Watches & Wonder 2025 – Rolex New Releases
Watches and Wonders 2025 and what do we all think of the new Rolex releases?
The most significant event on the horological calendar, Watches & Wonders is basically the fashion week of watches—where tradition meets innovation, and collectors, journalists, and fans come from all over the world to see what’s next in haute horology.
Held annually in Geneva, Switzerland, it’s where top watch brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier, TAG Heuer, and many others unveil their newest timepieces and innovations.
And for me, it’s a chance to offer a critique from a distance and either get stupidly excited or in the case of Rolex this year, a little underwhelmed. But, I think maybe this year, I’m not their target audience, so let’s see what they had to offer ……
The Rolex Land-Dweller 2025, prices ranging from £11,700 to £100,000
I hate to be a party pooper but the eagerly anticipated launch of Rolex’s new Land-Dweller model is disappointing.It’s the brand’s first new sports model in over a decade and I was just hoping for more. As a wise person once told, me – always sandwich the negative with positive, so here we go …..
- The new design features Rolex’s inaugural high-frequency Caliber 7135 movement, enhancing precision. ✅
- The Land Dweller (TERRIBLE name by the way) has the beautiful Gerald Genta inspired styling of the original Oysterquartz but they seem to have muddled the purity somehow. The original Oyster bracelet has been replaced with something far more complicated and the smooth bezel has become fluted. Add in the lozenge dial and for me it’s all a bit of a mess when compared to its obvious inspiration. ❌
- However, it comes in platinum, rose gold, and white Rolesor and 36mm and 40mm options giving the Rolex Land-Dweller a much wider audience appeal. ✅
I’m sure it looks great in the flesh and will appeal to a whole new generation, which I think is the point. But for me, Rolex have once again made a bit of a hash of a vintage inspired watch.
Oyster Perpetual “Pastel Drop” Editions, prices ranging from £4,500 to £5,400
Playful and elegant, the lilac, beige sand and ice blue dials are all rather very lovely, bring a refreshingly modern twist to the Oyster Perpetual line.
The OP is solid and reliable – no date, no fuss just pure timekeeping. These pastels are clearly aimed at a new generation of collectors who appreciate the original clean design, great finishing, and want a watch that’s both fun and timeless. My wife is already eyeing one up!
They’re also highly versatile, coming in 3 different sizes 28mm, 36mm, and 41m. Plus as I’ve just been pitched, perfect for all occasions as they’re easy to dress up or down. Proving that luxury doesn’t always have to be loud.
GMT-Master II: Embracing Ceramic Innovation, prices ranging from £35,000 to £37,000
Rolex is flexing its technical muscles and aesthetic edge by introducing a green ceramic dial to match the iconic two-tone Cerachrom bezel (green/black). Ceramic dials are notoriously difficult to manufacture, especially with consistent colour and finish. Rolex has never done this before on a production watch. Ultra-scratch resistant and impervious to UV damage – this dial will never fade, making it as eternal as the movement itself.
While asthetically I don’t feel it’s ground breaking, it just looks like a colour update, Rolex continues to push the boundaries, even with their most iconic models. The ceramic dial is a subtle but significant innovation, and in typical Rolex fashion, it’s done with restraint and mastery.
It’s only available in white gold which is a little disappointing as it’s at the higher end of the daily wear price range.
In Conclusion:
I’m a little bit meh about this years Watches & Wonders 2025 Rolex announcements but I think because for 2 out of these 3 new releases, I’m essentially not the target audience. I’ve been in the business of Rolex for over 30 years as a collector and professional trader of pre owned Rolex, so I guess they’re not going to win with me everytime. Maybe this time, it’s my wife that’s going to be the winner!
Final words – expect limited availability, high demand, and long waitlists.
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