In skeleton imitation watches, the watchmaker strips the watch’s dial and/or movement to their bare essentials, revealing as much of the watch’s interior as possible. For watch aficonados who love the technical “openwork” artistry that goes into skeleton watchmaking, these timepieces give them a detailed look at a watch’s inner workings. Below we take a look at 10 skeleton watches introduced in recent years.

1.Blancpain Villeret Squelette 8 Jours

The Blancpain Squelette 8 Jours (Ref. 6633-1500-55B), from the brand’s elegant Villeret collection, offers one of the most intricately executed openworked movements on the market. The manufacture movement on display through the front and back sapphire crystals is the manual-wind Calibre 1333SQ, which is equipped with a titanium balance, a Breguet balance spring, and three series-coupled barrels that provide the timepiece an impressive eight-day (“8 Jours” en Francais) power reserve.

2.Chronoswiss Timemaster Chronograph Skeleton - blue hands

At Baselworld 2014, Chronoswiss released, for the first time ever, a skeletonized version of its sporty Chronoswiss Timemaster Chronograph, which allows wearers an unencumbered view of the watch’s filigreed and decorated automatic movement and offers two different dials, both surrounded by robust, DLC-coated bezels. Both versions of the Chronoswiss Timemaster Chronograph Skeleton have stainless steel cases (44 mm in diameter and 15.3 mm thick) with bezels made of polished, black DLC.

3.Glashütte Original Senator Manual Winding Skeletonized Edition

German luxury watch brand Glashütte Original introduced the Senator Manual Winding Skeletonized Edition at Baselworld 2014. It features an all-new, skeletonized movement created in-house, Glashütte Original Caliber 49-18. The watch, which has a 42-mm-diameter case made of polished 18k rose gold, showcases its intricately openworked movement in the center of its galvanized silver, openworked dial. A black railroad track minutes ring and finely drawn Roman numerals decorate the dial’s periphery, while blued, stainless steel hour and minute hands keep the time.

4.Hublot Classic Fusion Classico Ultra-Thin All Black

Recently, Replica Hublot introduced a new addition to its line of Classic Fusion skeleton watches: the Hublot Classic Fusion Classico Ultra-Thin All Black. The ultra-thin watch has diameter of 45 mm and a case thickness of just 8.3 mm. The skeletonized movement, Hublot’s manual-winding HUB1300 “Classico” caliber, was designed and built entirely at the brand’s manufacture in Nyon. Composed of 130 parts, including 23 jewels, it measures a wafer-thin 2.9 mm in thickness. Because of the openworked structure of the movement, wearers can view the watch’s regulating organ, its balance and its escapement, at work even while they’re reading the time. The Classico beats at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz) and boasts a 90-hour power reserve.

5.Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Squelette Torque

Maurice Lacroix recently added the Masterpiece Squelette Torque to its Masterpiece collection. This skeleton watch has a 43-mm stainless steel case with a domed sapphire crystal to show off the skeletonized Caliber ML 134. which features automatic winding and as 45-hour power reserve. The bridges, disks, and wheels are on full display; the bridges are treated with tantalum or gold-colored PVD and coated with a satin finish. The main bridge is decorated with Maurice Lacroix’s familiar “Grand Colimaçon” finish and sandblasted.

6.Piaget Altiplano 38mm Only Watch 2013 Skeleton 1200S

Made for the Only Watch 2013 charity auction, this Piaget watch shattered another record for thinness, a skill for which this brand is well-known. The watch contains in-house Caliber 1200S, the world’s thinnest automatic openworked movement (2.40 mm thick). In this unique piece, Piaget has treated both the movement and the 18k white-gold case with a black PVD finish. The watch, with a case measuring only 5.34 mm thick, is the most slender in the world equipped with an automatic skeletonized movement.

7.Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Italdesign Edition

The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Italdesign Edition, limited to just eight pieces worldwide and was released alongside the “Italdesign Automobili Special,” an ultra-limited series customizable car from Moncalieri, Italy-based Italdesign, a renowned producer of cutting-edge prototype show cars. The eight pieces will be available exclusively in Roger Dubuis boutiques.

