Rolex Is Publishing Its First-Ever Book on One of Its Most Iconic Watches

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The Rolex Submariner might be the most famous timepiece in the world—so much so that it’s often what comes to mind when one speaks the very word “watch.” Now, finally, comes Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch That Unlocked the Deep, an entire book dedicated to the Submariner, and the very first authorized title from the notoriously walled-off Rolex.

There have of course been plenty of books about Rolex, so what’s so exciting about this one? First of all, the fact the book is authorized by the famously secretive brand itself is notable. Rolex’s participation may have resulted in some unusual access to archival information for the author, which could provide new scholarship on the Sub. (Even the fact that Rolex’s comms director offered a quote in the press release feels like receiving a transmission from an alien world.) Secondly, that it’s published by Wallpaper*, a design-focused title, will no doubt make for a well-laid-out and illustrated piece of reference material. In even more exciting news: this is only the first in a series of authorized books set to explore the Rolex catalog.

An authorized book is especially important for a watch like the Submariner and a brand like Rolex. Despite debuting in 1953 this model remains an object of huge fascination. Seasoned collectors scrutinize minutiae between reference numbers the way law students pore over torts at Harvard. Different variations of the Submariners are prized for their distinguishing features, like their “Big Crowns,” dials printed with a small “T”, or coronets that resemble Bart Simpson. That is why it’s all the more exciting for us horo-geeks that Nicholas Foulkes, a widely published authority on all things watches, has penned an officially authorized biography of the Submariner published by the design magazine Wallpaper*. A 252-page hardcover tome covers the 71-year history of the Sub in all its undersea glory. You can pre-order the book, roughly $130, on Wallpaper*’s site starting September 16th.

Oyster Perpetual Submariner – The Watch That Unlocked the Deep will dive into every facet of the watch’s history. Foulkes will recount the creation of the piece and technical breakthroughs that contributed to its development. The new bible for Rolex collectors will also include stories of those who first tested Submariner prototypes. There are even vintage advertisements—catnip for watch enthusiasts—embedded throughout. “The Submariner, the archetype of the divers’ watch, epitomizes the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration,” Arnaud Boetsch, director of communication and image at Rolex, said in a press release. “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.”