Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie

Perrelet

• History
• Philosophy
• Emblematic Models
• New products

History

Founding date

1995

Headquarters

Biel/Bienne, Switzerland

The history of Perrelet

January 1729 sees the beginning of the history of Perrelet with the birth of Abraham-Louis Perrelet. Endowed with exceptional talents, he devoted his life to watchmaking. He revolutionises the rewinding of watches by developing, in 1777, the automatic winding system. The principle of this perpetual mechanism continues to be in use in automatic watches to this day. His expert advice is solicited universally.

In 1815, Louis-Frédéric, inheritor of his grandfather’s watchmaking genius, conceives an astronomical clock, which he exhibits a few years later at the Universal Exhibition. Soon noticed by the royal court, he becomes watchmaker to three kings of France. In 1827, he applies for a patent for his invention, an exceptional “fly-back chronograph counter” which is then delivered to him the following year. Awarded with 4 gold medals for the models he produced, he is conferred Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1834.

1995 As a homage to the company’s founder, its engineers and watchmakers develop a key model in the Swiss watchmaking industry, the Perrelet “DOUBLE ROTOR”. This movement reveals one rotor on the dial side, and is linked and perfectly synchronised with a second, housed beneath the mechanism.

2005 Launch of the limited and numbered “Retrograde second with double parallel rotor” edition, developed and manufactured in association with Paul Gerber, a passionate master-watchmaker based in Zürich.

2006 As a grand premiere, Perrelet introduces a new line dedicated to women, the “Grand Central Moonphase”. An exclusive development, calibre P-1030, which equips this new line, is a marvel of technology.

April 2007 A futuristic concept and vision is launched with the TITANIUM collection which compliments the existing traditional universe. From this point on, a sporting, energetic spirit takes over and is added to the “Double Rotor”, “Large Date Chronograph”, “Grand Central Moonphase” and “Retrograde Hour and Power Reserve” models.

Autumn 2007 Perrelet demonstrates its know-how with the development of the first combination of a Regulator with a Retrograde Hour display. Reading Time like a watchmaker.

2008 Launch of the new ladies collection “DIAMOND FLOWER”. Perrelet subtly draws the ladies into an enchanting universe, marrying watchmaking mechanics with the art of jewellery. A marriage made possible by the exclusive calibre P-181 by Perrelet, the “Double Rotor”.