75% gold, 20% copper, and 5% palladium/indium that guarantee a shiny stable tint), 950 Platine delivered with its iconic ice blue dial and also jewellry versions with baguette cut diamonds on the indices or trapeze cut diamonds on the bezel.
Rolex promises to quickly enlarge the collection, allowing to expect sun-brushed or enameled dials, or even jewelry watches adorned with gemstones.
See the technical specification sheet of the Rolex Platinum Land-Dweller with a blue dial – €64,200
See the technical specification sheet of the Rolex Oystersteel Land-Dweller with a white dial – €15,350
See the technical specification sheet of the Rolex Everose gold Land-Dweller with diamonds – €90,850
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