A 244-page, officially licensed history of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust was released by Rolex. The history was written by Nicholas Foulkes and is available exclusively through Wallpaper magazine. The book serves as the second release in a multi-part history of some of the most popular Rolex watches. The history of the Datejust began in 1945 when Rolex introduced it as the first-ever waterproof, self-winding, automatic chronometer wristwatch with date display. The 244-page book will provide the reader with a historical view of the Datejust, including the development of the model since it was launched in 1945 and the evolution of the Datejust into a design icon.
Nicholas Foulkes wrote about the creation of the first waterproof, self-winding chronometer wristwatch with date complication by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf in 1945. At that time Wilsdorf stated that the Datejust included all discoveries made by the manufacture up until that point. In 1953, Rolex added the distinctive Cyclops lens to the Datejust that magnifies the date window and has become one of the most recognized design elements in watchmaking.
The book also includes comments from various well-known athletes and artists who have worn Rolex watches and have been part of Rolex’s long-standing tradition of partnering with influential cultural ambassadors. Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex director of communication and image, states that the Datejust represents Rolex’s commitment to precision, innovation and timeless style through its easily recognizable design.
As one of the world’s leading authorities on horology, Foulkes lends his expertise to this project as he has previously authored several books on the subject of Rolex and other manufactures. This official partnership represents a departure for Rolex towards producing historically documented information about specific models versus relying upon external scholars for such documentation.
Bill Prince, editor-in-chief of Wallpaper magazine, states that the Datejust occupies a special place in the annals of horological history due to its combination of innovative design and timeless style. In addition to providing the reader with previously unpublished photographs and unique perspectives on the Datejust, the collaboration between Wallpaper magazine and Rolex provides a comprehensive look at the development of the model.
The English and French versions of the Datejust are available for purchase now, while other titles covering Rolex watches produced during the last century are being prepared for future release. The partnership will allow collectors and enthusiasts to obtain a manufacturer-approved historical context for the development of the individual models that were produced throughout the company’s history of innovation.
The coffee table format of the books presents them as luxury items in their own right, similar to the watches that they document, due to the high-quality of their production and curation of visual content. The design publication credibility provided by Wallpaper magazine will add a level of authenticity to what may appear to be marketing materials disguised as historical documents.
