Introducing Perrelet and Emirati Calligrapher Diaa Allam Unveil a New Release

Perrelet’s Turbine collection stands as the modern expression of a legacy that dates back to 1777, rooted in the pioneering work of Abraham-Louis Perrelet, the watchmaker credited with inventing the first self-winding movement. Building on this heritage, the Maison patented its Double Rotor technology in 1995 and, in 2009, introduced the Turbine, an evolution that transformed the functional concept of a rotating mass into an artistic signature. Defined by its free-spinning blades, dynamic visual effects, and the creative freedom offered by the open lower dial, the Turbine has since become the brand’s most iconic platform for technical innovation and artistic experimentation.

Today, during its participation in Dubai Watch Week, Perrelet announces its latest creation: the Perrelet x Diaa Allam, a limited-edition model unveiled exclusively for the event. Introduced on this special occasion, the timepiece draws inspiration from the work of Emirati artist Diaa Allam and showcases a lower dial that merges traditional wickerwork motifs with contemporary Arabic calligraphy. With the turbine’s rotation revealing and amplifying the layered strokes of Allam’s script, the watch elevates Arabic calligraphy from a static art form to a dynamic visual experience—transforming it into the central and most distinctive feature of the piece.

The watch comes in a 41 mm round case crafted from grade 2 titanium with a black DLC coating, paired with a flat bezel. Its 13.90 mm thickness incorporates a prominent crown bearing the Perrelet logo, while sapphire crystals with double antireflective treatment protect both the dial and the case back. The back of the case includes a notable aesthetic detail: an Arabic engraving reading “دقات قلب المرء قائلة له إن الحياة دقائق وثوانٍ”, accompanied by its English counterpart as presented by the Manufacture: “The pulses of the heart do softly chime, life is but seconds—fleeting steps in time.” This pairing adds a culturally resonant and visually refined touch to the design. The watch is water-resistant to 100m and marked “Perrelet x Diaa Allam – Limited Edition 01 of 50”.

The dial is constructed on two levels, with the lower dial featuring a custom artwork by Diaa Allam that combines multicoloured, vibrant segments inspired by traditional wickerwork with contemporary Arabic calligraphy. Above it sits Perrelet’s Turbine system, composed of a 12-blade rotor in black anodised aluminium supported by five tungsten counterweights to ensure precise and balanced rotation.

The hour track is arranged on a matte black ring, combining indian numerals and applied indices, all embossed and filled with white Super-LumiNova, with the numerals surrounded by a printed white minute track. The central hour and minute hands are also white with Super-LumiNova treatment, while the seconds hand appears in red for enhanced contrast.

The watch is powered by the in-house self-winding calibre P-331-MH, certified by both COSC and Chronofiable for accuracy and long-term reliability. The movement operates at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). It offers a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound. The bridges are rhodium-plated with circular graining decoration, while the openworked oscillating weight, mounted on ball bearings, is rhodium-plated and personalized with the Perrelet logo.

The watch is fitted with a black rubber strap and a black DLC-coated titanium pin buckle engraved with the Perrelet logo. It is a limited edition of 50 pieces, priced at CHF 5,180 which is equivalent to AED 22,100.

For more information, you can visit Perrelet’s official website.