Skeleton Watches:
The Best Luxury Models and Brands in 2024

Skeleton Watches - Modern Design and Appeal

Skeleton watches have long been admired for their unique design and technical craftsmanship, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intricate workings of a mechanical timepiece. Unlike traditional watches, which conceal their inner components, skeleton watches feature an open-worked or transparent dial that showcases the movement, gears, and bridges, highlighting the complexity and artistry of the watchmaker’s craft.

For horology enthusiasts and collectors, skeleton watches offer both aesthetic appeal and technical intrigue. In this article, we’ll explore the best skeleton watch models currently available and the top luxury brands that excel in creating these stunning timepieces.

What is a Skeleton Watch?

A skeleton watch features a dial that has been partially or fully cut away to reveal the movement inside. Watchmakers often remove unnecessary material from the movement itself, leaving behind only the essential components, which are then meticulously decorated to enhance their visual appeal. This open-work design allows wearers to see the intricate mechanisms in motion, providing a captivating and functional piece of art on the wrist.

The Best Skeleton Watch Models in 2024

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Skeleton Perpetual Calendar


Vacheron Constantin is renowned for its commitment to technical innovation and aesthetic beauty, and the Traditionnelle Skeleton Perpetual Calendar is a perfect example of this. With its open-worked design and perpetual calendar complication, this model showcases the brand's expertise in both movement design and elegant finishing. The skeletonised dial allows you to see the movement’s inner workings, while its platinum case adds a layer of luxury.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Black Magic


Hublot’s Big Bang Unico collection is known for its bold design and innovative materials, and the Black Magic model features a skeleton dial that beautifully displays its in-house chronograph movement. The open-worked structure is modern and aggressive, matching the overall aesthetic of Hublot’s sporty design ethos. The case is crafted from black ceramic, giving the watch a sleek and contemporary feel.

HUBLOT BIG BANG BLACK MAGIC
CARTIER SANTOS

Cartier Santos de Cartier Skeleton


Cartier is synonymous with elegance and sophistication, and the Santos de Cartier Skeleton showcases this in a contemporary way. This model features a skeletonised dial with Roman numerals integrated into the movement itself, offering a striking visual effect. With its squared case design and clean lines, the Santos Skeleton is both classic and modern, making it a versatile choice for those who appreciate timeless design.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked


Audemars Piguet is famous for its Royal Oak collection, and the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked takes the iconic design to the next level with a fully skeletonised dial. The watch features a unique dual balance wheel mechanism that improves precision, and the open-worked design lets you admire the technical mastery behind this innovation. With its distinctive octagonal bezel and stainless steel case, it’s a true statement piece for any collector.

Patek Philippe Complications 5180/1R-001 Skeleton


The Patek Philippe Complications 5180/1R-001 is a masterpiece of skeleton watchmaking, combining the brand's expertise in both complications and open-work design. Housed in a luxurious 18k rose gold case, this model features a fully skeletonised movement—the ultra-thin Calibre 240 SQU—beautifully decorated with hand-engraved details. The open-worked dial provides a clear view of the intricate components, showcasing Patek Philippe’s craftsmanship. Known for its elegance and precision, the 5180/1R-001 is not just a watch, but a stunning work of art that exemplifies the brand’s dedication to horological excellence.

Richard Mille RM 33-02 Automatic Skeleton


The Richard Mille RM 33-02 is a stunning blend of sportiness and elegance, showcasing the brand's bold approach to skeleton watch design. Featuring a tonneau-shaped case crafted from a combination of titanium and Carbon TPT, this model offers exceptional durability with a lightweight feel. The open-worked dial reveals the automatic skeletonised calibre RMXP1, which is ultra-thin and beautifully engineered. The skeletonisation highlights the technical prowess behind the movement, while the sleek aesthetic stays true to Richard Mille's innovative and avant-garde philosophy. The RM 33-02 is a remarkable fusion of performance and artistry.

RICHARD MILLE

Skeleton Watches - Best Brands

Audemars Piguet
Known for pushing the boundaries of watch design, Audemars Piguet is one of the pioneers in skeleton watchmaking. Their Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections feature some of the most iconic skeleton watches, often incorporating complicated movements like the tourbillon or perpetual calendar. The brand’s ability to balance form and function in its skeleton designs is unmatched.

Vacheron Constantin
As one of the oldest watchmakers in continuous production, Vacheron Constantin has perfected the art of skeletonisation. The brand's Traditionnelle and Overseas collections are home to stunning skeleton models that showcase not only the movement but also the hand-finishing and decoration that go into each timepiece.

Hublot
Hublot has made a name for itself with its bold, modern designs and use of innovative materials. The brand’s Big Bang and Spirit of Big Bang collections feature skeleton watches that reveal cutting-edge chronograph movements, all housed in contemporary cases made from ceramic, titanium, or carbon fibre. Hublot’s skeleton watches are perfect for those who want a striking, modern timepiece.

Richard Mille
Richard Mille skeleton watches are unlike any others, combining technical complexity with futuristic design. The brand's use of lightweight materials like titanium and carbon fibre, along with its high-tech approach to movement design, has resulted in some of the most innovative and visually stunning skeleton watches on the market.

Cartier
While Cartier is primarily known for its elegant and refined designs, the brand has also mastered the art of skeletonisation. The Santos de Cartier and Tank collections feature skeleton models that are both sophisticated and visually striking. Cartier’s approach to skeletonisation often incorporates artistic elements, such as the use of Roman numerals integrated into the movement.