Throughout history, the skeleton watch has served as a remarkable fusion of artisanal craftsmanship and intricate mechanics, transforming timepieces into captivating works of miniature architecture and art. Referred to as openworked, this technique stands as one of the most demanding and time-honored methods within traditional watchmaking. By employing various engraving techniques like intaglio, relief, and sculpture, non-moving components such as the main-plate and barrel bridges are meticulously removed from the watch movement.
In more recent times, certain watch brands have embraced the utilization of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and other cutting-edge technologies to create skeletonized watches. These modern techniques enable the production of designs that are virtually impossible to replicate by hand. Moreover, the advent of lightweight and durable materials like titanium and carbon fiber has ushered in a new era in watchmaking. Even the tiniest amounts of these materials can result in watches boasting innovative designs capable of withstanding considerable forces. Presented below are several examples of skeleton watches that embody the fusion of contemporary techniques and materials.
Tufina Lagos Mechanical Skeleton Watch.
Tufina Lagos Mechanical Skeleton Watch with Open Front & Back
Tufina Lagos is an exquisite timepiece meticulously crafted with precision and style. The watch boasts a 44 mm case constructed from 316L stainless steel, renowned for its exceptional quality and resilience. A touch of luxury is added with a 5-micron gold plating, enhancing this remarkable piece’s allure, value, and radiant appearance.
Within the case resides an in-house mechanical movement adorned with 17 rubies, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that sets this timepiece apart. The skeleton open and back design invites admiration, offering a captivating glimpse into the intricate inner workings—the defining feature that truly captivates enthusiasts. A beautifully designed skeleton watch, this masterpiece unveils a mesmerizing mechanical movement reminiscent of a splendid work of art.
The dial of the watch showcases intricate engravings and features a pair of luminous hands, which emit a gentle glow in darkness, ensuring both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Topped with a sapphire-coated lens, this skeleton watch exemplifies elegance while maintaining remarkable durability, a testament to its exceptional design and construction.
Girard-Perregaux Neo Tourbillon.
Girard-Perregaux Neo Tourbillon with Three Bridges Skeleton
This remarkable timepiece seamlessly merges slender and elegantly curved black PVD-treated bridges, imbuing both visual allure and structural integrity to its exceptionally slim mechanical design. Within the openworked caliber 9400, you’ll find a host of functions, including hours, minutes, small seconds displayed on a mesmerizing titanium tourbillon, accompanied by an impressive 60-hour power reserve. Encased within a 45mm titanium housing, this watch represents a contemporary rendition of Girard-Perregaux‘s renowned models, epitomizing their iconic legacy.
Richard Mille RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough.
Richard Mille RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough
Richard Mille, renowned for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, collaborated with the esteemed Polo icon, Pablo Mac Donough, to conceive a timepiece capable of enduring the violent jolts and impacts inherent to the “Sport of Kings.” This endeavor presented a formidable challenge as they aimed to create a skeletonized watch housing a tourbillon mechanism.
The outcome is nothing short of extraordinary: the RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough showcases a central baseplate that resembles a spider resting at the heart of its web, held in place by two finely braided steel cables, each measuring a mere 0.27mm in diameter. To ensure stability and equilibrium, these cables, along with ten pulleys, are anchored by four tensioners controlled by rotating spline screws. This intricate pulley system guarantees the harmonious functioning of the entire mechanism.
Moreover, the employment of grade 5 titanium for the double baseplate and bridges further enhances the timepiece’s ability to withstand shocks. This resilient choice of material, combined with the suspended movement concept, contributes to the enhanced protection against impact forces, safeguarding the watch’s delicate inner workings.
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One.
Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One
Upon initial inspection, this watch may bear resemblance to conventional skeleton timepieces; however, a closer examination unveils its sleek and modern finish, along with its remarkable utilization of materials. The distinct figure “8” shape, characterized by a prominent seconds dial and separate smaller dials for hours and minutes positioned at 12 o’clock, serves as the watch’s aesthetic hallmark within its openworked design. Encased in a sapphire dial, the large second hand unveils the intricately crafted Caliber 2663 SQ skeleton movement, constructed in a layered fashion.
The plate is exquisitely openworked, eliminating the enclosing circle typically found in such timepieces. The hours and minutes are elegantly displayed on a sapphire hour ring, delicately placed on a gold base. To secure these elements together, five indexed screws are meticulously employed—a technique innovatively introduced by Jaquet Droz, inspired by an existing armory system and skillfully adapted by the brand’s technical experts. Additionally, the oscillating weight, crafted in gold, also showcases the artistry of openwork.
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