Captivating and alluring, skeleton watches continue to intrigue viewers with its exposed beauty.
Pictured above: Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges in pink gold case with leather strap:
In 1867, Girard-Perregaux unveiled the ‘Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges’ and an icon was born. Unusually, the bridges, three functional parts typically hidden from view, were made an aesthetic element. By taking this decision, the Manufacture became known for making the invisible visible. This approach has been employed on several subsequent Girard-Perregaux models. With the advent of the new Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges, the Maison perpetuates this design philosophy but with a few fascinating twists along the way.
The
Cartier Cloche de Cartier Skeleton Watch in platinum case with leather strap:
Cloche de Cartier is the latest vintage design to be revived by Cartier as part of its Privé collection. The Privé collection is the springboard for Cartier to bring back notable classic designs with the Cloche de Cartier joining the likes of the Tank Asymétrique, Tank Cintrée and Tonneau amongst others. Inspired by the shape of a service bell, the inimitable Cloche de Cartier can be propped as a small desk clock, with the flat side of the case resting on the desktop. Clad in a platinum case and identifiable by the ruby cabochon crown, the skeletonisation of the watch lends a touch of modernity to the vintage looking watch.
Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition PAM01240 in Carbotech case with bi-material fabric strap:
Two worlds collide as luxury watchmaker Panerai and German luxury engineers BRABUS come together to present the all-new limited edition Panerai Submersible S BRABUS Black Ops Edition PAM01240. Bold, masculine and non-conformist in design, you can add high-octane and supercharged to the list of Panerai superlatives as the partnership with BRABUS brings German automobile technical knowledge to the world of Panerai. Panerai’s diving-enabled Submersible is equipped with a brand new skeletonised calibre as a reference to the S found in the watch name. The openworked design showcases the fine workings of the Panerai’s newest automatic calibre.
Hermès Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune in titanium case and platinum bezel with leather strap:
Hermès’ emphasis on elegance takes a sidestep as the Maison presents a radically contemporary execution of the Hermès Slim d’Hermès Squelette Lune in a skeletonised form. A new H953 calibre, with a double moonphase display, takes centre stage as the inhouse movement showcases a microrotor and fine decorations. The slim profile of the Slim d’Hermès is retained and is crafted in titanium. A platinum bezel is the icing on the cake.
Bell & Ross BR-X1 A521 in PVD titanium and ceramic case with rubber strap:
Made in partnership with Alpine F1 Team, the Bell & Ross BR-X1 A521 combines grade-5 titanium, ceramic and rubber in a its multi-material case. The toggle push-buttons are made from titanium covered in rubber for better grip. Their ergonomic design recalls the paddles on the steering wheel of a Formula 1TM racing car. A rubber shell surrounds the case to protect it against impacts. Great attention has been paid to the skeleton dial. The glazed base offers a view of the spectacular skeleton mechanism, including the symbolic X-shaped central bridge and the moving balance spring. The bezel is divided into a fixed, graduated section made from titanium and the rotating aluminium ring, covered with black PVD which allows the wearer to mark the time.
Art Direction Izwan Abdullah
3D Artist JJ Low | NPLUSC
This story about skeleton watches first appeared in our November 2021 issue.
RELATED ARTICLES
Hot and Unbothered
Givenchy's Hard Carry Is the Voyou
