Coolest Luxury Skeleton Watches to Buy In 2023
Jean Arevalo
12 October 2023 | 14 min read
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It’s no news that the watchmaking industry has consistently been innovating, with new watch inventions released into the market. Among a sea of dapper avant-garde watches, one particular watch type that stands out is the so-called skeleton watch.
Skeleton watches are stealing the limelight nowadays with their exquisite, revolutionary craftsmanship and distinctive performance. Most watch enthusiasts and collectors are fascinated by their intricate yet well-detailed, subtle designs.
Not to mention, assembling a skeleton watch requires a significant amount of craftsmanship and knowledge to uncover a watch’s inner beauty by opening up a dial, a movement, or both. That is why skeletonization is still one of the most fascinating watchmaking techniques.
In today’s article, we will delve deeper into the state-of-the-art features of the 12 coolest luxury skeleton watches you can buy on the watch market. So, keep browsing!
What are Skeleton Watches?
Skeleton watches are a type of timepiece with an open or partial dial cover, allowing you to get a glimpse of the inner mechanism working inside it. Instead of a quartz movement, skeleton watches, with all the moving parts involved, are perpetually driven by a mechanical or automatic movement.
Originally, they were first created in the 18th century, but only recently have they become widely accepted and gained immense attention from watch connoisseurs and the general public. At present, there are a wide variety of skeleton watches, and you can find one with formal, elegant, or sporty styles.
12 Coolest Luxury Skeleton Watches to Buy in 2023
Now let’s take a closer look at the cutting-edge features of the 12 coolest luxury skeleton watches you can find on the horology market today.
1. Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101
The first skeleton watch we have is the Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101. It exudes a rugged yet sophisticated appearance, which is worth its price of $24,500.
With Audemars Piguet’s best craftsmanship, the Millenary 4101 looks stunning with its large 47mm oval-shaped stainless steel case and sleek finish. It has a shiny fixed bezel ring with a crown spotted on the right portion. The comfortable black leather strap perfectly complements the watch’s whole seamless design.
The semi-skeletonized dial has an almost dark grey texture with complete visual exposure of the components of the mechanism that operates inside.
The rose gold-tone leaf-shaped hands and Roman numerals add a great blend to the watch, with a small second sub-dial added. Protecting this stunning dial is a sapphire crystal that is affixed to the top.
Ticking inside the Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 is a top-grade calibre 4101 automatic. The mechanism is indeed subtly fitted upside down to the watch so that anyone who wears it can get a glimpse of its mechanical intricacies. This particular movement has a total of 253 parts and an extensive power reserve of 60 hours.
Lastly, for this high-end skeleton watch to survive any wet conditions, the brand ensures to integrate a whopping 200-metre water resistance rating.
2. Raymond Weil Freelancer Skeleton Men’s Automatic
Right off the bat, the Raymond Weil Freelancer Skeleton Men’s Automatic looks so stylish and elegant with its incredible features. Unveiled in 2017 under the Raymond Weil Freelancer collection, this skeleton watch is a go-get piece for those searching for a luxury gent’s watch.
The Raymond Weil Freelancer Skeleton Men’s Automatic is crafted out of a 42mm stainless steel case with a streamlined rose gold PVD coating. It has a black partial dial with a large opening at the centre, allowing you to adore the skeleton movement that drives inside.
Around the partial black dial are gold-hued stick indices and white minute markers to still ensure you have easy access to reading the time. It is adorned with two-tone minute and hour hands that also complement the overall appearance of the watch.
Completing the whole grandeur look of the watch is a sleek brown leather strap that is accompanied by a folding clasp with a double push-security system.
Now, performance-wise, the Raymond Weil Freelancer is powered by a mechanical self-winding calibre RW1212, with a useful 100-metre water resistance. This mechanism is perfectly embedded inside the watch, even beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. It also delivers a 38-hour power reserve.
The Raymond Weil Freelancer Skeleton Men’s Automatic retails for around $2,500, which we believe is a very reasonable price considering all of its amazing features.
3. Zenith Defy El Primero 21
If you’re searching for a skeleton watch made of robust titanium, you should then check out this Zenith Defy El Primero 21. This particular Zenith watch model has a classic-looking design with lots of great features at hand.
Presented in a hefty 44 mm diameter case, this Zenith Defy El Primero 21 is made of a sturdy titanium case with a well-brushed finish. It is paired with a black rubber strap with a coated black alligator leather surface. The strap comes with a titanium-made double folding clasp to securely fit on your wrist.
Speaking of the skeleton dial, it is crafted to be as widely opened as possible to let you view the whole El Primero automatic movement inside, with 293 components involved.
