Perrelet has recently updated its Regulator family with a retrograde hour display with a model in a titanium case.
Judging by the promotional photos that we have just received, the refreshed Regulator Retrograde in Titanium (refs. A1041/4 and A3014/5) will retain all the characteristic design elements of the collection but will bring in a more subdued, discreet color scheme with different shades of grey accented with burgundy-colored elements of the dial.
The Perrelet Regulator Retrograde in Titanium is a unique model.
While “retrograde” and “regulator” timepieces are present in abundance in just about any serious boutique, it is still hard to come by a watch that successfully combines the two complications into one beautiful product.
The first one that comes to mind is the magnificent (also, expensive) Glashutte Original Masterpiece Collection Tourbillion Regulator. The ultra-expensive timepiece so impressed me when I first saw it that I even used its picture as a background for my “social” buttons banner at the right sidebar.
The second one is, of course, the Regulator Retrograde series that previously included only four versions: two in stainless steel and two in rose gold cases. Finally, they have introduced one in a feather-light titanium case.
Just like the previous models, the Perrelet Regulator Retrograde in Titanium is powered by an exclusive Perrelet P-221 caliber, which is being manufactured in-house by Perrelet’s sister brand MHVJ (Manufacture Horlogerie de la Vallee de Joux).
Although the Regulator Retrograde is shipped in a similarly shaped case, it is slightly larger with diameter increased from 42 mm to a more substantial 43.5 mm.
The dial has also been restyled from a classic to a more modern, art-deco-styled job, which is similar to that in the recently revealed Big Central Moonphase.
Its 12-hour display at the upper part of the face strongly reminds elevator floor indicator dials from the 1930s and the striped sub-dials bring forward associations with the Chrysler Building (don’t ask me why: they just do.)
What is most interesting is that the decor doesn’t seem to decrease overall legibility.
While there are certainly way too many stripes and numerals and hands, it is not a problem to get the reading at a glance when you get used to the design. Both hour and minute hands are visible thanks to a generous amount of white lume on them, and the Arabic numerals on both subdials are also bright and highly legible.
To my taste, the Perrelet Regulator Retrograde in Titanium is a gemstone in Perrelet’s dazzling crown of beautiful timepieces.
See also: Bvlgari Octo Bi-Retro in Steel and Ceramic
Photos: Perrelet
Perrelet Regulator Retrograde in Titanium (refs. A1041/4 and A3014/5) specification
Price: €6600 (MSRP)
Movement: Perrelet P-221, automatic, Swiss Made, 35 jewels, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made
Complications: Retrograde hour hand, regulator
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case: Titanium
Shape: Round
Size: 43.5 mm
Dial: Black and gray
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Natural black rubber strap with titanium deployment buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, AR-coated
Back: Sapphire