The Five Most Expensive Skeleton Watches in the World

Skeleton watches are not for everyone. They almost always have an industrial feel to them. Skeleton watches are stripped down. They’re for those who like to see the way things work, the way watches tick. Skeleton watches are for those who like to see precision in action. There’s no surprise then that some of the best skeleton watches in the market can cost as more than your house. These watches are the definition of luxury and precision in the art of the timepiece. If you’ve ever wondered how expensive a watch could really get, here are five of the most expensive skeleton watches you could ever get your hands on.

5. Breguet Tourbillon Messidor - $138,250

Everything about this watch is unique. The first thing you’ll notice is the gigantic tourbillon cage that sits right at the six o’clock mark. This portion of the watch seems to just sit there floating, and we’ve got to admit that it’s got us pretty impressed. The tiny blue hands sit above the tourbillon, completely off-centered and oddly mesmerizing. What’s more fascinating is the work of pure craftsmanship that makes up the skeleton movement—all hand finished to perfection. Breguet didn’t hold anything back with the Messidor. The stylistic straps, the beveled edges, the 25 jewels, and more make this stunning timepiece worth every dime.

4. Breguet Tourbillon Manual Wind - $162,190

Breguet is a staple of elegance. From the platinum bracelet to the platinum case, everything about this tourbillon is sophisticated. The silver dial is split into two, where the tourbillon sits just below the hour markers. The gold details on both sub dials are beautiful accents to an already exquisite skeleton movement. This is the type of watch that you take out for those extra special occasions that warrant just a little bit more luxury on your wrist. Breguet knows how to do luxury right, and every single component of this Manual Wind watch is an integral part to the whole. Of course, you’ll also find Breguet’s signature blue hands. A Breguet is almost not one without them.

3. Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle Skeleton - $166,150

At this point on in this list, you have to be thinking how these skeleton watches are getting sold and who actually buys them. These watches are designed for the wealthiest among the wealthy, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t appreciate and admire the engineering and craftsmanship that went into these watches. This Vacheron Constantin, for example, is a true work of genius in every aspect. Three of the four sub dials present a perpetual calendar that works to highlight the fourth sub dial sitting at the six o’clock mark. The moon phase sub dial is the best part of this watch, if you ask us. That being said, everything about this watch denotes quality and a thoughtfulness that you would only expect from a watch that costs as much.

2. Breguet Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar - $192,860

We don’t want you to think that this list is a list of only Breguet watches, but the luxury watch manufacturer happens to specialize in making extra expensive timepieces. The entire skeleton movement on this watch is made with 18K rose gold, and we can say that this feature alone makes a ton of difference with the way the watch looks and feels. Two sub dials denote a perpetual calendar that many could appreciate, while the tourbillon sits pretty at the six o’clock position. The hours are marked by Roman numerals, and Breguet’s signature blue hands tell the time handsomely and accurately from this piece. If you flip the watch over, you’ll see a transparent case that will allow you a completely different view of the entire movement.

1. Audemars Piguet Edward Piguet Tourbillon Skeleton - $305,184

For the most expensive skeleton watch, we jump over $100k in price to get to the top. This Audemars Piguet watch is certainly not the biggest of the bunch nor is it the flashiest. But one look at this watch and you’ll know right away that it’s something special. First off, the rectangular case is something different in the world of skeletons. You’ll find different types of gold in this piece from the 18k rose gold hour markers to the 18k white gold hands. You’ll also find a delicate tourbillon at the six o’clock position. The watch gives a more complete view of the skeleton movement through the case back, but you’re not going to want to look at it for too long. Once you have this watch on your hands, you’ll want to put it on your wrist and keep it there forever.