Rolex Land-Dweller

The Land-Dweller is fitted in an Oyster case that has been specially developed for the model. In restyling the case, the waterproofness system around the crystal was modified owing to constraints in performing the technical satin finish on the upper part of the middle case

The curved, polished sides of the new case are chamfered, and this bevel along the top edges is also polished. The case is fitted with a sapphire case back allowing the aesthetic beauty of the movement to be admired, and is crowned by a fluted bezel that has been redesigned, giving it a decidedly contemporary look with wider fluting compared to other Classic models. On precious metal versions it may also have a bezel set with trapeze-cut diamonds. Guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), the Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement nestled inside.

The Land-Dweller is powered by calibre 7135, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex and released this year. An evolution of calibre 7140, which has equipped the 1908 model since its launch in 2023, the new self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.

Driven by a self-winding system via a Perpetual Rotor, calibre 7135 is particularly noteworthy for its revolutionary regulating mechanism –escapement and oscillator – that enables it to beat at a frequency of 5 hertz, or 36,000 beats per hour, thereby measuring time to one tenth of a second. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s excellent efficiency, the power reserve of this movement extends to approximately 66 hours. Fine attention to detail has been paid to the aesthetics of calibre 7135. Its bridges are decorated with Rolex Côtes de Genève, while the cut-out oscillating weight is fashioned in yellow gold.

Échappement Dynapulse

Premier élément du système de régulation, l’échappement Dynapulse à haut rendement a fait l’objet de sept demandes de brevet. Il améliore nettement la façon dont l’énergie délivrée par le barillet est transmise à l’oscillateur.

Le Dynapulse est un échappement à distribution séquentielle réalisé en silicium, une matière qui résiste aux champs magnétiques élevés. Il est composé d’une roue de transmission qui engrène avec deux roues de distribution. Celles-ci activent, à tour de rôle, la bascule d’impulsion qui, elle, entraîne l’oscillateur. Cette architecture novatrice a permis de réduire la consommation d’énergie de l’échappement puisque les interactions entre les différents éléments se font par roulement – plutôt que par glissement comme sur les échappements à ancre suisse utilisés par la marque sur ses autres mouvements mécaniques.

Oscillator

The oscillator – another major component of the calibre 7135 regulating system – also demonstrates excellent resistance to strong magnetic fields. A number of innovations have made this possible.

One of these is the balance staff, which is crafted from a high-technology ceramic, patented and exclusive to Rolex. It is a remarkably strong and resilient material used only for manufacturing the balance staff.

The balance wheel itself is made from optimized brass. This is the first time that Rolex has made use of such an alloy, which, like the ceramic, is resistant to strong magnetic fields.

Calibre 7135 incorporates a Syloxi hairspring with reshaped coils, which are now thicker to confer greater rigidity. This modification grants greater power to the patented silicon hairspring – an essential factor for the movement to beat at 5 hertz, a rate that notably allows the watch to maintain its chronometric precision whatever the wearer’s actions and arm movements.

Two optimized high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers cushion the ceramic balance staff. Their special internal architecture allows the balance staff to turn smoothly and regularly in any position.

Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller 40 and the Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller 36 are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). These in-house certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.

The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.