Abraham-Louis Perrelet was one of the first watchmakers of significance in the Neuchâtel mountains. Born in 1729 in Le Locle, his gift for watchmaking was evident from a young age, and he would ply his trade with great talent until late in life. Several archive documents of various provenances credit him with the making of the first watches "to wind themselves", and for this reason Abraham-Louis Perrelet is considered to be the inventor of the self-winding movement. Heir to his grandfather's genius, Louis-Frédéric Perrelet, born 1781, was appointed watchmaker to the King of France.
Two centuries later, the Perrelet name has become a brand which in 1995 launched an innovative collection of watches. Named Turbine, its movements feature a double rotor that is visible from both the front and back of the watch. Now synonymous with the Perrelet name, the Turbine is at the core of a catalogue whose premise is originality and quality. From 2004 the brand continued its development as part of the Festina watch group. Alongside the Turbine collection, with versions for men and women, Perrelet implements a distinctive vision of watch design. Leaf-shaped hands have become a distinguishing feature of its women's timepieces, while its watches for men are defined by a clearly masculine style and the seamless incorporation of strap and case.
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.
He applies for a patent for his invention, an exceptional "fly-back
chronograph counter" which is then delivered to him the following year and awarded with 4 gold medals for the models he produced
He is conferred Knight of the Legion of Honour
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.
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.
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 - 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.
Automn - 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.
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.
