Chronoswiss Opus Skeleton Chronograph, 2010s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Skeletonized watches — watches whose dials reveal parts of the movement ticking away beneath — have been around much longer than you think. Watchmaker André Charles Caron, clockmaker to King Louis XV of France, is credited with developing the first skeletonized movements way back in the early 18th century. Depending on the watch, this is done by some combination of providing the timepiece with a transparent dial and/or by removing material from the movement’s bridges and other parts such that the constituent components are visible. Chronoswiss, a Swiss watchmaker established in Lucerne in 1983, has been making specialized skeleton watches since 1995. Their Skeleton Chronograph in particular has seen numerous iterations of the years, but never fails to dazzle with its openworked dial that reveals a dizzyingly complicated movement beneath. The Reference CH7523S, which dates to the 2010s, is housed in a 38mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, an ‘onion’ crown, an coin-edge bezel, and the extra-long lugs that were characteristic of the model during that time period. It features a striking skeletonized dial with a white outer minute track, matching white subsidiary register rings, a blued steel ‘Breguet’ handset, and a triple-register chronograph with a date wheel at 3:00. Controlling this horological wonder is an automatic movement, the Calibre C. 741, which is visible not only via the dial but also through a sapphire exhibition caseback. When paired with its matching, stainless steel ‘beads of rice’ bracelet with a signed, hidden deployant clasp, the net result is nothing less than stunning. Whether you’re a ‘watch guy’ or not, it’s easy to become mesmerized and stare at this compelling dial all day long. What’s more, this CH7523S is accompanied by its factory goodies. Don’t let it slip through your fingers!