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18 Best Skeleton Watches To Buy At All Price Points

Welcome back, devoted Timelords! If you’ve been searching through the archives to find the best skeleton watches for all manner of budgets you have come to the right place. Chrono Hunter has gone through the newest releases, timeless classics and timekeeping pretenders that boast avant-garde charm, the finest engineering and luxurious style.

First seen in the 1760s by French watchmaker André Charles Caron, skeletonised watches have boomed in popularity and are famed for their stripped back designs, attained through removing parts of the bridges and plates, as opposed to the standard watches which have solid dial faces.

However, before we start opening up and revealing our best choices, it’s important to clearly define initially what skeletonisation is and why they are different to their openworked brethren.

What Is A Skeleton Watch?

Skeletonised watches are typically defined by those pieces with mechanical movements. Skeletonisation is noted for a certain style of design that is instantly recognizable. The dial is essentially opened just like the caseback, allowing access to the movement. The movement is then stripped back to its most essential parts, resulting in gaps and separation between the various components.

You may be pondering what is so special about skeleton watches? They are completely separate from conventional watches, especially since they allow the user a direct look into the intricacies of the pieces, including the movements and expert finishes.

Next time you are at a watch fair and salivating over a release, flex a little knowledge and impress your colleagues or other halves by checking the timepieces and identifying if they are actually skeletonised. However, try not to get them confused with an “open-worked watch”.

Skeleton Watch Vs Openworked Watch

Openworked timepieces have a lot of features which are exceptionally close to skeletonised novelties. Openworked has become popularised by Audemars Piguet and is made up of a watch face that features missing elements of the dial such as the baseplates and bridges.

In effect, this gives enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the inner components of the watch. Truth be told, the two terms are generally interchangeable, so if you see us alternating between the two phrases, fret not. We haven’t lost our silicon hairspring…or marbles for that matter.

One phrase we will certainly not be using is “Open-Heart”. This relates to a dial which only has a small part skeletonised such as the balance wheel. Who knows, you may see us covering this later on down the horological timeline…

For the time being, we are perfectly content with showcasing 18 of the best skeleton watches to buy at numerous price points. Be it you are looking for an entry level piece to expand your timekeeping horizons, or are happy splashing the cash on a hot new skeletonised piece, we are confident there is one on this list with your name written on it. Without further ado, let’s get into our rundown of the best skeleton watches to purchase.

Trust us, there will be no horological bones left in the closet when we are done.

Best Skeleton Watches Under £10,000

1. Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton Golden

The Bell & Ross BR 05 first touched our eyeballs in 2019, bringing with it the classic squared case of Bell & Ross, brimming with avant garde upgrades. In this instance, the sapphire crystal is given a golden tinge to “fancify” the dial.

Source - Bell & Ross

Built into a 40mm steel case, only the flange, hands and hour markers are coated in gold, however it appears the entire dial is given a golden hue due to the clever appearance of the sheen. The combination of steel and gold is enough to get any horophile grooving, especially when considering the steel case is so iconic with its emblematic 4 screws.

Offering 100 metres of water resistance, the entire dial is openworked which closely mirrors the classic BR 05 Skeleton. Powered by the BR-CAL.322 movement, they run at 4Hz and have a modest 40 hour power reserve. Sorry gents, not enough to fly you for a weekend trip to St. Tropez.

- Capped at 500 pieces, you can buy a Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton Golden at retail for £6,500 as of December 2023.

2. TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph

The TAG Heuer Monaco leapt into popularity from its initial release in 1969, earning its title as the first automatic micro-winding chronograph, following its Calibre 11 movement released in 1969. The emblematic blue and red design has recently been renovated, all with a whiff of skeletonised revolution!

Source - TAG Heuer

Still within the iconic TAG Heuer squared case, this watch strongly deviates from its predecessors and opts to negate vintage classicism for modernised open worked styles, all within the same square case, the same circular minute track and square chronograph subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock.

With a 39mm case size, they are made out of titanium coated with black DLC and are surrounded by a bevelled sapphire crystal. This draws the eyes into the Luminova filled squared chronograph subdials and sharp lines that either make up hour markers or enhance the mysterious modern yet classic vibe of these watches. The sapphire crystal is domed allowing maximum legibility, and the second hand is bright red, just like their predecessors.

They are powered by the Heuer 02, an in-house movement that offers 28,800VpH and an 80 hour power reserve.

- You can buy a TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton Chronograph at retail for £9,800 as of December 2023.

3. Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Fusalp

Designed for the gentleman who wants to lounge by the fire on a wintry day or hit the ski slopes over the colder seasons, The Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Fusalp is the ultimate piece for you horophiles.

Source - Zenith

Zenith has worked in collaboration with Fusalp, a luxury ski-wear brand, and they have both worked together to produce a brilliant timepiece that’s both stylish and durable. Released to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Fusalp brand, the 41mm watch is crafted out of black ceramic.

Showcasing a water resistance of 100 metres, the dial is completely skeletonised and features a Zenith and Fusalp snowflake inspired star across the front of the piece. The hour markers and the hands are highly legible as they have a silvered design and are filled with luminova.

Featuring a date indication at 6 o’clock, the minute track is blued and there is a further red ring to add a jolt of colour. The watches are powered by the Elite movement. Made up of 187 components, beating 28,800VpH, the watches have a 50 hour power reserve which should cover you for just over a weekend.

Fitted with a black rubber with a Fulsap texturization pattern, the pieces are prime for the big woolly jumper days when the snow keeps beating down!

- Capped at 300 pieces, you can buy a Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Fusalp at retail for £8,300 as of December 2023.

Best Skeleton Watches Under £15,000

4. Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze

The BR 01 Cyber Skull is inspired by D-Day in 1944, following the period American soldiers descended on the Normandy coastline with a Skull symbol emblazoned on their uniforms and the phrase “Death From Above''. Don’t be scared though it’s not Halloween. Mind you, if you want frighteningly unique lineup of timepieces to whet your appetite check out our scaringly good article below;

- 8 Of The Most Spooktacular Watches For Halloween

Source - Bell & Ross

Unveiled in Watches and Wonders 2023 the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze is a very bulky 45mm case size, bordering those Panerai favourites like the Panerai Radiomir California PAM 1349 that is equally sized at 45mm.

Nevertheless, it's all for a good reason. Crafted out of bronze, the case has the ability to patina over time, resulting in a completely unique sheen that follows the lifestyle you lead, making it more desirable and distinctive. It is precisely these imperfections that aficionados look for especially in tropical dials emanating from a Rolex Daytona. Sunlight and the chemical properties of the rays affects the dial, giving it an individual sheen with many of this ilk fetching hundreds of thousands of pounds. That’s if you can hunt down one.

Designed with sharp lines and brushed finishes, the case on this Bell & Ross concept follows through onto the dial. While the screws in Bell & Ross watches are noted for being on the bezel, they reside within the case and serve to secure the frightening skull emblem that stares back at you just wanting to be toyed with.

Taking “skeletonised” to a whole different level, the skull hides the movement, and leaves sizable gaps between the bones. Did you know the skull has the capability to chuckle? But wait a second…this ain’t no laughing matter. This is serious engineering we are talking about on a John Farquharson McIntosh scale.

It is attained through winding the manual movement which causes the lower jaw to move. Crikey. They are powered by the BR-CAL.208. Offering a weekend proof 50 hours of power reserve and pulsating at 4 Hz, the movement can be viewed through the sapphire caseback which exposes its glorious inner workings.

- With a limited edition run of 500 pieces, you can buy a Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze at retail for £10,300 as of December 2023.

5. TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer

The Monza name holds a weight in TAG Heuer’s world, especially since it stems back to the text being based on Heuer models from 1976, celebrating Niki Lauda’s victory at the World Championship Title. Maybe this one may be vintage enough for Ryan Gosling to pull off…

Source - TAG Heuer

This TAG Heuer Monza has a 42mm diameter case size and is crafted out of forged carbon fibre with an unmovable carbon bezel. The pushers and crown on the side of the case are similarly kept understated with DLC coatings.

The openworked dial features a tachymetric scale around the periphery of the face and is given a highly unorthodox two-sub dial chronograph construction at 3 and 6 o’clock, leaving a date aperture at 9 o’clock. The two chronograph subdials are built onto sapphire discs which gives a mirrored aesthetic.

The seconds hand and hour markers are blued and the hour and minute hands are silvery and given a good dose of Luminova. They are powered by the Calibre Heuer 02 movement which features a flyback chronograph, COSC certified, it offers 28,800VpH alongside a go anywhere, do anything 80 hour power reserve.

- You can buy a TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer at retail for £11,750 as of December 2023.

6. Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton Black Ceramic

The Defy Skyline first came into fruition in 2022 and has evolved as one of the best luxury sports watches of its time with one of the best horological prestiges and presences thanks to that all important movement. More on that in a minute.

