WATCH REVIEW Perrelet Turbine

A watch that is highly original

When the automatic rotor of a watch splits itself in two parts, like the caterpillar becomes a butterfly, and takes its flight by becoming a turbine laid on the dial, and freeing itself by the way from its role of assembling the movement, the amateur remains astonished!

First of all, astonished by the roaring of the engine, which by starting at every movement of the wrist, reminds through its sound the flight of a bee swarm.

Astonished then by the optical effect that provides the movement of the twelve titanium blades (of which 6 are ballasted with tungsten marbles), contrasting with the back’s index of the dial.

But what do we have to deal with? A one-armed bandit launched amidst action? The sectors of a radar screen that have driven crazy?

The press release informs us: no, it is merely the latest discovery that results from the Perrelet’s incursion in the aeronautical sector, “pioneer in matter of the development of the perpetual movement since 1777”. And hence “pays attention to any invention that can generate its own energy”.

In this case, it is the gas turbine engine that inspires the design of this amazing watch.

Visual and sounds effects guaranteed !

Let’s come down to earth for some moments.

So, what is this astounding discovery? What does it bring new?

Up to now, the Perrelet’s double rotor is known as the one that ensures the winding of the mechanism (one on the dial side and the other one on the back side).

Here, the second rotor – withdrew from the movement and thus from the frictions and inherent slow down of the humble function of winding – goes literally freewheel for the pleasure of the eyes.

Let’s reassure the populations: turbine for sure, but no greenhouse gases within this watch!

The module remains mechanical, but generates a renewed visual and sound effect.

It is a regret that the colored zones of the dial are not made of bright material to “launch” the turbine at night.

The amateur has to face the facts: this development is then totally useless from a purely technical point of view.

But when with a neglected arm’s movement, in order to put his glass, he launches what one of his mischievous friend has qualified of “gas plant”, the conversation stops around the table full of cocktails and every eyes stare his wrist: the effect is guaranteed!

A comfortable watch

Although the 44 mm diameter is quite generous, the casing’s curve designed in the shape of a reactor, the integration of the comfortable rubber strap in the lugs and the lightness of the titanium give a comfort to the wrist to the point to almost forget it – if the turbine does not opportunely reminds its presence.

The almost invisible crown that is manipulated with a kind of lever contributes to the lightness of the whole.