When most collectors picture Perrelet, their minds immediately conjure images of spinning rotors and dynamic optical displays from the brand’s flagship Turbine collection. However, during our recent hands-on preview with the manufacture’s design team, Perrelet revealed a remarkably quiet, artistic side of its horological catalog. The newly expanded Perrelet Weekend Stone Dials collection shifts the spotlight away from mechanical spectacle to focus on the raw, natural beauty of rare earth minerals.
Building upon the foundational success of their previous aventurine and malachite releases, Perrelet has introduced four distinct stone dial references: vibrant robin-egg Turquoise, deep star-flecked Lapis Lazuli, shimmering golden-brown Tiger’s Eye, and sleek obsidian-like Black Onyx. Handling these timepieces under the lounge lighting at the preview, what immediately stands out is how each individual dial possesses its own unique geological fingerprint—no two watches in this series will ever be identical.
Natural Gemstone Dial Artistry
Sourcing and slicing natural gemstones for watch dials is notoriously difficult. Stone slabs must be cut down to fractions of a millimeter without fracturing, then polished to a mirror finish while maintaining exact structural integrity. The Perrelet Weekend Stone Dials line executes this craft with exceptional poise. On the Turquoise reference (Ref. A1300/L), the stone displays a smooth, unbroken turquoise sky with subtle micro-veining that gives the dial organic warmth.
Moving to the Lapis Lazuli model (Ref. A1300/M), the mineral composition reveals rich ultramarine tones peppered with naturally occurring golden pyrite flecks that sparkle like a night sky. Much like modern independent horology approaches seen in pieces like the Ming 57.05 Comet Worldtimer, Perrelet balances dramatic visual depth with precise, clean layout geometry.
Refined Case Design and Daily Wearability
The case of the Weekend collection measures a highly versatile 39mm in diameter by 9.6mm in height. These slender proportions place it right in the sweet spot for everyday dress watches, sharing everyday wearable proportions with contemporary steel sports-dress hybrids. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the case features polished bevels contrasting with satin-brushed flanks, framed by anti-reflective sapphire crystals on both the front and back.
Unlike standard Weekend models which feature straight baton hands, Perrelet opted for elegant dauphine hands and slim applied hour markers for the Stone Dials quartet. This elevated hand set catches light across its faceted edges, ensuring sharp legibility without overshadowing the gemstone backdrop. A neatly framed date window resides at 3 o’clock, maintaining daily practicality.
In-House Soprod Caliber P-321 Mechanical Heart
Flipping the case over reveals the automatic manufacture Caliber P-321 through the sapphire display back. Developed and manufactured for Perrelet by its Festina Group sister company Soprod, Caliber P-321 operates at a modern frequency of 28,800 vph (4Hz) and provides a reliable 42-hour power reserve. The movement is finished with delicate Côtes de Genève striping across the bridges and a customized skeletonized oscillating weight featuring the Perrelet emblem.
To maximize versatility, each watch comes fitted on an integrated seven-link stainless steel bracelet with a folding butterfly clasp. Recognizing that stone dials naturally lend themselves to formal occasions, Perrelet also includes an additional calfskin leather strap in the package—a thoughtful addition that echoes the refined versatility seen in dress classics like the NOMOS Tangente Neomatik 38 Update.
Specifications
| Reference | A1300/L (Turquoise), A1300/M (Lapis Lazuli), A1300/N (Tiger’s Eye), A1300/O (Black Onyx) |
|---|---|
| Case Material | 316L Stainless steel, polished and brushed finish |
| Case Dimensions | 39.0mm diameter, 9.6mm thickness |
| Glass / Crystal | Anti-reflective sapphire crystal front and display caseback |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters (5 ATM) |
| Dial Options | Natural Stone: Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Tiger’s Eye, Black Onyx |
| Hands & Markers | Faceted dauphine hands, slim applied stainless steel hour indices |
| Movement | Manufacture Caliber P-321 (automatic, 4Hz / 28,800 vph) |
| Power Reserve | Approximately 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, central sweep seconds, date display at 3 o’clock |
| Strap & Bracelet | Seven-link stainless steel bracelet + additional leather strap included |
| Availability | Standard production model (Non-limited) |
| MSRP / Price | $1,815 USD |
Pricing and Market Verdict
Priced competitively at $1,815 USD, the Perrelet Weekend Stone Dials quartet offers incredible value in a market where natural gemstone dials often carry steep luxury premiums. By combining genuine mineral craftsmanship, an automatic manufacture caliber, and a dual bracelet-strap package under $2,000, Perrelet has created one of the most compelling dress watch offerings of the year as highlighted in recent horological reviews on aBlogtoWatch.
