All of Rolex’s Novelties including the “Leaked” Land-Dweller, Interesting Dials for the GMT-Master 2 and a Daytona “Tiffany!”
Spring time in the horological world brings a spark of excitement and anticipation as enthusiasts and fanatics await for the brand’s novelties ahead of the year. In particular, there was huge hype surrounding what Rolex would be releasing due to the watch giants’s 120th anniversary, so now the time has come to review their releases for 2025.
Slightly anti-climactic as there were a set of leaks unleashed before these releases and, for once, the leaks have turned out to be true. Now though, we can see the new releases properly and give our honest thoughts of every model part of Rolex’s novelties.
The Land-Dweller
Starting with the most talked about release from Rolex, their brand new model the Land-Dweller which came out as a shock because it is quite rare for Rolex to release a completely new line. In 2023, the Crown brought out the 1908 which is the successor to the Cellini but the last time a new range was introduced was in 2012, with the Sky-Dweller; the most complicated model made by Rolex. Now entering the catalogue is the Land-Dweller on Rolex’s 120th birthday but, is there a party to celebrate?
Looking at the visual features of the Land-Dweller, there is clear inspiration taken from the design made by the legendary Gerald Genta who made the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus, also rumoured to have worked on the Rolex Oysterquartz. There is an angular, refined yet sharpened case offered in either a 36mm or 40mm size with a fluted bezel, honeycomb dial, cyclops lens and an integrated Flat Jubilee bracelet.
Despite the integrated bracelet being antonymous to Rolex, this is not the first of an integrated bracelet for Rolex, being part of quartz models and Datejusts in the 1970s. Actually, the bracelet was most remembered specifically on the Oysterquartz in 1977 which ended in production in 2001 with the last batch of models sold in 2003. Here, Rolex have called the Land-Dweller’s integrated bracelet, the Flat Jubilee bracelet which incorporates the iconic five link formation to make it tighter creating a sportier and refined look.
Available in various materials such as Rolex’s Rolesor of Oystersteel and white gold, Everose gold and platinum, the Land-Dweller does cater to different needs due to its sheer versatility. Additionally, there is an option of a diamond-set bezel if you aim to give your wrist some shine and bling. Depending on the metal of the Land-Dweller, you could be paying a large sum for the watch:
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Land-Dweller 36, reference 127234 Oystersteel and white gold variation is priced at £12,250.
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Land-Dweller 40, reference 127334 Oystersteel and white gold variation is priced at £13,050.
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Land-Dweller 36, reference 127235 Everose gold variation is priced at £36,900.
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Land-Dweller 40, reference 127335 Everose gold variation is priced at £40,300.
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Land-Dweller 36, reference 127236 platinum variation is priced at £50,800.
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Land-Dweller 40, reference 127336 platinum variation is priced at £54,600.
Clearly, the Land-Dweller is on the more expensive side of Rolex which was not anticipated by fanatics as this was interpreted to be similar to the Datejust due to its identical functions.
Looking into closer details of the Land-Dweller, this model has an updated movement with Rolex’s new calibre 7135 which is the brand’s first mechanical high frequency calibre. Simply, this means the Land-Dweller is Rolex’s most accurate model in telling time enhanced further with their new and innovative Dynapulse Escapement which carries out power and transmits energy to the oscillator, making the Land-Dweller more accurate, powerful and durable.
Overall, the leaked images gave the Land-Dweller a hard time with divided opinions but now the model is out and can be seen properly, it is an absolute beauty displaying simplicity and elegance. Our only criticism lies in the price point of the Land-Dweller as, ultimately, it is only a date-time function watch. Yes, the movement is innovative with the Calibre 7135 that generates more power to increase the accuracy and efficiency of telling time. But is this new and updated calibre movement really justifying the price? Only time will tell.
New Dials for the GMT-Master II
Not only Rolex is celebrating its birthday this year, but also the GMT-Master collection with 2025 marking 70 years of the range. So to commemorate this special occasion, the Crown unveiled two new dials that are exclusive for certain models.