But despite that large open dial, Zenith still ensures to integrate more handy features, such as a 30-minute subdial near 3 o’clock, a 60-second subdial near 6 o’clock, and a chronograph power reserve indicated spotted near the 12 o’clock.
Knowing Zenith is branded as the home of the best, high-precision chronograph movements, you can then guarantee that this piece delivers the utmost quality in timekeeping. To be specific, this 44mm Zenith Defy watch is driven by a high-frequency El Primero 21 1/100th chronograph.
The Swiss automatic movement is integrated with two independent high-frequency escapments that beat at 5Hz for timekeeping and 50Hz for chronograph purposes. It claims to deliver an enormous 50-hour power reserve. Not to mention, it also comes with a 100-metre in-depth rating of water resistance.
All in all, if you wish to wear an avant-garde skeleton watch, purchasing this Zenith Defy El Primero 21 for around $12,700 is worth the investment.
4. Stuhrling Anatol Dual Time Automatic 46mm Skeleton
For a more budget-friendly skeleton watch, we recommend checking out this Stuhrling Anatol Dual Time Automatic 46mm Skeleton. Selling for a price point of $250, this Stuhrling skeleton watch has many great features to offer, which we will discuss in the next paragraphs.
The Stuhrling Anatol Dual Time Automatic Skeleton has an oversized 46mm stainless steel case with a gold coating. It is paired with a gold-hued skeletonized dial that clearly displays the inner workings of the watch. The black dauphine-styled hour and minute hands add rich, bold accents to the watch’s overall appearance.
Aside from that, this Stuhrling skeleton watch is also highly functional, offering a second-time zone sub-dial ready to accompany you all the time. To consistently keep you on time, this watch also comes with a rotating AM/PM built-in indicator.
What’s more, the onion-style crown sets it apart from its counterparts, which can be spotted at 3 o’clock. Completing its luxurious look is a black alligator leather strap with a tang buckle clasp.
Flipping the underside of the Stuhrling Anatol Skeleton watch, you’ll find a screw-down see-through caseback that allows you to view the movement’s function from every angle. The said mechanism is none other than the brand’s very own ST series of automatic movements.
Finally, the Stuhrling Anatol Dual Time Automatic 46mm Skeleton is also waterproof with a 50-metre in-depth rating, which is enough to survive any accidental splashes or showers.
5. Rado True Square Open Heart R27086162
As its name suggests, the Rado True Square Open Heart R27086162 has a unique square-shaped style that exudes an almost all-black quintessential appeal. Its sleek black titanium PVD coating made it instantly recognisable, even setting it apart from the rest of its counterparts.
The Rado True Square Open Heart has a 38 mm case diameter and bracelet, which are both made of a high-tech black titanium material.
The watch’s dial perfectly combines the colours silver, gold, and black, displaying the powerful mechanism that ticks inside. The hands and hour markers are also both offered in gold and silver tones, blending well with the overall classic look of the watch.
For best legibility, Rado ensures that both hands and indices are treated with SuperLuminova for easy reading. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal attached to the top with an anti-reflective coating that keeps it crystal clear all the time.
Performance-wise, the Rado True Square Open Heart R27086162 is driven by a Swiss ETA C07.631 self-winding movement. Being held together by 25 jewels, this automatic movement delivers a whopping 80 hours of power reserve. Plus, it’s highly water-resistant, with a 50-metre in-depth rating added.
Retailing at $2,600, the Rado True Square Open Heart R27086162 is a great deal considering its best qualities to offer.
6. Hamilton Khaki Field Skeleton Auto H72585535
If you’re on the hunt for a highly reliable skeleton watch, the Hamilton Khaki Field Skeleton Auto H72585535 deserves to be on your radar. This Swiss automatic watch is delicately made to ensure it delivers the best function and features.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Skeleton Auto H72585535 has a 42mm stainless steel case coated with a black PVD to further its robust appeal. It is paired with a brown leather band with a pin buckle.
Taking a closer look at its skeletonized dial, Hamilton carefully crafted every part with its multi-level dial proudly displaying its automatic movement that powers inside. It is decorated with two-tone hands and Arabic numeral indices at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock.
On the underside of the Hamilton Khaki Field, you will find an open caseback that gives a full view of the movement. This mechanism is Hamilton’s very own calibre H-20-S automatic movement. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and delivers a superior 42-hour power reserve.
