Complications

Perrelet Skeleton Chronograph Dual Time - A Lot to Look At

The Perrelet Skeleton Chronograph Dual Time is undoubtedly one of the best values in open works watches in current production.  For just under $10,000 USD, you get a very nicely complicated watch (traditional chronograph plus 24 hour / second time zone display) that's both the beneficiary of Perrelet's long tradition of fine watchmaking - dating back to founder, Abraham-Louis Perrelet's work in the mid-1700s and a stand out on the wrist - it's one of those watches that, even to the casual observer, looks like it should cost a lot more than it does. 

I'm a sucker for nicely blued hands against a white or silver dial and stainless steel case - the look is crisp and clean and it gets an appropriate amount of attention.  The Skeleton Chronograph Dual Time take that equation a few steps further with its skeletonized open works dial that reveals a nice balance of steel and gold bridges and wheels, a white outer track and subdial bezels, and the subtle addition of a red 24 hour hand and second zone subdial markings.  Add these to the coin-edge treatment on the case sides and crown and this 42mm Perrelet makes a statement that will appeal to avid watch collectors and to those just interested in owning a great watch equally.

Inside the Perrelet Skeleton Chronograph Dual Time is the automatic Perrelet Caliber P-051 movement - it's a base ETA Valijoux 7750 that's been completely skeletonized, beveled and decorated with perlage.

Shod in a very nice genuine alligator strap and secured with a signed deployant buckle, the Skeleton Chronograph is comfortable to wear and works equally well in casual or more formal environments. 

If you are in the market for a watch with a skeletonized dial and like watches that, while a bit off the beaten path, exhibit the details inherit to a brand of the considerable stature of Perrelet - try on a Perrelet Skeleton Chronograph Dual Time - odds are you won't take it off!

Perrelet Double Rotor - Automatics Part Deux

Very few Swiss houses of horology can claim the longevity or historic significance of Perrelet.  Abraham-Louis Perrelet (1729-1826), the patriarch of the brand, is credited with developing and producing the first automatic (self-winding) movement. 

It's not accidental that one of Perrelet's most sought after new timepieces is the Double Rotor; a signature piece for the brand featuring not one but two rotors, coupled through the movement and producing a dramatic increase in winding performance.  Encased in a stainless steel case that's detailed with coin edge sides and finished in a fashion that you would expect from a house of the lineage of Perrelet; the Double Rotor proudly displays it's nemesis, a functional second winding rotor, in the center of it's dial.  Aside from the dramatic presentation of this complication, everything about the Perrelet Double Rotor is understated.  The large dial (case is almost 44mm's) is clean and uncluttered with central hours, minutes, and seconds hands and a date display that replaces the roman numeral marker at 6 o'clock.  The movement is the Perrelet P-181, rumored to have taken more than five years to develop.  The Double Rotor is supplied with a genuine alligator strap and deployant buckle. 

The Perrelet Double Rotor has a look that's unique enough to get noticed yet still understated enough so as not to make too bold a statement about it's wearer.  Price points for the entire Perrelet line are in keeping with the brands desire to provide "accessible luxury".  The Double Rotor can be had for around $5000 US and I think represents a very good value for a unique complication from a well regarded Swiss brand.