Whilst the world of horology runs at a far slower pace than that of fashion, there are still a number of trends that crop up each year. They take more time to develop and they stick around for longer, but they are still there. One such trend, which was prevalent at this year’s SIHH in Geneva, was skeletonisation. Whilst nothing new, skeletonised watches have never been more popular and brands are continuing to innovate with new ways of stripping down their timepieces.
Skeletonisation is one of the hardest and most time-consuming techniques in watchmaking. It’s essentially when the inner workings of the watch are completely visible, meaning you can often see straight through areas of the watch. Whilst an acquired taste, skeleton watches are some of the most costly in the world, due to the time and effort that goes in to making them. Here are 5 of the best skeletonised watches.
PARMIGIANI FLEURIER TONDA 1950 SQUELETTE
Of the highly intricate Parmigiani novelties unveiled at the SIHH this year, the Tonda 1950 Squelette was our favourite. Usually a reserved dress watch, the Tonda 1950 has been transformed with a completely openworked version of the PF705 calibre, visible through both the front and rear sapphire crystal. The highly decorated micro-rotor can be admired through the front also, and the slim case ensures it remains as elegant as ever.
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CARTIER CRASH SKELETON
This is the latest iteration of the iconic Crash watch, which debuted back in 1967. Its unusual case shape is said to have been inspired by a Baignoire Allongee timepiece that was recovered from a car accident. As macabre as that sounds, the Crash has become a horological symbol for the Swinging 60s and this re-worked skeletonised version only adds to the legacy.
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AUDEMARS PIGUET OPENWORKED SELFWINDING
The Royal Oak was somewhat of a phenomenon when it was introduced back in the ‘70s. Setting off the whole sports watch craze that still dominates much of the industry, the Royal Oak has a loyal following, and this skeletonised version adds some 21st century drama with its striking black movement.
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ROGER DUBUIS EXCALIBUR AUTOMATIC SKELETON
The dramatic Excalibur Automatic Skeleton by Roger Dubuis is a demonstration of the exquisite attention to detail that the Swiss brand are known for. Featuring their now signature grey rhodium-plated, star-shaped bridge holding the movement in place, as well as a skeletonised mainplate and micro-rotor, it has – like all Roger Dubuis timepieces – met the regulations of the Poincon de Geneve, attesting to its unrivalled quality.
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PIAGET EMPERADOR COUSSIN 1270S ULTRA-THIN TOURBILLON AUTOMATIC SKELETON
Also unveiled at the SIHH was this, the Piaget Emperador Coussin 1270S Ultra-Thin Tourbillon Automatic Skeleton. The watch more than lives up to its grand name, with its unusual combination of a cushion-shaped dial and round case, all finished in pink gold.
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