Soul-Baring Skeleton Watches to Elevate Your Wrist Game

The allure of skeleton watches is a perfect example of how time can turn gravel into gold. What was once a niche sub-genre in watchmaking has gained popularity and prominence even among the most casual fans. The idea that the complicated inner mechanisms behind high-end timepieces, which are often shrouded in mystery, being so exposed by a complex cutaway architecture is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. It is like learning the logic behind a magician’s, well, magic. However, delivering such designs is no mean feat. Every endeavour would be met with unique obstacles, even for the most esteemed watchmakers, not least by the need to omit “unnecessary” metal from a watch’s movement. These skeleton watches not only stand out for their striking appearance but also for the fine craftsmanship that fuses form and function.

THE RM 74-02 AUTOMATIC TOURBILLON BY RICHARD MILLE

No list of skeleton watches is complete without a mention of Richard Mille. Known for its penchant for openwork designs, the brand has carved a space of its own in the luxury watch market. The RM 74-02 Automatic Tourbillon is the latest product of that legacy. Granting full access to the in-house automatic tourbillon Calibre CRMT5, which supplies the watch with a 50-hour power reserve, the intricately hollowed structure is a testament to the brand’s know-how. The incorporation of gold leaf into Quartz TPT further elevates the watch’s visual.

THE T-RACE MOTOGP AUTOMATIC LIMITED EDITION BY TISSOT

It is no secret that many high-end watchmakers share the same fascination with the world of motorsports. Tissot, for instance, has served as the Official Timekeeper of MotoGP since 2001. This profound connection has led to the conception of the T-Race collection. Here, watches shaped by the mechanics and speed of motorcycle racing reign supreme. The T-Race MotoGP Automatic Limited Edition captures the endurance demanded on the track with its skeletonised Valjoux A05.951 movement, giving it a 68-hour power reserve.

THE SQUARE BANG TOURBILLON 4-DAY POWER RESERVE BY HUBLOT

The iconic Big Bang, which turns 20 this year, has earned its place in the upper echelon of haute horlogerie with its many iterations. The Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve is one of them. Featuring the tourbillon mechanism—a first for the collection—the watch doesn’t hesitate to show off what it’s made of. The skeletonised movement allows one to see Hublot’s ingenuity in putting together the main components within the square case. The brand places the winding on the right, power reserve on the left, large barrel on top, and tourbillon below.

THE MULTIFORT SKELETON CHRONOGRAPH BY MIDO

When it comes to sports watches, no one is doing it quite like Mido. Take the Multifort watches as an example. Lauded for its impossible blend of precision and durability, the collection continues to push the envelope with every novelty. The Multifort Skeleton Chronograph is a shining example of the brand’s forward-thinking vision. Boasting an openworked dial that reveals a skeletonised version of the Caliber 60—the latest-generation Swiss movement offering a power reserve of up to 60 hours—the watch makes practicality look so precious.

THE ROYAL OAK PERPETUAL CALENDAR OPENWORKED “150TH ANNIVERSARY” LIMITED EDITION BY AUDEMARS PIGUET

Audemars Piguet has unveiled a limited-edition Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Housed in a titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) case, the sapphire dial stands out for its reference to the watchmaker’s iconic openworked perpetual calendar pocket watch (ref. 25729). Making the piece more special is the mechanical heart that beats underneath: Calibre 5135. The movement, which seamlessly marries openwork design with innovative technology, is now decommissioned after debuting in 2019.