Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium Watch Review
The Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium was recently launched at Geneva Watch Days 2023. Similar in appearance to the existing 44 mm references, this new model is presented in a smaller housing, tapping into the current trend for modestly-sized watches. Executed in Grade 2 titanium, the model is light and skin-friendly, characteristics that confer impressive wearer comfort. Angus Davies, the leviathan from Lancashire, appraises these new models and asks, ‘Does size really matter’?
Does size really matter?
On seeing a size zero fashion model, my wife will often remark ‘she has an amazing figure’. However, from my perspective, I prefer my wife’s more natural, curvy physique. My reason for mentioning this is that we all have different opinions as to what constitutes the perfect size. Likewise, in the world of horology, the diameter of a watch’s case is often the subject of much debate.
As someone who is no stranger to fatty and sugary foods, it should come as no surprise to learn that the circumference of my left wrist is approximately 19 cm. It is for this reason I usually favour watches measuring 40 mm+. However, to judge a watch based merely on the stated diameter of its housing is rather foolish.
Other factors that influence wearer comfort
The length and shape of the lugs, the profile of the caseback and whether the bracelet/strap is integrated or not are just some of the factors that can influence the ergonomic relationship between a watch and its owner and how it appears on the wrist. Sadly, an increasing number of ‘experts’ extoll the virtues of a timepiece based on case dimensions alone.
Perrelet Turbine collection – 44 mm or more
The Perrelet Turbine collection, comprising predominantly of 44 mm models, has proved incredibly popular over the years. Personally speaking, those Turbines that I’ve worn have sat comfortably on my arm and I’ve certainly had no cause for complaint.
The underlying reason for the cosseting wrist fit is very clear. If you pick up a 44 mm Turbine, you will notice that the strap points downwards, as if it is keen to encircle the wrist. Indeed, the watch is predisposed to hug the arm.
A few years ago, the oversized watch was de rigueur but now modest case dimensions are the order of the day. To sate this growing demand for neat proportions, Perrelet has just released a 41 mm version of the Turbine model, the suitably named Turbine 41 Titanium. Recently, I appraised the watch at close quarters and tried on several examples of the model. Allow me to share my thoughts.
Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium – making things a little smaller
While I can easily shrink a cashmere sweater on a hot cycle, shrinking a watch is technically more challenging. Firstly, a smaller housing still needs to accommodate a movement. Few companies will have the appetite to produce a smaller movement, especially when the existing powerplant works so well.
When it comes to making in-house movements, Perrelet has shown it has the necessary bona fides with its impressive P-331-MH calibre. Designed in-house and made by sister company, Soprod, the movement is tried and trusted. Furthermore, it has been subjected to the independent scrutiny of COSC and Laboratoire Dubois (Chronofiable® tests). With much justification, the watch marque has chosen to equip the new Turbine 41 Titanium with the P-331-MH calibre, albeit this did necessitate designing a new case to accommodate the self-winding movement.
Moreover, in making the case smaller, Perrelet had to reduce the size of the display and redesign the bezel while still allowing sufficient space to accommodate the brand’s distinctive rotating turbine blades.
Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium – the blades
Intended to resemble the turbine found within an aeroplane jet engine, the black anodised blades, a dozen in total, are precisely engineered. They freely rotate with the merest suggestion of wrist motion and as they gather speed, show an increasing proportion of the dial surface beneath. It is this dynamic behaviour which confers a mesmerising vista, a characteristic that is common to all Turbine models.
Abraham-Louis Perrelet is credited with creating the first self-winding movement (1777). This clearly inspired the eponymous Maison to mastermind the Turbine concept. However, the Turbine’s rotating blades are not connected to the mainspring as this would reduce the rotational speed of the blades, marring the whirling performance. From the outset, the objective underpinning the Turbine collection was purely to imbue the display with a breathtaking dose of animation, a feat Perrelet has successfully accomplished to the delight of legions of brand devotees.
With its 12 blades, as well as five counterweights to retard the rotational behaviour of the turbines as required, the airplane-inspired system is very intricate. When creating the Turbine 41 Titanium, such complexity had to be miniaturised, retaining the beloved animation while upholding the reliability that Turbine collectors have come to expect.
Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium – dial
With the advent of the new Turbine 41 Titanium, Perrelet chose to update the hour and minute hands. They are lancine-style, faceted and lined with a liberal application of Super-LumiNova, aiding readability in dim light conditions. The even-numbered hours are denoted with plump Arabic numerals, again lined with Super-LumiNova. Turbine obsessives can relax, these indexes continue to sit on plinths that partially project above the rotating blades, charmingly playing with depths.
Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium – familiar details
Appraising the rest of the model’s composition, it becomes clear that much of the beloved design elements have been retained, albeit they have been reduced in size. For example, the smooth bezel is juxtaposed with a fluted caseband and the crown remains prominent without impinging on wrist movement.
Another attribute found on the Turbine models is they do not overburden the wearer with numerous functions. In addition to the hour and minute hands, there is just a slender centre seconds hand endowed with an openworked counterweight. By restricting the inventory of functions, Perrelet affords room for the Turbine to take to the dance floor and show its impressive moves.
Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium – light and skin-friendly
As the product name indicates, the new Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium is housed in the strong, lightweight metal. Titanium is widely used in both the aerospace sector and motorsport industry, selected for the aforementioned reasons. However, titanium is also used in the medical field for prosthetic implants due to its hypoallergenic properties, making it ideal for those horophiles allergic to nickel. In addition, titanium is not liable to corrosion, an attribute that will ensure the case and bracelet retain their showroom-fresh appearance for years to come.
Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium – 10 new references
Releasing the new Turbine 41 Titanium in a choice of 10 references, Perrelet has elected to offer the case in two formats. Four models, each encompassing a different colourway, unite polished and brushed Grade 2 titanium. This also extends to a new 5-rows integrated bracelet, the first time Perrelet has fitted a titanium bracelet to a Turbine model.
Alternatively, the Turbine 41 Titanium is offered in a Grade 2 titanium case dressed in a stealthy coat of black DLC, adding a note of sultriness to proceedings. These models, six in total, are offered in a choice of dial hues and come supplied on a colour-coordinating rubber strap.
Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium – closing thoughts
Over the last few years, I’ve worn several versions of the Perrelet Turbine and have always enjoyed the experience. Although I didn’t see a problem with the 44 mm case, I accept that few brands can ignore the desires of a changing market.
Having worn the new Turbine 41 Titanium, I can see there is much to like about this new timepiece. The execution of the case and bracelet ensemble is superb. The dial remains eminently simple to read, especially with the updated hands and the model still enchants onlookers with its twirling performance. Moreover, with this new model there is an absence of mass and, together with titanium’s skin-friendly characteristics, it proves incredibly comfortable to wear.
I began this article, by asking ‘Does size matter?’. To be honest, I have to answer both ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
‘Yes’, because the absence of bulk makes this watch relevant to a broader audience. If the size and mass of the Turbine 41 Titanium resonates with a greater number of people that has to be a good thing. However, I would also say ‘no’. While smaller usually means making concessions, Perrelet has somehow managed to produce a neater model that features the same impressive movement as its 44 mm siblings and still remains eminently simple to read, despite its smaller torso.
Perhaps it would be best to say this model is a ‘win-win’, both for the brand and customers alike.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium
- Reference: A4066/1, A4066/2, A4066/3 and A4066/4
- Case: Grade 2 titanium, diameter 41 mm, height 13.90 mm, water resistance 10 ATM (100 m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds
- Movement: Calibre P-331-MH, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 25 jewels, power reserve (fully wound) = 42 hours
- Strap: 5-rows integrated bracelet in polished /brushed titanium with folding buckle
- Price: €4,850 (RRP as of 16.9.2023)
- Model: Perrelet Turbine 41 Titanium
- Reference: A4067/1 (yellow), A4067/2 (blue), A4067/3 (orange), A4067/4 (red), A4067/5 (green) and A4067/6 (black)
- Case: Grade 2 titanium with black DLC coating, diameter 41 mm, height 13.90 mm, water resistance 10 ATM (100 m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds
- Movement: Calibre P-331-MH, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz), 25 jewels, power reserve (fully wound) = 42 hours
- Strap: colour-coordinating rubber strap paired with a black DLC coated pin buckle
- Price: €4,750 (RRP as of 16.9.2023)
