Authored by historian and horological specialist Nicholas Foulkes, the 224-page tome—”Oyster Perpetual Datejust – A Watch that Made History”—debuts on 29 September in both English and French. This volume follows Foulkes’s celebrated 2024 study of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner, marking the second instalment in Rolex’s series on its most iconic models. Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, the book offers a vivid exploration of the Datejust—Rolex’s inaugural waterproof, self-winding chronometer wristwatch, distinguished by its date aperture at 3 o’clock. Foulkes traces the remarkable journey from concept to classic, culminating in the watch’s 1945 launch, when founder Hans Wilsdorf proclaimed it a creation that “embodies every discovery made to date.”

As its title proclaims, the Datejust etched its name into watchmaking history by debuting as Rolex’s first waterproof, self-winding chronometer wristwatch, distinguished by its signature date aperture at 3 o’clock. Unveiled in 1945, it soon welcomed the renowned Cyclops lens in 1953—an innovation that perfected its now-iconic visage.

Beyond its technical feats, the book brings to life the personalities who have championed the Datejust—Rolex Testimonees ranging from elite athletes to luminaries of the arts—underlining the brand’s enduring alliances. From its earliest days the Datejust has enjoyed legendary status as a design masterpiece. “The Datejust is a true icon of watchmaking achievement, symbolizing Rolex’s dedication to precision, innovation and enduring style,” reflects Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex’s Director of Communication & Image. “Its instantly recognizable design has made it a classic admired worldwide.”

This in not the first time a Rolex model inspires a book; the inaugural volume in Rolex’s officially authorised series—”Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch that Unlocked the Deep”—is now also still available in English and French editions. In this sweeping narrative, historian Nicholas Foulkes traces the genesis of the Submariner, the first divers’ watch guaranteed waterproof to 100 metres (330 feet), and recounts the daring exploits of the pioneers who subjected its earliest prototypes to extreme underwater trials.

Foulkes illuminates the technical breakthroughs that enabled Rolex to conquer ever-increasing depths, from the original Submariner’s 100 metre rating to the subsequent milestones set by the Sea-Dweller (1967), the Rolex Deepsea (2008) and, most recently, the Deepsea Challenge (2022)—an instrument engineered to withstand pressures at 11 000 metres (36 090 feet). Each chapter celebrates how these models have become benchmarks in professional diving.

London-based author Nicholas Foulkes, who has written around 40 books, many on watches and the luxury industry, describes the opportunity to collaborate with Rolex as an honour. “Rolex is much more than just a watchmaker, it is an enterprise with global significance,” he noted. “There can be few, if any, corners of the world in which the name is unknown. The company has been a participant in many of the defining human endeavours of the last 100 years. As a historian with a lifelong obsession with watches, I was delighted and excited to be given unique access to the Rolex archives, and flattered and honoured to be invited to set down in print the first authorized accounts of timepieces that have helped shape history. I am very grateful to Rolex for having placed its trust in me to be the one to write its story. It is a fascinating tale, to which I have tried to do justice. Of all its models, the Datejust is the watch that many regard as Rolex’s most representative timepiece. However, do not let familiarity blunt your appreciation of what is a historically significant creation that did much to define the course that watch design would take during the second half of the 20th century; the ultimate chameleon adapting itself effortlessly to every era since its launch in 1945, it has remained true to itself throughout, and the 80-year-old original is still very recognizable in its 2025 descendant.”

Available for international purchase:

Online exclusively at WallpaperSTORE*, for pre-order from 9 September and to buy from 29 September.
English & French  edition at WallpaperSTORE*

The book is also available in-store, at Official Rolex Retailers worldwide from October, and a selection of independent bookshops and retailers.