Skeleton watches have fascinated watch enthusiasts and collectors for centuries, showcasing a captivating combination of intricate mechanics and artistic craftsmanship. Also referred to as open-worked watches, they provide a mesmerizing view of the intricate movements and inner workings that drive timepieces.
Among the most expensive skeleton watches is the Audemars Piguet Edward Piguet Tourbillon Skeleton, priced at $3,051,841, exemplifying the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship in this horological art form.
In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the world of skeleton watches, delving into their history, unique design features, and the sheer artistry involved in their creation.
What is a Skeleton Watch?
A skeleton watch is a timepiece that displays the inner workings of the movement through an open-worked dial and transparent case back.
In the world of watches, the term “skeleton” describes the meticulous process of removing unnecessary material from the dial, bridges, and plates, resulting in a framework that exposes the intricate movement of the watch. This transparency grants wearers a captivating view of the gears, springs, and other components in motion, unveiling the mechanical artistry within.
This exceptional design enables a deep appreciation for the watch’s craftsmanship, offering a mesmerizing display of the intricate mechanisms and revealing the beauty and complexity of its mechanical movements.
Skeleton watches are also referred to as open-worked or transparent watches due to their revealing design.
Why are Skeleton Watches are Expensive?
The higher price tag of skeleton watches can be attributed to their intricate craftsmanship, limited production, and utilization of high-quality movements.
The visually captivating designs, which provide a glimpse of the watch’s inner workings, further enhance their appeal and justify the premium pricing.
Moreover, the skeletonized dial has become a symbolic feature that signifies the superiority of the timepiece, appealing to collectors who value exclusivity. The price of skeleton watches can vary based on factors like the brand, materials used, and complexity of the movement.
Generally, high-end skeleton watches tend to be more expensive due to the meticulous craftsmanship and time-consuming process involved in creating the intricate skeletonized dial.
Brief History of Skeleton Watches
The origin of skeleton-style watches can be traced back to the 1760s when French watchmaker André Charles Caron created the first of its kind.
Caron’s innovative idea involved removing the pocket watch dials to reveal the inner machinery, which eventually led to the development of thinner and sleeker wristwatches.
Over time, other watchmakers embraced the skeletonisation process, resulting in the production of exquisite skeleton watches that showcase intricate engravings and allow wearers to appreciate the unique patterns and workings of the exposed mechanism.
André Charles Caron’s pivotal role as a clockmaker for Louis XV of France further solidifies his contribution to the world of skeleton watches.
10 Popular Skeleton Watches and Their Unique Features
Here are among the exceptional skeleton watches that have captured the hearts of watch enthusiasts worldwide.
1. Hublot Big Bang Unico Black Magic – Transparent Dial Ref. 411.CI.1170.RX
The case of this watch is made of ceramic, with a diameter of 45mm and a lug width of 27mm. It features a transparent dial with Arabic numerals and a sapphire crystal. The water resistance is rated at 100 meters, making it suitable for various water activities. Powered by an automatic movement, the watch boasts a power reserve of 72 hours and is equipped with the Hub1242 caliber, which includes 38 jewels, available at the price of S$12,649 – S$16,131.
2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – Openworked Dial Ref. 15407ST
The case of this timepiece is made of steel, with a diameter of 41mm and a slim case thickness of 9.9mm. It features a sapphire crystal and offers a water resistance of 50 meters. The openworked dial adds a touch of elegance, while the lug to lug measurement is 51.6mm. Equipped with an automatic movement, the watch houses the caliber 3132, which boasts 38 jewels and a power reserve of 45 hours. Available at the price range of S$185,806 – S$215,070.
3. TAG Heuer Carrera – Brown Dial Ref. CAR201U
The watch features a steel case with a diameter of 43mm and a ceramic bezel. It has a brown dial with no numerals and is protected by a sapphire crystal. The TAG Heuer Carrera ref. CAR201U has a water resistance of 100 meters, it is suitable for various water activities. The automatic movement boasts a power reserve of 50 hours. The movement caliber Heuer 01 comprises 39 jewels, ensuring precision and reliability. Available at the price range of S$3,372 – S$4,479.