8.Tissot T-Complication Squelette

The Tissot T-Complication Squelette has a wheel-inspired design, with five spokes, behind which can be seen the skeletonized movement. The seconds counter is located on one of the spokes, engraved with the word “sec.” The lugs on the stainless steel case are shaped to resemble the spokes of the dial, as well. the watch is powered by a manual-wind movement exclusive to Tissot.

9.Ulysse Nardin Skeleton Manufacture

Ulysse Nardin launched its Skeleton Manufacture, its first watch with a skeleton tourbillon movement completely developed in-house, in 2013. The manual-wind mechanical movement contains a flying tourbillon that comprises a balance spring, anchor and escapement wheel made of silicon. Below the 12 o’clock position is a ratchet wheel, engraved with the brand’s name, and an indicator for the impressive 170-hour power reserve. On the rose-gold version , each train wheel is rhodium-plated, while those of the platinum version are finished in 18k yellow gold. The Ulysse Nardin Skeleton Manufacture is available in two limited editions: 99 pieces in rose gold and 99 pieces in platinum.

10.Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Mecaniques Ajourées blue

According to Vacheron Constantin, the inspiration for its Métiers d’Art Mecaniques Ajourées collection (“ajourée” is French for “openworked”) came from the architectural design of 19th century European railroad stations — the Gothic arches and airy vaults of the Industrial Revolution, along with the distinctive railway wall clocks and their Roman numerals. The movement in these watches, Caliber 4400 SQ (“squellette”) is described by the company as “hand-sculpted,” featuring manual beveling, engraving, and straightening, fine interior angles and contrasting brushed and polished finishes. The outer rings (in black, gray, or blue; there is also a high-jewelry version with baguette diamonds on the bezel) are made of grand feu enamel. The white gold cases are 40 mm in diameter, and the movement bears the Geneva Hallmark.

We’re all familiar with the most popular materials for imitation watch cases — steel, rose gold, titanium, et cetera. But what about Rolesium, Ceragold, and Powerlite? While many watch brand take great pride in making their own cases, movements and dials, only a handful have gone the extra mile and actually invented their own materials, mostly for use in cases, but sometimes even for parts inside the watch. Many of these have come about as watch brands invested in developing new alloys in an effort to make stronger, lighter, and/or more scratch-resistant substances. Below we take a look at 11 brands that have invented their own alloys by combining different metals.

1. Rolex Yacht Master with Rolesium case

One of the metals developed by Rolex is a material known as Rolesium, a combination of 904L stainless steel superalloy and 950 platinum. Rolesium was used in the 40-mm diameter Oyster case of the Rolex Yacht-Master seen here.

Rolex also developed Cerachrom, which it has used on the bezels of the replica Rolex Submariner and the 50th Anniversary Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, which was launched at Baselworld 2013. Cerachrom is an extra-hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic; Cerachrom bezels have engraved numerals and graduations coated with a thin layer of platinum via a PVD (physical vapor deposition) process. Rolex has also used Cerachrom for the bezel of its redesigned Daytona, which debuted last year.

The movement of the 50th Anniversary Rolex Cosmograph Daytona also features a hairspring made of blue Parachrom, another Rolex-exclusive material that is uncommonly resistant to magnetic fields. Hairsprings made of Parachrom, an alloy of niobium, zirconium, and oxygen, are said to remain stable through temperature variations and be much less susceptible to shocks, remaining, according to Rolex, 10 times more precise in case of shocks than a traditional hairspring.

1. Omega Planet Ocean with Ceragold bezel.

Omega spent years developing a material blending ceramic and 18k gold, known as Ceragold. The technique used to make Ceragold allows for the growth and bonding of 18k gold in ceramic, and is used to create ceramic bezels with gold numbers that are smooth to the touch, as in the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold.

The Omega Constellation Sedna features a case crafted in 18k Sedna gold, an alloy developed entirely in-house by the Swatch Group, which blends gold, copper and palladium for, Omega says, an uncommonly long-lasting reddish hue. The alloy requires a minimum gold content of 75 percent, along with a precise portion of copper, to create the vibrant red color, while the palladium strengthens the material’s luster and makes it longer-lasting. “Sedna” is the name of a Trans-Neptunian object — i.e, a body in space that orbits our sun at a greater average distance than the planet Neptune — whose surface has been described as one of the reddest in the Solar System.

1. Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold

As part of its “fusion” philosophy, Hublot has developed several of its own materials. Among them are Cermet, which mixes ceramic and metal, and Hublonium, an alloy composed of magnesium and aluminum. The brand also created a hard, scratch-resistant gold alloy known as Magic Gold. Made of 75% pure gold, Magic Gold is made by a process in which gold is melted and fused with ceramic (which is porous and harder than gold), resulting in a harder gold.

1. Linde Werdelin SpidoLite II

Unveiled at Baselworld 2013, the Linde Werdelin Spidolite II Tech features a proprietary material, ALW, or “Alloy Linde Werdelin.” To make a lighter watch, Linde Werdelin incorporated an outer case of carbon and an inner case of ALW, which is an alloy 50% lighter than titanium. The ALW inner case, which retains the same strength as steel, receives 25 microns treatment to harden its surface, while achieving a radiant red or green color visible through the angular hollows of the skeletonized outer case sides.

1. Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture

Ulysse Nardin used its own material, Diamonsil, in the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Manufacture.

Ulysse Nardin’s manufacture Caliber UN-118

The escapement in its movement, Caliber UN- 118, is made of Diamonsil, the result of a collaboration between Ulysse Nardin and the Swiss firm Sigatec, which consists of synthetic diamond grown on a silicon base.

1. A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Moon-Phase in honey gold

Germany’s A. Lange & Söhne developed a proprietary alloy that it calls “Honey Gold,” whose composition is a closely guarded secret and which resembles warm, shiny brass. Lange CEO Wilhelm Schmidt has said that because of the difficulty in machining cases in this scratch-resistant material, it will be used only in very small quantities and in very special pieces, such as the limited-edition Lange 1815 Moonphase “Homage to F.A. Lange.”

7.Harry Winston Histoire de Tourbillon 4

Harry Winston is incorporating its proprietary Zalium material, with DLC treatment, as part of the Histoire de Tourbillon 4, on the watch’s caseband, arches, and lugs, as well as for the bezel of the tourbillon. An alloy composed of aluminum and zirconium, Zalium is a durable and ultralight material also used in aeronautical engineering.

8.Chanel J12 Chromatic Beige Gold

Recently, Chanel added to its J12 Chromatic line of watches a ladies’ model made of a new, patented material called “beige gold,” an alloy of rose gold formulated so that it doesn’t tarnish as much as standard rose-gold alloys. The 38-mm case of the J12 Chromatic Beige Gold combines the new material with titanium ceramic; inside is an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

1. Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Extreme

Maurice Lacroix developed a proprietary alloy called PowerLite, composed of five elements — aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, and ceramics — and specially engineered to provide for a wide palette of color treatments. PowerLite reacts much better than other aluminum alloys to anodizing, the surface color treatment used in vehicles, aircraft and architecture, and weighs half as much as steel but is twice as hard. Maurice Lacroix uses PowerLite for the colorful cases and bezels of its Pontos S Extreme sports watches, introduced at Baselworld 2014.

1. Grand Seiko Hi-beat 36,000 GMT Limited Edition

Japan’s Seiko spent five years developing a special alloy called Spron 610, which has greater resistance to shocks and magnetism than standard alloys, for use in the hairsprings of several of its in-house movements, including Caliber 9S86, used in the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36,000 GMT model. The brand developed another alloy, Spron 530, for use in the caliber’s mainspring. Spron 530 enables the spring to withstand the stronger torque required by the movement’s high-frequency balance and contributes to the watch’s impressive power reserve of 55 hours.

11.Rado Captain Cook - reclining

While it’s not a metal per se, we’re giving an honorable mention to Rado’s plasma high-tech ceramic, from the Swiss watchmaker most associated with popularizing the use of ceramics in high horology. The company uses a patented, cutting-edge process to forge this colorful, metallic material, which starts out as standard, finished white ceramic, in an oven at extreme high temperatures — with gases activated at 20,000°C to raise the temperature of the ceramic to 900°C, imparting a warm, shiny metallic glow and allowing it to change its surface color. The process changes the chemical composition of the surface without altering its structure, so the other favorable properties of the ceramic — hardness, scratch resistance, lightness, and hypoallergenic character — are unaffected. Rado uses plasma high-tech ceramic for watches in its DiaMaster and HyperChrome families, including for the bezel insert of the recently introduced Captain Cook (above).