Source - Zenith

With a 41mm case size, these black ceramic watches undergo a combination of both satin brushing and immense polishing throughout the case. Ceramic is an optimal decision as it’s light, extremely durable and looks very sharp if you decide to wear this with a three piece suit.

Look closely and you will see an equally blackened four point star emblem throughout the dial, relating to Zenith’s past as an interpretation of their old double Z logo which dates back to the 1960s.

The hour markers are short and chunky and are filled with Luminova, just like the hands to boast their presence among the black, open faced timepiece. They are powered by the legendary El Primero 3620 SK movement which offers a 36,000VpH, 1/10th of a second indication and a 60 hour power reserve. Arguably the creme de la creme of calibres, its release in 1969 represented it being the first automatic chronograph calibre that also has a high frequency of 1/10th of a second.

- You can buy a Zenith Defy Skyline Black Ceramic at retail for £15,000. Unfortunately it’s out of stock, so it sells on the secondary market for upwards of £13,900 as of December 2023.

Best Skeleton Watches Under £25,000

7. Zenith Defy Extreme Glacier

The Extreme collection became another strand to the ever growing Defy line in 2021, and it has continued to bring with it evolution and fresh designs.

With lots of vintage vibes and some design cues taken from their sports watches during the 1960s’, this icy cool, calm and very much collected contender has more futuristic aesthetics going on than the Starship Enterprise. Don’t be spaced out yet though. We are only just getting started.

Source - Zenith

Sized at 45mm of pure micro blasted titanium within the case, the Zenith Defy Extreme Glacier from this year represents a move into the ice cold world of watchmaking, particularly since it features an openworked dial with a tinted sapphire crystal that offers a super frosty sheen. Put down your Soda Streams for a second…you’ll like this.

They use chalcedony, a see-through crystal that is cut and hand-polished, on the bezel atop a case and the pusher protectors, resulting in a remarkable glacier style shade. Grand Seiko may have Zaratsu but Zenith are going all out icecap on us. The revealing chronograph dial is fitted with silvery chronograph sub-dials, hour markers and hands, all of which feature Super-Luminova.

They are powered by the automatic Calibre 9004 movement. Offering dual power sources totalling 36,000VpH for the standard timekeeping functionality and 360,000VpH for the chronograph functions, you can also expect a 50 hour power reserve and 200 metre water resistance, allowing you to go diving in Bali or take a soak in your bathtub!

- Capped at only 50 pieces, you can buy a Zenith Defy Extreme Glacier at retail for around £23,100. Ah, hold the front page…it’s sold out! You can buy it on the secondary market from around £20,000 as of December 2023.

8. Zenith Defy Extreme Mirror 03.9102.9004/90.I001

For the highly stylish among us who cannot get enough of their own reflection, why not buy a watch that will bring out the narcissist in you, offering exceptional precision, but can easily become a wristwatch mirror? You heard us right. If the Defy Extreme Mirror had its school report it would most definitely achieve an A+ for impact among other areas.

Source - Zenith

Just as we thought Christmas was round the corner and time for us to swap those garish Secret Santa gifts, the Defy Extreme Mirror adds another variation to the highly lauded Extreme collection that first saw light in 2021. Crafted in a very large 45mm case, they feature the iconic 12 sided bezel and the entire piece, including the steel bracelet, is mirror polished to offer a reflective surface throughout.

Honestly, this is futuristic on another level. A timekeeping weapon of choice you might find George Jetson sporting, the dial is open-worked, and made up of many layers, including a highly transparent sapphire crystal in its centre. For something so reflective, you may be concerned about the accessibility of the dial face. Fear not, the hour markers and hands, including those on the chronograph sub-dials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, are rhodium-plated and all treated with Super-Luminova.

Powered by the eternally loved El Primero movement, the Automatic 9004 movement offers both 36,000VpH for standard timekeeping and 360,000VpH for the chronograph, as well as a 50 hour power reserve. This is horology gents…but not as we know it.

- You can buy a Zenith Extreme Mirror 03.9102.9004/90.I001 at retail for £23,100 as of December 2023.

Best Skeleton Watches Under £35,000

9. Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges Aston Martin Edition

Girard-Perregaux and the beloved Aston Martin brand have been in cahoots since 2021 and to date, have released a total of 5 pieces. Our favourite and one of our essential skeleton watches was only released at Dubai Watch Week 2023, to great fanfare, playing on the stunning complexity of The Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges collection.

