The Skeleton Watch

A skeleton watch exposes its usually hidden inner mechanism. Its a way of showcasing the moving parts of the watch -in particular the balance wheel, mainspring, escapement and sometimes tourbillon.

Beauty is more than skin deep

Watchmaking encompasses three elements; mechanics, art and history, this combination makes for a fascinating subject.

A skeleton watch more than other timepieces epitomises the watch as not just a timetelling device but as an aesthetic object, something of beauty, to be appreciated for its craftsmanship.

In the case of hand finished skeleton watches, its an opportunity for the watchmaker to express his art and display his craftsmanship.

By skeletonizing the watch he reveals the beauty and intricacy of the movements geometric structure, and the interaction of these cogs, springs and levers can be a fascinating visual treat.

The watchmaker decorates the inner mechanism, through use of engraving, embellishing and polishing to enhance to mechanical structure within. Each technique requires the use of special tools and skills that have centuries of tradition.

Typically these mechanisms are automatic or manual winding type, but Quartz and even tuning fork skeleton watches exist.

Click the link for the full history Unique Watch Guide