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Are you interested in purchasing something a little bit different? How about a skeleton watch? If you’ve never browsed skeleton watches before, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. The BQ Watches team are here to help. In this article, we’ll discuss the definition of a skeleton watch and explore some of the most popular models, so you can make the best decision for your own personal style.
Read on to learn more about skeleton watches!
A skeleton watch is a type of watch where the inner workings of the mechanism are exposed. When you gaze at a skeleton watch, what you’ll see missing is the dial. In its place is a lot of intricate machinery.
The process of producing a skeleton watch involves reducing the components until only the most essential parts are left, meaning that all non–essential metal is whittled away, leaving gaps in the dial to view the inner workings. By stripping the watch down to its most basic components, a skeleton watch provides the unique opportunity to observe the beautiful craftsmanship of a classic timepiece.
It can be easy to confuse skeleton watches with open–heart watches, since they have one or two cut outs in the otherwise full watch dial, which provides a glimpse of what is normally hidden inside the mechanisms of a watch.
With that being said, let’s have a look at some of the defining features of a skeleton watch, and what makes them such an intriguing item.
Eye catching design – Skeleton watches have an elaborate, see–through design that gives the wearer an inside look of the watch. By viewing the inner movement of the timepiece, one can admire the delicate components and complicated mechanics of the model.
Superior Craftmanship – The craftsmanship that goes into creating a skeletonised mechanical watch is unrivalled. The meticulous production process requires skill, attention to detail and precision engineering. Every component must be carefully crafted to fit perfectly, and ensure the exposed movement operates flawlessly.
Increased Value – A well–crafted skeletonised watch is a great investment. These watches are often made with premium materials, such as precious metals and rare gemstones, which can further increase in value over time. The superior craftsmanship that goes into the fabrication creates a fascinating and elegant design, which brings out the unique beauty of these watches.
Overall, a skeleton watch is an ideal investment for anyone who respects the art of master craftsmanship and unique design. These special models are designed to be passed down through multiple generations, making it a timeless piece that can be cherished for years to come. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they are also renowned for their quality and durability.
Many luxury watch brands offer a selection of skeleton watches, each with their own unique design and features. Here we look at some of the brands that have produced some beautiful skeleton watches that combine precision, style, and luxury.
Let’s have a look at some of the most popular skeleton watch brands.
Rolex is the most popular luxury watch brand in the world, known for its innovative and timeless designs. Rolex’s reputation precedes itself, so let’s have a look at some of the skeleton models that have been modified to suit their owners personal taste.
Submariner – The Artisans De Genève Rolex Submariner Andrea Pirlo Azure Challenge 114060.
When legendary footballer Andrea Pirlo asked Artisans De Genève to revisit his favourite Rolex model, they answered his call with great enthusiasm and dedication to deliver a watch that was worthy of the football legend‘s brilliance, artistry, and legendary career. They crafted a skeleton version of his own Submariner, with various personal touches to reflect his aesthetics, including an exclusive, individually numbered engraving at six o‘clock.
The result was a Rolex Submariner like no other; imbued with Pirlo‘s unwavering inspiration and style.
Daytona – Artisans de Genève worked to create the Montoya specially for Juan Pablo Montoya – considered to be one of the 50 greatest racers of all time – by customizing a Rolex Daytona, and replacing the back lid with a sapphire glass back case to show the mesmerizingly customized and decorated Rolex watch caliber 4130, and the bezel of the said case has been engraved with “Les Artisans de Genève” and “Juan Pablo Montoya”, together with the individual number of the limited edition.
With a limited edition run of 140 pieces launched in 2020, the Richard Mille RM 33-02 showcased taut lines of the watch case, combined with curves of a tonneau shape, and the elegance of a round form with a subtle allusion to sporty style in its design of the hollows.
This first round Carbon TPT automatic watch displayed a Carbon TPT bezel and caseback along with a satin–finished red gold caseband. Carbon TPT is a material featuring a remarkable finish that is created by layering hundreds of sheets of carbon fibres, using an automated process that alternates the weft in each layer.
The design of the strap was extended by two indentations positioned unusually at 6 and 12 o’clock, which created highly original lines that contributed to the dynamics of the bold case.