Source - Girard-Perregaux

Totalling a 45mm case size, they are crafted out of titanium and are coated with black DLC in order to attain both a polished and satin finished black aesthetic, with the inherent durability and lightness of titanium, ensuring the case can battle through most of life’s everyday trials and tribulations.

The skeletonised design is so slicked back that the baseplate forms the dial which takes an anthracite grey sheen. This allows the skeletonised, Super-Luminova filled hour and minute hands to still be visible from the Aston Martin inspired British Racing Green aesthetic along the minute track and bridges, and the complexity of the micro-rotor at 10 o’clock and mainspring barrel located at 2 o’clock.

Powered by the automatic GPO84000-2164 movement and totalling 208 components, the 29 jewel movement runs at 21,600VpH and boasts a 48 hour power reserve…giving you enough time to catch the Eurostar and take in a weekend break in the City of Light.

- You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges Aston Martin Edition at retail for £32,100 as of December 2023.

Best Skeleton Watches Under £110,000

10. Cartier Santos-Dumont Micro-Rotor

Cartier has become famed over the years for releasing the first ever wristwatch in 1904 that was worn by pilot Alberto Santos-Dumont. First pilots watch too? We reckon so!

Source - Cartier

With such an impressive lineage, the Santos-Dumont Micro-Rotor follows on from its Art Deco inspired look and squared case. Given a 31.4mm case diameter, the 8mm thick watch is made from 18K yellow gold which compliments the scintillating blue lacquer bezel and lugs.

The dial is entirely skeletonised, allowing an unprecedented view into Cartier’s 9629 calibre. The automatic movement offers 28,800VpH and a 46 hour power reserve.

While the movement is one of the best spectacles we’ve witnessed on a Cartier to date, perhaps the most eye-catching feature is the circular aperture in the left hand corner of the dial, showcasing an 18K yellow gold replica of Santos-Dumont's aircraft.

The blue hands and small blue dot hour markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock may be a little hard to read, but this is a watch that is all about luxury and showing off the heritage of the brand.

- Capped at 150 watches, you can buy a Cartier Santos-Dumont Micro-Rotor on the secondary market for around £80,000 as of December 2023.

11. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade

As night follows day, The Laureato has swiftly become a fascinating part of the Girard-Perregaux portfolio, especially since it was their first venture into luxury sports models back in 1975.

Source - Girard-Perregaux

Earth Wind & Fire this aint. The “Light & Shade” idea is inspired by the The Laureato Absolute collection that represents a creative outlet for the brand. This watch is crafted out of sapphire crystal and is formed using the Kyropoulos growth method, essentially allowing high quality crystals to form which are then machined and altered to achieve the iconic octagonal shape. This process takes a mere 170 hours! Time well spent, we say.

The dial is skeletonised and undergoes a number of finishes like bevelling and circular satin finishing on the plates and bridges to attain a beautiful design. The hands are skeletonised and are given a silvery sheen as opposed to the black background and case. It’s powered by the equally skeletonised GP01800-1143 movement which runs at 28,800VpH and offers a 54 hour power reserve.

The skeletonised movement is designed with curvature and lines, allowing the “Light & Shade” dynamic to be attained. Furthermore, the watches are fitted with a variable-inertia balance that enhances the stability and the shock resistance of the watches.

- You can buy a Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light & Shade at retail for £84,700 as of December 2023.

12. Hublot Big Bang Integrated Automatic Tourbillon Full Carbon Texalium

The Hublot Big Bang first exploded into horology in 2005 when they immediately won The 2005 Design Prize in the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix. Now, they have continued to evolve and utilise a range of pioneering materials, shaking the horological world to its core.

Source - Hublot

Measuring 43mm, these Hublot skeleton watches are crafted out of carbon fibre, the same materials that race cars adorn when speeding around a track. Furthermore, they are given a Texalium coating to ensure there will be no scratches or damage to the case upon impact. You won’t be suffering any tough blows with this beauty strapped to your wrist.

This weaved design is hypnotising, but does not touch a glove on the skeletonised dial. Boasting a skeletonised tourbillon positioned at 6 o’clock to ensure precision and a thin carbon fibre background, you can spot a micro-rotor, but can clearly see the silvered hour markers and hands that are fully dosed with lume.

They are powered by the Hublot in-house made HUB6035 automatic movement. Offering a 72 hour power reserve alongside a 3Hz frequency, this 282 component movement offers a lot of power within the 14.15mm case.

- Capped at 50 pieces, you can buy a Hublot Big Bang Integrated Automatic Tourbillon Full Carbon Texalium at retail for £109,000 as of December 2023.

