At this year’s Watches & Wonders, Rolex made headlines with its most audacious releases in years—headlined by the debut of the Land-Dweller, a long-rumored addition to its “Dweller” lineage. The brand also rolled out refreshed GMT-Masters, a vibrant Tiffany-dial Daytona, and playful Oyster Perpetuals, proving even the most conservative watchmaker can surprise.
The Land-Dweller: Rolex’s First New Sports Model in Over a Decade
Spotted earlier on Roger Federer’s wrist, the Land-Dweller marks Rolex’s first entirely new sports watch since the 2012 Sky-Dweller. Breaking from tradition, the watch introduces groundbreaking mechanics: the Calibre 7135, Rolex’s first high-frequency movement, paired with a proprietary Dynapulse escapement for superior accuracy. At just 36mm or 40mm, its ultra-thin case nods to the angular Oysterquartz (1977–2003), rumored to bear Gérald Genta’s influence—a deliberate embrace of the late designer’s legacy amid industry-wide revivals of his work.
Aesthetic risks abound. The Flat Jubilee bracelet reimagines the classic Jubilee with a crushed, streamlined profile, while dials feature a honeycomb motif. Available in platinum (CHF 111,500), rose gold, and “white Rolesor” (steel/white gold; from CHF 13,300), the Land-Dweller targets “well-grounded individuals who build their own destinies,” per Rolex’s press release.
GMT-Master II: 70th Anniversary Editions Turn Up the Color
Celebrating seven decades, the GMT-Master II received two bold updates:
White Gold “Sprite”: A luxe twist on 2022’s green-and-black model, now with a white gold case, ceramic bezel, and vivid green dial—echoing the “Hulk” Submariner.
”Root Beer” with Tiger Iron Dial: A stunner with a black-and-brown bezel and a dial crafted from tiger’s eye, red jasper, and hematite—a rare foray into stone dials for Rolex.
Tiffany-Blue Daytona and the 1908’s Glamorous Bracelet
Rolex leaned into collector frenzy with a turquoise-lacquer-dial Daytona, evoking the coveted “Tiffany” Oyster Perpetual of 2020. Meanwhile, the dressy 1908 gained a lavish new Settimo bracelet—a seven-link, jewelry-inspired design in solid gold, elevating the model beyond its leather-strapped origins.
Oyster Perpetual & Sky-Dweller: Playful and Polished
Rolex’s entry line embraced pastel dials (lavender, pistachio, beige), while the Sky-Dweller debuted in green dial/yellow gold—a combo previously hyped by John Mayer’s Daytona.
Why It Matters
With the Land-Dweller, Rolex signals a willingness to innovate beyond its heritage codes. Coupled with stone dials, Genta homages, and bold colors, 2025 may be remembered as the year the Crown let loose—just a little.
