What is an openworked, or skeleton watch? Put simply, it's a timepiece that has a see through dial. Meaning you will often still be able to see the indicators, hands, hour numerals or indices and whatever other function that the watch has been designed to display, sans a dial covering the front side of the movement. Skeleton watches are, in essence, a whole lot of fun. Especially for those of us who enjoy peering into the intricacies of our watch's mechanical movement without having to take it off our wrist to look at the caseback.
Skeleton watches invariably cost more than the equivalent closed-dial variants. This is usually because more time has to be spent by the watchmakers in decorating the exposed surfaces of the mainplate, bridges, gears and whatnot.
Watchmakers that excel in this department include Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier and Bulgari, however others do some exceptional work who I will get to in part 2 of this series.
Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph
Reference: 26399NR.OO.D002KB.01
Case: 41mm x 13.80mm
Case Material: Ceramic and pink gold
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Calibre 2952
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 65 hours
The Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph is a standout in the realm of haute horology, exemplifying the brand’s innovative spirit. This masterpiece combines two of the most coveted features in modern watchmaking: a flying tourbillon and a chronograph complication. Its design emphasizes transparency, with intricate skeletonized elements that showcase the meticulous craftsmanship involved. As a quintessential example of a skeleton watch, it allows enthusiasts to admire the complex inner workings of the timepiece, showcasing the artistry behind its movement. In the broader context of skeleton watches, this model not only demonstrates Audemars Piguet's technical prowess but also highlights its dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional watch design.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
Reference: 15407OR.OO.1220OR.01
Case: 41mm x 10.10mm
Case Material: Pink gold
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: Calibre 3132
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 45 hours
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked is a stunning exemplar of high-end watchmaking, blending sophisticated mechanics with cutting-edge design. This model is a prime example of a skeleton watch, where the movement is meticulously pared down to its essential components, allowing a clear view of its intricate inner workings. The openworked dial showcases the double balance wheel system, an innovation that enhances accuracy and stability by minimizing positional errors. As a notable piece among skeleton watches, the Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked reflects Audemars Piguet's commitment to both technical excellence and aesthetic elegance, offering a transparent glimpse into the brand's horological artistry.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked
Reference: 26735ST.OO.1320ST.02
Case: 41mm x 10.60mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: Calibre 2972
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 65 hours
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked is a breathtaking example of contemporary watchmaking that highlights the fusion of technical sophistication and aesthetic beauty. This model is a quintessential skeleton watch, where the intricate openworked design allows a comprehensive view of its complex inner mechanics. The flying tourbillon, prominently featured at 6 o'clock, is a marvel of engineering, enhancing the watch’s precision while adding to its visual allure. As a standout among skeleton watches, the Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked showcases Audemars Piguet’s expertise in crafting timepieces that are not only functional but also artistic masterpieces, offering an unobstructed glimpse into the precision and elegance of its movement.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked
Brand: Audemars Piguet
Model: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked
Reference: 26585CE.OO.1225CE.01
Case: 41mm x 9.90mm
Case Material: Ceramic
Water Resistance: 20m
Movement: Calibre 5135
Frequency: 2.75 Hz
Power Reserve: 40 hours
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked represents a remarkable synthesis of haute horology and avant-garde design. This timepiece exemplifies the concept of a skeleton watch, with its intricate openworked dial revealing the meticulously engineered movement beneath. The perpetual calendar complication is masterfully integrated into the design, providing a sophisticated mechanism that accurately tracks the date, day, month, and leap years for decades. As a distinguished entry among skeleton watches, the Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked not only demonstrates Audemars Piguet's technical mastery but also showcases their dedication to aesthetic innovation, offering a transparent view into the complex artistry and precision of their craftsmanship.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Model: Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
Reference: 4300V/220R-B642
Case: 41.50mm x 8.10mm
Case Material: Pink gold
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: 1120 QPSQ
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 40 hours
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton is a masterful creation that exemplifies the brand’s commitment to elegance and innovation. This timepiece stands out as a premier skeleton watch, where its ultra-thin profile is complemented by a meticulously openworked dial that reveals the intricate movement within. The perpetual calendar complication, renowned for its complexity and precision, is seamlessly integrated into the skeletonized design, providing a sophisticated function while maintaining a strikingly modern aesthetic. As a leading example among skeleton watches, the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton showcases Vacheron Constantin's dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, blending technical excellence with unparalleled visual artistry.
Cartier Privé Tank Asymétrique Skeleton
Brand: Cartier
Model: Privé Tank Asymétrique Skeleton
Reference: WHTA0028
Case: 26.20mm x 7.82mm
Case Material: Yellow gold
Water Resistance: -
Movement: 9623 MC
Frequency: 4 Hz
Power Reserve: 48 hours
The Cartier Privé Tank Asymétrique Skeleton is a captivating example of Cartier’s innovative approach to watchmaking, blending classical elegance with contemporary design. As a distinguished skeleton watch, it features an asymmetrical case that deviates from traditional Tank models, highlighting the intricate openworked movement beneath. The unique angular design not only sets it apart from conventional timepieces but also offers an unobstructed view of the skeletonized mechanics, showcasing Cartier's expertise in crafting visually striking and technically advanced watches. This model stands out among skeleton watches for its bold design and exceptional craftsmanship, reflecting Cartier's commitment to pushing the boundaries of horological artistry while maintaining its iconic heritage.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo
Brand: Bulgari
Model: Octo Finissimo
Reference: 103610
Case: 26.20mm x 7.82mm
Case Material: Titanium
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: BVL 199 SK
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 192 hours
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a remarkable showcase of minimalist design and advanced watchmaking technology. Renowned for its ultra-thin profile, it exemplifies the pinnacle of modern horology with its bold geometric aesthetics. As a notable example of a skeleton watch, the Octo Finissimo features a meticulously openworked movement that not only highlights the intricate inner workings but also contributes to its strikingly sleek appearance. This model stands out among skeleton watches for its combination of elegant design and exceptional technical prowess, reflecting Bulgari’s dedication to redefining the boundaries of contemporary watchmaking while maintaining a focus on aesthetic purity and precision.
Piaget Polo Skeleton
Brand: Piaget
Model: Polo Skeleton
Reference: G0A45004
Case: 42mm x 6.50mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 30m
Movement: Calibre 1200S1
Frequency: 3 Hz
Power Reserve: 44 hours
The Piaget Polo Skeleton is a stunning representation of Piaget’s expertise in blending sophisticated design with technical innovation. As a premier example of a skeleton watch, it features a remarkably openworked dial that exposes the intricate movement inside, showcasing the brand’s commitment to transparency and craftsmanship. The Polo Skeleton distinguishes itself among skeleton watches with its sleek, rounded case and contemporary design, all while maintaining the precision and elegance for which Piaget is renowned. This model not only highlights the technical complexity of its movement but also serves as a modern, stylish statement, reflecting Piaget's dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking aesthetics and engineering.
Comments