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Perrelet: The Inventor of Self-Winding Movements
Perrelet are a Swiss watchmaking brand that stands as a true testament to the spirit of innovation. Founded by Abraham-Louis Perrelet in 1777, the brand's rich heritage traces back to the revolutionary invention of the automatic winding mechanism. This pioneering achievement marked a significant milestone in horological history, laying the foundation for modern automatic movements. Perrelet’s legacy have endured for over 250 years, evolving with modern watchmaking while staying true to the values of craftsmanship, technical mastery, and a commitment to pushing boundaries. Abraham-Louis Perrelet’s ingenuity extended beyond the automatic winding mechanism, as he also developed the first mechanical pedometer and crafted watches with cylinder, duplex, calendar, and equation escapements. The legacy of Perrelet were carried forward by his grandson, Louis-Frederic Perrelet, who earned recognition as a watchmaker to the King of France. In 1815, Louis-Frederic unveiled his first astronomical watch and later received a patent for the “fly-back chronograph counter.”
After spending over a century in relative obscurity, Perrelet resurfaced in 1995 to celebrate their 200th anniversary. To mark this milestone, the brand introduced the iconic Double Rotor, a timepiece featuring two rotors—one visible on the dial side and another on the movement—created in collaboration with master watchmaker Paul Gerber. This innovation not only showcased Perrelet's continued commitment to groundbreaking design but also solidified the brand’s role in shaping modern horology. Perrelet have been an incubator for some of the most avant-garde concepts in watchmaking. Their in-house movements, such as the P-321 calibre, have not only allowed it to regain full independence from external suppliers but have also solidified their status as a prestigious manufacturer. Throughout their history, Perrelet have been driven by the desire to create watches that combine sophisticated technical complications with aesthetically daring designs. The result is a collection of watches that stand out not only for their precision but also for their bold visual appeal.
All Of Perrelet Collections at a Glance
Since the 1990s, Perrelet have garnered attention for state-of-art philosophy while designing their timepieces. This approach has led to the creation of collections like Turbine, Lab Peripherial and Diamond Flower.
Turbine Collection
The Turbine collection is one of Perrelet’s most iconic lines, known for its distinctive rotating dial, which mimics the movement of a turbine. This bold design sets the collection apart, combining mechanical complexity with striking visual appeal. Over the years, the Turbine collection has evolved, incorporating new movements, materials, and functionality. Key models within the Turbine collection include: Turbine Evo: Featuring a 44mm case, this model incorporates a COSC-certified automatic in-house movement. Turbine Yacht inspired by marine aesthetics, the series boasts a 47mm case and a titanium turbine on the dial evokes the propeller of a submarine, while the wind rose function offers a unique way to track direction.
Lab Peripheral Collection
The Lab Peripheral collection is a stunning fusion of design and mechanical expertise. Launched in 2019, this line features a peripheral rotor visible through the dial, adding a dynamic element to the traditional automatic movement. The minimalist yet bold design of these timepieces allows the mechanical movement to take centre stage while maintaining an elegant aesthetic. Each watch is powered by in-house movements, demonstrating Perrelet’s commitment to both technical innovation and aesthetic sophistication.
Diamond Flower Collection
Designed specifically for women, the Diamond Flower collection combines delicate beauty with the technical brilliance that defines Perrelet. Each timepiece features a flower-shaped rotor, which moves with the wearer’s natural motions. These watches are equipped with Perrelet’s patented Double Rotor P-181-H movement, a testament to the brand’s ability to blend functionality with elegance. The use of mother-of-pearl, diamonds, and contrasting dial colours ensures that each watch is not only a functional timepiece but also a luxurious statement of style.