Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner : The Watch That Unlocked The Deep

“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.