Following on from our previous article onthe history of watchmaking as seen by the Steampunk movement , we are going to explore an original type of watch that transcends time and fashions. Here comes the time of Steampunk skeleton watches!
Definition of skeleton watch
Although not many people are familiar with the term, we have all seen such watches. Although it was invented in the 18th century,the skeleton watch didn't really take off until 200 years later. So a skeleton watch is a mechanical watch, where all the moving parts are visible either through the front of the watch, the back of the watch, or through a small cutout that outlines the dial. The actual "skeletonization" also includes the trimming away of any non-essential metal on the bridge, plate, wheel train, or any other mechanical part of the watch, leaving only a skeleton of the movement necessary for functionality. Often, the remaining thinned-out movement is decorated with an engraving. This can be with or without a dial, which allows all the mechanical parts to be seen completely naked to enjoy the spectacle of these timepieces in motion.
History of Skeleton Watches
In 2019, fashion from sports shoes to high-end luggage is combined with simplicity and noble materials. This fashion, although very calculated, is refined, and it gives pride of place to transparent materials.
So it could be said that Frenchman André-Charles Caron was way ahead of his time when he invented the "skeleton" watch, around 1760. Caron's creation consisted of enlarging the window and letting light pass through the case of a timepiece, leaving in its place a clear view of the mechanics. Caron's invention is now known as the openworked or skeleton watch. Although this innovation did not transcend his contemporaries, when quartz watches, easy to manufacture and highly accurate, began to flood in, the game changed. 200 years after Caron, to maintain their historic dominance over the watch world, luxury Swiss watchmakers have fought back with style and know-how.
From André-Charles Caron to Pierre Lannier
They began reinvesting in skeleton watches shortly after the quartz crisis of the 1970s. Some even created entire "skeleton" departments dedicated to making these watches, whether as updated best-sellers or entirely new pieces. The skeleton watch, with its dial exposing all of its intricate inner workings, was ample and visible proof of a piece's quality. As quartz watches flooded the market, the skeleton dial became a way for major luxury manufacturers to create unique, highly crafted pieces that signaled the superiority of their pieces. A clear message to the modern consumer industry that quartz watches would never be anything more than bland and mundane watches in comparison.
Like a flashy Ferrari or Lamborghini with a transparent window that reveals the engine, a skeleton watch offers an equivalent view: its movement. The idea is the same in both cases: drool over powerful and cutting-edge machines. The most luxurious skeleton watches use the most precious metals and precious stones in their mechanics. Wear is thus very reduced and the precision is unparalleled.
The skeleton watch and the steampunk timepiece?
The Steampunk movement is rooted in the industrial revolution, more precisely in an alternative Victorian era . Technology and mechanics are at the heart of the steampunk style. In a mix of cogs and steam, the craziest inventions are celebrated. And of course, what could be more beautiful than finely crafted timepieces, seeming to come out of the workshop of a genius inventor. The aesthetics of noble materials such as steel or silver. The warm colors of copper, gold or brass. But also the treatments of small parts in the attention to watchmaking detail. All this atmosphere contributes to the intoxicating atmosphere of the steampunk style, bringing together the madmen of this universe with that of character watches. Thus the parallels between giant clocks , retro-futuristic watches and complex mechanics are drawn with skeleton watches. Steampunk lovers appreciate these watches for the spectacle of these open-hearted timepieces.
Prices, rarity and know-how
Skeleton watches come in all price ranges, from several thousand euros, to moderate prices and anywhere in between. Of course luxury watches have very high prices. It is common to see Breitling, Breguet or Rollex models reach tens of thousands of euros. At Steampunk Store we try to achieve a compromise between quality and attractive price. It is preferable to be able to democratize the Steampunk style and its skeleton watches. It is also common to see our customers customize watches to make them unique creations, it is not recommended to do this on a Rollex...
Steampunk Store Watches
So whether it is pocket watches or a mechanical wristwatch, our watches with stainless steel cases will often be self-winding or even hand-wound. This is a bias to stick to the constraints of the time and the design to be achieved. Quality and comfort are there for affordable prices and an incomparable retro futuristic design. You will agree with me to prefer these skeleton steampunk watches to these impersonal "connected" watches without the charm of yesteryear.
The Skeleton Dream wristwatch.
This watch has a design inspired by the most beautiful Swiss watches. The goal was to make a model with a stainless steel case, water resistant, whose strap would be in black leather or brown leather with several possible variations. Mechanically the automatic movement achieves a precision close to the much more expensive high-end watches. This is therefore a wise choice for a first watch or to offer.
The Automatic Skeleton Watch for Men.
Innovation at the service of design. Here all the mechanics are concentrated on an axis for a maximum refined effect. The thick bezel has a retro charm that contrasts with the mineral glass window and its through light. A wise choice for lovers of uncompromising men's skeleton watches.
The Big Ben Watch.
An atypical piece with a very retro look that imitates the large clocks of the London towers. The white, black or gold dial, combined with the Roman numerals amplifies the vintage style. The quartz paradoxically, which gives a jerky effect to the hands, makes them look like the large clocks of yesteryear. A choice for lovers of old and imposing mechanics. This watch is a must with a suitable outfit, guaranteed effect!
Rectangular Skeleton Watch for Women.
The first women's watch we present to you has an atypical shape that was once very popular. The Art Deco period between the two world wars was rich and elegant. The decorative function of these watches offers a remarkable contrast to the fashionable ones you find in stores today: large, circular and too similar. The watchmakers of the Art Deco years had total freedom of design, so it is difficult to find two Art Deco watches that are exactly the same. An ideal choice for a watch to accompany beautiful vintage or steampunk clothing.
the Red Women's Skeleton Watch.
This second watch dares a color that is rarely worn, both on men and women. A bright red that contrasts with the gold or silver of the bezel and movement. An uncompromising watch that will highlight a daring woman. Dare the Steampunk style!
This is an arbitrary selection, you will certainly find what you are looking for in our collections of skeleton watches .
Here you go vaporists, thanks for reading, please share the article if it was useful to you. See you soon!