For decades, Rolex has been synonymous with secrecy, guarding its heritage with unparalleled discretion. The release of The replica Watch That Unlocked The Deep by Nicholas Foulkes - a groundbreaking collaboration between Rolex and Wallpaper* - marks a seismic shift. This 252-page volume, the first in a planned series, grants unprecedented access to Rolex's meticulously preserved archives, dispelling myths and unveiling long-held secrets about the iconic Submariner. Below, we explore five pivotal revelations that redefine our understanding of this legendary watch. 1. The Explorer's Unlikely Legacy: Birth of the Submariner Contrary to the widely accepted narrative that the Submariner debuted alongside the Explorer and Turn-O-Graph in 1954, Foulkes' research reveals a more nuanced origin. Drawing from internal correspondence and shipping records, the book traces the Submariner's lineage to the ref. 6150 Explorer. Beginning in 1952, British Royal Navy divers provided critical feedback during rigorous testing, prompting Rolex to modify the Explorer's design. By September 1953, prototypes featuring a larger dial and rotating bezel - developed in collaboration with the Admiralty - were delivered. This evolution culminated in the official 1954 launch, positioning the Submariner not as a sibling to the Explorer, but as its direct descendant. 2. From "Pièce Rebikoff" to Sub-Aqua: The Naming Odyssey The Submariner's name was far from inevitable. Early internal documents reference "Pièce Rebikoff," honoring underwater photography pioneer Dimitri Rebikoff, whose input shaped the watch's functionality. Fake Rolex also flirted with names like "Nautilus" and "Frogman," the latter dismissed by founder Hans Wilsdorf as "less dignified." Post-launch, a trademark dispute in the U.S. forced Rolex to briefly adopt "Sub-Aqua" - a moniker found on exceedingly rare dials. The final decision, captured in a 1953 technical meeting, cemented "Submariner" as a testament to the watch's aquatic prowess. 3. Dimitri Rebikoff's Practical Vision: Eliminating the Red Triangle Rebikoff's influence extended beyond nomenclature. His April 1953 critique of the original red triangle bezel marker - a feature rendered invisible underwater - prompted swift action. Rolex director René-Paul Jeanneret confirmed plans to replace it with a luminous white triangle, enhancing legibility for divers. This pivotal adjustment, implemented by 1954, underscores Rebikoff's role in refining the Submariner's utilitarian design, ensuring its reliability in extreme conditions. 4. The Turn-O-Graph: Rolex's Forgotten Contender Despite the Submariner's eventual dominance, replica Rolex initially pinned commercial hopes on the Turn-O-Graph, a versatile model boasting the same rotating bezel. Launched concurrently at the 1954 Basel Fair, the Turn-O-Graph was marketed as "the watch with a thousand and one uses." Yet, consumer appetite leaned decisively toward the Submariner's specialized diving capabilities. Today, the Turn-O-Graph remains a rare footnote, overshadowed by its sibling's meteoric rise - a cautionary tale of market misjudgment. 5. Production Numbers: Rolex Lifts the Veil on Vintage Rarity In a historic departure from tradition, the book includes estimated production figures for every Submariner reference - data Rolex has guarded for decades. Highlights include: Ref. 6200 "King Sub": Confirmed at 303 units, validating its status as the rarest model. Ref. 5512 vs. 5513: The chronometer-certified 5512 (17,338 units) commands a premium despite being vastly outnumbered by the 5513 (151,449 units). These figures not only validate decades of collector speculation but also offer a benchmark for assessing rarity and value in the vintage market. Foulkes' work transcends mere horological history; it is a masterclass in corporate transparency. By illuminating the Submariner's origins, iterative design, and production legacy, Rolex has redefined its relationship with enthusiasts. For collectors and historians alike, The Watch That Unlocked The Deep is less a book than a key - to vaults once sealed, now open for discovery.