The First Authorized History Of The Oyster Perpetual Datejust Arrives This Fall

The lore of the Datejust has been celebrated on the pages of Hodinkee from our inception, and many already know the story of this revolutionary watch, which first launched in 1945 as Rolex's inaugural waterproof, self-winding chronometer wristwatch, complete with a date window at 3 o'clock. What Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf described at its launch as a watch that encapsulates "every discovery made to date" would go on to incorporate the distinctive Cyclops lens in 1953, thereby "completing" a globally recognized design.

"Of all its models, the Datejust is the watch that many regard as Rolex's most representative timepiece," Foulkes writes. He goes on to describe the legendary watch as "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." This 224-page book combines new and original photography with historical images from Rolex to illustrate accounts from renowned witnesses of the Datejust's storied 80-year history, naturally featuring numerous Rolex Testimonees, top athletes, and pre-eminent figures from the arts world.

With these books coming out roughly a year apart, Foulkes and his team are publishing this series at an impressive rate, which I find quite exciting. I look forward to settling into fall, hopefully by a fire somewhere with a warm drink, and diving in. It just might be my new tradition!

Oyster Perpetual Datejust – A Watch that Made History is published by Wallpaper* and is available for pre-order from September 9 and purchase from September 29 online exclusively at WallpaperSTORE* in both English and French editions. The hardcover book (£100 / €125 / $135) will also be available in-store at Official Rolex Retailers worldwide from October, and at a selection of independent bookshops and retailers.

For more information, click here.