Peren Watches The Ultimate One Man Band Micro Brand

Today I'm taking a look at a very unusual Micro Brand watch company; Peren Watches. The design, the price points and the backstory to the brand fascinate me and I wanted to share my findings with you. 

About Peren Watches

Peren is the brain child of Andy Bica who designs watches inspired by the ancient Transylvanian calendar from Sarmizegetusa Regia. (Ever heard of it? Nope neither had I). Known as the most accurate calendar of its time and the pillar of modern timekeeping, the ancient construction represents the core of every perennial process and the essence of the brand.

Having inherited the passion for mechanical timepieces from his father, Andy had an unprecedented opportunity to disassemble his first mechanical wristwatch at the age of ten using only his father's surgical instruments. (Crikey, what ever happened to jumpers for goalposts at the age of 10?). 

After a series of internships in the Swiss watchmaking Industry, the young watch enthusiast succeeded to assemble his first complete watch. Subsequently, the brand's ethereal existence, developed into a perceptible manifestation when it was registered as a trademark in 2014.

But here is the best bit

Presently, every perennial watch is in-house hand built in Switzerland by certified watchmakers using only first class materials. After the assembly process is concluded the watches are thoroughly tested in order to fit the rigorous Swiss quality standards.

Editor's Pick

I'm going to focus on the Peren Regia which is the latest model that caught my attention. It's a Swiss made diver inspired from an ancient calendar and very transparent. The envelope/packaging is unique, made from industrial cardboard. The packaging compliments the ethos of the brand which is original and not trying to be something it's not. 

I love the contrast that comes in the playing around with metallic accents. It has two bezel inserts case design has fully blasted surfaces. The raised markers creates a 3d effect which is uncommon for dive watches. The 12 spot holds a window date, again very unusual. Some feedback has criticised that design element saying it makes the watch 'look upside down'. But I dig it. 

The dial is generally quite minimalist and offers a lot of breathing space. The lume looks beautiful with the embossed markers but also on the triangle on the 12 position of the bezel. The design works with all sorts of coloured rubbers but it also comes on the bracelet too. 

Spec details

• Powered by a Sellita SW200-1 In house regulated movement

• Marine Grade 316L Stainless Steel bead-blasted and polished by hand.

• Conical 120 clicks rotating bezel with Aluminium bezel insert topped by 3 layered anti-reflective Sapphire Crystal. 

YouTube feedback

From Brave Beaters Review,

I always liked their 'brave' different designs, but didn't really look too closely as it's not really my genre. There is a cohesion and elegance to the idiosyncratic design that becomes more subtle with this bezel as the watch seems to appear optically smaller. This surely must be about the least boring monochrome dial around and actually I think I might just wear it. If that price is for the watch shipped from Romania and thus Europe, I think the value is truly excellent and getting one just comes down to priority and bravery. 

Available on the Peren Watches website (currently £691). 

If you work for Peren Watches and you happen to come across this article, I would love to be involved with future campaigns or press days. Please get in touch.