Here, we can see the GMT-Master II “Sprite” with a green dial that matches the shade of green on the bezel which is an identical configuration to the Submariner “Hulk” reference 116610LV. This model is in white gold gaining the reference number 126729VTNR and unfortunately, this green dial is not applicable with the stainless steel reference 126710VTNR. This green dial is made out of Rolex’s Cerachrom material which is a first from the brand, therefore it is understandable as to why this dial is only available with the white gold model making it more exclusive. Seen as a favourite amongst many here at Time4Diamonds, we are sure that this piece is appreciated highly by many in the horological world- a simple and stunning watch!
Then, there is a second dial called the 'tiger iron’ which has been added to two GMT-Master II models, references 126715CHNR and 126718GRNR. The ‘tiger iron’ dial is a special edition that is made with a combination of natural stones such as tiger’s eye, red jasper and hematite. Due to the colours on the dial, this is best suited for the rose gold GMT-Master II with the brown-black bezel but doesn’t quite match the yellow gold variation with the grey-black bezel. To be honest, we are unsure as to why Rolex incorporated this dial for the full gold model as the configuration is not working. Of course, pictures don't do justice sometimes and maybe this piece looks better in hand but what we do know is that the dial looks perfect with the rose gold model. Nevertheless, this is an absolute work of art from Rolex as the tiger iron stone dial looks amazing!
The “Tiffany” Dial Is Back!
Although the Daytona model wasn’t featured in people’s lists of predictions for Rolex releases, it is not a surprise to see the brand introduce something new for their most coveted line and here we see Rolex incorporate a turquoise dial for the Daytona reference 126518LN. This turquoise dial aligns with the Tiffany&Co. brand, so whenever a watch features this shade of blue on the dial, the model instantly catches the “Tiffany” nickname.
Not the first time from Rolex to use this turquoise dial, being introduced to the Oyster Perpetual in 2020. After the Rolex Oyster Perpetual “Tiffany,” we thought that was the last of the turquoise dial but then Tudor, Rolex’s sister brand, released a Black Bay Chrono with this Tiffany-esque hue for their dial at the beginning of this year. Now, Rolex have officially brought back the turquoise dial, exclusively for this Daytona model. Honestly, this “Tiffany” dial is not combining with the popping black ceramic bezel and yellow gold shine, we question if Rolex could have utilised this dial elsewhere, potentially on a white gold Daytona reference 126509 or even for the Sky-Dweller collection.
Funky Dials Added To The Oyster Perpetual
In recent times, the Oyster Perpetual seems the best way for Rolex to experiment new dial colours and patterns. As previously mentioned, the “Tiffany” inspired dial featured on the Oyster Perpetual as well as bold, vibrant colours like coral red and there was the “Celebration” dial which was part of this year’s discontinued models.
Now part of the Oyster Perpetual are three funky dial colours- pistachio, lavender and beige. Also, they give a sense of sophistication yet show you take yourself lightly and have a fly vibe. Nothing to critique with these dials, sometimes it is simplicity that is enough to win you over and that is the case here.
A Dash Of Elegance Added To The 1908
Fair to say Rolex are really pushing out new things this year and here we see a beautiful addition to the 1908; introducing a new “Settimo” bracelet for the yellow gold reference 52508. Comprising seven piece links, this “Settimo” bracelet is exclusive to the yellow gold 1908 but we see slight inspiration taken from the aesthetics of the Jubilee bracelet to give the “Settimo” some authenticity to Rolex.
Part of our predictions included stone dials for the 1908 because there were strong feelings that the 1908 needed something to gain a demand. Rolex have absolutely smashed it with this “Settimo” bracelet as it is stunning and classy complementing the model perfectly. We wonder if Rolex will fade this bracelet into other models in the future.
Ending With Our Overall Thoughts
Well done Rolex! Normally, it takes time to bond with Rolex’s releases as it can be fairly underwhelming and last year was a huge case of that. This year, the majority of Rolex’s novelties have received strong reception and rightly so, the brand has unveiled some beautiful additions. It will be interesting to see if it is reflected in the market
