The Latest Rolex "Leak": What Everyone Missed

Another year, another Rolex “leak.” This time around, a new model is circulating through social media feeds with no clear source or confirmation. The render shows a watch labeled “Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller” with an integrated bracelet—instantly reminding us of the now-discontinued Oysterquartz line. While it’s likely nothing more than fan-made speculation, there’s a real reason this rumor has caught fire: the name Land-Dweller was trademarked by Rolex in 2023.

But here’s the thing no one’s talking about. In 2023, Rolex also published a patent for a complex new quick-release strap and bracelet system—one that includes detailed diagrams of integrated bracelets.This patent didn’t receive much attention at the time, but if Rolex ever introduces a watch like the Land-Dweller, this patent could explain exactly how they plan to do it.

Let’s break it all down.

What’s in the Leak?

The so-called “leak” includes several renderings of what appear to be new Rolex models—none of which have a reliable source. The most talked-about is the “Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller,” a modern, integrated-bracelet Rolex that resembles the Oysterquartz, but with a honeycomb dial pattern.

The leak also features a yellow gold Sky-Dweller with a green dial, a left-handed Sprite GMT-Master II with a sunray green dial, and a yellow gold Daytona on Oysterflex with a Tiffany blue dial. Are any of these real? Probably not. But as is often the case, there’s a kernel of truth hidden in the noise—and that kernel might be a little-known Rolex patent.

The Real Story: Rolex’s Quick-Release Bracelet Patent

Image Source: founderslegal.com

In October 2022, Rolex filed a patent for a new type of strap and bracelet attachment system. It was published in May 2023. On the surface, it’s a fairly technical document, but here’s what matters: it outlines a universal, friction-reducing quick-release system that could work across metal bracelets, rubber straps, and leather bands.

The design features a pin-and-bore system where retractable pins (1 in Figure 1) are housed in a connecting element (11 in Figure 1) and slot into bores (21a in Figure 1) on the watch case. These bores are fitted with inserts made from composite or ceramic materials—preventing frictional wear and protecting the watch case. The pins themselves are also “preferably made of ceramic.”

The version detailed in the patent isn’t quite tool-free—the user has to unscrew a piece (4 in Figure 1) and retract the pins with tweezers or a similar tool. But Rolex notes in the document that “other means” of actuation are possible, “such as magnets.” The stated goal is a user-friendly system, and it’s clear that a toolless future version is the endgame.

Oh—and Figure 6 in the patent? It shows an integrated bracelet design.

A Return to the Oysterquartz Aesthetic?

Image Source: Certifiwatch

The fact that the “Land-Dweller” resembles an Oysterquartz isn’t a coincidence—it’s exactly what makes the render plausible. The Oysterquartz models launched in the late 1970s at the height of the quartz crisis. Rather than outsource movements, Rolex built their own quartz calibers from the ground up and housed them in bold, angular designs with fully integrated bracelets—clearly inspired by the design language of the era.

It’s important to note that Rolex wasn’t trying to save their brand with these watches. By that time, Rolex had weathered the worst of the crisis and simply wanted to do quartz their own way. The resulting Datejust and Day-Date Oysterquartz models are now cult favorites, especially among collectors who appreciate Rolex’s less traditional releases.

A new integrated bracelet design wouldn’t be a reissue of the Oysterquartz, but it could represent a similar spirit: Rolex experimenting, on their own terms.

Why the Land-Dweller Is Probably Fake… But Still Interesting

Image Source: IPqwery.com

There’s no reliable source behind the current batch of leaks. It’s also hard to imagine Rolex launching a model with a name like “Land-Dweller” without fanfare. The Submariner and Sea-Dweller both reference the ocean, and while Land-Dweller completes the thematic set, it doesn’t sound quite right.

Still, it’s worth noting that Rolex did file a trademark for “Land-Dweller” in 2023. And when you combine that with the quick-release patent and the integrated bracelet illustrations within it, the possibility of a completely new case and bracelet design doesn’t seem so far-fetched.

That’s what makes this leak interesting—not the render, not the name, but the quiet patent filing that could underpin a future generation of Rolex watches. It’s unlikely to be called the Land-Dweller, and it may not look like this, but if Rolex does introduce a new integrated-bracelet model, it won’t be out of nowhere.

They’ve already laid the groundwork. We’ll be covering all Rolex releases live from Watches & Wonders Geneva. Follow @everestbands on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.