Mario Canonizado 
The Swiss-born, Spanish-owned brand has made a play in the dress watch scene with an evolution of their Weekend collection!
When it comes to Swiss watchmakers, Perrelet is perhaps the very definition of a dark horse — a brand rarely in the spotlight, yet one that has played a quietly monumental role in shaping the watch world as we know it today. For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick primer: named after its eponymous founder, Abraham-Louis Perrelet, the brand’s most significant claim to fame dates back to its founding year of 1777.
Perrelet is widely credited as the inventor of the automatic watch — a revolutionary innovation at the time. The use of an oscillating weight to wind a mainspring was virtually unheard of in the 18th century, so the fact that one of the cornerstones of modern watchmaking can be traced back to Perrelet speaks volumes about the brand’s historical significance.
That being said, while the Festina-owned brand delights in experimenting with its beloved creation—championing the automatic movement through dual rotors, front rotors, and even peripheral rotor timepieces—it also takes pride in crafting more elegant offerings. Enter the Perrelet Weekend line: a relatively accessible gateway into the world of Perrelet. First introduced in 2017, the Weekend collection focuses on classic, timeless design with just the right balance of retro charm and modern sophistication, offering refined timepieces for those who appreciate understated elegance. Initially limited to three-hand models, the line expanded in 2019 to include open-heart and GMT variations.
Since then, however, the Weekend line has remained largely unchanged, as Perrelet quietly climbed back up the ranks of the watchmaking world. But this year, the brand has decided it’s time for a meaningful refresh. The Weekend collection has now received a long-overdue remaster, and the result is a new, incredibly refined aesthetic that reasserts Perrelet’s knack for combining tradition with innovation.
Related Reading: In Person – Hugo Lesizza, Brand Director For Perrelet
Introducing the new Perrelet Weekend Aventurine — a stunning evolution of the brand’s staple dress watch lineup. Staying true to the minimalist design language of the original Weekend collection, this latest iteration brings several refined upgrades that elevate it well beyond its peers.
The stick indexes and printed minute track remain intact, maintaining the collection’s signature visual restraint. However, the baton hands of past models have been replaced by an elegant pair of Dauphine hands. It’s a subtle change, but a transformative one — these thicker, more angular hands add a heightened sense of sophistication to the piece, making it feel that much more refined while still staying faithful to the Weekend’s understated ethos.
And then there’s the dial — a breathtaking slab of aventurine. A type of quartzite flecked with shimmering inclusions, aventurine has long been a favourite in high-end watchmaking for the way it captures light. When treated properly, as it is here, it evokes the beauty of a starry night sky, twinkling with every movement of your wrist. An entire galaxy, right at your fingertips.
The wearability of the Perrelet Weekend Aventurine is just as impressive as its looks. With a 39mm case diameter, 47.5mm lug-to-lug, and a slim 9.56mm thickness, this stainless steel piece is designed to sit comfortably on almost any wrist. The sleek profile also ensures it slips effortlessly under a cuff, making it ideal for more formal attire. Completing the look is a deep blue leather strap, chosen to complement the aventurine dial. The strap features a quick-release system, letting you switch up styles with ease whenever the mood strikes.
Of course, all these gorgeous features would mean little without the horological capabilities to match — it is a watch, after all — and the craftsmen at Perrelet are certainly not looking to disappoint. Working closely in partnership with fellow Festina Group brand SOPROD, the Calibre P-321 powers the Weekend Aventurine, serving as its beating heart. Operating at a smooth 4Hz (28,800 VpH) and offering a 42-hour power reserve, this movement ensures that Perrelet’s latest creation is not only beautiful on the outside, but also ruggedly dependable on the inside.
My Thoughts
While I believe Perrelet deserves far more respect than it currently receives, I’m glad to see the brand isn’t just sitting back and asking for it. Then again, given their typically audacious and entertaining approach to watchmaking — just take a look at their Turbine collection — I don’t think they’ve ever felt the need to ‘bend the knee,’ so to speak, to the tribalist whims of armchair watchmakers online.
But with the release of the new Weekend Aventurine, something feels like it’s beginning to shift. Yes, Perrelet is still as horologically flamboyant as ever, but now they seem to be on a mission. Rather than asking for respect, this release feels like a bold declaration — a watch designed to command respect, to prove the skeptics wrong, and to showcase the depth of talent within the brand. And while the Weekend line is more accessible than some of the other pieces in Perrelet’s catalogue, the journey of a thousand miles always begins with a single step — and I, for one, can’t wait to see where that journey leads.
Reference: A1300/H
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 38mm case diameter x 47.5mm lug-to-lug x 9.56mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Blue aventurine with rhodium-plated indexes and Dauphine hands
- Movement: Automatic Calibre P-321 developed by SOPROD
- Power Reserve: 42h
- Beat Rate: 4Hz (28,800VpH)
- Water Resistance: 50m (5bar)
- Strap: Blue calfskin leather with steel pin buckle
