Perrelet Lab Peripheral

Perrelet has introduced a compelling new chapter in its Lab Peripheral collection, unveiling two models that blend mechanical ingenuity with a distinct aesthetic sensibility. The latest additions, the Lab Peripheral 3 Hands & Date Salmon and the Dual Time Big Date Salmon, are distinguished by a captivating salmon-hued dial, a color that resonates deeply within the annals of watchmaking history, now reinterpreted for a contemporary audience. This launch not only expands the collection's offerings but also introduces, for the first time, the option of an integrated steel bracelet alongside the classic leather strap, further enhancing its versatility.



The legacy of Perrelet is intrinsically linked to the very invention of the self-winding watch. Abraham-Louis Perrelet, the brand's founder, is credited with developing the automatic winding mechanism in 1777, a groundbreaking innovation that harnessed the kinetic energy of the wearer's movement to power the watch. This foundational spirit of invention has remained a guiding principle for the Maison. The Lab Peripheral collection stands as a modern testament to this heritage, showcasing a unique and sophisticated approach to automatic winding through its dial-side peripheral rotor, a feature that sets these timepieces apart in a crowded field of horological design.



The choice of a salmon dial is a deliberate and meaningful one. This particular shade evokes a bygone era of watchmaking, primarily the mid-20th century, when such dials were a mark of particular refinement and were often produced in limited quantities. Perrelet has resurrected this classic color, giving it a fresh context within the modern architecture of the Lab Peripheral. It is not merely a flat application of color; the brand has crafted a dial with a unique nuance and a multi-layered construction that creates a remarkable sense of visual depth, forming a bridge between watchmaking's rich past and its technically advanced present.



At the heart of the Lab Peripheral's visual identity is its distinctive case. Fashioned from stainless steel, the 42mm by 42mm cushion-shaped case makes a strong statement on the wrist. The design is a study in contrasting textures and geometric forms. A polished octagonal bezel, notable for its concave, rounded sides, sits atop the main case. This polished element frames the dial beautifully, while the case middle introduces a different character with its brushed finish and a unique pattern of large, sculpted reliefs and fine grooves. This intricate casework extends to the polished and brushed lugs, creating a cohesive and highly identifiable silhouette that is both robust and sophisticated.



The dial itself is a masterful exercise in three-dimensional design. Constructed on several levels, it immediately draws the eye to its central section, which is adorned with an elegant vertical striping pattern. This textured area is framed by a circular satin-brushed ring, providing a smooth, contrasting border. This entire central arrangement is set against the backdrop of the rhodium-plated peripheral oscillating weight, which encircles the dial. The interplay between the salmon coloration, the vertical texture, and the metallic sheen of the rotor creates a dynamic and visually engaging display that changes with the light.



Legibility is paramount, and Perrelet has ensured that the Lab Peripheral models are as functional as they are visually complex. The hands, treated with white Super-LumiNova, offer clear readability in low-light conditions. A particularly clever design choice is seen in the elongated, luminescent hour markers. These indices are applied to the central disc but are suspended, reaching out towards the salmon-colored flange that hosts the minute track. This unique mounting gives the impression that the indices are floating above the main dial, a design that not only enhances the sense of depth but also allows for an unobstructed view of the collection's signature feature in motion.



The defining characteristic of the entire Lab Peripheral collection is, without question, its peripheral oscillating weight, which is fully visible from the dial side. Traditional automatic movements feature a central rotor that covers a significant portion of the mechanism when viewed from the case back. Perrelet’s ingenious system moves the rotor to the circumference of the movement. This mass, which is rhodium-plated with a circular-brushed finish and engraved grooves, rotates around the edge of the dial to wind the mainspring. This innovative solution provides the practical benefit of automatic winding while allowing for a slimmer profile and, most importantly, an open view of the beautifully decorated movement through the sapphire crystal case back.



Powering these timepieces are two distinct in-house manufacture calibers, each tailored to the specific functions of the model it inhabits. The first is the Caliber P-411, which drives the Lab Peripheral 3 Hands & Date model. The second is the Caliber P-421, designed for the more complex Dual Time Big Date version. Both movements are assembled and meticulously decorated within Perrelet’s own workshops, featuring the sophisticated peripheral rotor system. Their presence underscores the brand’s capabilities as a true manufacture, capable of developing and producing its own high-quality mechanical movements from the ground up.



The PERRELET LAB PERIPHERAL A1100/6 represents the purest expression of the collection's core design principles. It offers the essential functions of hours, minutes, seconds, and a date complication, making it a highly practical and versatile option for daily wear. Its salmon dial provides a warm and inviting canvas for the display of time, maintaining a clean and balanced aesthetic that allows the unique case and dial architecture to shine.



The dial of the A1100/6 is thoughtfully arranged for clarity and visual appeal. The central hour, minute, and seconds hands sweep across the vertically striped center and over the floating indices. A discreet date window is seamlessly integrated into the design, positioned at the 6 o’clock location. This placement maintains the overall symmetry of the dial, ensuring that the complication does not detract from the view of the peripheral rotor or the intricate textures of the dial's surface. The salmon hue serves as a rich backdrop for the rhodium-plated elements and the crisp white of the luminescent material.



At the core of the A1100/6 is the manufacture Caliber P-411. This mechanical automatic movement is a testament to Perrelet's engineering prowess. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), ensuring a smooth sweep of the seconds hand and reliable precision. The movement is constructed from 243 individual components and incorporates 30 jewels to reduce friction and wear. When fully wound, it provides a respectable power reserve of 42 hours. Its dimensions, with a fitting diameter of 31.60 mm and a thickness of just 5.02 mm including the rotor, allow for the watch's reasonably slender 13.3 mm case height.



