The brand and watch that have completely transformed the industry through their innovations are awarded the Watch Revolution of the Year award. Our focus is on how these innovations push the limits of what is currently possible in watchmaking by challenging the status quo and resetting expectations, rather than how novel or even clever they may be.
Presenting the Rolex Land-Dweller with the Watch Revolution of the Year award was a unanimous and simple decision in light of these factors. The Land-Dweller is a very public declaration of game-changing innovation, a clear signal from Rolex, and it is the first new collection since the Sky-Dweller’s 2012 debut. Its all-new caliber is supported by a suite of patents. The Land-Dweller’s victory in our opinion is solidified by the fact that it is a regular production collection rather than a limited edition or unique piece.
The Land-Dweller revolves around Rolex’s brand-new Caliber 7135, which is possibly the most technically significant movement the maison has produced in a long time. The Caliber 7135, Rolex’s first high-beat movement, beats at 5 Hz instead of the steady 4 Hz of contemporary Rolex calibers, all the while retaining an amazing 66-hour power reserve. To put it another way, it beats more quickly—to the nearest tenth of a second—and, more importantly, more effectively. In this regard, it is unquestionably among the most inventive mechanical calibers manufactured on a large scale today, not just limited to one-offs or special editions.