The Unexpected Rivalry Between Rolex’s Newcomer and Tissot’s Cult Classic
As the curtains fell on Watches 2025, the horological world buzzed with debates over audacious innovations and nostalgic revivals. While brands paraded their mastery of complications and avant-garde designs, one launch eclipsed others not for its brilliance, but for its puzzling familiarity. Rolex, the titan of incremental refinement, unveiled its first entirely new collection in decades – the Land-Dweller – only to face murmurs of déjà vu. Was this a bold reinvention or an uncharacteristic misstep? 
Crafted with Rolex’s signature precision, the Land-Dweller boasts a 40mm stainless steel case, a honeycomb-textured dial reminiscent of industrial latticework, and an integrated bracelet that tapers seamlessly into the lugs. Beneath its surface lies the new Calibre 7135, a high-frequency movement lauded for its slim profile and technical prowess. Yet, despite these merits, the watch’s reception was lukewarm. Critics noted its uncanny resemblance to a far more accessible watch: the Tissot PRX.
Herein lies the irony. Tissot, a stalwart of approachable luxury, has long championed the PRX as a gateway to Swiss craftsmanship. Inspired by its own 1970s Seastar lineage, the PRX gained cult status after evolving into a mechanical marvel. Its angular case, tapisserie-patterned dial, and bracelet that hugs the wrist with mid-century flair evoke whispers of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak – but at a fraction of the cost. The Powermatic 80 movement, a workhorse derived from ETA’s robust architecture, powers the PRX with a 80-hour reserve, while sunburst blue and champagne dials channel vintage elegance. Priced under $1,200, it delivers a tactile heft and polished finish that belies its modest tag – a feat amplified by Swatch Group’s manufacturing muscle.
The Land-Dweller, by contrast, enters the arena at over ten times the PRX’s price. While its movement is undeniably sophisticated, the design language feels derivative – a surprise for a brand synonymous with originality. The integrated bracelet trend, popularized by ’70s icons like the Patek Philippe Nautilus, now floods the market, but clone Rolex‘s interpretation lacks the daring that once defined its tool watches. Even Roger Federer’s Instagram tease couldn’t dispel the lingering question: Does this release reflect genuine innovation, or is it a calculated bid to capitalize on a passing fad? 
In Geneva, rival brands seized the spotlight with groundbreaking materials and audacious complications, leaving Rolex’s offering overshadowed. The Land-Dweller’s muted response underscores a growing appetite for authenticity in an era of algorithm-driven aesthetics. For collectors, the allure of heritage remains potent – but so does the appeal of underdog narratives. Tissot’s PRX, with its unapologetic retro charm and accessible price point, continues to resonate as a testament to timeless design over fleeting trends.
Perhaps the true lesson lies not in prestige, but in purpose. While replica Rolex’s latest may cater to the Instagram era, the PRX thrives as a wearable ode to horological history – proof that soul, not just specs, defines a watch’s legacy. For now, the crown’s newest jewel feels less like a revolution and more like a footnote in a story still being written.