- Rolex's land-dweller looks more like a expensive PRX than a real icon.
- The PRX Powermatic of the Tissot 80 is still in charge of the value game.
- Rolex's Big 2025 launch felt more compliance with the trend than trailblazing.
The watches and wonders could have been completed for another year, but that didn't mean we were able to move from all the novelty released to Geneva. From the World-First Tourbillons to the birthday celebration, the The largest brand of watch in the world It is not afraid to flex their proverbs muscles in the largest stage, pushing the boundaries of contemporary watch with confident aplomb.
But a brand, usually respected for natural ability to stand out from the horological crowd with unique and sought-out pieces, gained some unwanted attention for one of the big 2025 novelty. Rolex, a company known for obsessive evolution than the revolution, has done something truly unexpected: it announced a completely new collection. But receiving from watch fans is less than its previously relentless worship. In fact, it left many heads.
On paper, the Rolex Land-Dweller Readers like a letter of love with joint sports watches … but on the wrist looks an overpriced Tissot prx.
Let me be clear here: Land Dweller is not a bad watch. This is impeccably made. This is undeniable Rolex. But when your new-new model is shown on the floor in Geneva with a 40mm case, honeycomb dial and a stainless steel integrated bracelet, people will naturally get comparisons to your Swiss competition. Although in this case, the respectable comparison is not with an AP royal oak or a new Vacheron Constantin. It is an entry level tissue.
Tissot still manages the value market
Originally launched as a quartz model in 2021, the PRX took its inspiration from the 1970s Tissot Seastar. But this is only when the Swiss brand introduces the mechanical version of the Powematic 80, which adds an automatic ETA-based motion and a textured patterned dial, whose unique piece is truly entering the horological Zeitgeist.
The Blue Dial Model is the most popular and often captures comparisons with AP Royal Oak (and now the new Rolex land-dweller), with its angular case, tapisserie-style dial, and integrated bracelet.
The quality of the build is impressive and ultimately benefits from the tissot position within the swatch group, providing access to high quality components on the scale, especially the reliable movement of the ETA. On the wrist, it has a gain, weight, and retro charm with a hint of '80s nostalgia – especially in the blue dial that releases vintage aesthetics. But at just $ 1,150 AUD, it delivers serious luxury vibes without luxury tag prices.
Rolex deserves the hype?
The Land Dweller is the first new Swiss Luxury Watch Brand collection over the years. Brave name. Light implementation. Yes, it is enabled by All-New Caliber 7135, an ultra-thin, high-frequency movement that compresses Rolex's technical fine. But even the breakthrough feels strangely covered when wrapped in what many see as an aesthetic copy of the tissot tissue.
The hype hit fever pitch when Federer tempted it on Instagram. But what a year's appearance that refers to the success for the crown is ended flat, especially with rival brands that release Rolex across the board in Geneva.
Instead of leading the charge, it felt like they were late at the festival with a luxurious sports watch made for the algorithm-friendly pulse and Instagram-ready flatlays. This is not a bad watch at all. But it was definitely not Rolex's crowned moment. Is it strange to say that I will stick to the tissot?
