• A full history of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch
• The first ever book authorised by Rolex
• An essential companion for anyone interested in the creation and evolution of a masterpiece in precision timekeeping

“We are proud to launch this first authorized history of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch, and we are delighted to partner with Wallpaper* as the publisher of this fascinating history, written with great flair by Nick Foulkes.” - Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communication & Image at Rolex

For the first time, Rolex has authorised a wide-ranging account and full history of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch, in the first of a series taking a deep dive into the watches of the iconic brand. Oyster Perpetual Submariner. The Watch That Unlocked The Deep, written by author, editor, and watch expert Nick Foulkes, is published by global design authority, Wallpaper*, which brings its sharp, cinematic eye to the project, creating new and original photography in collaboration with Rolex to run alongside testimonies from renowned witnesses to the Submariner's illustrious 71-year history, including marine biologist Sylvia Earle, photographer David Doubilet, and aquanaut Dr Joe MacInnis – further highlighting the role this iconic timepiece continues to play in the exploration and protection of the marine environment.

In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex defied underwater pressure by creating watches that could go ever deeper. Subsequent models became benchmarks in the diving world, namely the Sea-Dweller (1967), the Rolex Deepsea (2008) and the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge (2022) that can descend as far as 11,000 metres (36,090 feet).

The book is a wide-ranging account of the Submariner, the first divers’ watch guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), a true breakthrough. Foulkes chronicles the remarkable technical innovation that went into creating the watch alongside the adventures of an extraordinary collection of pioneers who tested prototypes.

Furthermore, Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.

Review

“We are proud to launch this first authorized history of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner watch, and we are delighted to partner with Wallpaper* as the publisher of this fascinating history, written with great flair by Nick Foulkes.” - Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communication & Image at Rolex

“Meticulously researched and beautifully realized, Oyster Perpetual Submariner – the watch that unlocked the deep is an essential companion for anyone interested in the creation and evolution of a masterpiece in precision timekeeping.” - Bill Prince, Wallpaper’s Editor-in-Chief

"As a result, the book should provide fresh, in-depth insight into this seminal Rollie." - Robb Report

"The latest release from Rolex is one for die-hard fans and to many many’s surprise, it’s not a watch." - HypeBeast

"Rolex has promised that this is just the first in a series of books looking at the histories of their iconic collections. Marking a new period of openness and communication from what has typically been a company that keeps their cards close to their chest. " - Oracle Time

"Wallpaper* has teamed up with Rolex and author Nicholas Foulkes to launch its first official book ever." - Acquire

"We haven't gotten our hands on a copy of Submariner yet, but the prospect of Foulkes writing combined with access to Rolex's archives has me excited." - Hodinkee

"This book is not just for those who love watches but also for anyone fascinated by stories of innovation, design, and cultural influence." - The Subdial

About the Author

Nicholas Foulkes is the author of around 40 books, many on watches, and others on subjects as diverse as the Battle of Waterloo and gambling in the 1840s. He has written biographies of Count d’Orsay, Bernard Buffet and Princess Ira von Fürstenberg. He is well known for his writing on material culture, the arts, jewellery and timepieces. Over the course of a career spanning four decades, he has contributed articles to numerous British and international newspapers, magazines and websites. A graduate of Hertford College Oxford, he lives in London with his wife; they have two adult sons.