Furthermore, this semi-skeletonized movement was invented based on ETA 2824-2, which is labelled “workhorse” by many watch connoisseurs. Plus, it is popularly known for its precision, reliability, and longevity. Lastly, this automatic watch is also water resistant, with a sufficient 50-metre rating.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Skeleton Auto H72585535 sells for around $1,395, which is for sure one of the best options you can find on the market.
7. Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton 103126
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton Power Reserve is instantly noticeable for its monochromatic black design with understated elegance. Coming from an extensive catalogue of Bulova watches, this skeletonised watch is indeed integrated with revolutionary features to cater to everyone’s needs.
Developed and made in-house, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton is an exceptional timepiece offered in a 40mm black ceramic case and bracelet. It has an octagon shape with a large open dial that proudly shows almost all parts of the movement that are integrated inside.
The black hour and minute hands are crafted in long and petite sizes, which adds to the unique distinction of the watch.
Driving this Bulgari Octo Finissimo is an ultra-thin skeletonized mechanical manufacturing movement that delivers an extensive 65-hour power reserve.
Additionally, the watch is also equipped with two more subdials, functioning as small seconds and a power reserve indicator. These two features are smoothly fused into the watch without blocking the view of the inner mechanism.
Once you flip the back of the watch, a transparent caseback will welcome you. Here, you can freely enjoy adoring the exquisite craftsmanship of the extra-thin mechanical movement.
Additionally, this Bulgari Octo Finissimo has a 30-metre water resistance capacity, a rating that is quite enough to survive shower drops or accidental splashes.
Ultimately, if you want to own a luxury watch with a unique, monochrome design, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton 103126, with a price range of $35,300, is certainly a great option.
8. Thomas Earnshaw Longitude Dual-Time Automatic Golden Champagne
Thomas Earnshaw is a new brand coming to conquer the horological market. Established in 2012 and owned by Dartmouth Brands, this particular watchmaker offers a long list of best skeleton watches at affordable prices.
Specifically, the Thomas Earnshaw Longitude Dual Time Automatic Golden Champagne is one of its best offerings from its lineup.
This skeleton watch offers a modern look with its 44mm round stainless steel case coated with gold material. It comes with a genuine brown leather strap that completes the whole luxury feel of the watch despite retailing at an affordable price tag of $269.
The champagne see-through dial has a large opening that showcases the skeleton automatic mechanism inside. Its caseback is also see-through for anyone to witness its mechanism’s beauty inside.
What runs inside is a 22-jewel automatic self-winding movement. It claims to offer a 40-hour power reserve with sufficient 50-metre water resistance.
Apart from that, the dial is also adorned with black hands and Roman numeral indices that blend well with the colour of the mechanism in the background. It is furnished with a hardened mineral crystal on top to protect it from external threats at all times.
In a nutshell, if you prefer to own a skeleton timepiece but are on a tight budget, then you should consider getting at least a piece of this Thomas Earnshaw Longitude Dual Time Automatic Golden Champagne.
9. Accutron Spaceview 2020
If you’re looking for a luxury men’s skeleton watch packed with state-of-the-art features, the Accutron Spaceview 2020 is absolutely the right one for you. This particular timepiece bears the spirit of Accutron’s original version, highlighting the same style and intricacy as the former electronic watch.
The Accutron Spaceview 2020 is a modern iteration of the original Accutron, which immediately garnered positive feedback from the watch community right after its release.
The watch has a 43.5-mm stainless steel case and bezel with a lustrous finish. Unlike most of the previous skeleton watches, this Accutron watch is equipped with a closed caseback with the Accutron logo highlighted.
That said, you can only view the powerful mechanism on the front of the watch.
The compelling open-worked dial is crafted in a smoke grey and furnished with Accutron’s signature green accents.
It is skillfully crafted to proudly display the 3 electrostatic motors for anyone to get a glimpse of its movement inside. You can find the silver-grey Accutron logo positioned near the 3 o’clock with a green background.
A new cutting-edge calibre S30-Y8A drives the watch inside. This is perhaps the most sought-after feature of this Accutron Spaceview 2020, which runs in 28 jewels. It is claimed to deliver an accuracy of +/- 5, which is quite close to the accuracy rate of the highly-coveted Grand Seiko Spring Drive.
To survive any wet conditions, the Accutron Spaceview 2020 is also extremely water-resistant, with a great 50-metre in-depth capacity. A watch collector or anyone hunting a very reliable and revolutionised skeleton watch should get a piece of this Accutron Spaceview 2020, which is available for just $3,850.
On the other hand, if you prefer a limited edition, then we highly recommend checking out the Accutron Spaceview 2020 18k gold men’s timepiece. It is limited to only 60 pieces to celebrate the Accutron brand’s 60th anniversary. Just expect to shell out around $19,600 before you can get your hands on this luxury watch.
10. Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton
If you’re a minimalist, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton is a great skeleton watch option for you for a good reason.
This one has a straightforward silver-hue design, minus the complex mechanism you can freely view through the large open-worked dial and see-through caseback.
As mentioned, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda has a simple aesthetic design, presented in a 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet. The skeleton dial is masterfully crafted, integrating the top-grade mechanism inside without sacrificing the overall simple yet classic appeal of the watch.
It is adorned with 18-carat rose gold skeletonised delta-shaped hands and indices, which creates a nice balance among the chosen hues.
To ensure that the movement is always protected, the brand attached an anti-reflective sapphire crystal on top of the dial and its caseback. Plus, it’s added an in-depth 100-metre water resistance capacity keeps it safe from the water.
Operating inside the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton is a top-notch calibre PF777 automatic movement. It has a total of 187 components and is held together by 29 jewels.
As always expected from a Swiss-made mechanism, this automatic movement offers up to 60 hours of power reserve and beats at 28,800 vph.
You can purchase this Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Skeleton for around $65,300.
11. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton has a contemporary design that oozes a luxury feel but also has a bit of a more sporty look.
It is one of the best flagships of Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin, with more than enough watchmaking history on its plate. As such, you can always assume that this skeleton is made to perfection by the brand’s best artisans.
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton is made of a luxurious 18k white gold case with a 41.55 diameter. It is being offered with three interchangeable straps. To achieve a more formal look, you can always opt for a well-polished white gold bracelet.
On the other hand, if you prefer to achieve a classic, everyday look, you can then utilise the leather strap. But for a more sporty look, you may simply opt to pair it with a rubber strap.
Even at first glance, you can already tell that the wonderful skeleton dial is meticulously crafted. Despite being fused with many useful features, it does not sacrifice the watch’s main identity, which is to freely give the wearers a glimpse of the beauty of the movement inside.
With no manual adjustment needed, the perpetual calendar feature is claimed to deliver accurate data until the year 2100.
What’s more interesting is that the moon phase indicator is perfectly embedded on the dial, functioning to display the lunar cycle.
Two more sub-dials serve as a day and date function. Another remarkable feature of this Vacheron Constantin Overseas is that its dial’s hands and hour markers are both treated with lume material for the highest legibility in any lighting conditions.
For the most state-of-the-art feature, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton is operated by a calibre 1120 QP/1 automatic movement. It is held by 36 jewels and beats at 19,800 vph. Not to mention, it delivers a whopping 40-hour power reserve.
With all the sophisticated, high-calibre features being said, there’s no wonder why this Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton sells for around $130,000.
12. Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton MP7228-SS001-004-1
To complete our list of the coolest luxury skeleton watches today, we have the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Chronograph Skeleton. It is crafted using the Swiss best and precision craftsmanship, which you can always expect from Maurice Lacroix.
Crafted in a large 43mm size, the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton MP7228-SS001-004-1 is built using stainless steel with an obvious well-brushed and well-polished finish. To securely fit on your wrist, it is paired with a black leather strap with a buckle clasp.
The ever-striking open-worked dial and see-through caseback let you observe and adore the beauty of its mechanical movement, the calibre ML134.
This mechanism is held together by 19 jewels, beats at 18’000 vph, and offers an extensive 48-hour power reserve. Being developed and crafted in-house, the calibre ML134 is decorated with a PVD finish, and the surface of the bridge is well-polished and mixed with sandblasting.
What protects the dial 24/7 is a sapphire crystal attached to the top that comes with an anti-reflective coating. For optimal legibility, this Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece’s minutes and hours hands are both filled with SuperLuminova luminescent coating. It is also a highly waterproof timekeeper with a 50-metre capacity.
Overall, the Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton MP7228-SS001-004-1 is absolutely one of the best skeleton watches out there, whose price is $6,800.
Final Thoughts
Overall, skeleton watches provide a compelling combination of horological artistry and aesthetic refinement that makes them stand out from the rest of the watch types.
With their open-worked dial design, these timepieces not only reveal the complicated movements that operate inside but also provide a unique and fashionable way of telling time.
Skeleton watches continue to delight and captivate the attention of watch enthusiasts with their ageless appeal these days. And if you’re someone who got intrigued by their one-of-a-kind feature and now starts looking to add a skeleton watch to your ever-growing collection, then you’ve come to the right place.
We hope you find a new high-calibre timepiece after we showcased the 12 coolest luxury skeleton watches on the horology market today!