The Rolex Land-Dweller made a significant splash at this year’s Watches Market. Although its design may not have appealed to everyone, its unveiling – highlighted by the introduction of a groundbreaking new caliber and the revival of the Oysterquartz design – left a notable impact on the watch industry. During the event, we had the opportunity to explore both the 36mm and 40mm versions, though the initial models we saw were presented in Everose gold, making a true comparison difficult. However, a few weeks later, we were able to inspect both sizes in stainless steel, which allowed us to better assess which of the two might be the better fit.
While personal preference plays a major role in this choice, the question of “which size is ideal” is still worth pondering. Size, after all, affects not only the comfort of the fake watch but its visual impact as well. In this article, I will share my insights from wearing both models and offer my perspective on which size resonates most for me.
An Exciting New Release
If you’ve been following the watch industry, you’ve no doubt heard about the Rolex Land-Dweller. Its debut marked the first new non-dress collection from Rolex since the Sky-Dweller in 2012, and its unveiling became one of the most highly anticipated events in recent years. We’ve discussed the Land-Dweller at length, so if you want to dive deeper, I recommend reading Mike’s initial hands-on review from Watches Market.
For those curious about the watch’s new caliber, Thomas offers a detailed breakdown. As for my personal take, I shared my first impressions in a recent installment of our Sunday Morning Showdown series, where the Land-Dweller was pitted against the Patek Philippe Cubitus. In this article, however, I will focus on comparing the two available sizes – 36mm and 40mm – both in stainless steel with a white gold bezel and dial.
First Impressions
To provide some context, I’d like to briefly revisit my initial thoughts on the fake Rolex Land-Dweller. As I mentioned in the Sunday Morning Showdown article, my first impression was a bit lukewarm. I liked certain elements of the watch but wasn’t immediately in love with it. As I put it then: “Do I love the Land-Dweller? No, not in its current form. But I appreciate several aspects of it, and that could eventually turn into a deeper admiration.”
My primary concern at that time was the dial design. The honeycomb pattern felt a bit overpowering, and the open numerals at 6 and 9 o’clock seemed clumsy, especially on the 40mm version. Typically, I find the 40mm size to be ideal for my wrist, but this time, the integrated bracelet and the overall design of the Land-Dweller didn’t seem to follow the usual sizing rules I had come to expect from Rolex.
A Nod to the Oysterquartz Aesthetic
On the positive side, I’ve always been a fan of the Oysterquartz aesthetic, which made the Land-Dweller’s design stand out. Vintage models like the pre-Oysterquartz Date ref. 1530 and the Oysterquartz Day-Date ref. 19018 in full yellow gold have always captured my attention, and the Land-Dweller evokes that same iconic style.
I also hinted that Rolex might expand the dial offerings in the future, perhaps with different colors or even a version without the open numerals, opting instead for a more classic baton marker design. If the new black- and blue-dial Oyster Perpetuals are anything to go by, this could be a welcome change.
At this point, I was curious to examine both sizes of the Land-Dweller in greater detail. I had yet to see the 36mm version in stainless steel with a white dial, and I was hopeful that the smaller size might offer a more refined aesthetic. More importantly, I was eager to determine which size truly felt best on my wrist, beyond just fitting comfortably.
Choosing Size
In terms of size, I tend to gravitate toward 40mm for most Rolex sports models. The GMT-Master II, Explorer, Daytona, and Submariner are all models I favor in the 40mm range (with the exception of the titanium Yacht-Master, which comes in a 42mm size). I also find that I prefer the older, five-digit versions of watches like the Explorer II, which seem to maintain the perfect proportions.
When it comes to classic Rolex models, however, I find that 36mm is often the ideal size. Models like the Datejust, Day-Date, and Oyster Perpetual feel perfectly balanced at 36mm, and I am inclined to stick with this size whenever possible. There’s a certain historical significance tied to the 36mm case that feels just right, not too large, and not too small.
36mm vs. 40mm
So, how did the 36mm and 40mm versions of the Land-Dweller measure up? I started by trying on the 36mm model, expecting it to fit perfectly. However, after wearing a 37mm VPC Type 37HW earlier, the 36mm Land-Dweller felt unexpectedly small. It took me a moment to adjust to the reduced size, and I found that the integrated bracelet design didn’t have the bold presence I anticipated.
Once I put on the 40mm version, the difference between the two sizes became immediately apparent. The 40mm model felt more substantial, and many of those in the room complimented its look on my wrist. Both versions, however, impressed me with their exceptional craftsmanship. After nearly two decades of exploring luxury watches, I can confidently say that putting a Rolex on my wrist is always a special experience.
This brings me to the crux of my preference for one size over the other. Rolex’s designs are legendary for their balance and visual harmony. Dating back to the 1950s, Rolex established a design language that would define the industry. The introduction of baton markers and simple hands was a refinement that has remained the brand’s hallmark, offering timeless elegance and proportionality.
This design philosophy is why I feel so strongly about the 36mm case. It’s not just about size – it’s about how that size translates into a visually balanced, harmonious watch that feels just right. With the 40mm model, while well-executed, I fear it risks losing some of the inherent proportions that make Rolex watches feel so refined.
The 36mm Rolex Land-Dweller is the Winner
After spending ample time with both versions of the replica Rolex Land-Dweller, I can definitively say that the 36mm model resonates more with me. The smaller size maintains the iconic proportions that I’ve come to love in classic Rolex models. While the 40mm version is certainly well-crafted, the 36mm Land-Dweller offers a level of refinement that I find particularly appealing.
The new Rolex Land-Dweller is a remarkable release, showcasing the brand’s evolution with its new caliber 7135 and Flat Jubilee bracelet with a hidden clasp. It’s a testament to Rolex’s commitment to innovation, while staying true to the design principles that have made the brand a legend. For me, the 36mm version remains the ideal Land-Dweller, combining visual balance, refinement, and historical authenticity in a way that only Rolex can achieve.