In 1777 in Le Locle, Abraham-Louis Perrelet created a mechanism that would revolutionize timekeeping. By harnessing the kinetic energy of the human body, he invented the first automatic watch, a system that freed wearers from winding their timepieces with a key and laid the foundation for modern self-winding movements. His influence reverberated through the centuries; Breguet, his contemporary, developed his own self-winding ‘perpétuelles,’ while later generations of watchmakers built on the principles first articulated in Le Locle. That spirit of ingenuity lives on in Perrelet’s contemporary signature ― the patented Double Rotor. Introduced in 1995, this configuration employs two oscillating weights: the traditional rotor beneath the movement, and a second one visible on the dial side. The synchronised rotation of both delivers more efficient winding, enhanced stability, and a distinctive aesthetic. To gaze upon a Perrelet is to observe a kinetic sculpture that embodies the maison’s DNA.

At Dubai Watch Week 2025, Perrelet presents two new women’s collections that take this signature into the realm of fine jewellery: Cleopatra and Eleonore. These timepieces offer a sparkling tribute to two iconic women, putting Perrelet’s signature double rotor centre-stage in a unique jewellery watch.

The Cleopatra draws inspiration from the last queen of Egypt, a figure of enduring allure. The Double Rotor has been reimagined as a fan motif, set with 30 diamonds and mother- of-pearl inlays, evoking the regalia of pharaonic splendour for which Cleopatra remains a symbol. Each flick of the wrist animates the fan, scattering iridescent reflections across the dial.

PERRELET Cleopatra in sky blue

PERRELET Cleopatra in pink

The Eleonore collection takes inspiration from Eleanor of Aquitaine. An influential figure during the late Middle Ages, she became queen twice. First, she was the wife of Louis VII, King of France; later, she was the wife of King Henry II of England, alongside whom she participated in the Second Crusade. A cultured mind, she cultivated the arts and was also a mentor to artists and writers of her era.

PERRELET Eleonore in black

PERRELET Eleonore in green

Both horological homages are crafted in grade 2 titanium, which gives them a lightness and modernity. The 36.5 mm cases are available with either a polished bezel or one set with 64 diamonds, and are paired with five-row titanium bracelets or colour- matched leather straps. Dial colours – from contrasting black and white to warmer shades of pink and blue, to original shades of green. Inside beats the calibre P-181-H, an in-house automatic movement engineered specifically to accommodate the Double Rotor. With 26 jewels, a 42-hour power reserve, and decoration including circular graining and Côtes de Genève, it confirms Perrelet’s dedication to haute horlogerie standards even within jewellery-oriented pieces. The rotor on the caseback is openworked and snailed, while the visible dial- side rotor turns on a ruby for reduced friction, ensuring mechanical integrity matches aesthetic ambition.

View from the caseback of PERRELET Eleonore, the calibre P-181-H

The collections are the natural next chapter of Perrelet’s expression of time. In 2008, the maison introduced the Diamond Flower collection, transforming the Double Rotor into a blossoming motif. In 2015, the Amytis celebrated the Hanging Gardens of Babylon with petals in mother-of-pearl and diamonds. Now, in 2025, Cleopatra and Eleonore extend this lineage. The automatic movement invented by Perrelet was once a radical idea. But today it is an industry standard. Meanwhile, the Double Rotor, introduced in an era when many maisons leaned heavily on heritage, demonstrated that a centuries-old brand could continue to advance both art and mechanics. With these two new jewellery collections, Perrelet asserts its high watchmaking for women. Neither are derivative of men’s complications, and introduce a watch that is truly created for women.

Tech specs: PERRELET Cleopatra Collections

Movement: In-house automatic movement, calibre Perrelet P-181-H, Oscillating weight on the case back Power reserve 42 hours
Functions: Hours and minutes
Case: Round, grade 2 titanium, Available with polished bezel or 64 diamonds set bezel
Diameter: 36.5mm
Dial: Embossed sunray pattern, diamond index at 12 o’clock, double rotor set with diamonds and mother-of-pearl inlays. Available in five colours: White mother-of-pearl, sky blue, pink, petrol green and anthracite
Bracelet: Five-row bracelet of polished and satin-finished grade 2, titanium, with a butterfly clasp, personalised with the brand’s logo. Additional calf leather strap with pin buckle matching the dial colours

Tech specs: PERRELET Eleonore Collections

Movement: In-house automatic movement, calibre Perrelet P-181-H Oscillating weight on the case back Power reserve 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Case: Round, grade 2 titanium, Polished finish, Available with polished bezel or 64 diamonds set bezel
Diameter: 36.5mm
Dial: Embossed sunray pattern, double rotor set with diamonds. Available in five different colours: white mother-of-pearl, light blue, pink, green and black
Bracelet: Five-row bracelet made of polished and satin-finished grade 2 titanium, with a butterfly clasp, personalised with the brand’s logo. Additional calf leather strap with pin buckle matching the dial colours