Rolex is one of the top 100 most influential brands in the world. Rolex’s luxury watches represent a person’s success and status. So Rolex watches are always copied. Today, replica watches are at an advanced level like never before. So fake watches are no longer easy to identify. However, there are some details that can distinguish true and false Rolex.

1.Material

Rolex is a luxury watch brand. It never uses inferior materials. Materials used by Rolex include 904L stainless steel, 18ct Everose gold, gold, and platinum. If you see a Rolex watch made of 316L or 14k gold, this is definitely a fake watch.

Also be careful not to be deceived by the surface. Because many sellers will plate gold on stainless steel. This gold-plated fake watch will fade and the stainless steel hidden under the gold will be exposed. And no matter how you rub a true gold Rolex watch, there is always gold under the gold.

2.Weight

Real Rolex watches have always used advanced materials. And these materials will have a heavier weight. So really Rolex watches are heavy. Lightweight Rolex watches (such as Day-Date) generally weigh more than 130g. Large-sized Rolex sports watches (such as Yacht-Master II 44MM) weigh more than 200g. So, when you get a lighter Rolex watch, you have to wonder if this watch is a fake Rolex.

3.Back Cover

Rolex does not use a transparent back cover. Except for the two Cellini Princes of the 1930s. It is almost impossible to buy a Cellini Prince watch now. So when you see a Rolex with a transparent or non-metallic back cover, then this Rolex is a fake watch.

There is one more thing you need to know on the back cover. Rolex has always used a smooth back cover. Except for the rare Sea Dweller and Milgauss, the back cover has a “Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Escape Valve”. Of course, the probability of buying these two watches is almost zero. So when you see a Rolex watch engraved with a text back, it is most likely a fake watch.

4.Cyclops

The Cyclops at the three o’clock date window is a patent of Rolex. In fact, Cyclops is hard to be imitated by fake watches. Although it’s just a small date window, it has a lot of sweet details. First the numbers are completely centered. Second, the magnifying glass magnifies the date by 2.5 times, and it is always 2.5 times. Finally, the Cyclops lens is directly above the date. This means that the date will occupy the entire glass bubble, and you can see the clear date from all directions. If you see the date number off-center, the magnification is incorrect, or it is difficult to see the date from the side, then this is a fake Rolex watch.

5.Rolex Model And Serial Number

Rolex watches are uniquely numbered. Model number is etched between the lugs at 12 o’clock. And the serial number is etched between the lugs at 6 o’clock. Although the model and serial number can been copied by fake Rolex watches. But the way of sculpting numbers is not something any scammer can do. The serial and model numbers on a real Rolex are deep and perfectly marked in solid, very fine lines that will shine in the light at an angle like a diamond cut edge. Conversely, the fake watches may consist of faint tiny dots. Some fake watches will have a sandy-like appearance because of “acid etched”.

6.Text Inside And Around The Dial

At 6 and 12 o’clock on the Rolex dial, there are series and brand texts. When you check the true Rolex with a magnifying glass or jeweler’s lenses, you will find that every letter and crown on the dial is perfect. Each letter has a smooth curve and is in a straight line. The space between words and letters has also remained consistent. Next move the magnifying glass to the dial of the fake watch. The lowest level fake watches will have misspelled words, and you should immediately notice that it is a fake table. Also, you may find that the printing technology used on this fake watch is not good because the enlarged letters look a little uneven or smudged.

On the metal edges of a true dial, there will be a beautifully etched inscription. The inscription of a true Rolex watch should be exquisite, accurate, elegant and flawless. In addition, the inscription should be neatly etched onto the metal frame. Generally speaking, Rolex’s Oyster series have etched inscriptions, except for the rectangular dial watches in the Cellini series. If the inscription appears to be replaced by paint or printing, the watch is likely to be a fake.

7.Small crown at six

From the early to mid 2000s, Rolex began to etch the crown logo on the dial crystal. If your Rolex was made during this time period, it should have a tiny crown logo at 6 o’clock. But the crown etched at six is ??very small, so you need to use a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s lens to see it. It is very difficult for fake watch manufacturers to reproduce the etched crown at six o’clock. So the fake watch may not have an etched crown or a larger crown. If you see the etched crown logos with the naked eye or you can’t see them with a magnifying glass, then this Rolex may be a fake watch.

