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Forbes
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best Men And Women's Skeleton Watches At 2025 Watches And Wonders
The Bell & Ross BR-03 Skeleton Lum Ceramic The skeletonization of a watch is a specialized technique requiring hours of chiseling and metal trimming by a skilled watchmaker to remove non-essential components of the movement. What remains is the 'skeleton' of the movement, such as the intricate gears, bridges and other essential parts. The same person often adds decorative engravings or other embellishments. To view this detailed work of artisan craft, the dial is either significantly reduced or entirely removed. French watch and clock maker, Andre-Charles Caron, who was the resident clockmaker to King Louis XV, is credited with crafting the first skeleton watch in 1760. As already mentioned, skeletonization process is traditionally handcrafted. However, with advancements in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) this technique can be replicated to produce skeletonized designs that would have been impossible to create by hand. Even in the modern era of watchmaking, it is the unique pieces crafted by hand that are most valued by collectors. The best examples are often presented by the most prestigious brands and independent watchmakers. They are prized not only for for their artisan skill but the artistic representation of the movement. A skeletonized watch can be a thing of beauty. The recently concluded Watches and Wonders horology fair saw many examples of skeletonized timepieces this year for men and women. Below are some of the best. Armin Strom One Week Titanium Skeleton FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder What was already an openworked timepiece is now fully skeletonized to reveal all the mechanics. The small seconds dial is skeletonized, revealing the power reserve level and the escapement wheel. The mainplate and the barrels are also skeletonized. Because of this full skeletonization, the seven-day power reserve indicator is highlighted as well as the cone mechanism, 'reminiscent of ancient pocket watches,' the brand said. A sapphire caseback provides a view of the entire Armin Strom Manufacture caliber ARM21-S, a manual-wound movement with a seven-day power reserve. The movement is housed in a 41mm case made of lightweight grade 5 titanium. The watch is limited to 100 pieces. Bell & Ross BR-03 Skeleton Grey Steel Bell & Ross, the brand that specializes in square aviation watches, introduced the BR-03 Skeleton at Watches & Wonders. To reinforce the skeletonized concept, Bell & Ross redesigned the entire watch around a specific X-shaped structure and enhanced the luminescence. The watch is powered by the new BR-CAL.328 caliber, an automatic three-hand movement without a date, with a 54-hour power reserve. The upper bridges form an X with four double arms, each connecting to one of the four bezel screws. The movement is designed by and produced for Bell & Ross. There are three distinct references of this new timepiece. They are: The BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic, which has a 41mm black ceramic case constructed from smoked sapphire crystal. The dial has applied black 'baignoire style' indexes filled with green-emitting white Super-LumiNova (SLN). The hour and minute hands are skeletonized and filled with green emitting white SLN, while the seconds hand is black with a white tip. The BR-03 Skeleton Grey Steel with a 41mm satin-polished gray steel case. Everything on the watch is designed to reflect light, including the faceted indexes and the faceted ruthenium treated cut patterns on the open-worked dial. This model is limited to 250 pieces. The BR-03 Skeleton Lum Ceramic that features green luminescence on the edges of the openworked black dial. A green Super-LumiNova outline traces the cutouts of the dial, which is housed in a 41mm black ceramic case. This model is limited to 250 pieces. Chanel J12 Bleu X-Ray Chanel made waves at Watches and Wonders by introducing an entire line of its well-known J12 watch collection in a distinctive blue ceramic. One of the pieces from the collection was further distinguished for a couple of reasons. The J12 Bleu X-Ray features the skeletonized Caliber 3.1 Swiss-made manual winding movement with a 55-hour power reserve. The luxury brand chose colorless sapphire for the plate and the two bridges, which gives the appearance of floating gears. This impression is further enhanced by a bridge in a colorless sapphire, adorned with 12 baguette-cut bright blue natural sapphire indicators. The skeletonized movement is really the secondary innovation of this watch. The first is that the case and bracelet are crafted from a block of blue tinted sapphire that took 1,600 hours of work to create, Chanel said. The links and bezel are made of white gold and set with 196 blue baguette-cut natural sapphires with the edges framed by black trim that creates a contrast with this endless sea of blue. The watch is numbered and limited to 12 pieces. Charriol Navigator Caliber Skeleton 41mm Charriol's Navigator Caliber Skeleton 41mm is an extension of the 36mm version launched last year. Coralie Charriol, CEO and creative director of the brand founded by her father, Philippe Charriol, originally designed this for women when she introduced it in 2024. She says there is demand from men and women for a larger version of the timepiece. Coralie worked with Swiss caliber manufacturer, Soprod, to produce the 'Charriol Skeleton Caliber 41' automatic movement, created from the SOPROD M100 movement 11 ½. It details the hours, minutes, a