The 31 Best Skeleton Watches to Buy Right Now

For the new collector, skeleton dial watches are often their first choice when branching out beyond traditional sport or dress watches. Skeletonized watches showcase the movement and inner workings in all their intricate beauty, allowing the wearer to catch a glimpse of their horological achievement whenever they look down at their wrist. Options range from partially skeletonized dials that reveals only a portion of the movement (such as the escapement) or a fully skeletonized dial that puts everything on display.

Being able to see the intricate inner workings of a mechanical watch is mesmerizing for any fan of horology, so it makes sense why so many collectors seek to add these types of watches to their collections. While not technically a complication, skeletonized watches offer something different from the more reserved classical designs that most brands offer. There are many affordable options, but a quick inspection of these pieces often reveals rough edges and questionable design choices. This often makes these pieces less than desirable, and will likely provide a lackluster wearing experience. Well-executed skeleton watches offer incredible finishing and maintain the structural integrity of the movement, while still showcasing the most exciting elements of the watch.

Some skeletonized movements start as conventional calibers that are then open-worked (material is removed) by a watch maker while others are designed from the start to be skeletonized, with the goal of showcasing the movement to its full ornate potential. Both types make for beautiful watches if done correctly, so if you are looking to add a great skeletonized watch to your collection, here are some of the best skeleton dial watches that have come through European Watch Company.

F.P. Journe Vagabondage III Platinum

Price: $350,000-$400,000, Case Size: 37.6mm, Thickness: 7.84mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45.3mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Platinum

The last timepiece created as part of the Vagabondage series, the Vagabondage III features a flat tortue case (trademarked by F.P. Journe), open-worked dial, and digital displays. It also features a digital jumping hour and and the WORLD’S FIRST jumping seconds display. While every F.P. Journe piece is beautifully finished, the Vagadondage series is incredibly special, as it served as a platform for Journe’s creativity. The Vagabondage III was made in 69 pieces in platinum, 68 pieces in 18k rose gold, and 10 diamond-set pieces. Being able to see one, let alone own one, is an incredibly unique experience.

Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Tourbillon ref. 2840

Price: $65,000-$70,000, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 10mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47.7mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 3ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Platinum

Michael Parmigiani was best known within the watch industry as one of the top restorers of vintage timepieces. When the time came to start his own brand in 1997, he took all the knowledge and expertise developed handling vintage pieces and poured it into his designs. The Toric Tourbillon reference 2840 was the first tourbillon released by the brand in 2001 and features a skeletonized tourbillon, one of watchmaking’s most coveted complications, on full display. The wristwatch features beautifully wide Geneva stripping on the dial, excellent perlage seen through the caseback, and a double coin-edged bezel, putting Parmigiani’s best in-class finishing on full display. 

Cartier Santos Skeleton WHSA0015

Price: $23,000-$25,000, Case Size: 39.8mm, Thickness: 9.1mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45.7mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

While Cartier is best known for their jewelry, the brand has proven that they are more than capable of creating timeless and iconic watches as well. Besides the classic Tank, the Santos may be Cartier’s most popular and recognizable collection. The Cartier Santos Skeleton Ref. WHSA0015 with stainless steel case offers a sporty take on the brand’s elegant style of watchmaking. One of the most striking aspects of the Santos Skeleton is the way in which Cartier integrated the Roman numeral hour markers directly into the structure of the movement. The movement is also skeletonized in a way to create a great deal of open space on the dial, allowing visibility right through the watch. With a 72-hour power reserve, easy-adjust stainless steel bracelet, quick change strap, and 100 meters of water resistance, this is one of the few skeletonized watches that is convenient for everyday wear. 

Cartier Crash Skeleton Platinum W7200001

Price: $250,000-$300,000, Case Size: 28mm x 45mm, Thickness: 9.62mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45.32mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Platinum

The Cartier Crash has achieved cult status among collectors in recent years. The fact that the watch is extremely rare and seemingly only appears on the wrists of VIPs and celebrities has added to the allure. While we are fans of all Crash models, the platinum skeleton Ref. W7200001 is one of our favorites. Not only does the watch feature the iconic asymmetric Crash case design, but with the skeletonized dial and display caseback, you can really see the caliber 9618 MC movement that was designed expressly for the Crash. With only 67 pieces produced in platinum, these pieces rarely come up for sale and are among the most collectable variants of the Crash that Cartier has ever made.

