Rolex has partnered once again with global design authority Wallpaper* to publish the first authorized book on the history of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust. The Datejust has long been considered the quintessential Rolex—the model that most embodies the brand's ethos of precision, reliability, and timeless design. Now, for the first time, the Geneva-based manufacture has opened its archives to tell the complete story of this icon in an authorized historical account.
Released this September 2025, Oyster Perpetual Datejust—A Watch that Made History marks the second volume in what promises to be an essential series for serious collectors. London-based historian and watch expert Nicholas Foulkes, who previously tackled the Submariner's story in 2024, returns to chronicle the Datejust's remarkable eight-decade journey.
The 224-page volume traces the origins of a watch that founder Hans Wilsdorf boldly proclaimed at its 1945 debut as embodying "every discovery made to date." It was an audacious claim, but one justified mainly by the technical achievements packed into the case: the first waterproof, self-winding chronometer wristwatch featuring an instantaneous date display at 3 o'clock. The addition of the now-iconic Cyclops lens in 1953 completed what would become one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the history of horology.
What makes the Datejust fascinating from a collecting perspective is its chameleon-like ability to evolve while maintaining its core identity, as Foulkes notes in the book, the 1945 original remains clearly recognizable in today's models—a testament to the strength of the initial design concept. This continuity, paired with endless variations in materials, dial configurations, and bracelet options, has made the Datejust both accessible to new collectors and compelling for those building comprehensive collections.
Nicholas Foulkes, whose bibliography includes some 40 titles on watches and luxury, brings scholarly rigor to the narrative while making it accessible to enthusiasts. His unique access to Rolex's archives enables him to illuminate not only the technical evolution of the model but also its cultural impact through profiles of notable wearers and brand ambassadors who have championed the watch across various disciplines.
For collectors, this authorized history arrives at an interesting moment. While vintage Datejusts have never quite achieved the fever-pitch valuations of sport models like the Daytona or Submariner, there is a growing appreciation for early references and unusual dial configurations. A definitive historical reference could well influence how collectors view and value certain variants.
The book is available in both English and French editions. Whether you're a dedicated Rolex collector or appreciate the history of watchmaking, this volume promises to be the definitive reference on a model that helped define what a luxury wristwatch could be.
Hardcover copies of Oyster Perpetual Datejust—A Watch that Made History are available for international purchase online exclusively through the WallpaperSTORE* and select retailers.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust book by Wallpaper* has a total weight of approximately 2 kilograms—4.5 pounds—and includes 224 pages with a size of 24.2 x 28.7 cm —9.5 x 11.3 inches.
Sticker Price: £100 — approximately USD 135. More info on Rolex here. Buy Here.
All Images ©Wallpaper*
