Geneva Watch Days 2025 Preview: 2 new women's collections from Perrelet with double rotor

"Cleopatra" and "Joséphine" – these are the names of the two elegant new watches from the brand, which is part of the Festina Group. Named after the most famous queen of ancient Egypt and the Empress of France and wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, respectively, they symbolize charismatic women and their radiant charisma.

The double rotor—one of Perrelet's signature features—is accompanied by diamonds, creating a functional, jewelry-like appearance. It also pays homage to Abraham-Louis Perrelet, who invented the automatic winding mechanism for pocket watches in 1770.

The double rotor, first used in 2008 in the ladies' version of the "Flower" collection, allows the mechanical movement to draw its necessary power from two rotors: the usual oscillating weight located below the movement and an upper rotor located above the dial. The synchronized rotation provides a continuous source of energy that drives the mainspring barrel. This device thus guarantees faster, more stable, and more efficient winding than the single-rotor method. It also contributes to smoother running, resulting in improved accuracy.

Beyond its functional advantages, the double rotor also offers added aesthetic value. Its parchment-like movement, triggered by the wearer's slightest movement, constantly changes the dial's dynamic appearance. With its moon-shaped design and embellishments featuring mother-of-pearl, floral motifs, and precious stones, it also serves as a decorative design element. Perrelet has dedicated a double rotor to Cleopatra and Josephine, both of them.

“Cleopatra” and “Joséphine” – two strong women, two efficient twin rotors

The "Cleopatra" model is inspired by the ancient charm of Egypt and the timeless beauty of the legendary Cleopatra. She was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and one of the most iconic figures in history. Her creation features a central element resembling a lavish yet delicate set of fans, adorned with 30 diamonds and mother-of-pearl inlays.

The "Joséphine Edition" is inspired by Joséphine de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and the first Empress of France. Joséphine's influence on Napoleon was significant. She played a crucial role in the early years of his rise to power. As Empress, she became known for her elegance, grace, and patronage of the arts. The element of this model is reminiscent of a cascade of diamonds, with the stones radiating from the center, reminiscent of a firework explosion.

Light beauties from Perrelet

The “Cleopatra” and “Joséphine” watches feature Grade 2 titanium for their 36.5-millimeter cases and are available with either a polished bezel or a bezel set with 64 diamonds.

The manufacture caliber P-181-H

At the heart of the new models is the 100-component P-181-H caliber with a 42-hour power reserve, an in-house developed and manufactured automatic movement. The result of five years of development, it is only 4.9 millimeters thick despite its dual-rotor mechanism. The sapphire crystal case back reveals its workings and embellishments such as perlage and Geneva stripes.

“Cleopatra” and “Joséphine” are worn on a five-row titanium bracelet, which, thanks to a quick-release system, can be easily exchanged for the included leather strap, which matches the color of the dial.

(RRP €6,000 or €8,500)