Originally, Perrelet’s double automatic rotor watches worked using a rotor on the dial of this watch as well as on the bottom of the motion (as is the case with the majority of automatic motions). The idea was not only to reference that Perrelet was arguably the inventor of the automatic watch (sources marginally differ on this point), but also to increase winding efficiency. The double automated rotor concept birthed the Perrelet Turbine which was designed by Sebastien Perret (originally, at least) for the Perrelet brand.Perrelet did exactly what most firms with a bang product do, and that is simply produce a series of models and limited edition models around the same theme. Perrelet sort of overdid it with Turbine models, and that combined with a poor market took out lots of the brand’s momentum. What is strange is that despite Perrelet’s adequate backing in the Festina Group, they are very silent from a marketing standpoint. Why is that significant? Well, cash into marketing is a very important element of making any luxury brand successful now. It just isn’t enough to have watches in stores anymore.I wrote more about the background of this Perrelet Turbine in the article I linked to above, so let us get on with this hands-on adventure with all the Perrelet Turbine Skeleton version. There are actually six variations of this, and this specific version in steel using the leather strap is known as the reference A1081/1A. The case is 44m broad, which makes it a type of mid-range sized Perrelet Turbine model. It is not so much hidden, really, as inset into the side of the case. The crown has a small fold-out handle which you can use to manually wind the watch in addition to pull the crown out to adjust the moment. The smooth, graceful lines of this Perrelet Turbine instance have always been nice, and I believe that this timepiece collection still represents an appealing and distinctive look.
I wrote about the new series of Perrelet Semi-Skeletonized Split-Seconds Chronograph watches on Haute Living. The interesting like obvious is skeletonized and is a rattrapante (split seconds chronograph). In doing so, Perrelet has given the line a very unique style and high value for the originality. Prices are between about $13,000 – $25,000. Read the full article on Haute Living here.