Cle de Cartier Mystery Openworked Dial

Price: $20,000-$23,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 11.2mm, Lug-to-Lug: 47mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Rose Gold

Cartier pieces almost always manage to mesmerize. While the more simple pieces may seem boring, their elegance in-person and on-wrist are second to none. When Cartier really goes for it though, they show off what they are capable of. The Clé de Cartier Mystery Openworked features a skeletonized movement that wraps around the time-telling portion of the dial, but the dial portion of the watch is clear, making the hands appear suspended within the case. Created using rotating sapphire discs, the effect is a showstopper. If you want people to stop, stare, and ask about your watch, this is a great choice.

Cartier Tank Cintrée WHTA0008 Skeleton

Price: $50,000-$52,000, Case Size: 23mm x 46.5mm, Thickness: 8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46.30mm, Lug Width: 18mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Rose Gold

The Tank Cintrée is one of the most elegant of Cartier’s many elegant designs. The slim, elongated, and curved rectangular case makes the watch’s design incredibly unique. This curved design hugs your wrist and with a unique, fully-skeletonized movement specifically designed to fit the Cintrée case (with curvature to match!), this piece demonstates Cartier’s singular ability to craft artfully beautiful objects. Also impressive is that the Caliber 9917 MC has a 60-hour power reserve, considering that the case is just 23mm wide. Often a grail for Cartier collectors, the Tank Cintrée Skeleton is definitely not a piece to sleep on. 

Richard Mille RM011 AMTi Felipe Massa Flyback Chronograph

Price: $170,000-$200,000, Case Size: 40mm x 50mm, Thickness: 17mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 5 ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Titanium

Combining a number of Richard Mille’s famous innovations, the RM011 was designed with F1 racer Felipe Massa’s unique needs in mind. With a titanium movement, variable rotor geometry that can be adjusted to the wearer’s activity level, a one-hour flyback chronograph, annual calendar, and sporty rubber strap, the RM011 is built to be a practical and lightweight machine. A unique take on skeletonization, instead of having no dial at all, the piece has a sapphire dial placed on top of the movement with numerals printed on it. This makes the watch a little more legible, while also allowing the wearer to view the skeletonized movement.

Richard Mille RM035 Rafael Nadal

Price: $300,000-$320,000, Case Size: 42mm x 50mm, Thickness: 14mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Aluminum 

In addition to their sky-high prices, Richard Mille watches have long been known for their sportiness and rugged construction, and the RM035 “Rafael Nadal” takes this ruggedness to the next level. Created for and in collaboration with tennis great Rafael Nadal, the RM035 takes Richard Mille’s ambitious engineering to an extreme in regards to shock protection. The manually wound caliber is made of skeletonized titanium for lightness, and is mounted to the case via specially designed rubber mounts for extra shock protection. Specifically, the alumagnesium case was developed for its strength and lightness. The goal was to create a watch that could withstand the rigors of a professional tennis match, and Nadal actually wore it on the court. An athlete at Rafa’s level would never compromise his performance to wear a watch if it did not meet the highest of standards. Judging by the amount of screen time this piece received during Nadal’s career (and by the record number of Grand Slam titles he won), it appears safe to say that it was a success. 

Breguet La Tradition ref. 7047PT Grand Complication Fusee Tourbillon

Price: $100,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 15.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.7mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Platinum

While not a skeletonized watch in the traditional sense, the Breguet La Tradition Grand Complication Fusee Tourbillon still puts on a show. On the backside, you can see the traditional Breguet movement architecture and on the dial side, there is a small dial to tell the time at 7 o’clock. To the right of the dial is the mainspring, to the left is the constant force mechanism and fusée chain, allowing for even disbursement of the mainspring’s energy and improving accuracy throughout the duration of the power reserve. At the top of the dial is the tourbillon. All of these elements are on full display allowing the owner to appreciate the high levels of craftsmanship and brilliant engineering based on Abraham-Louis Breguet’s original innovations. 

