Both stylish and intriguing, it’s no wonder many watch enthusiasts fawn over skeleton watches. Skeleton watches feature a partially or fully transparent dial that gives the wearer a view into the internal mechanism of the watch. Often, these are crafted with automatic or mechanical movements, meaning there’s lots of intricate detail to look at. Although many find that the novelty of seeing the bones of your watch never wears off, it’s not just a gimmick. For the devout, a skeletonised movement can also be a way to attest to the watch’s high internal quality. Either way, owning a skeleton watch is a surefire way to ensure that you and your watch stand out in the crowd. Today, we have compiled a list of our top 5 new skeleton watches in 2023 for every budget and taste.
Our Top 5 New Skeleton Watches of 2023
For classic elegance: Rotary Greenwich Gold and Black Skeleton Dial Black Leather Strap GS02948/04
Powered by an automatic movement, this elegant Rotary Greenwich is the first contender on our list. The design features a predominantly black colour scheme, which contrasts a gold PVD stainless steel case and gold dial details. Framed by a black border, the skeleton window sits at the centre of the dial and exposes gold mechanical detailing. Moreover, gold-plated hands and baton indices complement the dial. Other finishing details include a high-quality black leather strap and a sapphire crystal which protects the dial. A simplistic but timeless skeleton model, this Rotary would make an excellent addition to any collection.
For a square-cut edge: RADO True Square Skeleton Automatic Black Ceramic Bracelet R27124162 R27.124.16.2
A brand renowned for its innovative excellence, this Rado fuses a trendy square case with a skeletonised movement for the ultimate modern man’s watch. This movement is the R808 automatic movement, which has a power reserve of up to 80 hours. Crafted from Rado’s characteristic high-tech ceramic, the black case measures 38 mm and 9.7 mm in thickness. Sitting on top of the exposed movement are gold hands, which are surrounded by baton indices around the perimeter of the dial. High-quality anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the face of the dial whilst ensuring maximum legibility. Two black bridges also stretch over the dial, and highlight the movement’s jewels. To finish this sleek design, there is a high-tech ceramic and titanium black bracelet.
For a casual timepiece: Fossil Townsman Automatic Skeleton Dial Brown Leather Strap ME3234
A dress watch at its core, this Fossil Townsman takes the skeleton watch back to basics. Fastened on the wrist with a brown leather strap, the dial is completely transparent. Through the centremost point of the dial is the gold-coloured automatic movement, which is paired with silver-tone hands. The outer circumference of the dial features green Roman numeral and baton indices to contrast the wearer’s skin beneath it. When worn on the wrist, this also allows the skeletonised movement to take centre focus. Housing this design is a stainless steel case measuring 44 mm in diameter. For those looking for a relaxed skeleton watch for casual wear, the Townsman is a great choice.
For a versatile all-black piece: Bulova Men’s Classic Automatic Skeleton Dial Black Leather Strap 98A304
Malleable to any style and occasion, this Bulova Classic features a 43 mm black-tone stainless steel case and textured leather strap. Visible through the mineral crystal is a 21-jewel automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. To complement the silver tone of the movement, the dial is finished with black-framed silver-tone Roman numeral and baton indices. The three hands are black with light silver detailing to help them stand out. One of the benefits of this Bulova is that it boasts an impressive water resistance of up to 100 metres. A durable and versatile model, the Bulova Classic skeleton watch makes a great all-rounder.
For a bold choice: Philipp Plein $KELETON $PECTRE HIGH-CONIC Automatic Black Strap PWRAA0123
Phillip Plein is a new brand to First Class Watches, characterised by its fearless and distinctive designs. A skeleton watch by design inwardly and outwardly, the $KELETON $PECTRE HIGH-CONIC features a silver-tone skull and crossbones at the centre of the dial. Behind this, the dial offers an abstract-shaped window into the inner mechanism. Silver-tone hands and baton indices surround this design, with the seconds hand featuring a small skull detail. Framing the dial is an octagonal stainless steel case, measuring 42 mm in diameter and 11.5 mm in depth. A buckle secures the black silicone strap on the wrist, making it comfortable for everyday wear. A more subtle skeleton watch in a visibility sense but not in a literal one, the punny nature of this watch makes it a great daring choice.
Do you have a favourite from our Top 5 New Skeleton Watches of 2023? Make sure to let us know in the comments.
