Rolex is back with another authorized history book—and this time, the spotlight is on the Oyster Perpetual Datejust.
On the heels of last year’s tome dedicated to the Submariner, the watch maker has once again teamed up with the publisher Wallpaper to offer an inside look at the coveted model, the brand’s most recognizable. Oyster Perpetual Datejust – the Watch that Made History will give fans of the Crown an entire history of the timepiece across its 224 pages.
That history includes 80 years’ worth of stunning new and original photography—plus historical images from the Rolex archives—as well as the story behind how the Oyster Perpetual Datejust came to life thanks to the mind of Rolex’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf. From there, the hardcover will explore every detail behind the model, including how it came to be such a beloved timepiece, adorned by celebrities, athletes, artists, and more.
A peek inside the new tome.
Rolex
Rolex tapped horological historian Nicholas Folkes to tackle its latest book; the writer had previously penned the Submariner tome as well, among his many other watch-centric titles. He used exclusive access to the Rolex archives to make the book come to life, so even the most well-versed Rollie fan can take away something new from the hardcover.
“Of all of its models, the Datejust is the watch that many regard as Rolex’s most representative timepiece,” Foulkes said in a press statement. “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 twentieth 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.”
Oyster Perpetual Datejust – the Watch that Made History will be up for grabs starting September 29 on Wallpaper’s website, with the tome is priced at about $136 (£100). And as for what model the Crown plans on writing about next, we’ll just have to stay tuned.