Best Skeleton Watches Upon Price Request

13. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Openworked 16204BA

Audemars Piguet has revisited the 50th anniversary Royal Oak watches in 2022, both of which came in steel and rose gold. Now, they have deemed it fit to keep us hungry horophiles on our toes with one of the latest editions of the Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Openworked 16204BA.

Source - Audemars Piguet

Crafted out of yellow gold and sized at 39mm, they offer a highly modern fit for the debonair gentleman. They utilise both polishing and brushing across the piece, allowing the eight iconic white gold screws across the bezel, hands and hour markers to be projected.

Just like keeping up with the Kardashians, if you’ve followed Audemars Piguet for a while, you'll respect the celebratory 50th anniversary rotor that remains in this reinterpretation of this imposing watch.

- You can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin Openworked at retail when you request a price from them.

14. Audemars Piguet Concept Tourbillon Spider-Man

Keen horophiles will note the history behind Audemars Piguet and the Marvel brand. Like Omega and Daniel Craig, AP loves to drop a collab into the laps of connoisseurs including a release in 2021 boasting a new Royal Oak Concept Black Panther and a one off version which sold for around £4 million, becoming the most expensive watch from the brand. In 2023, the relationship has evolved and expanded to a brand new superhero, Spider-Man!

Our Spidey senses are simply tingling with delight.

Source - Audemars Piguet

You don’t need to fire out webs to adorn this incredible beauty. The watch is shaped in the classic Royal Oak case from way back in 1972, designed by the maestro himself Gerald Genta. Eight visible screws on the bezel? Check! They are 42mm of pure grade 5 titanium and give a striking satin finish.

The dial is essentially see-through from front to back. This extreme version of skeletonisation is attained through sapphire crystals on both sides of the watch and enjoys a completely stripped back movement.

Boasting a white gold Spider-Man figurine that took 50 hours to create and is seemingly suspended in mid-air, he is hand painted and meticulously finished. That explains the 250 cap on the models. The 2974 movement is therefore cut down to the bare essentials, yet they make room for a tourbillon situated at 6 o’clock to ensure lighting fast precision.

- Offering 21,600VpH and a 80 hour power reserve, you can buy an Audemars Piguet Concept Tourbillon Spider-Man upon price request.

15. Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie

The Grande Sonnerie complication is one of the most complicated feats a watchmaker can perform. This is because it has a striking mechanism that requires a separate power source which means the watches need more components including another barrel and gear train.

And it’s up to lauded brands like Audemars Piguet to attempt it!

Source - Audemars Piguet

Sized at 41mm, the one-off unique piece is crafted out of white gold and represents the first a brand new sapphire dial adopted alongside a black ceramic case middle. The dial features white gold hour markers with black centres and white gold hands in line with the sumptuous case.

The openworked dial looks exceptionally complicated as it features a Grande Sonnerie that chimes the hours automatically, a Carillon which utilises three gongs and hammers to offer different pitches and a Supersonnerie that improves the gong sounds and resonance. They are powered by the 2956 movement which runs at 3Hz and offers a 48 hour power reserve. If you are looking for complications with all the fuss and frills, this might tick all the boxes

- You can buy an Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Grande Sonnerie Carillon Supersonnerie at retail when you request a price.

16. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin Skeleton

Vacheron Constantin is one of the ultimate brands to buy for any horophile, with an extensive history stemming over 250 years. While they could easily rest on their laurels, they go one step further by incorporating skeletonisation into their luxury watches, as per the Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin Skeleton release from 2022.

Source - Vacheron Constantin

Sized at 41.5mm, they have a miniscule thickness of 8.1mm which is incredible given the technical data within the movement. Crafted out of rose gold, they seem rather classical, until you get into the workings of the delicious dial.

It is skeletonised leaving a NAC grey toned movement to be analysed from either the front of the sapphire caseback. Atop the movement is a variety of chronograph subdials and tracks which are given a navy blue sheen for legibility. The hour markers and hand are rose gold and dosed with Luminova for maximum legibility. Showcasing day of the week, moon phases and leap year sub dials and apertures, the 1120 QPSQ/1 movement offers a 40 hour power reserve and a hardy 28,800VpH.

- You can buy a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin Skeleton at retail upon price request as of December 2023.

17. Cartier Privé Tank Asymétrique Skeleton

The Cartier Asymétrique is famed for its tilted dial display that was designed to enhance quick glances when you need to tell the time on the fly. However, as they are part of the Privé collection, it can never just be a simple design. After all, this is a celebratory line that showcases the best of Cartiers watches!

