Rolex, the Geneva-based luxury watchmaker, has revealed its 2025 collection at Watches and Wonders, showcasing both revolutionary new models and refreshed classics that demonstrate the brand's unwavering commitment to horological excellence and innovation.
The Land-Dweller: A New Chapter in Rolex History
The centerpiece of this year's releases is the groundbreaking Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller, representing a new chapter in Rolex's storied history. This contemporary timepiece incorporates 32 patent applications and patents, with 18 exclusive to this model alone.
Available in 36mm and 40mm variants, the Land-Dweller features a streamlined design with a bracelet that flows seamlessly into the case, creating an integrated aesthetic that draws inspiration from bold contemporary design principles.
The Land-Dweller's most significant innovation lies beneath its honeycomb-patterned dial: the revolutionary calibre 7135. This movement introduces the Dynapulse escapement, a groundbreaking alternative to the traditional Swiss lever escapement that transmits power through a rolling motion. The system employs a transmission wheel connected to the barrel that drives two specially designed distribution wheels, which in turn activate an impulse rocker to sustain the balance wheel's oscillations. Comprised mainly of silicon components, the Dynapulse escapement provides greater energy efficiency and resistance to magnetic fields.
Despite being thinner than most Rolex movements, the calibre 7135 delivers exceptional performance with a high-frequency 5 Hz (36,000 beats per hour) oscillator that measures time to a tenth of a second while maintaining chronometric precision regardless of arm movements. The oscillator features a balance wheel in optimized brass and a balance staff crafted from a new high-tech ceramic exclusive to Rolex and sculpted by laser—a first for the brand. Enhanced Paraflex shock absorbers at each end of the balance staff improve shock resistance in any position. The movement maintains a comfortable power reserve of approximately 66 hours and can be admired through a transparent case back, showcasing its yellow-gold oscillating weight and delicate Rolex Côtes de Genève decoration.
The Land-Dweller is available in three variations. The first of the watches presented is a Land-Dweller 40 in a white Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and white gold). It features a fluted bezel and an intense white dial with a honeycomb motif. The second, a Land-Dweller 36, is fashioned in 18 ct Everose gold. Its dial is identical, but it is set with ten baguette-cut diamond hour markers and surrounded by a bezel glittering with 44 trapeze-cut diamonds. Crafted from 950 platinum, the third version is a Land-Dweller 40 with a fluted bezel and a dial in ice blue – a colour reserved for watches made of this prestigious metal – which is also adorned with a honeycomb motif.
All versions incorporate the new Flat Jubilee bracelet, which enhances the fluid elegance of the design through an interplay of technical satin finish and polishing. Polished chamfering along the top edges of the bracelet and case creates a captivating ribbon of reflections. The honeycomb motif dial features Chromalight display with luminescent open numerals and index hour markers for optimal legibility in all conditions.
GMT-Master II: Perfect Ceramic Harmony
The GMT-Master II receives a significant update with the introduction of Rolex's first-ever ceramic dial on an 18-carat white gold version. This technical achievement pairs a green Cerachrom dial with a matching green and black bezel insert, both crafted from identical high-technology ceramic material for perfect visual harmony. This new variant features the winding crown on the left side, continuing the design direction first introduced in 2022, and comes fitted with an Oyster bracelet with an Oysterlock safety clasp.
The GMT-Master II's functional design allows travelers to track two time zones simultaneously via the additional 24-hour hand, maintaining its reputation as the quintessential traveler's watch. The green and black color combination on the bidirectional rotatable bezel represents day and night hours respectively, with the ceramic material ensuring exceptional scratch resistance and color longevity unaffected by ultraviolet rays.
Oyster Perpetual: Fresh Palette of Possibilities
The Oyster Perpetual line embraces fresh aesthetics with new dial colors in pastel shades with vibrant lacquering and smooth, matte finishes.
A muted lavender dial graces the Oyster Perpetual 28, offering a delicate hue on the smallest current Rolex model.
A warm sandy beige adorns the Oyster Perpetual 36, providing an earthy, versatile option.
