A watch style known as a skeleton watch or a skeletonized watch is almost exclusively associated with mechanically powered timepieces. In principle, skeletonizing a watch is an easy operation. A skeleton watch’s creator may see the “bones” beneath the surface by removing major portions of the movement parts, opening up the dial, and the caseback. Practically speaking, skeletonizing a watch can be done little or to an extreme degree, and in both cases, the outcome is frequently divisive. Skeleton watches are almost always a surefire conversation starter among lovers of mechanical wristwatches, whether you love or despise the aesthetic. We have put together this list of some of our favorite skeletons to continue such conversations.

Carl von Zeyten Weitenau Openworked Rosegoldblue CVZ0078RBLS

We start the list with perhaps the most Instagrammable and most influential member of this skeleton watch category. The Weitenau, particularly in its earlier incarnations, has popularized the skeleton styling among the most prestigious brands in Germany. The movement is the Caliber 414 which is then skeletonized for maximum light exposure, as well as modified with the additional second balance. The colors of blue, slate rosegold together are rich and eye-catching. On the wrist, the watch has a serious presence both visually and by its sheer physical mass, so it wears more like a precious leather strap counterpart.  

Reference: CVZ0078RBLS, Case:44mm, Thickness 14mm, Movement:Auto Caliber 414, Water-resistance:50mm, Material:Stainless steel 316l Price 395$

Carl von Zeyten Durbach Goldblue CVZ0060GBLS

Staying within the realm of classical German-made moonphase watches, we come to the Durbach. This piece comes in either a traditional stainless rosegold white or goldblue. An expansive sapphire crystal exposes nearly the entire mainplate of the autowinding. The dial is not much more than a hollowed ring upon which the applied numerals are placed, along with a sub-seconds register ring. Above display of date and movement of the moon display the current stage of the new moon, half moon or full moon.

Reference: CVZ0060GBLS, Case:45mm, Thickness 14mm, Movement:Auto Caliber 225, Water-resistance:50mm, Material:Stainless steel 316l Price 495$

Carl von Zeyten Freiburg CVZ0063BLMS

Luxury sport comes in a large stainless steel case with a glossy finishing throughout and features a dual zone time for frequence traveler, supplied by the massive mainspring visible at the top half of the in-house movement, Caliber 225. Dark blue and glossy silvers dominate the color pallette of the remaining dial and movement. Even the large hands are finished in the same style as the other elements; however, they are treated with a healthy amount of luminous material to provide contrast with the dial. Freiburg does have other skeleton watches scattered throughout its collection, but this is the one to pick up. 

Reference: CVZ0063BLMS, Case:44mm, Thickness 14mm, Movement:Auto Caliber 225, Water-resistance:100mm, Material:Stainless steel 316l Price 395$