Fratello’s Top 5 Rolex Land-Dweller Alternatives
Another Friday, another list! After three weeks of affordable watches, it’s time for a change. Today, we want to focus on the newest Rolex collection. To be more precise, we want to look at alternatives to the Rolex Land-Dweller. Six months ago, The Crown unveiled the new Land-Dweller collection during Watches and Wonders. Since then, we have slowly begun to see these watches popping up in the wild. But what if the Land-Dweller is not for you (yet)? We selected five watches that might be great alternatives. Let’s find out more.
Before that, though, I must confess something: when I first saw the Land-Dweller, I wasn’t immediately a fan. My gripes with the new Rolex models were predominantly focused on the dials. But soon after Watches and Wonders, I had a chance to learn more about the 36mm and 40mm models at Rolex’s local headquarters in Brussels. That’s where I found a love for the Land-Dweller that I hadn’t anticipated upon seeing the first images. As I explained in my lengthy article that followed that experience, the Land-Dweller offers excellent potential for several dial designs that will surely win watch fans over. Until then, let’s check out five alternatives.
Image: Bulang & Sons
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530
Our first pick is the brilliant Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530. This watch debuted while Rolex was still working on the quartz caliber that would eventually power the Oysterquartz models (more on those soon). Since the case and bracelet were ready for production, Rolex decided to release the excellent Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530. The watch was produced from 1975 to 1977. Supposedly, Rolex only made 1,500 examples of this reference during that time.
Image: Bulang & Sons
The Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530 featured a then-new 36mm case and an integrated bracelet, which are the visual links to the current Land-Dweller. All of these watches came fitted with a silver dial. However, if you look up examples on the pre-owned market today, many will have different dial colors. Over time, the dials discolored and developed a nice patina, resulting in both lemony-yellow and darker taupe shades. Another fun detail is that the Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530 was one of the first Rolex models fitted with a sapphire crystal.
Image: Bulang & Sons
The true inspiration for the Land-Dweller
Inside the angular case, you will find the brand’s caliber 1570. This automatic movement operated at a 19,800vph frequency and offered a 48-hour power reserve. The combination of this mechanical caliber and the Oysterquartz look makes the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530 a brilliant vintage alternative to the Land-Dweller. But I must say that the watch is not cheap. Expect prices to start at roughly €15k and move up to €30k. It’s a lot of money, but you get an uncommon watch that could be labeled the original inspiration for the Land-Dweller.
Image: Bulang & Sons
Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust ref. 17014
If the Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1530 is the original inspiration, the Oysterquartz Datejust ref. 17014 is the watch closest to the current Land-Dweller in terms of design. This reference is the stainless steel Oysterquartz Datejust with a white gold fluted bezel. To complete the picture, the ref. 17000 is the popular version with a smooth bezel, and the ref. 17013 was the two-tone model with the yellow gold fluted one.
Image: Bulang & Sons
The Oysterquartz came out in 1977 and remained in the brand’s lineup until 2004. However, the stainless steel models disappeared from the catalog in 2002. It is believed that Rolex produced only about 25,000 pieces of the various Oysterquartz references over 25 years. The Oysterquartz Datejust ref. 17014 features a 36mm case and a steel five-row bracelet that is a joy to wear. However, if you’re buying one, make sure you get a bracelet in good condition because it absolutely worth the extra money for daily comfort and looks.
Image: Bulang & Sons
A great combination of classic looks and impressive accuracy
Inside the case, you will find the Rolex caliber 5035, a COSC-certified chronometer. It’s an exceptional quartz caliber that was built like a mechanical one. Additionally, thermocompensation and antimagnetic hardening helped ensure the movement’s precision. As some of you know, the requirements for a COSC-certified quartz caliber are much more stringent than those for mechanical movements. All this makes the Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust ref. 17014 the perfect combination of technological innovation and classic looks. Expect prices to start at roughly €6k and move up to €12k for a complete set in excellent condition.
Image: Bulang & Sons
Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date ref. 19018
You could see this one coming from a mile away. If we featured the Oysterquartz Datejust as an alternative to the stainless steel Land-Dweller, we had to pick the yellow gold Oysterquartz Day-Date as an alternative to the Everose gold versions. Rolex produced three “regular” Oysterquartz Day-Date references during the production run of the Oysterquartz models. The first was the Oysterquartz Day-Date ref. 19018 in yellow gold, which is our pick. The second was the ref. 19019, which was essentially the same model in white gold. Finally, there was the ref. 19028 in yellow gold, which featured a pyramid bezel and the Oysterquartz President bracelet with pyramid center links. This watch also had different dials than the other two references.
