Elite Traveler September-October 2017

INSPIRE TOP 50 WATCHES

Skeletons Because of their beauty and the way they enable almost transparent clarity, skeleton watches are incredibly coveted. Generally, skeleton watches are timepieces with a see-through crystal on the case front, caseback, or both that allows for viewing the watch movement. To create a skeletonized watch is no easy feat, as it is a delicate balance between removing too much metal and yet removing enough to make the caliber both a work of art and technology. Typically, the components in a skeleton watch are finely engraved and acutely chiseled, removing as much as 70 percent of the metal, but they must remain strong enough to do their jobs properly. Depending on the intricacy of the design, it can take weeks for a single artisan to carve the hundreds of tiny parts of the watch movement.

MANUFACTURE ROYALE ADN

ARNOLD & SON TOURBILLON CHRONOMETER NO 36

CORUM GOLDEN BRIDGE ROUND 43

From independent watch brand Manufacture Royale, this ADN skeletonized watch features independent dual time zones with flying tourbillon escapement. The MR09 caliber has skeletonized circular bridges that connect two independent time zones, which can be set to the minute. The local time is displayed via a patented jump-aperture hour system and sweeping minute hand at 12 o’clock. The home time is at 5 o’clock. The 46mm steampunk- inspired case complements the avant-garde look of the open-worked movement. Just 28 of this steel version on a rubber strap will be made. $90,300 Where to buy Contact Scott Rosen, US agent, +1 917 740 7785, manufacture-royale.com

Instead of the see-through approach that some brands use, Arnold & Son skeletonizes its movement and sets it atop the mainplate so that all is visible from the dial side. The A&S8600 hand-wound movement is made of nickel silver and steel with 18K rose gold-treated bridges and mainplate. Haute horlogerie finishings include sand-blasted bridges with chamfered and polished edges, 18K gold chatons and more. The 46 mm 18K rose gold case has a see-through sapphire caseback. Just 28 pieces will be made. $56,550 Where to buy Cellini in New York, contact Leon Adams, owner, info@ cellinijewelers.com, +1 212 888 0505, arnoldandson.com

Corum’s Golden Bridge is a legend in horology, and now the brand brings it full circle, creating new and unusual renditions. Featuring a linear baguette movement, CO 113 (the first and only in-line baguette movement on the market), the watch features a totally transparent sapphire crystal, caseback and case sides. It is enhanced with decorative architecture that recalls the Golden Gate Bridge. The motif and case are set with 6.56 carats of diamonds. Just 18 pieces will be made in 18K white gold. $136,000 Where to buy Bellusso Jewelers in Las Vegas, NV, +1 702 650 2988, corum.ch