Introducing: Peren Nera Rogue

When watch brands start up, you can sometimes tell where they’re going to go with subsequent models after their first, as there is a prominent design language that just is part of the DNA of the brand. Other times, you’ve got a surprise curve ball coming at you, which is what Peren has done. We’ve talked about them before, and now they’ve got a watch that went in a direction that I wasn’t expecting from them – the Peren Nera Rogue.

The Peren Nera Rogue is clearly a diver, and that’s not something we’ve seen from them. So, where did the idea come from? While brands can sometimes be cagey about the inspiration for their models, there’s no such qualms here. Peren is very clearly – and loudly – intending this to be a homage to the Tournek Rayville TR-900 (pictured up above). What makes this potentially a bit more interesting (at least in terms of drama) is the fact that the Tournek-Rayville brand has been resurrected, by none other than MKII Watches. At this point, they don’t have a TR-900 up for sale, so perhaps no intellectual property issues here, but keep that in mind when looking at the pre-order.

That all said, the only thing I see on the Peren Nera Rogue that’s a mostly-exact copy is the handset, and perhaps the case profile. Otherwise, you’ve got a dial design that’s it’s own (and even the T-R one is a look you see in any number of watches, especially from Rolex), and the bezel insert is it’s own as well. So, while the TR-900 may have started the inspiration, I think this is more a reimagining than it is a pure homage.

What captured me about the Peren Nera Rogue is the dial. First, that’s a lovely deep shade of blue they’ve gone with (and I’m a sucker for a unique blue). Next, I like the “squared pips” they’ve gone with for the hour indices. We’ve seen that used on smaller indices before, but never for 100% of the them. It’s an interesting look, and really hides the shortened one next to the date window. With the indices on the bezel insert, down to the chapter ring, and then onto the dial, it’s almost like peering down a sci-fi tube with lights going on down in. Finally, I like the knurling they’ve done on the bezel, which gives the taste of fluting, but it’s done in a watch for functionality (so you can grip things).

So, in my book, there is a lot to like about the looks of the Peren Nera Rogue. Functionality-wise, the Sellita SW200 movement should keep the three-hander (with date) on time, and the light-on-dark color scheme will keep things starkly legible. Pack that into a 39mm steel case (that’s under 13mm thick) and I think you’ve got the makings here of a rather capable tool watch that will serve you well. While there are some interesting strap options out of the gate, our recommendation (as always) is to get the stock bracelet when you pre-order, and worry about straps later on (though the dark brown leather looks a treat as well).

Which, yes – the Peren Nera Rogue is not actually available to buy just yet. It’s currently not even available for pre-order. You can get on the wait list, and then when things go live on September 8th. The Peren Nera Rogue is expected to have a pre-order price of $450, while eventual MSRP will be $720. While the pre-order launches in less than a month, it’s planned to ship just two months later (November) so it won’t be a very long wait at all. Check out the details and hit the notification list over at perenwatches.com.