Openwork watch recommendations

[calh22a]

Wanted to add an openwork watch to the collection. There’s something mesmerizing to me about looking at the working mechanical movement. Budget $20k or less. All suggestions welcomed. Anyone with an openwork in their collection they really like? Pics greatly appreciated.

[locutus49]

At that price I don't know. Try googling on skeletonized watches and see what pops up.

[texasmade]

Maybe a used Cartier?

[_speedmaster_]

Highly recommend the Breguet Tradition line. Impeccably finished, a modern icon and you can see the entire transfer of power from the mainspring to the wheel train to the escapement.

[Russell996]

Not within budget but worth stretching for. First use of silicon in any watch, carousel tourbillon and a Freak!




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[benlee]

Maybe this? Have not seen it irl but it appears to be well rated.

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/oris...-x-calibre-115

Alternatively, a Zenith Defy chronograph which is also open-dial. I got one.

[RTG]

Originally Posted by benlee

Maybe this? Have not seen it irl but it appears to be well rated.

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/oris...-x-calibre-115

Alternatively, a Zenith Defy chronograph which is also open-dial. I got one.

This blue Defy 21 is stunning in person. Great depth and clarity that isn’t captured in pictures.

[Ny325]

Ahhhh, not for me.

[ap1]

Cartier santos, the blacked out version

[PJ S]

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton (Blue LE version), and add the titanium bracelet to give option between it and the blue leather strap.

Girard Perregaux Laureato in full ceramic (likely to require a budget stretch) or stainless, if preferred.
G-P Neo Bridges

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda

Jacquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet One or Franck Muller Vanguard Skeleton 7 Day or Yachting Anchor (possibly over budget like the G-P).

A real fond favourite of mine though, is the Arnold & Son Nebula.

[locutus49]

GP Laureato is a great watch and very close to high horology. That would be a good choice.

Originally Posted by PJ S

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton (Blue LE version), and add the titanium bracelet to give option between it and the blue leather strap.

Girard Perregaux Laureato in full ceramic (likely to require a budget stretch) or stainless, if preferred.
G-P Neo Bridges

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda

[calh22a]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Have definitely opened up some options for me. Can also stretch the budget. Was thinking $20 was a comfortable start but willing to spend more for the right piece

[DoxaDavid]

Depending on what your goals are for having an open work/skeleton face watch, one doesn't have to spend a lot of money to add one.

Like you, I like the look of an openwork watch and always thought one day I would find one to add to the herd.

A few summers ago, I found myself at a large art fair in AZ and met a retired watchmaker. He had spent over 30 years working for several AD's and had his own shop for awhile. Over that time, amassed a ton of parts and movements.

He decided to resurrect some of the interesting movements and create art pieces as a hobby. He had a lot of different watch related art from necklaces, to rings and sculptures.

One of his favorite things was to take a pocket watch movements and add them to wristwatch cases or modify the existing case so it could be worn as a wristwatch. Many had the original faces of the pocket watch and there were all sorts of different sizes and shapes.

This one caught my eye. It has a nicely finished movement in an openwork with a display case back. I really liked the Panerai Luminor styled case which gave it a modern look. Not all his pieces were vintage as was the case with this one. Some, he just made because he liked the look. I don't recollect which movement this one is but I liked the simplicity and can actually read the time on it. lol

It was not expensive and a fun addition.

Good luck with your search.

[nicky77]

The Ulysse Nardin Freak X also seems cool.

[Slider817]

Cool Panerai clone, not a huge fan of skeleton watches, just find it hard to read the time. I quite enjoy the aesthetics.

I really like the AP Millenary, very cool watch. As said previously, Breuer makes a great watch in their La tradition line as well.

[teflonchest]

Raymond weil Maestro. You might need to check about the waiting list. Get on either julianas or macys whichever list is shorter

[teflonchest]

Originally Posted by benlee

Maybe this? Have not seen it irl but it appears to be well rated.

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/oris...-x-calibre-115

]

Also this. Those who dare to wear oris exude class

[watchucallit]

At the stated price point, I like the Zenith Benlee pointed out

[ansharma]

I just got my AP Millenary 4101 and absolutely love it. Stunning piece in all respects and wears a lot smaller like a 40mm Rolex. The large size lets you appreciate the movement and the very best finishing as expected from AP.

Very easily in your budget with plenty to spare in steel, you could even get the rose gold one which is equally spectacular.

Some pics of mine...










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[Krant]

Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X also great choice.




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[Rogdogg]

That's very cool

[Rogdogg]

[QUOTE=DoxaDavid;10286833]Depending on what your goals are for having an open work/skeleton face watch, one doesn't have to spend a lot of money to add one.

Like you, I like the look of an openwork watch and always thought one day I would find one to add to the herd.

A few summers ago, I found myself at a large art fair in AZ and met a retired watchmaker. He had spent over 30 years working for several AD's and had his own shop for awhile. Over that time, amassed a ton of parts and movements.

He decided to resurrect some of the interesting movements and create art pieces as a hobby. He had a lot of different watch related art from necklaces, to rings and sculptures.

One of his favorite things was to take a pocket watch movements and add them to wristwatch cases or modify the existing case so it could be worn as a wristwatch. Many had the original faces of the pocket watch and there were all sorts of different sizes and shapes.

This one caught my eye. It has a nicely finished movement in an openwork with a display case back. I really liked the Panerai Luminor styled case which gave it a modern look. Not all his pieces were vintage as was the case with this one. Some, he just made because he liked the look. I don't recollect which movement this one is but I liked the simplicity and can actually read the time on it. lol

It was not expensive and a fun addition.

Good luck with your search.


Sorry, I mean this is very cool!

[mspeed76]

cartier santos noctambule

[nicky77]

The Arnold & Son Time Pyramid is an interesting one as is the Arnold & Son Nebula

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by locutus49

GP Laureato is a great watch and very close to high horology. That would be a good choice.

To be fair, all the ones I mentioned are fully in the realm of haute horlogerie.

[Reign]

I love openwork watches and got this Santos in 2019 which is a killer one.

Have been trying to add an AP and have also gotten insanely close to get the Bulgari Octo openwork in black ceramic as well

[Justindo]

Originally Posted by _speedmaster_

Highly recommend the Breguet Tradition line. Impeccably finished, a modern icon and you can see the entire transfer of power from the mainspring to the wheel train to the escapement.

This.