SpotlightA Glowing Kaleidoscope: Introducing The Captivating Perrelet Turbine Hypnotic Timepiece
Inspired by the turbines of an aircraft, Perrelet are known for their eye-catching Turbine collection, which was first launched in 2009. The new Turbine Hypnotic carries the same design DNA but has a more arresting appeal, thanks to the luminosity incorporated in this edgy timekeeper
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Known for one of the most famous inventions of the 18th century—the automatic winding mechanism—Swiss watchmaker Perrelet’s innovations have had a deep impact on the horological landscape. They are also credited with developing the famous ‘turbine technology’ with the launch of the Turbine model in 2009, which was inspired by their emblematic double rotor movement developed in 1995. Here the oscillating weight on the dial side is modified into a propeller, which makes for a hypnotic vision as it rotates at top speed. It consists of 12 blades that come alive with the slightest movement of the wrist. When the turbine is in motion, it gives a hypnotic effect as the lower dial also becomes visible partially—creating a mesmerising interplay of the two discs.
This technology is also showcased in Perrelet’s new launch, the Turbine Hypnotic, which draws inspiration from the Turbine Paranoia—a special edition launched in 2012. This watch featured turbine blades, decorated with a spiral motif in Super-LumiNova, while the sub-dial was monochrome. However, the new Turbine Hypnotic takes it up a notch where not just the spiral motif is in Super-LumiNova with green light emission, but this has also been created on the lower dial as well. So, when the turbine spins, the two spirals merge to ‘create unexpected geometric shapes, similar to those of an ever-changing, glowing kaleidoscope’. This creates a magical, hypnotic effect as one views it with the naked eye.
However, if one were to think that the turbine serves only a decorative function and has been fixed solely from a design point of view, then think again… It is a result of a ‘highly complex construction which involves balancing the blades, held in place by five tungsten counterweights, and requires supreme precision during assembly so that it can rotate smoothly on its own axis and return to its resting position once the kinetic energy is exhausted’, as explained in the brand’s official release.
The new Turbine Hypnotic showcases distinct design codes and has undergone a major evolution in terms of aesthetics. It echoes the lines of the second-generation Turbine, introduced in 2019 with the launch of the Turbine Evo, which comes from the word evolution and refers to the upgraded and enhanced performance of this timepiece. The Turbine Hypnotic comes in a stainless-steel case measuring 44mm and has a black PVD coating, which enhances the appearance of the luminescent material. Water-resistant to 50m, the case features the typical architecture of the Evo collection, defined by a smooth bezel, while the case middle, the caseback ring, and the crown are all fluted. The Arabic numerals alternate with the baton indices—both placed on the flange and are filled with white Super-LumiNova. Even the sword-shaped hour and minute hands are filled with luminescent material and all the elements light up in the dark, offering clear visibility, without compromising the kaleidoscopic effect on the dial. This is offset by a slender seconds hand in red, which provides a nice contrast.
This beaming timekeeper is driven by the self-winding mechanical movement the P-331-MH calibre, designed and manufactured in-house. Beating at a frequency of 28,800vph, it keeps the watch running smoothly for at least 42 hours. This movement is certified by COSC as well as Chronofiable, and has been subjected to rigorous testing protocols to verify its exceptional performance. It also carries high-quality finishes where the mainplate is decorated with colimacon finish, the bridges are circular-grained, and the rhodium-plated oscillating weight is brushed with the Perrelet logo, and one can admire this mechanism in all its glory, thanks to the porthole design of the caseback. It is presented on a black rubber-lined leather strap fitted with a black PVD steel pin buckle.
