he 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, epitomises 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,” said 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 organisations and individuals involved in the exploration and protection of the environment.

An iconic watch ever since its launch, the Submariner is instantly recognisable. Its design has remained virtually the same throughout time, while its technical capacities have been steadily enhanced.

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.

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 authorised 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 authorised 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,” he added.

Hardcover copies of Oyster Perpetual Submariner – the watch that unlocked the deep, published in English and French, are available for international purchase online – visit ACC Art Books for retailer information. A limited number of silk-bound copies are available exclusively through the WallpaperSTORE* for purchase.

“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 realised, 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.”