Perrelet Turbine Diver Watch

2012 sees another variation on the popular Perrelet Turbine watch called the Turbine Diver and it is just that. With a large case, internal rotating dive bezel, and 300 meters of water resistance, you can now combine your love of the spinning dial timepiece with your passion for sport watches. Well, at least I know I can.Ive written about the Perrelet Turbine watch over the years and did a hands-on review of the Perrelet Turbine XL watch here. The high-end novelty watch continues to hold my attention. If you dont recall how it works, the Turbine is a play on the original Perrelet double rotor concept that has a second rotor on the dial which is connected to the rear rotor in the automatic movement. The turbine on the dial spins with the movement of your wrist. With enough inertia, it will spin pretty fast. Perrelet learned that by using large, bold hands as it does here a high level of legibility can be maintained.

Size-wise, the Turbine Diver is between the original 43mm Turbine and the 50mm wide Turbine XL. The Turbine Diver is 47.5mm wide. The case is once again similar in style, with a slightly different bezel design. The watch will likely wear a bit smaller than it is due to the thick outer bezel and internal rotating bezel. The blades of the turbine are sharply curved, this time looking a lot more like a boat engine propeller versus the turbines in a jet engine. With propellers being used for both of these purposes, it was just a matter of time before the watch went from aviation to nautical in theme.Each of the cases are in steel but some have DLC black coated segments just like most Turbine watches out there. The dials are attractive, and there is fun sportiness to the collection. They are whimsical, but also very functional in design. The crown has been moved to 10 oclock, and the internal rotating bezel as well as the time, is adjusted via the same crown. I actually like the single crown design versus having two of them (as many watches with internal rotating bezels have).

Color wise, the Turbine Diver comes in black or blue, with yellow or white trim. All models look handsome in my opinion. I do wonder what styles will end up being the best sellers. Over the dial is an AR coated sapphire crystal, and there should be lots of SuperLumiNova on the dial for darkness viewing. Attached to the watch is a black or blue rubber strap. Inside the Turbine Diver watches is the Perrelet P-331 automatic double-rotor movement. It is a Soprod movement exclusive to Perrelet and both brands are owned by the same parent company. Prices for the watch will be $6,550 or $7,200 depending on whether DLC is used on the case or not. Look for them later in 2012.