4. Richard Mille Tourbillon Felipe Massa Saphire – Antireflective Sapphire Crystal Ref. RM 056
The watch features a hand-winding movement with the RMCC1 caliber, offering a range of complications including small seconds, a 30-minute counter, power reserve indicator. The case material is sapphire, with a distinctive bezel and the case back in sapphire with anti-glare treatment. The watch showcases luminescent skeleton hands and Arabic numeral indexes on an anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial. With a tonneau shape and 50 meters of water resistance. Available at the price range of S$1.4,523,136.
5. Cartier Santos – Transparent Dial Ref. WHSA0015
The Cartier Santos WHSA0015 is a stunning dress watch from the Santos collection. It features a skeletonized dial that showcases the intricate movement within. The case is made of steel, with a bezel and crystal crafted from sapphire for added durability. With a water resistance of 100 meters, it offers versatility in daily wear. The dial features Roman numerals, and the case measures 39.8mm in diameter and 9.08mm in thickness. Powered by a manual winding movement, the watch boasts a power reserve of 72 hours. Available at the price range of S$26,205 – S$32,882.
6. TAG Heuer Carrera 01 – Transparent Dial Ref. CAR2A1Z
The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1 Heuer 01 CAR2A1Z.FT6044 is a remarkable timepiece with notable features. It boasts a transparent dial with Arabic numerals, a ceramic bezel, a 45mm steel case, and a water resistance of 100 meters. Powered by an automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, this watch combines functionality and style in a truly exceptional way. Available at the price range of S$2,965 – S$4,180.
7. Audemars Piguet Edward Piguet – White Gold Mother of Pearl Dial Ref. 2636BC
The Audemars Piguet Edward Piguet 2636BC.OO.D002CR.01 is an exceptionally rare timepiece with a manual wind tourbillon movement. It features a unique 18K white gold tank-shaped case with a matching deployment buckle. The watch is powered by the esteemed AP Caliber 2883 manual wind movement. Its stunning pink mother-of-pearl dial adds a touch of elegance. Available at the price of S$109,434.16.
8. Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin – Skeleton Dial Ref. G0A37132
The Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin- Ref. G0A37132 is an exceptional timepiece with impressive specifications. It features a 38mm diameter x 5.34mm height case, available in 18k pink gold or 18k white gold, both polished and fitted with sapphire crystals. The watch is powered by the Piaget 1200S, an ultra-thin self-winding movement with a platinum micro-rotor, offering a 44-hour power reserve. Available at the price of S$76,630.08.
9. Metiers D’Art Mécaniques Ajourées – Skeleton Dial Ref. 82020/000G-992
The Metiers D’Art Mécaniques Ajourées Ref.l 82020/000G-9926 is a luxurious timepiece featuring an 18k white gold case, a skeleton dial, and a black alligator/crocodile leather strap. With a manual wind movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and water resistance of 30m/100ft, it offers a sophisticated design that showcases the intricate mechanics while displaying its essential functions. Available at the price of S$92,763.60.
10. Zenith El Primero Chronomaster – Skeleton Dial Ref. 03.2081.400/78.C813
The Zenith El Primero Ref.03208140078C813 features a round stainless steel case with a skeleton dial and index dial markers. It has a self-winding automatic movement and comes with a black leather strap. The watch includes chronograph functionality, a date display, and is powered by the Zenith El Primero Caliber 400 B with a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Available at the price of S$13,309.56.
