Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch that Unlocked the Deep

About the book

The Swiss watch brand Rolex has joined forces with the renowned design publisher Wallpaper* to co-publish the first authorized history of the iconic Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch. This comprehensive book, titled Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch That Unlocked the Deep, written by horological expert and author Nicholas Foulkes, is available in English on our e-shop. This is the first volume in a series dedicated to unique Rolex models. The 252-page publication chronicles the story of the legendary dive watch, which in 1953 became the first watch waterproof to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet), representing a major technological breakthrough. Foulkes describes the technological innovations that led to the development of this model, as well as the adventures of the first pioneers who tested the watch in extreme conditions. “The Submariner represents the archetype of dive watches, embodying the historical connection between Rolex and underwater exploration. Vandaag, this watch is not only an icon but also a symbol of resilience and performance, finding use across sports and other activities,” said Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex Director of Communications and Image. “We are proud to present the first authorized history of the Submariner, and we are delighted to collaborate with Wallpaper*, which gave the book a unique visual form.” The Submariner truly "unlocked the deep". Thanks to its construction and durability, it became the basis for further innovations such as the Sea-Dweller (1967), the Rolex Deepsea (2008), and the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge (2022), which are capable of descending to 11,000 meters (36,090 feet). The book also introduces the *Perpetual Planet Initiative*, through which Rolex supports organizations and individuals dedicated to environmental protection. Wallpaper* contributed its aesthetic vision to the book, bringing new and historical photographs from the Rolex archive that illustrate the stories of significant personalities and their relationship with Submariner watches. Bill Prince, Editor-in-Chief of Wallpaper*, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration with Rolex on the first official book about their iconic watch. “The Submariner embodies the essence of design – its distinctive features and timeless appearance have shaped decades of pioneers of underwater exploration, who are captured in this book,” said Prince. This meticulously crafted book *Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch That Unlocked the Deep* is an essential addition for anyone interested in the history and evolution of watchmaking. London writer Nicholas Foulkes, author of approximately 40 books, many of which focus on watches, describes the opportunity to write the first authorized history of the Submariner as an honor. “Rolex is not just a watch brand, it’s a global phenomenon. There are few places in the world where its name is not known,” Foulkes noted. “As a historian with an interest in watches, I was honored to be able to access the Rolex archives and create the first official record of a watch that shaped history.”

The first authorized history of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch

Richly illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs, many of which are published for the very first time.

The author of the book drew directly from the Rolex archives. This is the only monograph on the Submariner model published to date that has been authorized by Rolex.

ISBN 9781805218937

Number of pages 252

over 209 color illustrations and 41 black-and-white illustrations

Hardcover

Language English