All Rolex watches are marriages of elegance and robustness, and the Oyster Perpetual collection – as the purest expression of all that is desirable about the brand – is no exception. With a direct bloodline to the original Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch created in 1926, every model in the Perpetual range features chronometric precision, a waterproof Oyster case and self-winding of the movement via a Perpetual rotor. All made from Rolex’s proprietary Oystersteel, with an uncluttered and clean face, they simply display hours, minutes and seconds. New this autumn is a completely revised 41mm model, and the Oyster Perpetual 36mm range sees the colourful addition of a new spectrum of vibrant colours.

One version of the new 41 features an interesting configuration, with its silver, sunray finish dial complemented by 18ct yellow gold hands and hour markers, a subtle but pleasing combination. There’s also a second, equally striking, version with a black sunray finish dial and 18ct white gold hands and hour markers.

So far, so low key, colourwise. But along comes the dynamic Oyster Perpetual 36 with its rainbow assortment of lacquer dials in five new lively shades: turquoise blue, candy pink, yellow, coral red and green.

Each new generation Perpetual has a Chromalight display as the hands and hour markers are filled with a luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow when it’s dark. Both new ranges are powered by Rolex’s calibre 3230, launched this year and at the forefront of watchmaking technology, offering developments in terms of precision, power reserve – extending to around 70 hours – resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, and reliability. And, like all Rolex timepieces, they have Superlative Chronometer certification, ensuring excellent performance.

The Oyster case of both collections is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres, with its middle case crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, which is an erosion-resistant alloy developed by Rolex.

Adding to the overall aesthetic appeal, a concealed attachment system means there is a seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and the case. The bracelet in both ranges is the Oyster bracelet in Oystersteel, with its three-piece link design that was developed at the end of the 1930s and known for its strength and robustness. In a neat modern detail, the tops of the links are satisfyingly satin-polished, while the sides are polished. Each is fitted with a folding Oysterclasp and the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex to offer comfort and the ability to easily adjust the bracelet length by 5mm – the first time this system has been used on an Oyster Perpetual bracelet.

So throw in the international five-year guarantee, and your only question will be: what colour shall I choose?

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 is £4,700 and the Oyster Perpetual 36 is £4,450; rolex.com