The Oyster Perpetual 41, whose proportions have been subtly reworked with a redesigned case and slimmer Oysterclasp, now comes with a pistachio green dial that brings a fresh, contemporary feel to the collection.
All models feature the classic Oyster case waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet) and are fitted with the three-piece link Oyster bracelet with folding Oysterclasp. The self-winding mechanical movements provide exceptional reliability with Superlative Chronometer certification, guaranteeing precision of -2/+2 seconds per day. These new options reinforce the Oyster Perpetual's position as a versatile, reliable timepiece suitable for any wrist.
Perpetual 1908: The Geometry of Elegance
The Perpetual 1908 collection expands with an 18-carat yellow gold model featuring the new Settimo bracelet—a remarkable achievement in metallurgy that offers exceptional suppleness and lightness. This innovative seven-piece link bracelet, composed of very small links polished on every surface, creates a scintillating display of reflected light.
The slightly contoured links and exquisite construction, coupled with a concealed Crownclasp, evoke the jewelry-inspired bracelets of vintage watches, honoring the collection's tribute to watchmaking tradition. This is the first metal bracelet dedicated to the 1908 line, which previously was only available on leather straps. The watch itself features an elegant round case with straight lugs inspired by a 1908 Rolex model, powered by a manual-winding movement with Chronergy escapement visible through the sapphire case back.
The refined dial maintains the collection's signature aesthetic with applied hour markers and small seconds at 6 o'clock.
Datejust 31: Light and Shade
The Datejust 31 introduces a captivating red ombré dial—a Rolex first—that transitions from fiery red at its center to deep darkness at the edges. This complex color gradient, achieved through Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), is enhanced by diamonds set on both the bezel and dial.
Available in 18-carat yellow gold, the dial's appearance transforms based on lighting conditions, showcasing Rolex's expertise in dial-making and gem-setting craftsmanship. The diamond-set hour markers further enhance the luxurious nature of this timepiece, while the signature date window at 3 o'clock with Cyclops lens ensures practical functionality. Powered by calibre 2236 with Syloxi hairspring in silicon, the watch offers a 55-hour power reserve and exceptional resistance to temperature variations and magnetic fields.
The President bracelet with semi-circular three-piece links provides both comfort and elegance, secured by a concealed folding Crownclasp.
Iconic Models Reimagined
Additional updates include bold new configurations of three iconic models.
The Cosmograph Daytona now features a turquoise blue lacquer dial with bright black counters, paired with an 18-carat yellow gold case and technical Oysterflex bracelet for a refreshing combination. This high-performance chronograph, powered by the in-house calibre 4131, maintains its status as the ultimate racing timepiece with a tachymetric scale on the bezel for measuring average speeds up to 400 units per hour. The black Cerachrom bezel with gold markings complements the vibrant dial, while the Oysterflex bracelet combines the robustness of a metal bracelet with the comfort of an elastomer strap.
The GMT-Master II in 18-carat Everose gold with a brown and black ceramic Cerachrom bezel insert debuts a dial crafted from tiger iron—a metamorphic rock composed of tiger's eye, red jasper, and hematite. This natural stone, used by Rolex for the first time, displays golden and orangey tints that complement the case and bracelet.
Each dial is unique due to the natural variation in the stone, which undergoes meticulous selection and assembly. The watch is equipped with calibre 3285, featuring the Chronergy escapement and a 70-hour power reserve, and is mounted on a solid Everose gold Oyster bracelet with Oysterlock safety clasp and Easylink comfort extension link.
The Sky-Dweller brings together two of Rolex's iconic colors, combining a sunray-finished bright green dial with a case and bracelet in 18-carat yellow gold, creating an exuberant aesthetic enhanced by reflections from the fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet. This sophisticated annual calendar and dual-time watch features the innovative Ring Command system that allows the wearer to select and adjust functions by rotating the fluted bezel. The month indication is displayed through 12 apertures around the dial's circumference, while the date is shown at 3 o'clock. The second time zone is read via a 24-hour display on an off-center disc, and the watch is powered by calibre 9001, one of Rolex's most complex movements.
More In Article
Sign up for our newsletters to have the latest stories delivered to your inbox