De Bethune DB28 Grand Bleu

Price: $90,000-$100,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 12.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 54.5mm, Lug Width: 26mm, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Titanium

De Bethune has become one of the darlings of the contemporary independent watchmaking scene, with their clever engineering and distinct identity and unlike some more traditional brands, it is easy to spot one from across the room if you know what you are looking for. The DB28 is De Bethune’s interpretation of a modern dive watch, offering 100 meters of water resistance, a rotating bezel, and lumed hands. The hands are lumed using powerful Black Badger, but the dial is also illuminated by a mechanical dynamo that is activated via a pusher at 6 o’clock. All of these innovative features unsuccessfully try to steal the show away from the beautifully finished movement, featuring a fully skeletonized balance bridge.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas ref. 4300V Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton

Price: $170,000-$180,000, Case Size: 41.5mm, Thickness: 8.1mm, Lug-to-Lug: N/A, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Rose Gold

Any piece from one of the “Holy Trinity” of Swiss watch brands (Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe) will always be a promising proposition. Vacheron Constantin is more often associated with traditional dress styles and high complications, but recent success with its Overseas and 222 model lines has shifted the gaze of younger collectors in its direction. Seemingly combining these two worlds is the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton which shows off the brand’s watchmaking prowess by combining an ultra-thin openworked movement with a perpetual calendar and moonphase all packaged in an 8.1mm thick rose gold case. With a push-button bracelet exchange system that allows the owner to switch between the bracelet, a rubber, or more formal leather strap, this is the rare statement piece that is perfectly suitable for daily wear. 

Omega Seamaster Diver Skeleton 50th Anniversary ref. 2931.80.00 & 2932.80.00

Price: $45,000-$50,000, Case Size: 41.5mm, Thickness: 13.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 53mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 300M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: White Gold/ Yellow Gold

The Omega Seamaster Diver is rightfully one of the most popular dive watches on the market today. While the watch’s presence on James Bond’s wrist has solidified its position in modern popular culture, the Seamaster Diver is an attractive design accessible to a broad range of watch enthusiasts. For those looking for something a little different, the skeleton dial 50th anniversary limited editions of the Seamaster will fit the bill. Offered as an ultra-luxe version, these white or yellow gold Seamasters featured a skeletonized caliber 2400 movement that was decorated extensively. Since every example was done by hand, each was slightly unique. And just in-case you have adventures planned for this watch, it is still shock absorbent and has 300 meters of water resistance like any standard Seamaster. 

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Skeleton Limited Edition 3688.30.32

Price: $50,000-$55,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 13.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 100ft, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Platinum

Everyone knows the Omega Speedmaster as the first watch to go to the moon, however, if you are looking for a truly unique Speedy, this skeletonized Speedmaster Moonphase in platinum takes a dependable sports watch and turns it into a piece of high-horology. The manual wind Omega caliber 3604A movement was skeletonized, engraved, & hand finished by master watchmaker Armin Strom, with added date and moon phase complications. Limited to just 57 pieces total, this platinum special edition is a heavy hitter in more ways than one. 

Patek Philippe Ultra Thin Skeleton 5180/1R-001

Price: $70,000-$80,000, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 6.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 45.8mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Rose Gold

The ref. 5180/1R-001 Patek Philippe Ultra Thin Skeleton is unique among skeleton dial watches. Although it was first introduced in 2017, the watch has a very traditional Patek Philippe design aesthetic. The watch is almost completely transparent with its beautifully hand finished and engraved micro-rotor caliber 240 movement on full display. Engraving each watch takes 130 hours to complete and an incredible attention to detail is evident everywhere you look. With a case measuring a svelte 6.7mm thick, the weight of the rose gold case and bracelet will likely be the only reminder of the watchmaking masterpiece on your wrist. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15407ST Skeleton Openworked

Price: $130,000-$140,000, Case Size: 41mm, Thickness: 10mm, Lug-to-Lug: 51.2mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

Since its debut back in 1972, the AP Royal Oak has gone on to become one of the most popular integrated bracelet sport watches on the market. Audemars Piguet has expanded the iconic line with various models and complications over the years, but among many collectors, the ref. 15407ST Skeleton Openworked is considered a grail watch. The watch comes in the standard 41mm, the same size as many other Royal Oak models (though slightly larger than the original 39mm). The movement is wonderfully openworked, with expertly polished beveled edges on the bridges and brushed surfaces which match the brutalist aesthetic of the Royal Oak’s case and bracelet. With an abundance of patience and a pocketbook to match, the 15407ST will be a knockout addition to any collection.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon GMT 26589IO.OO.D002CA.01

Price: $140,000-$160,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 16.1mm, Lug-to-Lug: 57mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Titanium

Audemas Piguet’s Royal Oak Concept watches tend to divide the collecting community. Those that love the history of the Royal Oak may not appreciate the extent to which these pieces have diverged from Genta’s original design. However, no one can argue that they are true marvels of engineering. The Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon combinines a flying tourbillon, GMT function, crown position indicator at 6 o’clock, a 237-hour power reserve (!!), and 100 meters of water resistance. The 44mm sandblasted titanium case with a black ceramic bezel is far from subtle, especially at 16.1mm thick, but fans of contemporary avant-garde horology love it all the same.