Through this combination of the two different characteristics, Richard Mille produced a timepiece that has both the performance of a sports watch and the beauty of a round timepiece, which came as an interpretation of the RM 033 collection.
Skeletonised pieces were first created in the 1930s, and since then they have become a signature of the Maison Cartier. The watchmakers have both designed and assembled a unique movement, with patent rights filed. Its striking design features Roman numerals, which are used as the base and bridges, while also acting as a support for the movement‘s parts. Every part of this skeletonised movement has been carefully crafted by the watchmakers within the brand.
Santos – Perhaps the most famous aesthetic from the legendary French brand. In order to maintain the stylish appearance of the Cartier Santos watch, Cartier introduced new updates very thoughtfully. Especially with the skeleton variant, they decided to design the caliber 9611 MC specifically for this purpose, giving them more control to shape the bridges and optimize the overall visual experience. As opposed to other sets where parts of the movement are removed to expose as much as possible, Cartier went the extra mile to ensure the Santos remained impeccably stylish.
Tank – The Cartier Tank is an iconic timepiece that has long been a favourite of celebrities and other high–profile figures. Released in 1917, it quickly established itself as a timeless design piece. Since then, Cartier has brought out countless new variations, featuring different case shapes, unique dial designs and even special in–house movements like the Skeleton, offering a clear view of the mechanism from both sides of the watch.
Oris is a prestigious Swiss watch brand which exclusively produces mechanical watches, crafted with precision according to centuries–old techniques. These timeless designs are characterized by their extraordinary artistry, ensuring that their aesthetic beauty and classic engineering will be long–remembered for generations to come.
Artix Skeleton – Oris created an exquisite timepiece that amalgamated classic watchmaking with modern aesthetic, with the skeletonised watch bringing together a skeletonised movement with 21st century watch design and finishing techniques. Black–plating in varying shades of black and grey were implemented to the skeletonised parts of the movement, giving it a three–dimensional finish that enhanced its overall appearance.
ProPilot X Calibre 115 – Oris’s watchmakers took the spirit of Calibre 110 and delivered something entirely new with the Big Crown ProPilot X Calibre 115. Unlike previous skeletonised watches, its inner workings are entirely visible, including an extended mainspring that can be seen winding when the crown is turned. With up to 10 days of uninterrupted power, this watch celebrates the beauty and innovation of the watchmaking craft.
Hublot was founded in 1980 in Geneva, Switzerland. Despite being relatively new compared to other watch brands, Hublot has managed to achieve remarkable success in a short time and has established itself as one of the most highly recognized watch brands in the world.
Big Bang Collection – Since unveiling its flagship model the Big Bang, Hublot has been revolutionizing the watchmaking universe with its distinctive and daring design. With seven different models in The Big Bang Collection, several of which are skeletonised, each piece fuses industrial and contemporary design with accurate timekeeping which is sustained by an exceptional automatic movement and extensive power reserve.
The most popular skeleton models for men are the Big Bang Black Magic, Spirit of Big Bang and the Big Bang Meca-10 Titanium.
Now we have a pretty good idea of the closer workings of a skeleton watch, along with some examples of the most popular brands on the market. If you’re in the market for a luxury skeleton watch, you’re now equipped with the information you need to make an informed decision while also keeping your own sense of style in mind.
You can browse a selection of skeleton watches in the BQ Watches online shop today. We have all the best luxury brands, and we can always help you source something if you have something specific in mind. Browse our inventory of skeleton watches below to see what we have in store and find your perfect watch today.
Whether you need something dressy, sporty or casual, you can always count on the experts at BQ Watches. Our online inventory is constantly rotating with pre-owned luxury timepieces from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Tag Heuer and many more.
Our experts are always happy to help you find your perfect watch. We’re also always ready to source a watch for you if you can’t find what you want in our inventory. Additionally, we offer services for selling your luxury watch, getting an appraisal, professional cleanings and even maintenance. We’re your one-stop shop for all of your luxury watch needs. Browse our online shop today or come visit us in our London, UK showroom to get to know the experts at BQ Watches!