8.Sound and second hand movement

Because really Rolex watches are powered by automatic movements. So Rolex doesn’t make a “tick” noise. Put your Rolex watch in your ear. If you can hear the “tick, tick” sound, then this is a fake Rolex watch.

The reason Rolex has no sound is that the real movement subdivides it into eight steps per second. This provides an almost smooth and continuous cleaning feel (28,800 times per hour). This requires an expensive, high-quality movement to complete. So even if the replica Rolex watch uses a Swiss-made movement, you can still see a jumping hand. The jumping pointer must be a fake watch. But if you see a smooth hour hand, you still have to investigate the actual movement inside the watch.

9.water-proof test

Real Rolex watches have very good water resistance. And Rolex Submariner is a watch specially designed for deep water use. When you buy a Rolex watch, you need to perform a water resistance test. Fill the cup with water, and then put the watch with the crown tightened. Remove the watch after a few seconds. If water enters the dial or the watch stops working, then this is a fake watch. Because really Rolex watches will not be affected by this glass of water.

10.Box and certificate

Rolex, as a serious luxury watch brand, not only has the best quality watches, but also exquisite boxes. Real Rolex watches are placed in high jewelry boxes. The box usually has a bracket to fix the watch and a small cloth to clean the watch. The watch should also have a manual and warranty document. And all packaging should carry “Rolex” and logo. If your Rolex watch lacks these accessories or doesn’t see the Rolex logo, then this is a fake watch. Of course second-hand Rolex watches may not have the box and certificate, so you can use the other methods mentioned in the article for a comprehensive inspection.

You know everything about investments in silver, gold and oil, but what about watches? They are a fascinating and fun alternative to other types of investment, because some retain their value very well and others increase in value as time goes on. Below we recommend the 6 Rolex watches to have the best value.

1.The Oyster Products Of The Rolex Series 

This watch is a direct descendant of the original enamel watch introduced in 1926, the world’s first waterproof watch, and the basis of Rolex. Oyster 114300BKSO replica watches silver tone stainless steel case with a silver stainless steel bracelet. Stainless steel bezel with dome. Black dial with silver hands and index hour markers. The Oyster perpetual is a simple, straightforward, yet robust collection. 

2. Rolex Daytona 116500 

Daytona has always been a Rolex sports watch. Originally designed for racing drivers, the Rolex Daytona features a highly accurate chronograph, a large, easy-to-read dial and timeless coolness. 

This replica Rolex Daytona 116500 watches is a beautiful male watch. It has a round face, a chronograph, small second seconds, a tachometer dial and a hand pacemaker. It is completed with a stainless steel band that opens and closes with a secure top closure. 

3. Rolex Datejust 116233 

The Rolex Oyster Men’s Perpetual Logging Model 116233 is a true classic in the eyes of replica watch lovers around the world. It is not only elegant, but also durable and highly accurate. 18k yellow gold fluted bezel Case 36mm, silver dial luminous hands and Index hour markers, stainless steel Bracelet and 18k yellow gold Oyster Oysterclasp. 

4.Rolex Milgauss 116400GV 

116400GV Milgauss’ green sapphire crystal has quickly become one of the hallmarks of the Rolex diamagnetic watch collection. No other watches in replica Rolex current catalogue are equipped with sapphire crystals in green or any other color. However, at present, all Milgauss watches in production are shipped with green sapphire crystal. An exclusive feature that was originally introduced as a way for Rolex to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Milgauss line. 

5. Rolex GMT-Master II 126710BLRO 

This very popular GMT-Master II replica in steel became known as “Batman.” Bidirectional rotatable 24-hour graduated bezel. Two-color red and blue Cerachrom insert in ceramic, engraved numerals and graduations. Replica GMT-Master II 126710BLRO with an increased 70 hour power reserve, while a refined case shape and Jubilee bracelet further differentiate it from Rolex’s other sports watches and make this timepiece a modern take on a true classic. 

6. Rolex Submariner 116610LV 

Rolex Submariner is a very iconic men’s watch. Its appearance has always been the “simply beautiful” representative design, the simple dial and style based diving bezel is more atmospheric, which is also in line with most people. Aesthetic. 40mm Stainless Steel Case, came with a stand-out green bezel and was the first instance of the “Maxi” dial in a submariner. Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet. Rolex’s Submariner is undoubtedly the most successful and popular replica watch. One.