The finishing of the Caliber P-411 is executed to a high standard, visible through the exhibition case back. The mainplate is circular-grained and rhodium-plated, creating a subtle, textured base. The bridges are also rhodium-plated and are adorned with the classic Côtes de Genève motif, a hallmark of fine Swiss watchmaking. The peripheral oscillating weight itself is circular-brushed and features engraved grooves, adding another layer of visual interest. The movement is also equipped with an Incabloc shock protection system to safeguard the delicate balance wheel from the jolts of daily activity.



For those who require additional functionality, the PERRELET LAB PERIPHERAL A1101/6 offers a compelling suite of complications. This model builds upon the same strong design foundation but incorporates a dual time zone function and a prominent big date display. It caters to travelers and individuals who frequently communicate across different time zones, providing practical information within a sophisticated and highly original package. Its slogan, ‘Luxury in Movement,’ feels particularly apt for this reference, which combines complex mechanics with impeccable finishing.



The dial of the A1101/6 is necessarily busier but remains well-organized and legible. The complication of a second time zone is elegantly displayed in a sub-dial at the 6 o’clock position, which also includes a useful day/night indicator to provide immediate context. Taking pride of place at the 12 o’clock position is a large, two-window date display. This "big date" feature uses two separate discs to show the date in large, easy-to-read numerals, a significant enhancement in legibility over a standard date window.



Driving these complications is the manufacture Caliber P-421. This automatic movement shares the same foundational specifications as its sibling, including a 4Hz frequency, 30 jewels, and a 42-hour power reserve. However, its added complexity results in a slightly thicker profile at 6.32 mm. It maintains the same 31.60 mm fitting diameter, ensuring it fits within the same 42mm case. The integration of the big date and dual time modules demonstrates Perrelet's skill in creating robust and functional complications.



The Caliber P-421 receives the same high level of decorative finishing as the P-411, with a circular-grained mainplate and bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève. The automatic winding mechanism relies on the same ball-bearing-mounted peripheral oscillating weight, and the balance wheel is protected by the reliable Incabloc system. The view through the sapphire case back reveals a mechanical landscape of depth and decoration, a fitting counterpart to the intricate dial on the opposite side.



Both the A1100/6 and A1101/6 share identical case specifications, ensuring a consistent wearing experience across the new salmon-dialed line. The stainless steel case measures 42mm in diameter and has a thickness of 13.3mm. A high-quality, anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the complex dial, while another sapphire crystal on the case back allows for an unimpeded view of the movement within.



These new models are presented on a handsome black leather strap that complements the warm tones of the salmon dial. The strap measures 22mm at the lugs and is fitted with a secure clasp. Importantly, Perrelet is also offering these watches with the option of a newly designed integrated steel bracelet with a satin finish. This addition provides a sportier and more contemporary look, making the Lab Peripheral an even more versatile timepiece suitable for a wider range of occasions and styles.



Practicality for everyday use is addressed with a water resistance rating of 5 ATM, equivalent to approximately 50 meters. While this does not make it a dive watch, it provides ample protection against splashes, rain, and the incidental exposure to water that occurs in daily life, ensuring peace of mind for the owner.



The new Perrelet Lab Peripheral models offer a distinct proposition in the world of luxury sports watches. The PERRELET LAB PERIPHERAL A1100/6 (Ref. A1100/6), with its three-hand and date function, is priced at $4,280.00. The more complicated PERRELET LAB PERIPHERAL A1101/6 (Ref. A1101/6), featuring the dual time and big date, is available for $5,480.00. These prices position the watches competitively, offering in-house movements, a unique and innovative winding system, and a high level of design and finishing for collectors who appreciate originality and centuries of watchmaking expertise.



PERRELET LAB PERIPHERAL 3 HANDS & DATE



Case: Stainless Steel, 42 mm x 42 mm cushion shape, 13.3 mm thickness. Polished octagonal bezel and satin-brushed case middle. Sapphire crystal and 5 ATM water resistance.

Movement: Manufacture Perrelet Caliber P-411 mechanical automatic. 42-hour power reserve, 28,800 VpH (4Hz), 30 jewels. Functions include central hours, minutes, seconds, and date at 6 o’clock.

Dial: Pink/Salmon color with a multi-layered construction, vertical striped motif, and satin-finished rim. Luminescent hands and suspended hour-markers.

Strap: Black leather strap, 22 mm width, with clasp. Also available with an integrated satin-finished steel bracelet.

Price: $4,280.00

Reference Number: A1100/6

Notes: Features an in-house movement with Perrelet's signature peripheral oscillating weight, which is visible from the dial side. The salmon dial color is a first for this collection.





PERRELET LAB PERIPHERAL DUAL TIME BIG DATE



Case: Stainless Steel, 42 mm x 42 mm cushion shape, 13.3 mm thickness. Polished octagonal bezel and satin-brushed case middle. Sapphire crystal and 5 ATM water resistance.

Movement: Manufacture Perrelet Caliber P-421 mechanical automatic. 42-hour power reserve, 28,800 VpH (4Hz), 30 jewels. Functions include central hours, minutes, seconds, big date at 12 o’clock, and a second time zone with a day-night indicator at 6 o’clock.

Dial: Pink/Salmon color with a multi-layered construction, vertical striped motif, and satin-finished rim. Luminescent hands and suspended hour-markers.

Strap: Black leather strap, 22 mm width, with clasp. Also available with an integrated satin-finished steel bracelet.

Price: $5,480.00

Reference Number: A1101/6

Notes: This model showcases a complex in-house movement with a dial-side peripheral rotor. Key complications include a large two-window date display and a dual time zone function.