Rolex Land Residents was the most talked about release of this year’s watch and wonder. Due to the groundbreaking new caliber and the revival of the Oysterkurtz design, the general impact of land residents was evident whether the watch appealed to everyone or not. I had the opportunity to experience the 36mm and 40mm models among the watches and wonders. Unfortunately, however, there was no opportunity to create a fair comparison, as a smaller model of the two was presented in Everose Gold. A few weeks later, I was able to line up both sizes of stainless steel to see which one was the better pick.
Of course, a better choice is a personal preference. There is no universal right or wrong with things like size. But that doesn’t mean size isn’t important. While this article only reflects my preferences and favourites of the two options, wearing land residents of both sizes has given rise to some useful general insights. Most importantly for me, I was so impressed that I felt much more than I felt when the watch came out. Are land residents at the top of my modern Rolex watch wish list now? Let’s say it’s not that yet. Let me explain in detail about that.
The story of the new Rolex land residents
If you are a watch fan but missed the leak and final announcement of Rolex land residents, you must have lived under a huge rock. The first new non-dress collection since Sky Dweller in 2012 was undoubtedly the most talked about new release of the past few years. We discussed the land residents in great detail, so if you want to know more about the series, I recommend reading about Mike’s first practical experience after trying out the clocks and the wonders.
If you want to know more about the groundbreaking caliber, you can read the article by Thomas. Finally, if you want to know my first thoughts on land residents, I’ve covered them in a recent article in the Sunday Morning Showdown series, which comfortably beat Patek Philippe’s Cubitus. In this article, we will focus more on the differences between the stainless steel 36mm model with a white gold bezel and a white dial and the 40mm land resident model.
Go to comparison of this Rolex land residents
However, a quick reference to my initial thoughts about land residents is good for creating some contexts. Ultimately, they decided on the way I had when I attended the meeting. All the Rolex novelties announced between the Watches and Wonders were released in 2025. As I said in my Sunday morning showdown article, “Do I love land residents? It’s not in its current form. But I like a lot about it.
My main complaints with the land residents before entering the meeting were all related to the design of the dial. I wasn’t very impressed with the honeycomb pattern. It looked too dominant and lacked the refinement I love with Rolex’s design. It almost made it look gimmicky. However, the main “problem” was the open numbers at 6 and 9am, especially on the 40mm model, as they seemed both troublesome and too large. That being said, a 40mm watch is usually the perfect size for my wrist. However, since this is a Rolex, different rules apply. Plus, this is a watch with an integrated bracelet. This is a category with different sets of rules to choose the right size.
Oysterquartz’s big return to style
Also, please quickly refer to my praise for Rolex land residents, as mentioned in that Sunday morning showdown article. I’m a huge fan of some of the vintage models, so I love seeing Oysterquartz’s aesthetic comeback. oysterquartz pre-oysterquartz ref. 1530, The Brillation oysterquartz datejust ref. 17000, and date ref for oysterquartz. Fully yellow gold (or modest white gold 19019) from 19018 is a stunning vintage option that is as relevant as ever, as new land residents will see.
It also hints at the fact that new dials may appear over the next few years. I’d like to see a variety of colors and variations in designs that avoid numbers in favor of a complete set of baton markers. Looking at the permanent model of the new black and blue dialed oysters, it became abundantly clear. They look stunning.
36mm Rolex Land Resident
I see everything I haven’t seen yet, but I was interested enough to learn more about the two available sizes. First, it may provide some nuance to my opinion on the current dial. We were unable to see the stainless steel version of the 36mm stainless steel version with a watch and a strangely white dial, so we were hoping that a reduction in size could lead to an increase in improvements. Secondly, I wanted to know my favorite size as well as it suited my wrist.
36mm Rolex Land Resident
Call me Rolex Traditionalist…
I usually call myself a pragmatist and choose the one that’s best for my 18.5cm wrist. For Rolex Sports Watches, the answer is simple. The 40mm case size for most sports models is perfect for me. With the exception of the 42mm case titanium yachtmaster, choose GMT-Master II, Explorer, Daytona, and Submariner. The last one is officially 41mm, but actually 40.5, but 40.5 more than the larger models now, like the Sea-Dweller and Explorer II. Choose the older 5-digit version for size and vintage appeal. What about the Yachtmaster? Well, if Rolex created a 40mm version with titanium, I’ll have it everywhere instead of the 42mm version.
40mm Rolex Land Resident
But I think he’s a traditionalist about the more classic Rolex model, despite the 40mm watch fits like a glove. Please choose DateJust, Day-Date, or Oyster Perpetual. Choose the 36mm version over the larger options available. The main reason is simply because historical precedents left me with a trace of what it should be. That sounds ridiculous, I know.
