Although skeleton watches have been around as early as the 18th century, it wasn’t until the 2012 when the demand for this unique design that watchmakers actually started manufacturing cutting-edge skeleton watches. And Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot was among them.
Founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, Hublot uses a modern and innovative approach to the art of skeleton-watchmaking. Aimed at providing its wearer a closer view of the inner workings of his watch, the art of skeleton watchmaking requires exquisite knowledge and skills.
With skeleton watches, watchmakers typically remove the non-essential, non-moving inner parts of the watch and retain the bare, most essential elements. These essential parts are then polished and engraved for a more appealing finish to be showcased through a ‘skeletonised’ or ‘openwork’ dial. Hublot has certainly mastered this art.
Here are our top five picks of the best skeleton watches from Hublot that will not disappoint.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Ferrari Skeleton Watch
With an all-black ceramic case and rubber strap, the Hublot Big Bang Big Bang Unico Ferrari is a well-balanced design that shows a sporty style with a modern touch.
The sophisticated black skeleton dial is equipped with a chronograph sub-dial, a yellow date display at 3 o’clock, and skeleton silver hands and hour markers. A robust black rubber Schedoni leather strap completes the look, optimising comfort and style. Water-resistant to 100 metres and powered by the automatic HUB1241 calibre movement, this exceptional timepiece is set within a 45mm carbon fibre case, complete with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass.
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Skeleton Watch
At 42mm, the Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Automatic Skeleton watch is a breath of fresh air with its vibrant blue colour. A blue rubber and alligator leather strap complements the blue skeleton dial.
Admire the mechanism up close through its skeleton dial. Three sub-dials are displayed for an advanced chronograph function. Meanwhile, the rhodium-plated hands and indexes perfectly match the tone of the bezel. This skeleton watch runs on the HUB4700 chronograph movement, boasting a power reserve of 50 hours. What’s more, it is water-resistant up to 50 metres. A trendy and highly-technological piece, this skeleton watch is a perfect conversation starter.
Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moonphase Skeleton Watch
Featuring a charming moonphase complication at 6 o’clock, this Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moonphase Skeleton watch is elegant in all aspects. From its 42mm titanium case and bezel with satin finishing to the alligator black strap and beautiful skeleton dial, the watch commands attention.
Additional sub-dials feature the day, date, and month functions. The self-winding HUB1131 moonphase movement drives the watch, offering a 42-hour power reserve and water resistance up to 50 metres. Practical and innovative, this skeleton watch can give any skeleton watches a run for their money.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Magic Skeleton Watch
With its black contemporary design, this Hublot Big Bang Unico Magic Skeleton watch is big on presence and performance. Its 45mm black ceramic case features a striking rose gold bezel with the signature H-shaped screws.
The semi-skeleton dial showcases two chronograph sub-dials. The hands are in the same rose gold hue as the bezel, featuring a black luminescent coating. Its signature bold and floating numerals are prominent against an intricate skeleton dial. The HUB1242 UNICO Manufacture, self-winding chronograph flyback movement powers this impressive watch. With 330 components, the watch features a 72-hour power reserve and is water-resistant up to 100 metres.
Living up to its name, the Big Bang Unico Magic combines design audacity and technical prowess in a modern timepiece.
Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofustion Chronograph
The Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph diamond skeleton watch is certainly big, bold and beautiful.
At least 248 diamonds adorn the 18K King Gold case; while an additional 156 diamonds embellish the 18K King Gold bezel — faceted by French artist Richard Orlinski. The self-winding HUB1155 skeleton chronograph movement powers the watch, featuring a 42-hour power reserve and a 50m water resistance. An intricate openwork dial displays the hour and minute hands, including the hour markers and chronograph subdials. With 404 diamonds matching its technical prowess, this skeleton watch is definitely an opulent choice.
In the mood for a moonwatch timepiece? Check out our feature on the best moonwatches from our favourite luxury brands here.
