COLOUR POP

Easily the brand’s most versatile design, the introduction of the 41mm version, which replaces the 39, addresses a market gap with a fresh take on a venerable range

- JONATHAN HO

Although the Rolex Submariner was a fortuitous addition to the novelties of 2020, perhaps the biggest splash of all was reserved for the humble Oyster Perpetual collection. Indeed, we hear demand for these watches has hit an all-time high, and rightly so. To summarise, there is a new series of 36mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches, in addition to the new model to the range, the 41mm Oyster Perpetual. Unlike predecessor models, which tilted towards a more sophisticated and refined aesthetic, the new Oyster Perpetual 36 sports a dynamic and vibrant new look, offering lacquer dials in five new colours: candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green.

Underneath the colourful exterior is the latest inhouse calibre 3230, the same movement which made its debut in the new 41mm no-date Submariner. Where the Oyster Perpetual 41 presented the typical elegant aesthetic courtesy of its silver, sunray-finish dial graced with hands and hour markers executed in yellow gold, the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 brings unexpected colourways. This adds to the classic refinement on display from the scintillating profile of the Oyster case made from robust Oystersteel, perhaps the most iconic in all of fine watchmaking.