MICRO MONDAYS: The Peren Nera Rogue BW is a keenly priced dive watch with a stealth-driven look
Fergus NashPeren can be a confusing brand for people who are new to their concept, but despite a rather baffling backstory including a ransomed prototype, the new limited edition of the Peren Nera Rogue is perhaps the brand’s most versatile watch yet. If you’re looking for a traditional dive watch with a stealth-driven look, the Peren Nera Rogue BW is here to offer you affordable Transylvanian edge.
The case
The original Peren Nera shares the vast majority of its features with the Nera Rogue, but the use of a bezel insert with markings makes it a much more practical watch, even if they are blacked out for a darker vibe. The roots of the case design stem from an abandoned tribute to the Tornek-Rayville TR-900, and although the Peren is definitely beyond recognition as a homage goes, the traces of that MIL-SPEC diver can still be seen in the sweeping, lengthened lugs and the caseback inscription. The TR-900 was engraved with “If Found, Return to Nearest Military Facility”, while the Nera Rogue has “If found, contact perenwatches.com”.
The stainless-steel case has a mix of finishes, with brushing on the top to emphasise the traditional tool watch approach and a bead-blasted back and sides to hone in on the stealth look. In terms of dimensions, the Peren Nera Rogue BW may be a little tricky if you have small wrists. The diameter of 39mm is certainly easily wearable, but those outstretched lugs have a tip-to-tip length of nearly 49mm and they only curve downwards slightly. If you’re on the average side or above, or if you just don’t care about perfect fitment as much, then you’ll find the Nera Rogue BW has a very pleasing presence.
The dial
The BW in the title of this watch stands for black and white, understandably backing up the monochromatic theme which makes it more versatile than the navy-dialled first iteration of the Peren Nera Rogue. There is an echo of the TR-900 design in the hand set, but otherwise the look of the dial is entirely Peren. The amount of Transylvanian influence is comparatively low on this watch, contained mainly to the brand’s fang logo at 12 o’clock and on the jumbo crown, but sometimes less is more when it comes to individuality on an old-fashioned dive watch.
Legibility is still quite good considering the blacked-out markers on the conical coin-edge bezel, with the square hour markers punctuating the black dial and the minimalist minute track printed between them. A date window at 3 o’clock offers some extra functionality, while the other dial printing is reserved for the brand name, the model name in yellow, and the 200m/660ft water resistance rating.
The movement
If you pay any attention to movements in Swiss watches, it should come as no surprise that the Peren Nera Rogue BW is powered by a Sellita SW200-1. This automatic calibre has become the staple of most affordable Swiss brands, and even some more expensive ones, replacing the ETA 2824-2 as the industry standard workhorse. Even though it’s a near-exact clone of the ETA, the Sellita has just become more widely available and seemingly affordable, much to the joy of budget-oriented collectors. You’re not just getting the 4Hz beat rate and 38 hours of power reserve you expect from an SW200 though, as Peren regulate their movements in-house for an accuracy range of +/-5 seconds per day.
The Peren Nera Rogue BW pricing and availability:
The Peren Nera Rogue BW is the most restricted model of the range so far, limited to just 100 pieces worldwide. You can order it from the Peren website here, and choose between a nylon NATO strap, one of two rubber straps, or a stainless steel bracelet. Sale Price: CHF 595 (RRP: CHF 689 on NATO)
| Brand | Peren |
| Model | Nera Rogue BW |
| Case Dimensions | 39mm x 48.8mm x 12.8mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Black |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Nylon, rubber, steel bracelet |
| Movement | Sellita SW200 |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Availability | Limited to 100 pieces |
| Price | CHF 595 (RRP: CHF 689 on NATO) |