Round-UpWatches And Wonders 2022: Stunning Skeleton Timepieces That Dared to Bare It All
As 38 prominent watch brands continue to unveil their latest offerings during Watches and Wonders 2022, one fact is quite clear. The craze for skeleton watches is far from ebbing away. Used to offer a glimpse of the fascinating inner workings of mechanisms, open-worked watches remain quite popular with both watchmakers and watch collectors. Take a look at some of the finest skeleton timepieces launched during the event
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One of the chief reasons that the skeletonisation of timepieces remains widely popular among watchmakers is that it gives them the space for showcasing not only their creative freedom but also their skilful craftsmanship and innovation. Therefore, if you carefully observe the novelties released during Watches and Wonders 2022, you will agree that skeleton watches continue to hold a special place in the hearts and minds of brands and collectors alike. Here’s a look at some of these finest open-worked timepieces that are undoubtedly compelling to observe.
Armin Strom Orbit
The Armin Strom Orbit is unlike any other timepiece. The centre of attraction here isn’t its skeletonised dial, but its unprecedented and playfully imaginative date function. Instead of a date aperture within the dial, the watchmakers have placed the function on the bezel—they claim to be the first brand to do so—with the ability to engage or disengage the centrally positioned date hand with a button that’s located at 10 o’clock. When the date hand is in the stationary mode, it is essentially ‘off’ and remains in its fixed position pointing at 12 o’clock. Using the button, the date hand is engaged and jumps to point at the correct date. The rest of the timepiece is equally fascinating too. Armin Strom have ensured perfect legibility of the open-worked display that also features an offset dial in a black-gold, indicating the hours and minutes as well as the seconds on a separate counter. This pioneering timepiece is paired with a stainless steel bracelet that is quite comfortable to wear on the wrist.
Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit
The new Louis Moinet Memoris Spirit isn’t just a smaller version of the original timepiece—the new model measures just 40mm, while its predecessors were sized at 43mm. The watch makes for a visual treat as it comes with a domed sapphire crystal glass that has been entirely developed to give a panoramic view of the entire chronograph mechanism, which is fully visible on the upper side of the watch. One press on the dedicated single pusher activates an impressive show starring the column wheel, with its toothing and precisely cut vertical columns. Apart from this, the new iteration comes with open-worked lugs, featuring a satin-brushed curve on top that accentuates the smooth integration of the strap. The Memoris Spirit is presented either in grade-5 titanium or 18-karat rose gold, with various dial colours, including blue, grey and black. To add to the charm of the watch, the designers have coupled it with a black alligator leather strap that just snuggles on the wrist.
Parmigiani Tonda PF Skeleton
Introduced just seven months ago, the Tonda PF line by Parmigiani has quickly gained prominence for its breath-taking looks and advanced technology. The watchmakers have now expanded the collection by adding an all-new open-worked timepiece that is nothing but a sight to behold. Offered in either stainless steel or rose gold, the watch comes with a dial that offers a glimpse of the movement inside through its hand-chamfered latticework. Maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship, the brand have used NAC coating—an alloy of the platinum family—on the bridges of the calibre, resulting in a dark grey finish. Unlike most of the skeleton timepieces available on the market, the Tonda PF Skeleton doesn’t compromise on legibility and its rose gold timekeeping hands and hour markers make for optimal readability. Meanwhile, the PF777 movement operates at 28,800vph and can store a power reserve of up to 60 hours.
Zenith Chronomaster Open
Back in 2003, when Zenith launched their Chronomaster Open, the whole horological industry was pushed into a frenzy as it was the first chronograph timepiece to feature a partially open dial solely to reveal the regulating organ and escapement. Around two decades later, the watch still enjoys popularity that is quite overwhelming and has become an essential part of the brand’s offerings. This year, Zenith have revamped the timepiece with some significant updates and it’s available with a dial in white or black. While its predecessors measured 42mm, this update is sized at 39.5mm with slimmer lugs, offering better comfort and ease of wearing. Meanwhile, the display now comes with the watchmaker’s iconic tricoloured sub-dials in addition to the cut-out placed at nine o’clock. However, the biggest update is the movement. Zenith have equipped the timepiece with their latest El Primero 3604 movement, which is the epitome of flawless accuracy and performance. Beating at a frequency of 36,000vph, the calibre can measure 1/10th of a second, displayed via the central chronograph hand—introduced with the Chronomaster Sport last year—which is a first for the Chronomaster Open.
