Perrelet Turbine Splash Watch Review
The Perrelet Turbine Splash was recently unveiled at the ‘Windup Watch Fair’ in Chicago. Inspired by the work of legendary American artist Jackson Pollock, and his famous ‘dripping technique’, and employing Perrelet’s innovative Turbine know-how, the dial plays with the onlooker’s perception of movement and perspectives to deliver a wholly original composition.
Perrelet watch
Growing up in the 70s, watching TV dramas, I often wondered why car wheels appeared to rotate backwards. I later discovered this is caused by a ‘strobe effect’. The film cameras recorded the image at 26 frames per second, hence if the wheels rotated at 26 revolutions per second (rps), they appeared still. When the speed of the vehicle increased and the rotation of the wheels exceeded 26 rps, they would appear to spin counterclockwise. What does this have to do with watches? Allow me to elaborate.
Perrelet depuis 1777
Perrelet, a company synonymous with automatic watches since 1777, has become widely known for its highly original Turbine model. First released in 2009, the Turbine features a conventional oscillating mass to the rear, harvesting energy from the motion of the wearer’s wrist to automatically tension the mainspring.
To the front, a series of turbine blades freely rotate, independent of the movement. The small gap between each blade reveals glimpses of the lower dial. The role of the turbines is solely aesthetic, but it has provided Perrelet with countless possibilities for artistic expression and granted the Swiss marque a notable point of difference.
The turbines, 12 in total, are formed of black anodised aluminium and work in concert with five tungsten counterweights. The aluminium is light, while the tungsten is heavy. Once the turbines are in motion, the notable mass of the counterweights capitalises on the tungsten’s high moment of inertia, perpetuating the twirling dance for several seconds.
Perrelet Turbine Splash – lower dial
As I look at a Perrelet Turbine, I’m reminded of the previously mentioned strobe effect, where the rapidly revolving turbine blades play with human perception, revealing increasing amounts of the dialscape below. As the speed of rotation increases, more of the lower dial comes into view, ultimately fooling the brain into thinking the turbine blades have vanished into the ether. Once the rotational speed of the turbine slows, the blades magically come back into view.
Over the years, Perrelet has conceived a varied selection of Turbine models embracing stealthy designs, intricate motifs and/or ebullient hues. Recently at the Windup Watch Fair in Chicago, the company unveiled the Perrelet Turbine Splash. Inspired by the ‘dripping technique’ employed by American artist Jackson Pollock, the lower dial of the Turbine Splash is festooned with drips and drizzles of various bright colours, set against a black backdrop.
Pollock is known for ditching the customary artists’ easel, instead placing canvases on the floor and splattering their surfaces with paint using fingers, hardened brushes, sticks and other improvised tools. His unconventional approach has led to the creation of unique expressions of seemingly random art. In some cases, the American has even been known to pour paint directly from the tin onto the canvas. With the Turbine Splash, Perrelet, a company known for its Swiss precision, has applied said hues in a more disciplined fashion, but the resultant appearance wonderfully captures the random character of the American master’s work.
It is not the first time the Maison has playfully used a myriad of shades. Back in 2022, the firm released the Turbine Rainbow. This watch celebrated each constituent component of the electromagnetic spectrum and proved hugely popular for the brand. Indeed, Perrelet has form for creating art-themed work and its portfolio continues to grow.
Perrelet P-331-MH calibre
While the lower dial frequently flirts with the wearer as the turbines perform their rotational dance, the watch’s brain is a far more disciplined affair. It features the brand’s tried and tested Manufacture self-winding movement, the P-331-MH calibre. Unlike the random appearance of the dial, the movement performs four precisely choreographed oscillations per second (28,000 vph or 4Hz). Moreover, the watch is a certified chronometer (COSC) and is Chronofiable (Laboratoire Dubuis), providing independent assurance of the movement’s horological bona fides.
Perrelet Turbine Splash – closing remarks
Housed in a 44 mm case and limited to 99 pieces, the Perrelet Turbine Splash captures Pollock’s free-spirited approach to artistic expression and unites this playfulness with Swiss watchmaking expertise, proving its integrity is no mere illusion.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Perrelet Turbine Splash
- Reference: A8003/2
- Case: central body in polycarbonate and carbon fibre, bezel in stainless steel with matte black PVD coating, diameter 44 mm, height 13.82 mm, water resistance 10 ATM (100 m), sapphire crystal to the front and exhibition case back.
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre sweep seconds
- Movement: Perrelet in-house calibre P-331-MH, self-winding movement, frequency 28,800vph (4Hz), 25 jewels, power reserve (fully wound) = 42 hours, Chronofiable and COSC-certified
- Strap: black leather strap with alligator pattern, rubber lining and folding buckle in black PVD steel
- Price: €5,200 (RRP as of 15.7.2024)
- Limited Edition: 99 pieces