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Perrelet pays tribute to two iconic women with the launch of the Cleopatra and Joséphine collections, each reimagining the brand’s signature Double Rotor through a feminine lens!

When we think of Perrelet, the first thing that comes to mind is their signature double rotor design. Yet, behind this hallmark design is a legacy that stretches all the way back to 1777, when Abraham-Louis Perrelet invented the self-winding movement. There are only a handful of brands that can claim such a contribution to the craft, with modern-day Perrelet continuing to honor that same spirit of innovation by marrying centuries-old heritage with futuristic designs.

Talking about modern-day Perrelet, one of the brand’s major turning points came in 1995, when Perrelet’s designers and watchmakers developed a brand-new device that was very forward-thinking, while still staying faithful to the company’s avant-garde spirit. The Double Rotor design marked a real turning point in contemporary watchmaking, especially from a technical point of view. For those new to horology, Perrelet’s Double Rotor design is a “distinctive and unique configuration enables the mechanical movement to draw the necessary energy for functioning from two rotors: the usual oscillating weight located below the movement and an upper rotor located on top of the dial. The synchronised rotation of these two components constitutes a continuous source of energy that powers the barrel.”

The Double Rotor design was first presented in the women’s collection in 2008, with the release of the Diamond Flower collection. The Double Rotor design became an instant icon that presented unparalleled aesthetics in watchmaking: : a moon-shaped design embellished with mother-of-pearl or intricately carved with floral motifs, sometimes enhanced with precious stones. Over the years, the women’s collection with the signature Double Rotor design as evolved with fresh interpretations that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Now in 2025, Perrelet is dedicating its latest creations to two women of strong personality and great stature: Cleopatra and Joséphine. For each of them, Perrelet has designed a new configuration of the iconic Double Rotor mechanism. This move not only highlights the brand’s commitment to reimagining its most distinctive complication, but also pays tribute to two figures whose influence and character continue to inspire.

Both the Cleopatra and Joséphine collections highlight Perrelet’s dedication to blending refined case architecture with richly expressive dials. Each dial serves as a canvas for the Double Rotor, transforming the complication into a decorative motif that shifts with every movement of the wrist. Whether it features mother-of-pearl, diamonds, or delicate textures, the interplay between case and dial design elevates these watches beyond simple timekeeping, making them wearable works of art that celebrate femininity and horological creativity.

At the heart of both collections lies the P-181-H calibre automatic movement, which has been designed and built in-house. Perrelet states that the P-181-H calibre is the culmination of five years of development specifically for the fine-tuning of the patented device, it has a thickness limited to 4.9 mm, despite the second oscillating weight visible on the dial. The latter is mounted on a ruby, rather than on ball bearings like the rotor on the case back.

The movement is comprised of only 100 components, and is able to deliver a 42-hour power reserve while operating at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH). While the dial rotor comes beautifully decorated to reflect each collections creative aesthetic, the caseback for both collections come embellished with a circular-grained mainplate, the bridges with Côtes de Genève decoration, and a openworked oscillating weight bearing the Perrelet logo.

Cleopatra Collection

The inspiration behind the Cleopatra model is the ancient allure of Egypt, as well as the beauty of the legendary Cleopatra herself. As celebration of the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, this exceptional timepiece is distinguished by a central device that resembles a lavish yet delicate fan set, which is then adorned with 30 diamonds and mother-of-pearl inlays.

This new Clepatra collection comes in a lightweight and comfortable grade 2 titanium 36.5mm case, and is available in either a polished bezel or a bezel fitted with 64 diamond for a more luxury, elegant and glamorous aesthetic. The chamfered surfaces of the lugs and case middle also come with a polished finish, further highlighting the elegance of the timepiece. Completing this luxury aesthetic is the five-row bracelet, which comes with a polished-satin finish to match the case. The bracelet is also crafted from grade 2 titanium and features a quick-release system that allows the wearer to quickly change the strap to the additional leather strap provided. The strap matches the colour of the dial, giving the watch a refined monochrome look.

The choice of dial colours is quite extensive too. Perrelet is offering five dial colours for the Cleopatra collection, which include: Perle du Nile (white mother-of-pearl), Azur de Thèbes (sky blue), Rosée d’Alexandrie (pink), Plume de Paon (petrol green) and Kohl Eternel (anthracite).

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2071/1 (Perle du Nile – polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2072/1 (Perle du Nile – diamond-set bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2072/1 (Perle du Nile – polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2071/2 (Azur de Thèbes – Diamond-set bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2071/3 (Rosée d’Alexandrie – polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2072/3 (Rosée d’Alexandrie – diamond-set bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2071/4 (Plume de Paon – polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2072/4 (Plume de Paon – diamond-set bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2071/5 (Kohl Eternel – polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Cleopatra – A2071/5 (Kohl Eternel – diamond-set bezel)

Joséphine Collection

The inspiration behind the Joséphine collection is drawn from Joséphine de Beauharnais, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and the first Empress of France. The central rotor on the dial evokes an ethereal cascade of diamonds, which have been elegantly arranged in elongated lines that radiate outward to resemble a burst of fireworks. With every movement of the wrist, the Double Rotor springs into action, creating a constant revolution which produces shimmering display against the sunray-brushed dial. This interplay of light and motion transforms the timepieces in this colleciton into a dynamic spectacle, perfectly embodying Joséphine’s aura of sophistication and grandeur.

The Joséphine colleciton features the same lightweight grade 2 titanium case, with the timepieces once again being offered in either a polished bezel or one that features 64 diamonds. And just like the Cleopatra collection, the Joséphine colleciton is presented with five evocatively named dial options, each reflecting the Empress’s world and legacy: Perle Impériale (white mother-of-pearl), Bleu de Saxe (blue), Soie des Boudoirs (pink), Vert Impérial (green), and Velours de Napoléon (black).

Along with the five-row titanium bracelet, the versatility of the Joséphine Collection ensures that it offers both timeless elegance and everyday wearability, underscoring Perrelet’s dedication to creating watches that are as practical as they are poetic.

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2071/4 (Perle Impériale– polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2072/A(Perle Impériale – diamond-set bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2071/B (Bleu de Saxe– polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2072/B(Bleu de Saxe – diamond-set bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2071/C (Soie des boudoirs – polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2072/C(Soie des boudoirs – diamond-set bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2071/D (Vert Impérial – polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2072/D(Vert Impérial – diamond-set bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2071/E (Velours de Napoléon – polished bezel)

Specification: Perrelet Joséphine – A2072/E (Velours de Napoléon – diamond-set bezel)