Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde Watch Review
The Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde unites the Bienne-based brand’s famous animated dial know-how with the artistic talents of Romain André aka seconde/seconde. The resultant watch employs colour, graphics and text to deliver an interesting composition that’s rich in humour.
Watchmaking – creative influences
Throughout the history of pop and rock, recording artists have reimagined the work of others. Often, when compared with the original, a so-called ‘cover’ pales by comparison. However, there are rare occasions when a well-known track is successfully reinterpreted and imbued with a character very different from the original.
For example, back in the 70s, the British rock group Badfinger released their inaugural album, ‘No Dice’. It featured a song titled ‘Without You’ that reached number one in the UK singles chart in 1971. Later, in the same year, the song was released again, this time by American singer-songwriter, Harry Nilsson. This version spent five weeks at number one in the UK charts, four weeks at number one in the US charts and also scooped a Grammy. Other artists have since covered ‘Without You’, but in my opinion Nilsson’s rendition remains the best.
In the watch world, there have been many collaborations with customisation specialists taking an existing watch and infusing it with an added dose of inventiveness. Recently, Perrelet teamed-up with Romain André aka seconde/seconde, the French-born artist who has worked with several Maisons, including Frederique Constant, Louis Erard and Nivada Grenchen.
Image – Romain André aka seconde/seconde
Perrelet – innovative since 1777
Perrelet is a brand synonymous with invention. Indeed, Abraham-Louis Perrelet (1729-1826) reputedly developed the ‘first automatic winding watch’ in 1777. The modern-day brand continues to show a remarkable capacity for blue-sky thinking. For example, in 2009, it released the Turbine, a collection of automatic watches featuring a conventional oscillating mass to the rear and a series of turbine blades to the front. With a proven track record for creativity, it seems strange that the brand has chosen to collaborate with a third party. I will return to this point later, but first of all let’s take a closer look at the Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde.
Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde – dial and caseback
Customisation specialist, seconde/seconde has revisited the Perrelet Turbine and ingeniously used the rotating blades to create a hazardous scene. A yellow and black pictogram, positioned centre stage, indicates the risk of skin lacerations while at the same time serving as a seconds hand. Some additional text cautions, ‘keep hands clear’ and indicates ‘days since last injury’. This is accompanied by an arrow pointing to 1777 (the year the company was founded). To the rear of the watch, the sapphire crystal bears an inscription, the product of Romain André’s imagination and, like any artistic canvas, it’s signed by its creator. Playful and humorous, the Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde clearly does not take itself too seriously.
Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde – familiar elements
However, on the flip side, the Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde harnesses some very serious watchmaking know-how. Indeed, the model incorporates Perrelet’s in-house Manufacture movement, the self-winding calibre P-331-MH. This movement is used in several Turbine models and comes with the independent assurance of Chronofiable and COSC certifications. It also benefits from a series of refined finishes, including colimaçonné and circular-graining.
The 41 mm case is formed of Grade 2 titanium and coated in black DLC. The bezel, case and strap evince a stealthy character, playing a deferential role to the luminescent hands and indexes positioned front of house. But ultimately, it is the artwork that makes this Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde a ticking masterpiece.
Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde – closing remarks
Perrelet has produced an impressive body of work and has gained an enviable reputation for creating watches that effervesce with energy and ingenuity. However, on this occasion by collaborating with an external party, the brand has created something new and fresh. Indeed, as I look at Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde, I’m reminded of Nilsson’s chart-topper and firmly believe this is the best Turbine model to date.
Further reading
Technical specifications
- Model: Turbine Perrelet x Seconde/Seconde
- Reference: A4067/S3
- 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, 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 rubber strap with black DLC coated titanium pin buckle
- Price: €5,180 (RRP as of 12.2.2025)
- Limited Edition: 25 pieces