Piaget Altiplano 900P 18k Rose Gold ULTRA THIN

Price: $18,000-$20,000, Case Size: 38mm, Thickness: 3.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 41.9mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 2M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Rose Gold

While the Octo Finissimo gets the title for thinnest automatic movement, Piaget has a history of producing ultra-thin movements as well. The Piaget 900P was at one point the thinnest mechanical watch in the world. Measuring a svelte 3.65mm thick, the case-back on the piece serves as the baseplate for the movement, and even the dial is integrated. With this design and ultra-thin hands, Piaget is able to set the sapphire crystal closer to the dial than traditionally possible. The company could have stopped with an ultra-thin movement alone, but continued by skeletonizing the bridges, exposing the balance and part of the gear train. With so much going on, it’s hard to believe Piaget was able to fit everything into the svelte rose gold case. 

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton

Price: $25,000-$30,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 11mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.1mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

The popularity of integrated bracelet sports watches seems to know no bounds, and while the most famous models get the bulk of the attention (*cough Patek Nautilus and AP Royal Oak cough*) and thus the higher prices, there are plenty of other brands offering designs that deserve to be appreciated as well. One such model is the Girard-Perregaux Laureato. The design dates back to 1975, and a recent variant featuring a skeleton dial lands it on this list. While many will compare the Laureato to Gerald Genta’s more famous designs, the watch is not a mere Genta retread and was actually released a year before the Nautilus. The skeletonized dial on this modern interpretation is a stunning addition. The architecture of the dial has been designed to showcase all aspects of the movement and the wearer has the ability to see right through the watch in some areas. Best of all, the darker bridges contrast with the watch’s lighter indices, making it very legible for a skeleton dial watch. Overall, the Laureato has the pedigree and finishing comparable to that of its more well-known competition and definitely deserves your attention.

MB&F M.A.D. 1 Red

Price: $4,000-$6,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 17.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.6mm, Lug Width: 24mm, Water Resistance: 3 ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

As spectacular as MB&F watches are, there is no way to get around their equally spectacular price tags. Given their unique designs and innovative engineering, asking prices actually seem justified. Still, this often means that even the people creating these watches can’t afford them. As a way to thank those who have helped make the brand successful, Max Büsser wanted to create a timepiece that was more attainable but still had all the hallmarks of an MB&F timepiece. The excitement that followed was unexpected, so Büsser decided to create a limited production run for the rest of the watch community, resulting in the M.A.D. 1 Red, retailing for just under 3,000 CHF. The watch was sold through a raffle system, so it was still extremely difficult to get, but at least it was possible! The watch itself features an upside-down Miyota movement, with a modified rotor on the conventional dial side. The rotor features lume on the edges and puts on quite the show as it spins around. The time is read via rotating discs on the side of the watch, with an indicator at the bottom of the watch to aid in time telling. While maybe not the most practical watch to read, this piece does allow for more people to participate in the wild world of MB&F. 

Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Limited Edition Ref. MON00360

Price: $75,000-$80,000, Case Size: 39mm, Thickness: 12.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 48.1mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic, Material: White Gold

Romain Gauthier is an independent watchmaker that has been producing compelling and beautifully finished timepieces since its founding back in 1975. The Insight Micro-Rotor Limited Edition Ref. MON00360 is the perfect showcase for the brand’s watchmaking prowess. With an 80-hour power reserve and 22k gold micro-rotor, the specs of the relatively thin 6.8mm thick movement alone are quite impressive. Often relegated to the backside of the case, Romain Gauthier decided to show off the gold micro-rotor through a skeletonized portion of the dial at 9 o’clock. With large mirrored anglage on the edges of the movement, Romain Gauthier created a show stopper with the Insight Micro-Rotor series. Limited to just 10 pieces and offered on a brown leather strap, this is not a watch you see very often. 

Hermès Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune CA6.041

Price: $13,000-$15,000, Case Size: 39.5mm, Thickness: 18.8mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 3 ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Titanium

Hermès might be best known for their leather products, but their recent foray into high-end watchmaking has been quite spectacular as well. The Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune combines the brand’s signature playfulness with the watchmaking knowhow from Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, which Hermes has a partial ownership stake in. The watch is a bit of a mix of old and new, with a slim, skeletonized design, platinum bezel and traditional moonphase complication all paired with a titanium case and more contemporary movement finishings. If Hermes continues to produce timepieces like the Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune, more enthusiasts are certain to become fans of the brand. 

