Comparison - Skeleton Watches - Trends and style

A skeleton movement is both a visual treat and a demonstration of expertise comparable with the creation of a perpetual calendar, tourbillon, minute repeater, chronograph or any other complication. Its intricate appearance is achieved by removing as much material as possible, to transform the movement into a delicate lace-like structure. But beware! Skeletonisation is not without risk. If taken to excess, it can undermine the robustness and rigidity of the movement, possibly weakening its structural stability to the point where it could even break.

Vacheron Constantin, 204 000 CHF

Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton in titanium, 42.5mm diameter, automatic movement, interchangeable titanium bracelet © Vacheron Constantin

Audemars Piguet, 66 200 CHF

Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked in steel, 41mm diameter, automatic movement, steel bracelet © Audemars Piguet

A skeleton movement is a vast creative terrain for watchmakers who can give free rein to their inspirations, whether contemporary or classical, minimalist or baroque. The singular beauty of a skeleton watch is in full display; its meticulous finishing exposed to view. For the spectacle to be complete, the dial is removed.

Bulgari, 26 400 CHF

Octo Finissimo in ceramic, 40 x 40mm, manual-winding movement, ceramic bracelet © Bulgari

Piaget, 29 500 CHF

Polo Skeleton in steel, 42mm diameter, extra-thin automatic movement, interchangeable steel bracelet © Piaget

Indexes, if there are any, are placed on a sapphire crystal, or on one of the components, or the components themselves are the indexes. A sapphire crystal exhibition back becomes a window onto the mechanism laid bare. Front and back, all is revealed.

Bell and Ross, 6 500 CHF

BR 05 Skeleton Golden in steel, 40 x 40mm, automatic movement, rubber strap © Bell and Ross

Zenith, 10 900 CHF

The movement’s parts - wheels, oscillating weight, balance spring… - come to life before the wearer’s eyes, their workings visible at a glance. A world away from the simple sweep of hours, minutes and small seconds hands, a skeleton movement will keep you enthralled. This type of movement can be paired with a case in any shape or material, on a metal bracelet or a leather strap.