When Patek Philippe’s casual chic watch the Aquanaut was introduced in 1997, its stylish cushion shape paired with a refined yet sporty aesthetic was much admired from launch. It was joined seven years later by a version for ladies, the Aquanaut Luce, audaciously uniting the elegant steel sports watch with gem setting for a unique style, suitable for every occasion. This original Luce shone with the fire of diamonds haloed round the bezel, giving the timepiece its name, as “Luce” is Italian for “light”.

Last year, Patek Philippe gifted the Aquanaut Luce collection its own complication, a second time zone for convenient and simple timekeeping when travelling. The innovative quartz movement of the Aquanaut Luce Travel Time Ref. 5269/200R-001 allows the setting of the local time with the crown, while the subtle richness of the rose gold case complements the matt white dial and strap.

Now the luminosity is turned up to full spectrum with the newest addition, the Ref. 7968/300R-001 Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Chronograph. This beauty contains a second additional function with its chronograph movement – in fact, it has the accolade of being the first self-winding Patek Philippe ladies’ chronograph, also with a flyback function. The 39.9mm rose gold case houses the impressive mechanical prowess inside, while the exterior shines brightly as the 40 baguette diamonds and 40 baguette sapphires in colours of the rainbow, invisibly set in the bezel, discreetly catch the light.

The dial is in delicate yet powerful white mother-of-pearl engraved with the signature Aquanaut pattern, and features multicoloured baguette sapphire hour markers and gold applied numerals. The watch is completed by three ‘ultra-resistant’ composite straps, one each in red, matt beige and matt white, with a diamond-set patented fold-over clasp. The three tones create versatility with different moods and a change of the watch’s character, from sporty to dashing to ultimate chic.

With this stunning timepiece, spirited sporty looks are combined with the jeweller’s art to deliver a contemporary companion of enduring style. In other hands, this watch could sound ostentatious. With Patek Philippe’s expertise, the new Aquanaut Luce is as sophisticated and fun as it is modern and – somehow – restrained, illuminating the light touch of the master watchmaker.

£171,420; patek.com; Patek Philippe Salon, 16 New Bond Street, W1S 3SU