By Jovan K
Rolex is slowly but surely peeling back the curtain on its own legacy. After surprising the watch community last year with its first-ever official publication on the Submariner, the Crown is now setting its sights on a different kind of icon: the Oyster Perpetual Datejust.
Penned once again by historian Nicholas Foulkes and published in partnership with Wallpaper, the new 224-page volume is titled “Oyster Perpetual Datejust – A Watch that Made History”. For collectors, this is big news. The Datejust, introduced in 1945, was Rolex’s first waterproof, self-winding chronometer wristwatch with a date aperture at 3 o’clock; a simple idea at the time that became a template for the modern wristwatch. Hans Wilsdorf himself said it embodied “every discovery made to date” by the brand, and given how ubiquitous Datejust has become, it’s hard to argue.
What makes this book stand out is that it isn’t a dry catalogue of references. Instead, Foulkes zooms in on stories; how the Datejust went from a technical breakthrough to an all time classic spotted on world leaders, cultural figures, and sports legends. Expect plenty of Rolex Testimonees throughout the pages, reinforcing just how wide the Datejust’s influence runs.
The book, published in English and French, is priced at GBP 100 / EUR 125. Pre-orders opened September 9 through the Wallpaper Store, with wider availability beginning September 29. From October, collectors will also find it at Rolex retailers worldwide and select independent bookshops. For those who love the lore of the Crown, this one feels like an essential addition to the shelf.
