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.
“The Submariner, the archetype of the divers’ watch, epitomizes the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration. Over time it has evolved into an iconic timepiece whose renown extends well beyond the marine world, becoming the true action watch of choice for a wide range of sports and other activities, 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.
As the book’s title indicates, the Submariner truly unlocked the deep. 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 also includes Rolex Testimonees who are featured through the prism of Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, which supports organizations and individuals involved in the exploration and protection of the environment.
An iconic watch ever since its launch, the Submariner is instantly recognizable. Its design has remained virtually the same throughout time, while its technical capacities have been steadily enhanced.
PARTNERSHIP WITH WALLPAPER*
Wallpaper* brings its sharp, cinematic eye to the book, combining new and original photography with historical images from Rolex to illustrate accounts from renowned witnesses to the Submariner’s illustrious 71-year history. Bill Prince, Wallpaper’s Editor-in-Chief said the company was delighted to partner with Rolex on its first official book.
“The Submariner represents the essence of this design-led approach, its emblematic features and quintessential appearance sculpted over decades by those pioneers who led the field in underwater exploration and continue to illuminate our world beneath the waves, many of whom are featured in this richly illustrated book."
“Meticulously researched and beautifully realized, Oyster Perpetual Submariner – the watch that unlocked the deep is an essential companion for anyone interested in the creation and evolution of a masterpiece in precision timekeeping.”
Bill Prince, Wallpaper’s Editor-in-Chief.
AUTHOR NICHOLAS FOULKES
London-based author Nicholas Foulkes has written around 40 books, many on watches as well as other subjects. He describes the opportunity to write the first authorized book as an honour, given the historical significance of the Submariner. “Rolex is much more than just a watchmaker, it is an enterprise with global significance. There can be few, if any, corners of the world in which the name is unknown,” he noted. “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,”
Nicholas Foulkes, Author.
PURCHASE INFORMATION
Hardcover copies of Oyster Perpetual Submariner – the watch that unlocked the deep, published in English and French, are available for international purchase online from 1 October 2024 – visit ACC Art Books for retailer information. A limited number of silk-bound copies are available exclusively through the WallpaperSTORE* for pre-order between 16 – 19 September 2024 and for purchase from 20 September onwards.
ABOUT WALLPAPER*
Wallpaper* is the global design authority, leading the way in architecture, design, art, entertaining, beauty and grooming, transport, technology, fashion, and watches & jewellery. Founded as a print magazine in 1996, it has evolved into a multi-channel media brand. With a strong track record of discovering next-generation talents and creative matchmaking, Wallpaper* is at the forefront of the global creative community. It continues to change the way the world thinks about design.
ABOUT ROLEX
AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested inhouse for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria.
These are periodically validated by an independent external organization. The word ‘Perpetual’ is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. 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. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