Source - Watch Press

This variation of the brands Tank Asymétrique is skeletonised, allowing you to indulge in the beauty of the Calibre 9623 MC movement. Sized at 32mm, their case is slightly tilted down to the left in order to keep with the collections heritage. This is a deviation from the classical Cartier Tank design which is made to mirror the branchards of tanks. This was due to Louis Cartier’s experience on the Western Front wherein he saw F-17 Renault Tanks in operation during WW2.

Featuring an iconic, navy blue cabochon crown, the eyes are drawn into the fascinating, skeletonised dial. Featuring two Arabic numerals at 12 (normally 1 o’clock) and 6 o’clock, (normally 7 o’clock), they also have a set of blued baton hour markers and equally blued hands.

They are powered by the Calibre 9623 MC movement. Offering 4Hz and a 48 hour power reserve, they are crafted out of platinum and are available on a navy blue alligator leather strap. Pair this with a sharp similar toned suit or pinstripe look for the office or neutral polo if smart casual is more your taste in fashion.

- Capped at 100 models, you can buy a Cartier Privé Tank Asymétrique Skeleton at retail upon price request

18. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked "Cactus Jack"

Causing more controversy than Barbiecore, Oppenheimer and Prince Harry combined, may we point you in the direction of the Travis Scott inspired chocolate dial Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. Or in other words Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked "Cactus Jack".

Although it may display no real changes in terms of design, aside from the new brown ceramic case, it has turned the watch world upside down upon its release at the end of 2023.

Source - Audemars Piguet

Sized at 41mm, they feature the classic Royal Oak case, including an octagonal bezel with 8 visible screws. Crafted out of brown ceramic, Audemars Piguet have ventured into new and perhaps unchartered waters with this hip hop drop. While it may be a little moody for some, we are more than happy with the mysterious vibe and nod to the latest cultural fad.

There are a number of Travis Scott inspired details, including the lettering around each chronograph sub dial and numbering along the minute track that all follow the typography adopted by Travis Scott’s brand, Cactus Jack. This follows directly through onto the moon-phase indication which replaces the moon with a Cactus Jack brand sewn shut face. Forget Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. This is more a case of keeping your Eyes Wide Open here.

The dial is entirely skeletonised and allows the smallest details to be promoted. Speaking of promotion, turn over the watch to see a reference to Travis Scott’s latest album, ‘Utopia is a state of mind’ along the top and even along one of the loops on the similarly fresh, brown calfskin leather strap. Powered by the 5135 automatic movement, they run at an unorthodox 19,800VpH and offer a 40 hour power reserve.

Limited to 200 watches, the original retail price was a mind boggling $201,000. We doubt you can buy an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked "Cactus Jack" when you request a price as of December 2023. But here it is to gawp at as it still remains one of the best skeleton watches. At the time of writing, you can find one on the secondary market for, wait for it…close to £490,000. Yowzers.

On the other hand, if you are looking to buy a watch that has similar characteristics, we would plump for The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked which you can buy at retail for £87,700, or the Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin Openworked which is only upon request.

Conclusion

Take a breath! We have examined 18 of the best skeleton watches, accessible at a range of price points and budgets.

Skeletonised watches are very unorthodox, but they have the potential to look fantastic if you pull it off. We suggest you keep the understated pieces for the office and the more flamboyant editions for those special occasions or swanky soirees.

For those days when you need to be on your A-Game in order to close a big deal, we recommend you adorn a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin Skeleton. Who could possibly resist the classical charm of an iconic case and the modernised feel of a skeletonised dial?

Need something a tad more exciting to show you know how to blur the line between sporty and chic? Why not purchase a Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze to show your rock n’ roll side.

This list has understood the needs of every kind of buyer. From the more affordable TAG Heuer Monza Flyback Chronometer to the grail worthy Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Openworked “Cactus Jack”, we really hope we’ve broadened your horizons to level up your flex.

Skeletonisation should be adopted more in the watchmaking world. It offers a highly avant-garde style that cannot be replicated by their solid dial competitors. You know it’s worth a look when Holy Trinity members like Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet are drawn to it like bees to a hive.

Whether you’re popping the corks of a 1976 Piper-Heidsieck Rare Brut Millesime after a big pay-rise, or shaking hands with your father-in-law in Palm Springs, these gorgeous dials can be the next big upgrade to your outfits or collections. You don’t have to be a fashionista from Hollywood to wear these.

Now it’s time to find out below how to kit yourself out

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