In a landmark collaboration that unites horological heritage with high design, Rolex has partnered with global style authority Wallpaper* to publish the first authorised history of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust – a timepiece widely considered the quintessential Rolex.
Titled Oyster Perpetual Datejust – A Watch that Made History, the 224-page hardcover volume is written by acclaimed British historian and luxury commentator Nicholas Foulkes. The book is available in English and French, with international orders opening exclusively via WallpaperSTORE* from 29 September, and pre-orders now live.
This new title marks the second in an ongoing series of official Rolex publications, following Foulkes’s well-received 2024 exploration of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner. As with its predecessor, the Datejust volume presents a deeply researched, visually rich account of one of Rolex’s most enduring innovations.
A Watch That Defined An Era
First launched in 1945, the Datejust was the world’s first waterproof, self-winding chronometer wristwatch with an automatically changing date window — a pioneering feature that quickly became a hallmark of modern watchmaking. Eight years later, the now-iconic Cyclops lens was added, enhancing the date display and completing the instantly recognisable design.
Through a compelling blend of archival images, newly commissioned photography, and detailed storytelling, the book traces the Datejust’s evolution across eight decades. It also shines a spotlight on the Rolex Testimonees – artists, athletes, and icons who have worn the Datejust across generations – further embedding the watch within the wider cultural consciousness.
“The Datejust is a true icon of watchmaking achievement,” said Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communication & Image at Rolex. “Its instantly recognisable design has made it a classic admired worldwide. We are proud to present this first authorised history… beautifully written by Nick Foulkes, celebrating the timeless appeal of this legendary timepiece.”
Fresh Perspectives On A Modern Classic
Wallpaper* Editor-in-Chief Bill Prince praised the collaboration for offering a “sharp, cinematic eye” to the project. “The Datejust has always occupied a special place in the history of watchmaking,” he noted, describing the volume as “an invitation to rediscover a modern classic through fresh insights, previously unseen imagery, and a narrative as compelling as the watch itself.”
Foulkes, a long-time chronicler of the watch industry and author of around 40 books, describes the opportunity as a “huge honour”.
“Rolex is much more than just a watchmaker,” he said. “It is an enterprise with global significance… a participant in many of the defining human endeavours of the last 100 years. Of all its models, the Datejust is perhaps the most representative – the ultimate chameleon, adapting itself effortlessly to every era since its launch in 1945.”
According to Foulkes, today’s Datejust remains strikingly faithful to the original, underlining its reputation as a design classic that has transcended trends without ever abandoning its core identity.
