SpotlightThe Unconventional And The Unusual: The Perrelet Turbine Skull Is Not Everyone’s Cup Of Tea

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you notice a sign represented by a skull and two bones? Most people would be quick to turn around and say ‘danger’—a ubiquitous representation of this logo. But a skull motif also has other cool connotations, especially if you are someone who is enamoured by the goth aesthetic or are an ardent follower of heavy metal or rock music. The watch industry, too, has been experimenting with this theme and some brands have created outstanding renditions that resonate with their audiences and among them, the new Perrelet Turbine Skull is worth mentioning. This modern and stylish watch truly keeps up with the times and is available in two limited-editions of 99 pieces each. Here’s a quick overview.

The Perrelet Turbine Skull has deep roots in the ‘Memento Mori’ philosophy—a Latin phrase, which translates to: Remember you must die. It also refers to an object kept as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of earthly life. And this new watch is an artistic creation that combines design and innovation: The skull motif doing justice to the former and the Double Rotor technology demonstrating the latter.

The watch is offered in two versions: a stainless-steel case with a blue dial and a blackened steel case with display in the same shade. The round case, measuring 44mm harks back to the aesthetics of the first-generation Turbine line, with a caseband decorated with wide grooves, an integrated crown and elongated lugs. They offer a water-resistance of up to 50m and are presented on matte alligator-pattern leather straps matching the respective dial hues, and are secured to the wrist with the help of a folding clasp.

The watch is offered in two versions: a stainless-steel case with a blue dial and a blackened steel case with display in the same shade. The round case, measuring 44mm harks back to the aesthetics of the first-generation Turbine line, with a caseband decorated with wide grooves, an integrated crown and elongated lugs

The dial is obviously a highlight here, as the top layer features the 12 turbine blades (in blue or black anodised aluminium), while the lower dial has been given a guilloche finish. This creates visual depth and enhances the three-dimensionality of the skull in relief. The minute flange and the hour track are also in the same dial hues (blue or black) with a mix of baton hour markers and Arabic numerals, both coated with luminescent material like the hands.

The dial is obviously a highlight here, as the top layer features the 12 turbine blades (in blue or black anodised aluminium), while the lower dial has been given a guilloche finish

The movement can be vied from the sapphire crystal porthole design on the caseback, which also reveals impeccable finishing—a hallmark of high-end Swiss fine watchmaking

The Turbine Skull is driven by the P-331-MH calibre—a self-winding movement designed and manufactured in-house. It is provides extreme precision as it beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and supplies the watch with a 42-hour power reserve. It is COSC-certified and also boasts the Chronofiable certification, which ‘assesses the operational reliability of a product using accelerated cycles of ageing that best reproduce real-life conditions of the wearer’. This powerhouse can be vied from the sapphire crystal porthole design on the caseback, which also reveals impeccable finishing of the movement—a hallmark of high-end Swiss fine watchmaking

The two models come in an exquisite presentation box that also includes an additional rubber strap and a fastening tool for a quick change, which can be done conveniently at home.