sweeping seconds hand, and has personalized bridges and oscillating weight, and a 42-hour power reserve. The dial features two brushed steel inner rings with a minute track with 12 super LumiNova index points and 12 faceted indexes in polished steel with a dark blue finish. The dial and movement are housed in a 41mm steel case with a bezel engraved with a double Charriol lettering and decorated with 2 screws. It's limited to 41 pieces. IWC Big Pilot's Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon Skeleton XPL This watch marks the first time that IWC used its patented 'SPRIN-g PROTECT' shock absorber system to protect the tourbillon in the watch against shocks. The cantilever spring was redesigned and adapted to accommodate the IWC in-house 82915 caliber with a flying minute tourbillon. To reduce the mass of the movement and maximize the system's performance, the plates, bridges and the rotor are skeletonized, which provides a better view of the mechanics and the bulk metallic glass (BMG) shock absorber spring inside. It's housed in IWC-proprietary Ceratanium case and crown. It is fitted with a black patterned rubber strap. Norqain Wild One Skeleton 39mm Mint Norqain, launched in 2018, produces watches primarily for younger watch enthusiasts with active lifestyles. The watch brand is known for its skeleton watches. Among the new releases at Watches and Wonders 2025, are four Wild One timepieces, each with a unique and vibrant color and a smaller 39mm case size that can be worn by men and women. The color scheme for each watch is on the rubber shock absorbers, the crown guards, the inner bezel ring, and on the Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour markers. The rubber straps are in the same color as the rest of the watch. The colors are Hyper Pink, Mint, Ice Blue and Sky Blue. Sapphire crystal on the front and caseback provides a full view of the skeletonized caliber N086 automatic, skeletonized, COSC-certified chronometer movement. Parmigiani Tonda PF Skeleton Slate Green Like all Parmigiani watches, this skeletonized timepiece is an elegant and refined thing of beauty. The green color is inspired by the architectural palette of Swiss-French architect and designer, Le Corbusier. The PF 777 automatic caliber has a total of 187 components, presented in a fine latticework with beveled finishes, and an openworked barrel, where the mainspring can be seen. The white gold oscillating weight bears the Parmigiani logo under a sapphire crystal disc on the caseback. The skeletonized movement is housed in a 40mm platinum case with a knurled bezel. Its thickness is 8.5mm. The watch is limited to 50 pieces. The Ulysse Nardin Diver [AIR] It's impossible not to include the Ulysse Nardin Diver [AIR] among the best skeleton watches released at Watches and Wonders even though I recently wrote about it in a story prior to the fair. The extreme skeletonization of the new UN-374 caliber was one of the techniques used to create the world's lightest dive watch. The movement is made of lightweight and high strength titanium, and uses a triangle design structure that provides the integrity to withstand 200 meters of water resistance and an impact of 5,000 grams.
Web Release
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
BELL & ROSS I WATCHES & WONDERS NOVELTIES - BR-03 Skeleton
Web Release Selection Lifestyle By Editor_wr Last updated Apr 4, 2025 BR-03 Skeleton: A Watchmaking Trilogy After 20 years of creativity around the BR-03 collection, Bell & Ross adds a level of sophistication to its icon with the BR-03 Skeleton. This launch is accompanied by the '20 YEARS BOLD' campaign, which chronicles the history of this iconic square watch. A concept watch with a powerful design and subtle details, the new BR-03 Skeleton is available in three complementary versions, showcasing Bell & Ross' expertise in skeletonization and luminescence. Whether in Black Ceramic, Lum Ceramic, or Grey Steel, the BR-03 Skeleton houses a newly developed movement specifically designed by Bell & Ross and produced for Bell & Ross. A Modern Interpretation of Skeletonization For many watch enthusiasts, skeletonization should be considered a complication in its own right. This finishing technique involves hollowing out and cutting components to reveal their intricate mechanics. These delicate operations require precise craftsmanship, as this 'stripping down' must not compromise the intrinsic technical qualities of the movement. This is why a skeletonized piece is always extraordinary. The three new BR-03 Skeleton models are powered by the same skeleton movement, designed and exclusively manufactured for Bell & Ross. 'By skeletonizing our BR-03, one of the pillars of our collections, we have brought an additional watchmaking dimension to an everyday timepiece. We have reworked the bridges and upper plates of the movement to bring maximum sophistication to the BR-03. To reinforce this concept, we redesigned the entire watch around a specific X-shaped structure, a symbol of sophistication and avant-garde. By enhancing luminescence, we aimed to add an extra level of horological sophistication. By simultaneously offering three versions with very different approaches, we allow this watch to reinvent itself, embracing three original and innovative designs,' explains Bruno Belamich, Creative Director and co-founder of Bell & Ross. Complementary yet unique in their style and story, each of these three watches highlights the brand's creativity and watchmaking expertise. The BR-03 Skeleton trilogy fills a gap in Bell & Ross' professional collection. A New, Dedicated Movement The choice of a finely skeletonized movement served