Summary
This table summarizes the five popular skeleton watches, along with their key features and average market prices.
| Model | Features | Market Price Range |
| Hublot Big Bang Ref. 411.CI.1170.RX | • Ceramic Case, Transparent Dial, Automatic Movement • 100 Meters Water Resistance • Caliber Hub1242 | S$12,649 – S$16,131 |
| Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15407ST | • Steel Case, Transparent Dial, Automatic Movement • 50 Meters Of Water Resistance • Caliber 3132 | S$185,806 – S$215,070 |
| TAG Heuer Carrera CAR201U | • Steel Case, Brown Dial, Automatic Movement • 100 Meters Water Resistance • Caliber Heuer 01 1242 | S$3,372 – S$4,479 |
| Richard Mille Tourbillon Felipe Massa Saphire Ref. RM 056 | • Sapphire Case, Hand-Winding Movement, Tourbillon • 50 Meters Of Water Resistance • Caliber RMCC1 | S$1.4,523,136 |
| Cartier Santos Ref. WHSA0015 | • Steel Case, Transparent Dial • 100 Meters Water Resistance • Manual Winding Movement, Caliber WHSA0015 | S$26,205 – S$32,882 |
| TAG Heuer Carrera 01 Ref. CAR2A1Z | • Transparent Dial, Arabic Numerals, Ceramic Bezel, 45mm Steel Case • 100m Water Resistance • Automatic Movement, 40-Hour Power Reserve | S$2,965 – S$4,180 |
| Audemars Piguet Edward Piguet Ref. 2636BC | • AP Caliber 2883 manual wind movement • White Gold Case • Pink Mother-Of-Pearl Dial | S$109,434.16 |
| Piaget Altiplano Skeleton Ultra-Thin Ref. G0A37132 | • 18k Pink Or White Gold Case, Ultra-Thin • Self-Winding Movement, 44-Hour Power Reserve • Platinum Micro-Rotor | S$76,630.08 |
| Metiers D’Art Mécaniques Ajourées Ref. 82020/000G-992 | • Manual Wind Movement • Black Alligator/Crocodile Leather Strap • 30m Water Resistance | S$92,763.60 |
| Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Ref. 03.2081.400/78.C813 | • Stainless Steel Case, Skeleton Dial, Index Dial Markers • Self-Winding Automatic Movement, Chronograph Functionality, Date Display • Approximately 50-Hour Power Reserve | S$13,309.56 |
Note: The prices listed are only approximate estimates and are subject to change based on the current market conditions.
FAQs
1. What are skeleton watches called?
Skeleton watches are also known as open-worked watches or transparent watches due to their intricate design that exposes the inner workings of the timepiece.
2. Are skeleton watches expensive?
Skeleton watches can vary in price depending on factors such as the brand, materials used, and complexity of the movement. Generally, high-end skeleton watches tend to be more expensive due to the craftsmanship and time-consuming process involved in creating the intricate skeletonized dial.
3. Is a skeleton watch good?
The appeal of a skeleton watch lies in its unique aesthetic and the opportunity to admire the intricate inner workings of the timepiece. For watch enthusiasts and those with a keen interest in horology, skeleton watches can be highly appreciated for their craftsmanship and technical complexity. They offer a captivating visual experience and allow the wearer to appreciate the mechanical artistry of the watch.
4. What does “skeleton” mean in watches?
In the world of watches, the term “skeleton” describes the meticulous process of removing unnecessary material from the dial, bridges, and plates, resulting in a framework that exposes the intricate movement of the watch. This transparency grants wearers a captivating view of the gears, springs, and other components in motion, unveiling the mechanical artistry within.
Final Word
Skeleton watches offer a captivating blend of artistry and mechanics, allowing watch enthusiasts to appreciate the intricate beauty of a timepiece.Whether you admire them for their aesthetic appeal or appreciate the mastery of watchmaking, skeleton watches are a testament to the art and engineering of timekeeping.
Key Takeaways
- Skeleton watches are offered by various luxury watch brands such as Hublot, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, and Richard Mille.
- The brands that produce skeleton watches are known for their expertise in horology and their commitment to crafting timepieces with exceptional design and precision.
- Skeleton watches from these renowned brands combine the beauty of open-worked dials with the high-quality movements, materials, and craftsmanship that they are celebrated.
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