Rolex To Publish The First Authorized History of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Watch

Retracing the history of iconic watches has long been a fascinating yet difficult task. Things are even more complex regarding Rolex, a rather discreet company that has hardly ever communicated its history and the origins and evolution of its emblematic models. Retracing the history of a Rolex collection was until now a task for historians and experts, leaving the door open to questions and speculations – with Rolex never really approving the facts. Things are about to change, as for the first time Rolex is about to publish a book, together with Wallpaper and author Nicholas Foulkes, retracing the history of the Submariner dive watch. Yes, I’m dropping the news here, what you see here is the first authorized history of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch, as well as Rolex’s first official book.

It has to be good… With such a claim, and considering the reputation of Rolex, this book Oyster Perpetual Submariner – the watch that unlocked the deep isn’t allowed to leave the door open to questions. What we’re looking at today might just be a book, but it’s not yet another book about Rolex. For the first time, Rolex is giving its stamp of approval on the history of one of its emblematic collections. And not just any collection, but the icon of the depths, the Submariner. Even more important, Rolex announces that “it is the first in a series of titles exploring the brand’s unique watches.” So we should expect more in the coming years.

What we’re looking at is a 252-page book written by famous author Nicholas Foulkes (who also wrote Patek Philippe: The Authorized Biography) and published by Wallpaper. It will be available from 16 September 2024 in English and French. Wallpaper combines here new and original photography with historical images from Rolex to illustrate the Submariner’s 71-year history, in what is Rolex’s first official book. This book, Oyster Perpetual Submariner – the watch that unlocked the deep, is said to be a wide-ranging account of the Submariner, the first divers’ watch guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. It’ll retrace the technical innovations as well as the adventures of pioneers who tested prototypes.

Hardcover copies of Oyster Perpetual Submariner – the watch that unlocked the deep, the first authorized history of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch, published in English and French, are available for international purchase online from 1 October 2024. A limited number of silk-bound copies are available exclusively through the WallpaperSTORE for pre-order between 16-19 September 2024 and for purchase from 20 September onwards. It is priced at EUR 125 or GPB 100.

For now, we haven’t seen or read the book, so we can’t tell you more than what’s in the official communication. However, we’ll make sure to get our hands on a copy as soon as possible to discover what Rolex’s first official book and first authorized history of a Rolex watch is all about. We’re certainly as curious as you are.