Rolex Releases an Exclusive History of the Submariner
Rolex has ventured into new territory with its latest release, not with a timepiece, but a comprehensive tribute to one of its most iconic models. The company has introduced a detailed monograph titled "Oyster Perpetual Submariner—The Watch That Unlocked the Deep," which will be available starting October 1.
Rolex Unveils the First Authorized History of the Submariner
This 252-page book provides an in-depth look at the evolution of the Submariner dive watch, covering its journey from the 1950s to the present day. As the first authorized history of the Submariner from Rolex, the book offers insights based on exclusive access to Rolex's private archives, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts and collectors.
The book was developed with publisher Wallpaper* and written by English historian Nicholas Foulkes, known for his extensive work on luxury goods and watches. Foulkes, who has previously authored "The Impossible Collection of Watches," "Patek Philippe: The Authorized Biography," and "Time Tamed," brings his expertise to this detailed account of the Submariner’s history.
Foulkes begins by exploring the creation of the original model. Launched in 1953 and made commercially available in 1954, the Submariner was the first dive watch water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet). Initially designed as a durable tool for divers, it transitioned into a luxury status symbol in the 1970s and '80s, with solid gold versions like the 1680/8. The book tracks the many changes Rolex has made to the Submariner over the past 70 years, including the introduction of the date complication in Reference 1680 in 1969, highlighting the brand's ongoing commitment to refining its designs.
Beyond the Submariner, the monograph covers other Rolex dive watches that have made significant contributions to the diving world, such as the Sea-Dweller from 1967, the Deepsea from 2008, and the Deepsea Challenge from 2022, capable of descending as far as 11,000 meters (36,090 feet).
Additionally, the book includes profiles on notable Rolex Testimonees, such as Sylvia Earle, offering a broader view of the impact and reach of the brand's dive watches.
"Oyster Perpetual Submariner—The Watch That Unlocked the Deep" will be available for pre-order on Amazon for $125. The silk-bound first edition will be exclusively available through the WallpaperSTORE*, with pre-orders starting on September 16 and sales commencing on September 20.
This publication is the first in a series of authorized books that will profile different models in the Rolex catalog, providing further insight into the brand's rich history and its iconic timepieces.
