The invention of the automatic watch is attributed to a number of different names, including Perrelet, Sarton and Breguet. History and experts may never provide a definitive answer to this thorny question, simply because a great idea rarely comes from a single person, place or time. This holds true for the automatic watch, the tourbillon, and the invention of the chronograph's second pusher. However, one thing remains certain: Perrelet, the primary contender, continues to use the rotor system in consistently innovative ways.
One watch, two rotors
The principle is now known as the Turbine. It involves transposing the oscillating weight, typically found on the back, to the dial side. The Turbine visible on the dial does not replace the functional rotor on the back of the watch; it serves a purely aesthetic purpose, as well as adding a bit of fun, but it doesn’t wind the movement.
This separation of aesthetic and technical functions allows the Turbine to take certain liberties and offer genuine interaction between the owner and their watch without compromising its operation. Perrelet has designed the Turbine with 12 blades that are both lightweight and robust, enabling it to accelerate to very high speeds with the slightest movement of the wrist. A clever optical effect created by the slender gaps between each blade reveals the motif hidden beneath the Turbine. The faster the Turbine spins, the more visible the motif becomes.
A winning hand
In the new "Turbine Poker Royal Flush", the dial background features 12 cards: two royal flush straights and a pair of 7s – a golden hand that leaves no chance for an opponent in a frenzied game of poker, a theme Perrelet is particularly fond of and regularly dedicates limited series to. This edition will be limited to just 99 pieces.
However, the playful spirit of the watch should not overshadow its technical prowess. To achieve high rotational speeds the turbine must be as light as possible, which is why each blade is made of lightweight and stainless aluminium. But lightness alone is not enough; the mechanism must also be balanced to rotate at high speeds regardless of the wrist's position. Following the same principle as a traditional oscillating weight, the Turbine has five tungsten counterweights that optimise its centrifugal force, which is further enhanced by the watch's generous 44 mm diameter. Despite this, the thickness remains relatively contained at 13.82 mm.
In-house movement
Last but not least, the Turbine Poker Royal Flush is powered by an in-house movement. While Perrelet is not a manufacture per se, it belongs to a group owned by Miguel Rodriguez (Festina), which has its own industrial tool, Soprod. Soprod supplies Perrelet with movements designed for its own exclusive use, including the extremely reliable P-331-MH calibre. This movement has obtained two chronometric certifications from prestigious independent institutions: the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) and Chronofiable. With this watch, you can sit at the table all night, cards in hand. Place your bets!
