The Oyster Perpetual Datejust — A Watch that Made History Book combines new and original photography, alongside historical images from the official Rolex archives, to tell the full story of this classic and hugely influential timepiece.

Published by Wallpaper* and written by watch expert Nicholas Foulkes, this finely crafted hardback 224-page book traces the evolution of the beloved Datejust across its 80 year existence – from a vision in Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf’s mind’s eye, through to its status as the ultimate watch of achievement – found on the wrist of the world’s leading athletes and artists. An essential acquisition for any watch aficionado, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust – the Watch that Made History Book, is the first officially sanctioned account of one of the world’s most influential watches.

The Datejust remains, for many, the quintessential Rolex, its essential aesthetic qualities acknowledged as the perfect synthesis of sophisticated design and unassailable capability. The first Rolex chronometer-rated watch to be water-proof, self-winding and fitted with a date window, the Datejust became not only a symbol of worldly success, but a partner in life for all those committed to achieving their goals – a determination shared by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, who described the Datejust as ‘the pinnacle of watchmaking science’ at its launch in 1945.

In this absorbing and meticulously researched book, renowned watch expert Nicholas Foulkes explores the evolution of an icon, a supremely elegant status symbol for both men and women, the success of which continues to endure after eight decades.

Of all of its models, the Datejust is the watch that many regard as Rolex’s most representative timepiece. However, do not let familiarity blunt your appreciation of what is a historically significant creation that did much to define the course that watch design would take during the second half of the twentieth century; the ultimate chameleon adapting itself effortlessly to every era since its launch in 1945, it has remained true to itself throughout and the 80-year-old original is still very recognizable in its 2025 descendant.

£100