as a source of inspiration for Bell & Ross' watchmakers. Their ambition to fully reveal the watch's mechanics naturally led to the creation of a dedicated movement. Featuring a 54-hour power reserve, the new BR-CAL.328 caliber—an automatic, three-hand movement without a date— ensures the reliability and precision of all three BR-03 Skeleton versions. The upper bridges form an X with their four double arms, each connecting to one of the four bezel screws. Architectural and technical, this X-shaped design enhances the modernist expressiveness of the three BR-03 Skeleton models. Three Powerful Interpretations The three versions of the new BR-03 Skeleton, introduced simultaneously by Bell & Ross, go beyond a mere design exercise or dial animation. This watchmaking trilogy explores three complementary creative directions: The first focused on transparency, the second transforming the professional watch into a bold jewel, and the third emphasizing luminescence. These three variations showcase Bell & Ross' skill in material craftsmanship and creative watch design. BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic: an aeronautical DNA The BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic brings together the concepts of skeletonization and transparency. The dial and movement form a cohesive whole. Heavily inspired by the technical purity and functionality of aviation, this iconic Bell & Ross model— a flagship in the black ceramic version—has been reinvented with skeletonization, a hallmark of modern fine watchmaking. Black, a color deeply familiar to aviation and aerospace enthusiasts due to its presence in cockpit instruments and stealth aircraft fuselages, is also closely linked to the world of design. The 41mm black ceramic case of the BR-03 Skeleton Black Ceramic acts as a modernist frame for a contemporary masterpiece. Constructed from smoked sapphire crystal, the dial features applied black 'baignoire style' applique indexes filled with green-emitting white Super-LumiNova (SLN), fully revealing the X-shaped skeletonized movement. Legibility remains a priority for Bell & Ross, a brand known for designing professional instruments. This is ensured through instrument-style hands: the hour and minute hands are skeletonized and filled with green emitting white SLN, while the seconds hand is black with a white tip for enhanced visibility. For technical and aesthetic consistency, the Black Ceramic version comes with a black rubber strap secured by a micro-blasted black PVD-coated steel pin buckle, as well as an additional aviation-inspired black Velcro strap. BR-03 Skeleton Grey Steel: A Metallic and Mechanical Jewel With the steel version of the BR-03 Skeleton, Bell & Ross envisions a sports watch transforming into a contemporary jewel. This instrument reveals its inherent sophistication by exposing the automatic skeletonized BR CAL.328 movement through its open-worked dial. The dial and movement form a cohesive whole. 'The BR-03 Skeleton Grey Steel is a high-tech jewel. This horological machine is presented as a sculpture in steel. It proudly displays its precious and sophisticated nature, as evidenced by numerous details: the polished and satin-finished case, the faceted indexes—everything is designed to capture and reflect light. The reflections have been carefully studied. The finely cut patterns on the open-worked dial are faceted and treated with ruthenium for extra brilliance. The faceting of the skeletonized dial also echoes that of a stealth aircraft, the ultimate reference in uncompromising avant-garde design. Entirely metallic, this watch is both a horological sculpture and a brutalist machine with a disruptive design,' explains Bruno Belamich. This more luxurious version of the BR-03 Skeleton is limited to 250 pieces. It also comes with two interchangeable straps: a black rubber strap with a polished and satin-finished steel pin buckle and a black Velcro strap. BR-03 Skeleton Lum Ceramic: The Surprises of Luminescence Even bolder, the BR-03 Skeleton Lum Ceramic embraces a dual identity and conveys a strong visual narrative. A sophisticated futuristic watch by day with its black ceramic case, it transforms into an extraordinary horological piece at night, revealing its luminescent properties. In many ways, it could belong in a sci-fi film. Green luminescence, a key readability feature, is also one of Bell & Ross' signature design elements. This visual design hallmark has been pushed to the extreme, giving birth to the most daring and futuristic of the three BR-03 Skeleton models. For this, the openworked black dial is highlighted with luminescent SLN C3 on its edges and placed on a translucent smoked plate that tints the movement. 'The neon-like photoluminescent effect allows us to X-ray the skeletonization, giving it a modernized aesthetic dimension. The skeletonized dial is cut following the contours of the movement's bridges, exposing blackened gears through the tinted sapphire crystal. A green Super-LumiNova outline traces the cutouts, reminiscent of the illuminated grille of a car. Here, luminescent material is used not just for optimal readability—something we usually focus on for professional watches—but as a decorative and horological finishing element' details Bruno Belamich. This highly exclusive watch is limited to just 250 pieces, available only at Bell & Ross boutiques and via the official website. Like the other versions, it comes with two interchangeable straps: with a black rubber strap secured by a micro-blasted black PVD-coated steel pin buckle and a black Velcro strap. BELL & ROSS I WATCHES & WONDERS NOVELTIES - BR-03 Skeleton Comments are closed.