Image: Bulang & Sons
While that last one is already a considerable step up in extravagance, Rolex also produced several Oysterquartz Day-Date models with gem-set bezels and bracelets. Those take the bling factor up a few notches, but let’s focus on the “basic” ref. 19018 for this article. The watch also utilized the angular 36mm Oysterquartz case but featured a modern, angular take on the President bracelet that beautifully suited the case’s design.
Image: Bulang & Sons
Inside the case, Rolex used the caliber 5055. Just like the Datejust caliber, it was a COSC-certified chronometer and a joy to behold. As already mentioned, collectors praise this movement because it was built like a mechanical one and is, therefore, far more interesting to see than the majority of quartz calibers. Both the yellow gold and white gold Oysterquartz Day-Date models stayed in production from 1977 until 2002.
Image: Bulang & Sons
During that long production run, the brand produced far more yellow gold versions than their white gold counterparts. That makes the ref. 19019 not only an understated option but also a rarer one. Expect to see prices for the yellow gold models starting around €13k and moving up to roughly €30k for the exotic variants. In comparison, the white gold ref. 19019 starts at roughly €20k, and the models in great condition can easily go for €40k.
Image: Vintage Masters
Omega Seamaster Cosmic ref. 166.0195
Our next pick is the often-overlooked Omega Seamaster Cosmic ref. 166.1095. As you can see, it mirrors the classic Rolex Oysterquartz models’ aesthetic. Omega produced this reference in the mid-1970s, and it’s sometimes referred to as the Cosmic 2000 because some of the dials had “2000” under the “Cosmic” designation. The watch had a 36mm angular case matched with a comfortable yet blocky integrated bracelet. The overall presence flawlessly fits the time period.
Image: Vintage Masters
Inside the case, Omega used its caliber 1012. This automatic movement operated at 28,800vph, had 23 jewels, and offered 42 hours of power reserve. While the case and the bracelet are substantial in appearance, Omega’s caliber 1012 is one of the brand’s thinner movements, with a 4.25mm profile. Regarding the dial, Omega offered this Seamaster Cosmic with gray or blue vignette dials, both of which look awesome. The blue dial often has a rich, dark hue, and thanks to the patina that has formed over the years, it has become even more lively and colorful than it was originally.
Image: Vintage Masters
Get one in good condition for excellent comfort and fun
Prices for the Omega Seamaster Cosmic ref. 166.0195 fluctuate depending on the condition. You can find them starting at roughly €1.5k, moving up to €4k–5k for examples in excellent condition. With watches like this Seamaster, condition plays a big part in the fun of owning and wearing one. Accordingly, we would always advise chasing one in good condition to maximize the fun of owning a rare and commonly overlooked Omega classic.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Last but not least, our final pick is the popular Tissot PRX Powermatic 80. After three vintage Rolexes and a vintage Omega, we also wanted to include a modern, affordable alternative. The PRX was the only right choice because it started the trend of more affordable options in the genre of integrated-bracelet sports watches in recent years. While the quartz PRX was the first model, we prefer the mechanical PRX Powermatic 80 introduced four years ago.
The retro-styled PRX still is one of the best affordable options in the category and is available in multiple sizes for different wrists. You can opt for the standard 40mm or the smaller 35mm version, both of which are available with many dial options. The mechanical PRX models feature square-patterned dials with slim applied hour markers and an open minute track. It’s this dial design that gives the watches the strong ’70s retro vibes that we love. Most of you will know that the PRX’s design was inspired by a rare Tissot Seastar from the 1970s.
Still a fantastic, affordable option
Inside the case of the 35mm and 40mm models, you will find the Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 caliber. The automatic movement operates at 21,600vph, has 23 jewels, and offers 80 hours of power reserve. It has proven to be a great, reliable powertrain for the PRX series. But most of all, the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is an awesome and affordable alternative to the Rolex Land-Dweller because it has that distinct 1970s vibe that inspired the design of Rolex’s newest series of watches. The best thing is that the PRX can be yours for the friendly price of €775, making it the best budget-friendly option and the perfect closer for this list.
Final thoughts on our favorite Rolex Land-Dweller alternatives
There you have it — our five favorite Rolex Land-Dweller alternatives! We tried to cover options in different price categories to make things enjoyable for people with various budgets. We are very interested in seeing the next step for the Rolex Land-Dweller. If the brand can come up with slightly different dial designs, we are sure many fans will be eager to buy one. Still, if you’re waiting for that perfect Land-Dweller to arrive, we think these watches are some of the best alternatives out there. As always, let us know in the comments section what your favorite Land-Dweller alternative is, whether it’s on this list or not! We will see you next week for another list.
Header image: Bulang & Sons