36mm Rolex Day-date ref. 18238 on the wrist
However, there is also a rationale for that feeling. Putting a 36mm date just or date on your wrist will tell you it feels perfect. The balance of elements is ideally proportional. It also makes it difficult to create a larger version without losing these full proportions. This is something Rolex designers have struggled with in the past. Think about Rolex DateJust II. Plus, the 36mm size of these watches works well on the wrists of these watches. The visual influence simply hits the place.
Two lands and residents sizes first side by side impressions
So how does it become a land resident? As part of the classic range within the Rolex collection, the 36mm model is the immediate answer, right? And that was the first model I’ve worn on my wrist. After removing the 37mm VPC type 37HW, the 36mm land residents felt a little small. Honestly, it dumped me a bit. For a moment there, I was able to assert it was too small. I was also surprised that the integrated bracelet design didn’t have a big presence that I’d expect. However, once I put the 40mm version on my wrist, I realized the difference in size between the two and it became very clear.
40mm Rolex Residents on Wrist
Interestingly, quite a few people in the room praised the appearance of the 40mm version of my wrist. The watch also feels very comfortable. But that wasn’t just the result of the 40mm size. The 36mm and 40mm versions are extremely well thought out watches, designed, and produced to the highest standards. After exploring the world of luxury watches for over 20 years, I am impressed every time I place a Rolex on my wrist. I don’t have that kind of feeling.
Unique design canvas created by Rolex designers in the 1950s
Identifying that feeling exactly is also where the core of my preference for one of two sizes is. Essentially, it streamlines the feeling I’ve explained previously to “what to do.” It’s all in magic and a great design technique. In the 1950s, Rolex designers created design canvas. And that applies to both classic and sports watches from the brand. Looking at Rolex designs from the 1940s to the early 50s, you’ll see an index in the shape of an old alpha hand and arrow that feels appropriately vintage. After that, Rolex ref like a model called “Predana” that looks like a date. 6238, and the date was essentially a very simple update in terms of shape.
However, in terms of visual balance and the timeless character of its design elements, this canvas was an absolute stroke of genius. Instead of innovating the same design, adding an equally great strategy of updating only the same design, there are two factors that respect Rolex over all other brands. In almost 20 years of working in the world of design, I have found very little conviction to fit and sticking to it, even though it is so simple. People are constantly hoping for change, and designers often want revolution instead of evolution. The only constant is change, right? I’m wrong! Consistency is important here. This has been a solid foundation for Rolex’s success over the past 70 years.
The 36mm version is a Rolex land resident for me.
This explains why I’m not the biggest fan of land residents’ dial design. No open numbers and honeycomb patterns are required. It feels like Rolex is doing what other brands do. Rolex has been extremely successful in updating the numbers in Explorer to keep its clear character, but you can always discuss its style. There are many people who prefer the ref style. 1016 via the modern explorer dial. Using baton-style indexes means that argument never occurs. That’s why they are one of the keys to success. But as mentioned, it is an easy next step for land residents that many appreciate.
40mm Rolex Land Resident
You might be thinking, “That’s fine, but which size is better for two land residents?” In short, the 36mm version is perfect for me. After spending some time with both watches, I quickly realized that I prefer a 36mm case for every watch on the Rolex Classic Line. Although we haven’t argued that Rolex designers have done a great job of adapting their designs to different sizes recently, the 36mm version is still the perfect original canvas. It brings a natural visual balance, feels right, leaves no large space behind, and ensures the refinement needed for classic Rolex designs.
Final Thoughts on the New Rolex Land Residents
After spending a few hours with two Rolex land residents, I was seriously impressed. The overall style and quality of the watch makes it difficult to feel that way. In addition to that, both watches are a fantastic display of the Rolex transition to the future revealed by the new caliber 7135 and the decision to display it. Flat jubilee bracelets with hidden clasps are more evidence of their evolution. It’s an incredibly comfortable bracelet that only Rolex can produce in mass.
But all these changes didn’t change one thing. This is my love for the 36mm classic Rolex model. The formula, defined in the 1950s, successfully discovered the path to the Oysterquartz model in the 1970s. The new 36mm Rolex land residents provide a visual balance of various elements.
Additionally, it offers the desired improvements in case, bezel and bracelet designs, making it my choice in the 40mm version. 36mm Rolex land residents really have a potential full package if their dial design receives an update. This is a very simple answer to a question I was able to answer in one sentence, and I know it well. If you’ve come this far, I’m grateful to have read the writer’s ramblings who are trying to streamline feelings that remain very personal. However, in many cases, the simplest emotions are the hardest to explain. Sometimes things should be exactly like that.