Bovet Dimier RECITAL 29 Ref. R290004

Price: $20,000-$24,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 10.3mm, Lug-to-Lug: 51.4mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Stainless Steel

Even though Bovet was founded in 1822 by Édouard Bovet in London, the brand first found success in the Chinese market with watches that had artful dials and beautifully decorated movements. The collapse of the Chinese watch market in 1855 led to difficult times for Bovet, and the brand changed hands several times until current owner Pascal Raffy purchased the company in 2001. Since then, Bovet has focused on what made the brand famous, creating beautifully finished watches. The Recital 29 collection highlights this with a partially skeletonized dial and time and moon phase subdials that are both uniquely domed. The Recital 29 is one of the few production pieces Bovet makes, albeit in extremely limited quantities. 

Piaget Polo Skeleton Ref. G0A45004

Price: $18,000-$20,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 6.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46.6mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 3 ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

In addition to their ultra-thin watches, Piaget makes the Polo, an attractive steel sport watch with integrated bracelet. Like other brands, Piaget has taken this sport watch and fitted it with different dials and complications. One of our favorite from the Polo lineup is the skeleton Ref. GOA45004. Perhaps benefitting from Piaget’s experience producing ultra-thin watches, the Polo Skeleton has an open-worked micro-rotor movement measuring just 2.4mm thick. The 1200S1 movement is not only incredibly attractive, but has an interesting blue color which provides a nice pop of color. The watch features a quick release strap system, making it easy to change between the integrated bracelet and a leather strap (the watch comes with an additional blue alligator strap). Overall, the Polo Skeleton’s 42mm case measures only 6.5mm thick, making this watch extremely wearable for anyone. 

Jaeger LeCoultre Master Grand Tradition A Repetition Minutes 151.T.67.S

Price: $70,000-$80,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 16mm, Lug-to-Lug: 53mm, Lug Width: 21-22mm, Water Resistance: 5 ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Titanium

Reading the words Grand Tradition a Repetition Minutes and skeletonized in association with Jaeger LeCoultre likely conjures an image of a relatively thin, open-worked, precious metal dress watch. The Jaeger-LeCoutlre Master Grand Tradition a Repitition Minutes, however, is the exact opposite of the brand’s classical dress watches. The watch has a sporty 44mm PVD coated titanium case with bright orange accents beneath which the rhodium plated movement can be seen. With a 15-day power reserve and torque indicator, JLC created one of the most modern looking minute repeaters available. 

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8-Day

Price: $38,000-$43,000, Case Size: 40mm, Thickness: 5.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 46mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Rose Gold

Bvlgari caused quite a stir in the watch world when the brand first released the Octo Finissimo in 2014. Indeed, the manually wound Octo Finissimo Tourbillon released in 2014 remains one of the thinnest watches ever made, at just 5.00mm thick. In the nearly ten years since, the brand has continued to push boundaries, creating thinner and thinner watches with ever more complications. With the Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8-Day, Bvlgari has showcased its ability to iterate complications on top of an already stellar watch. Measuring just 5.95mm thick and featuring an 8-day power reserve, this watch has enough high-horological clout to hang with the best of them. The thin design will make it more than suitable for formal occasions , but the gold bracelet and brushed finish also makes it perfect for everyday wear as well. Regardless of the situation, the skeletonized movement and rose gold case make for an eye catching statement.

Corum Golden Bridge Ref. 113.550.55/0001 0000R

Price: $15,000-$20,000, Case Size: 50.5mm x 32mm, Thickness: 10.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.7mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Water Resistance: 30M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Rose Gold

The Corum Golden Bridge is one of the most unique watches you will find on the market. The caliber 7000 movement, designed by Vincent Calabrese, is just a thin sliver that takes up very little space in the case. Instead of designing a case that tightly fits around the movement, Corum chose to highlight the movement by allowing for a great deal of open space around it. With sapphire crystals on the front, back, and sides of the case, the movement can be admired from all angles. On the wrist, it creates a unique effect that makes the movement appear as if it is floating above the skin. 

