Following the 2024 release of the official book Oyster Perpetual Submariner, Rolex is once again capturing attention with a new publishing project. The brand will officially release its second authorized hardcover book, Oyster Perpetual Datejust—A Watch that Made History, on September 29, 2025, with pre-orders now available. This book is again penned by renowned author and watch expert Nicholas Foulkes, offering a comprehensive and richly illustrated history of the Datejust’s birth and evolution.
In the watch world, the name Foulkes signifies expertise and depth. Not only is he a historian and journalist, but he has also served as President of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) jury. In 2024, he collaborated with Rolex on the book Oyster Perpetual Submariner, a 252-page volume detailing the evolution of the brand’s dive watch, which quickly became a sought-after collector’s item hailed as the ultimate ‘Sub’ bible. Now, with the same rigorous and aesthetically minded approach, he turns his focus to another iconic Rolex model – the Datejust.
The history of the Datejust dates back to 1945. This watch combined a waterproof Oyster case, automatic winding, a chronometer-certified movement, and notably introduced the date window at 3 o’clock – described by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf as “the culmination of all our discoveries.” In 1953, the addition of the Cyclops lens over the date enhanced legibility, becoming a distinctive signature of the Datejust.
In the new book, Foulkes notes: “The Datejust is, in the minds of many, the watch that most represents the spirit of Rolex.” He further describes it as a “horological chameleon” because, since its launch, it has consistently aligned with the style of the era while retaining its clear DNA. He emphasizes that even in 2025, one can instantly recognize the lineage connecting the Datejust to the very first model from 1945.
This 224-page hardcover book features all-new photography alongside a wealth of images from the Rolex archives, tracing the Datejust’s evolution over eight decades. It also includes stories of Rolex Testimonees—from athletes to artists and cultural leaders—highlighting the watch’s multifaceted presence across professions, fashion, and daily life.
Continuing the collaboration with the design authority Wallpaper magazine, the book will first be available exclusively via the WallpaperSTORE* website before launching globally at Rolex retailers and select bookstores starting in October.
It is noteworthy that Foulkes has completed these two significant works within just one year, a feat remarkable for both its speed and quality. For watch enthusiasts, Oyster Perpetual Datejust—A Watch that Made History promises to be an excellent companion for leisurely reading. Through its detailed narrative and imagery, readers can gain a renewed understanding of how the Datejust evolved from a technically innovative timepiece into a classic symbol of Rolex. With this new release, Rolex’s publishing series formally takes shape, and whether more iconic models will be featured in the future is undoubtedly a topic watch fans will eagerly anticipate.
(Images and article reproduced from [“Luxury Watchers”]; this post is for sharing purposes only and does not represent the official stance of this page.)
