Patented in 2009, the creative Turbine mechanism has become a hallmark of Perrelet timepieces, drawing inspiration from the aeronautical propulsion systems. While serving a purely aesthetic function, it required thoughtful engineering to ensure the hypnotic movement that characterizes the collection.

The black anodized aluminum propeller, adorned with five tungsten counterweights, rotates in synchrony with the wearer’s wrist movements. As the twelve blades whirl at an ever-increasing pace, the motif adorning the subdial is gradually unveiled, creating a captivating three-dimensional effect that invites the observer to dive into the heart of the dial.

Recently at the Windup Watch Fair in San Francisco, Perrelet showcased the latest member of the Turbine 41 Titanium collection, the Turbine Space Conquest, paying homage to space exploration.

The 41mm case, forged from robust grade 2 titanium, boasts a sleek, contemporary design with a flat bezel, vertically fluted caseback, and prominent crown bearing the brand’s iconic logo. The convex grooves on the caseback with the concave grooves on the case is a subtle yet refined touch. The polished and brushed five-row integrated titanium bracelet complements the watch’s sporty yet elegant aesthetic.

The true star is the lower dial, which materializes during the rotation of the Turbine, revealing a depiction of a lunar landscape, the Earth, and an astronaut. This realistic image evokes the adventurous spirit of the first human to set foot on the moon in 1969.

Large Arabic numerals intermingle with indices, applied to a matte black hour ring and treated with Super-LumiNova for legibility in low-light conditions. The slender red seconds hand adds a vibrant touch to the display, while the luminescent hour and minute hands guide the eye with precision.

Powering the Turbine Space Conquest is their in-house P-331-MH automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. Developed in 2019, the P-331-MH represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, incorporating modifications to enhance performance and reliability. The teeth of the escape wheel have an improved surface finish, while superior quality rubies adorn the pallet, ensuring better timekeeping accuracy. Additionally, a new lubricating system for the reversers guarantees optimal performance of the bi-directional winding system, and the balance wheel is fitted with a double-cone Incabloc shock absorber, providing enhanced protection against impact.

P-331-MH caliber has both COSC and Chronofiable chronometry certifications. Chronofiable certification is granted by Laboratoire Dubois following a rigorous testing protocol designed to simulate an accelerated aging process for watches. During this procedure, the watch head undergoes exposure to shocks, wear, and magnetism. Additionally, the watches are subjected to an aging cycle that replicates the effects of regular use.

The testing includes assessments of the pull and push forces exerted on the crown stem. The movement faces shock tests, which incorporate a “free-fall” test reaching up to 5000G. Moreover, the movement endures 20,000 “impacts” and is subjected to thermal stresses at temperatures of 15°C, 30°C, and 55°C. The entire testing period spans 21 days, effectively simulating the wear and tear typically experienced over a six-month period.

The Turbine Space Conquest is limited to 50 pieces and is presented inside a tactical box, customized with the lunar landscape motif adorning the inside. It is a U.S. exclusive model sold via retail network and Perrelet’s e-commerce site.

Turbine Space Conquest (Ref. A4066/S1) Technical Specifications

Movement: In-house P-331-MH automatic movement, 42 hours power reserve, COSC and Chronofiable certification
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
Case: 41mm × 13.9mm grade 2 titanium, 100m water resistance
Dial: 12-blade turbine in black anodized aluminum, realistic depiction of lunar landscape, astronaut and Earth
Strap: Polished/brushed five-row titanium integrated bracelet with folding buckle
Price: USD 5,450
Availability: Limited to 50 pieces, U.S. exclusive

Learn more on Perrelet’s website here