The Perrelet watch company was founded by Abraham Louis-Perrelet in 1777. Seven years earlier, Abraham Louis Perrelet, master watchmaker, wanted to design a watch that could be wound easily. From this vision, he invented a rotating, oscillating weight that is known as the rotor. The rotor developed by Perrelet is triggered by following the movements of the wearer, which in return winds the mainspring of the movement. This invention of an automated winding system revolutionized the watch industry and made Perrelet a legend among fellow watchmakers.
The grandson of Abraham Louis-Perrelet, Louis-Frederic Perrelet, joined his grandfather and began a profession in watchmaking. Louis-Frederic Perrelet’s love for mathematics, physics, and astronomy led him to develop the first astronomic clock in 1815. In 1823, the innovative clock was displayed at the Universal Exhibition of Paris. The talents of Lois-Frederic soon made him one of the world’s most sought after watchmakers on the planet. He designed watches for Royal families in France, which included individuals such as King Louis-Philippe, King Charles X, and King Louis XVII.
1827 market the year Louis-Frederic Perrelet designed, created, and patented a chronograph split-second mechanism. This was a chronograph counter that included a fly-back hand, which is currently featured on display at the Patek Phillipe Museum in Geneva, Switzerland. For his innovative creation of the chronograph split-second mechanism, Louis-Frederic Perrelet was awarded a medal from the Academy of Sciences. In 1834, Louis-Frederic Perrelet was honored by being awarded the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honour.
Upon the death of Loius-Frederic, his son Louis took control of the watch company. Louis Perrelet became a talented watchmaker, and he was also the official watchmaker to the Royal families of France.
The watch brand was re-established in the watch industry during 1995 when the company launched the Perrelet Double Motor. This watch quickly became a respected model in the watch industry. The model features a single rotor on the dial side, which is connected and accurately synchronized with the additional rotor that is located below the mechanism. The complexity of the watch enables the user to clearly see the automatic winding function through the dial. By synchronizing the two rotors, the watch encompasses a more efficient winding system than seen in traditional movements.
Since the creation of the double motor, Perrelet has released several popular collections. The Diver collection was the first deep sea diving collection launched by the watch company and was developed to accommodate those who love participating in extreme sports. The Chronograph collection includes two versions, full-back and skeleton. The inspiration for the Chronograph collection was to design an original take on a modern chronograph. The Classic collection features three different complications, which are available in three different models: jumping hour, moon’s phase, and retrograde hour display. The Titanium collection of watches features a variety of models from other collections but in a titanium casing. The Classic collection includes two models that encompass traditional features from other collections.
In 2004, the watch company was acquired by the Festina group and Perrelet continues to produce stunning and luxurious watches.