Web Release
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
BELL & ROSS Launches The NEW BR-05 CHRONO PATROUILLE DE FRANCE
Back in flight with the Patrouille de France for Bell & Ross. The fourth watch born from the partnership with the French Air and Space Force's aerobatic team, the new BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France chronograph celebrates a spirit of elegance and excellence. Inspired by the blue of pilots' flight suits and aircraft, the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France features a sky-blue dial and refined finishes. Its BR-CAL.326 caliber ensures a 60-hour power reserve. This limited edition of 500 pieces celebrates the technical excellence and prestige of the squadron.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
This Wild Ceramic Watch Just Shook Up Switzerland's Space Race
Bell & Ross outfitted the newest BR-03 with an astronomically cool dial. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more There are plenty of moon watches and space watches out there, but the newest entry from Bell & Ross brings Mars into the picture. While the French watchmaker has always been influenced by aeronautical engineering and heritage, the BR-03 Astro ascends into near-Earth orbit. Built into a ceramic version of the familiar BR-03 case is a wild and vividly detailed dial depicting the Earth, Moon, Mars and a satellite. The celestial bodies are set against a photorealistic view of stars strewn across the night sky. Though the dial is unusual, this watch still meets the high-performance standards that Bell & Ross is known for. The case is built from high-grade ceramic and has a 100-meter dive rating, and it runs on a caliber BR-CAL.327 automatic movement. Bell & Ross has produced fun and experimental dials in the past, often emulating airplane instrument panels or using vivid colors and transparent materials. But the French watchmaker has never made a dial quite like this one before. The Astro dial shows Earth from space with our closest galactic neighbors in view. The starry background is a plate of blue aventurine quartz crystal with laser-engraved details. The other three objects move in continuous orbit, tracking the time in a counterintuitive but astronomically sensitive fashion. Mars is a small red dot placed farthest from the center, but because the Red Planet has the slowest orbit from Earth's perspective, it depicts hours. The Moon is the next fastest-moving object from our home planet and, therefore, represents the minute hand. Closest to Earth, with the fastest orbit, is a satellite representing the seconds hand. This arrangement is challenging to decipher at first, but once you understand the astrophysical logic, it makes perfect sense. Most impressive of all is the hemispherical cap hollowed into the center of the sapphire glass to house a geometrically accurate Earth. With each orbital body placed on concentric transparent plates, the dial as a whole has a mesmerizing effect. Bell & Ross's BR-03 is the French watchmaker's best-known and most successful line. Like Rolex's 'Mercedes' hands and Grand Seiko's intricate dial textures, the square case with exposed screws securing a round dial has become an unmistakable brand signature. For the Astro, the entire case and band were given a matte black finish to emulate the dark vacuum of space and direct complete attention to the dial itself. The case is high-grade ceramic that has been sandblasted to create a course but uniform surface. A synthetic rubber strap with a pin buckle is attached to the ceramic case. As part of the limited edition set, the decorative case includes a second two-piece nylon strap with velcro closure. This interplanetary time machine is powered by a caliber BR-CAL.327 automatic movement made by Sellitta, one of the top names in Swiss movement manufacturing. Although this movement is found in most of the BR-03 line, it has likely never supported a dial as ornate and unusual as this one. The Bell & Ross BR-03 Astro is a limited edition run of 999 units. It is available now from Bell & Ross and authorized dealers for $4,800. Included is a special edition decorative box and an additional nylon two-piece strap with a velcro closure. $4,800 at Bell & Ross
