Perrelet, a name synonymous with the invention of the automatic movement, has once again pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, but this time, not in the way you might expect. They've teamed up with the irreverent French artist Romaric André, better known as seconde/seconde/, to create a timepiece that's as much a conversation starter as it is a feat of engineering. Forget the usual dance of precious metals and intricate complications, this collaboration throws a wrench into the often-serious world of horology.
Seconde/seconde/ is known for his playful, almost subversive approach to originally modifying vintage watches. He takes timepieces and, with a wink and a nod, modifies them, adding his own unique, often humorous, twist. It's a collision of old-world craftsmanship and modern pop culture, resulting in pieces that are both familiar and utterly unexpected. It's a skill and this is a huge draw to his brand, his followers greatly appriciate the creativity and humor. His collaborations are highly sought after, proving that the watch world, despite its occasional stuffiness, has a sense of humor.
Courtesy of Perrelet
The canvas for this artistic endeavor? Perrelet's iconic Turbine model. For those unfamiliar, the Turbine is defined by its namesake feature: a large, 12-bladed "turbine" that sits atop the dial. It's not a functional turbine in the traditional sense, but rather a visual spectacle, spinning freely with the movement of the wrist. It's a signature element of Perrelet's design language, a bold statement that sets them apart. Usually, the underdial of Perrelets show artistic imagery, but this time, it's different.
The
Perrelet x seconde/seconde/ Turbine immediately grabs your attention with its stark, almost industrial aesthetic. The 41mm case is crafted from grade 2 titanium, coated in black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon). This gives it a stealthy, matte black look, emphasizing its tool-watch vibe. The smooth, inclined bezel contrasts with the ribbed sides of the case, adding a touch of visual interest. Even the crown is subtly adorned with the Perrelet logo.
Courtesy of Perrelet
The dial is where things get truly interesting. The 12 black anodized aluminum blades of the turbine dominate the face of the watch. But instead of revealing a decorative underdial, as is typical with Turbine models, they spin to reveal a bright yellow "Keep Hands Clear" warning sign, the kind you'd find on heavy machinery. It's a jarring juxtaposition – a high-end luxury watch emblazoned with a symbol of industrial caution. The hands add another bold design; the hour and minute hands are luminescent, while the seconds hand is shaped like a yellow warning triangle. The seconds hand adds an ironic touch to the design.
Flip the watch over, and the fun continues. The caseback is engraved with the phrase, "I truly love art. But it will always come second. Safety first," a classic seconde/seconde/ quip. It's a playful reminder that even in the world of high art and horology, there's always room for a bit of lightheartedness. The limited-edition number (out of only 25) is also displayed, further solidifying its collectibility.
Courtesy of Perrelet
Underneath the playful exterior lies a serious piece of watchmaking. The watch is powered by Perrelet's in-house P-331-MH automatic movement. This isn't just any movement; it's COSC-certified, meaning it's been rigorously tested for accuracy and precision by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, the official Swiss chronometer testing institute. It's also Chronofiable® certified. It boasts a 42-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). The movement's bridges are rhodium-plated with a circular grain decoration, and the oscillating weight is open, rhodium-plated, and brushed satin on ball bearings, all personalized with the Perrelet logo.
The technical specifications are impressive. The watch is water-resistant to 10 ATM (roughly 100 meters), making it more than capable of handling everyday splashes and even a swim. The sapphire crystal is treated with a double anti-reflective coating, ensuring optimal legibility in various lighting conditions. The indices are trapezoidal and feature white Super-LumiNova, the same with the minute and hour hand, which is top tier.
Even the strap is thoughtfully designed. It's made of black rubber, a practical and comfortable choice that complements the watch's sporty aesthetic. The buckle is also titanium with a black DLC treatment, and it's decorated with the Perrelet logo. It's a small detail, but it shows the level of care and attention that went into every aspect of this watch.
Courtesy of Perrelet
The watch comes in a personalized watch box, befitting its limited-edition status. And as a testament to Perrelet's confidence in their craftsmanship, the watch comes with a standard three-year warranty, which can be extended by an additional two years if registered online. This shows dedication to the craftmanship and materials put into this unique watch. This is a unique touch.
This collaboration is a bold move for Perrelet. It's a departure from their usual aesthetic, a step into a more playful, even provocative, realm of watch design. It shows a willingness to experiment, to challenge conventions, and to embrace a different kind of creativity. This is going to attract fans of both brands and expose both to different customer base, it's win win! It also proves that even the most established brands can benefit from a bit of outside-the-box thinking.
Courtesy of Perrelet
The Perrelet x seconde/seconde/ Turbine is not subtle, it's not understated, and it's certainly not for everyone. But that's precisely what makes it so appealing. It's a watch for those who appreciate the unexpected, who enjoy a bit of irony, and who aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd. It's a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a testament to the power of collaboration.
The Perrelet x seconde/seconde/ Turbine (Ref. A4067/S3) is priced at $5,450.00. With only 25 pieces available worldwide, it's a true collector's item. It's a watch that's sure to spark conversations and turn heads, and it's a testament to the enduring appeal of both Perrelet's technical prowess and seconde/seconde/'s unique artistic vision. This is more than a meeting of minds, it's a true collaboration, a unique mix of art and caution, excellence and rebellion.
Case: Round, grade 2 titanium with black DLC coating. 41mm diameter, 13.9mm thickness. Smooth, inclined bezel, ribbed sides. Crown with Perrelet logo. Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment. 10 ATM water resistance.
Movement: In-house automatic caliber P-331-MH. COSC certified and Chronofiable®. 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). 25 jewels. 42-hour power reserve. Rhodium-plated bridges with circular grain decoration. Open, rhodium-plated, brushed satin oscillating weight on ball bearings, personalized with Perrelet logo.
Dial: Turbine technology with 12 black anodized aluminum blades and five tungsten counterweights. Yellow "Keep Hands Clear" warning sign marked on the glass. Arabic and trapezoidal indexes with white Super-LumiNova®. Luminescent hour and minute hands. Yellow triangle-shaped seconds hand.
Strap: Black rubber strap. Black DLC treated titanium buckle. Decorated with the Perrelet logo.
Price: $5,450.00
Reference Number: A4067/S3
Notes: Limited edition of 25 pieces. Collaboration between Perrelet and artist seconde/seconde/. Caseback features the quote: 'I truly love art. But it will always come second. Safety first'.