Sarpaneva Korona K3 Black Moon

Price: $13,000-$15,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 9.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 51.3mm, Lug Width: 20-21mm, Water Resistance: 10ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

Sarpaneva is best known for their lume dial watches and unique moon-phases. Their moonphases are anything but traditional, however, with whimsical and fun man on the moon faces. Offering a different take on skeletonization, the Sarpaneva Korona K3 Black Moon features a multi-layered dial, with each layer being open-worked creating a dial with a great deal of depth and texture. On the Korona K3 Black Moon, the moon-phase can be seen at 12 o’clock, while another face lurks beneath the skeletonized dial. While likely not for everyone, their bold designs are often applauded by collectors looking for something different. As an added bit of fun, the watch was delivered to owners with a book telling the tale of Lilith, who preyed on men during every new moon. 

Ulysse Nardin Freak X Black ref. 2303-270/BLACK

Price: $17,000-$18,000, Case Size: 43mm, Thickness: 13.5mm, Lug-to-Lug: 49.4mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 50M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Titanium

When the Ulysses Nardin Freak was originally released, there was no crown, and the hands were integrated into the movement design. The minute hand was part of the one-hour carrousel and the hour hand was a disc integrated into the movement beneath. While unconventional, it kept many of the active parts of the movement visible from the dial side, creating an element of horological showmanship in the way it told the time. With the Freak X, Ulysses Nardin created what they called a “daily” Freak. Using a conventional crown at 3 o’clock and a cleaner presentation of the Freak movement, Ulysses Nardin created a timepiece that could more easily be worn every day and incorporated into a regular rotation of watches.

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Skeleton Ref. 95.3001.3600/69.C817

Price: $6,000-$7,000, Case Size: 42mm, Thickness: 13.6mm, Lug-to-Lug: 50.6mm, Lug Width: 21mm, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel

Zenith is perhaps best known for its creation of the El Primero, the first automatic chronograph movement. The movement is so well-regarded that Rolex even used it in the Daytona before developing their own self-winding chronograph movement in-house. One of the more interesting features of the El Primero movement in this Chronomaster Skeleton is that it features a 10th of a second chronograph. This means that the chronograph seconds hand completes one revolution every 10 seconds, which is actually pretty entertaining to watch (if not slightly dizzying!) and because the dial is skeletonized, you get to see every component of the El Primero movement at work. A limited edition of 250 pieces, this 42mm watch has a titanium case and ceramic bezel, making it light and durable on the wrist. A modern and unique chronograph, it will surely please collectors looking for something off the beaten path.

Zenith Defy Zero-G Gravity Control Ref. 18.9000.8812/79.M9000

Price: $40,000-$50,000, Case Size: 44mm, Thickness: 10.2mm, Lug-to-Lug: 51.6mm, Lug Width: N/A, Water Resistance: 10ATM, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Manually Wound, Material: Rose Gold

The Zenith Defy Zero-G Gravity Control offers a different take on how to counteract the effects of gravity on a watch’s movement. For this piece, Zenith engineered a floating balance that rotates on all axes, functioning as a gyroscope. By doing do, gravity’s effect on the balance is more uniformly distributed (similar to a tourbillon), but does not rely on energy from the movement to perform this function. This theoretically allows the movement to run more efficiently and accurately. In order to fit this unique complication, the Defy Zero-G Gravity Control is housed in a 44mm case, which is on the larger size, but not too large for daily wear. The best part, the fully skeletonized movement the gyroscopic balance on full display, providing endless entertainment watching it stay still as the rest of watch moves.

TAG Heuer Carrera 01 Chronograph Skeleton Dial Ref. CAR2A1Z

Price: $3,000-$4,000, Case Size: 45mm, Thickness: 16.9mm, Lug-to-Lug: 52.3mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Water Resistance: 100M, Crystal: Sapphire, Movement: Automatic Winding, Material: Stainless Steel and Titanium

In recent years, TAG Heuer has had a resurgence of sorts, with renewed collector interest and reinvigorated design language. Many of the new releases were inspired by pieces from TAG Heuer’s archive and have a decidedly vintage aesthetic, but TAG Heuer also does incredibly well with ultra-modern watches with skeletonized dials that don’t break the bank. First released in 2016, the brand used the Carrera 01 Chronograph as a way to show off their new Heuer 01 calibre. Designed under the leadership of Jean-Claude Biver, these open-worked dials show off the mechanics of the watch at a very accessible price. Featuring an updated interpretation of the Carrera case shape, at 45mm wide and featuring a ceramic bezel, this Tag Heuer Carrera is a bold piece that hits the mark