Oyster Perpetual Submariner: The Key to the Depths — An Official History
For the first time, Rolex is publishing an official book entirely dedicated to the Oyster Perpetual Submariner, the iconic diving watch that has made its mark on watchmaking history. Written by watch expert Nicholas Foulkes and enhanced in collaboration with Wallpaper, the book offers a comprehensive account of this model, which has become a global benchmark since its inception in the 1950s.
A pioneering model, a watch that unlocked the depths
Launched in the early 1950s, the Submariner was one of the first 100m water-resistant dive watches, offering a reliable solution at a time when underwater exploration was booming. Designed to meet the demands of divers, it combines robustness, water resistance, legibility, and precision – qualities that quickly established it as the preferred tool of adventurers and divers worldwide.
A chronological narrative enriched with testimonials and archival material
The Key to the Depths doesn't just present technical facts: it unfolds a truly vibrant story, retracing the model's major innovations and the adventures of the pioneers who put the prototypes to the test. Rolex and Wallpaper have incorporated numerous unpublished photographs and testimonials from prominent figures, explorers, scientists and photographers, which give the work a human and immersive dimension.
Evolution and Legacy of the Submariner in Modern Watchmaking
Throughout its pages, the reader discovers how Rolex has continually pushed the boundaries of water resistance and watchmaking technology, giving rise to now-legendary models: from the Sea-Dweller (1967) to the Rolex Deepsea (2008) and then the Deepsea Challenge (2022), capable of withstanding extreme depths. Today, despite decades of technical evolution, the Submariner retains an instantly recognizable design, a testament to its timeless aesthetics and functionality.
A Book at the Crossroads of Exploration and Commitment
Beyond the history of the watch, The Key to the Depths highlights Rolex's involvement in contemporary initiatives such as the Perpetual Planet Initiative, which supports projects to protect the marine environment. This dimension broadens the scope of the book: it celebrates not only a watch, but also a commitment to the oceans and their responsible exploration.
A must-have for enthusiasts and collectors
Aimed at watch lovers, collectors, and all readers fascinated by the human adventure, this 252-page book is the first in a series exploring Rolex's most iconic watches. Published in French and English, it is suitable for both curious novices and connoisseurs eager to understand the scope of a model that truly "unlocked the depths" of watchmaking expertise.
Editor: Éric Barse
Journalist, entrepreneur, and founder of the websites www.cafe-racer-only.com and www.scooter-3-roues.com, Eric Barse divides his time between his passions: motorcycles, travel, and watches. A graduate of the Saint-Cyr military academy and the 2nd RPIMA (Parachute Regiment) before pursuing a career in communications and digital media, he has a true passion for authentic watches that have accompanied his two-wheeled adventures for many years, from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Latin America!
