Skeleton Concept: The Art of Skeletonizing Luxury Watches

Intro
When it comes to collecting fine timepieces, people typically do it to signify a special occasion or a milestone they have reached in life. It isn’t unusual to celebrate a time when hard work paid off with a timepiece to signify that moment. But for some, they collect watches to be different or to stand out. They want to go against the traditional norms of watch collecting to have a piece already revered for pushing the envelope further to make it an artisanal masterpiece. In this article, we will examine Skeleton Concept and the art of watch skeletonization. We will explore the company’s history, unique approach to watch customization, and some of its most iconic creations.

Brand background
Skeleton Concept is a French luxury watch customization atelier in Valle De Cluse, France. They specialize in transforming existing luxury watches into unique works of art. The company’s signature skill is skeletonization, a delicate process that involves removing as much material as possible from the dial and movement of a watch while leaving the essential components intact. This allows the wearer to see the watch’s insides, giving a new view to appreciate the timepiece.

With years of experience from their team of horology experts versed in traditional and contemporary watchmaking skills, the timepieces Skeleton Concept releases are precisely crafted with cutting-edge engineering, making these watches truly one of a kind. Every detail is given its special treatment to ensure that the uniqueness of their pieces is unparalleled while ensuring that the timepiece remains true to its essence of luxury.

©Skeleton Concept

The Process
Skeleton Concept’s primary goal is to encapsulate their clients’ demands. They collaborate very closely with their clients to ensure that the watch is everything they want it to be; each project takes 1-2 months to ensure the highest quality.

Once a concept has been chosen, they draft a sketch to visualize the envisioned timepiece, capturing every detail that embodies the intricate fusion of art and technology. Then, the prototyping phase commences, spanning a few weeks to ensure a seamless customization process. Following the initial sketch, multiple concepts are crafted, adhering to the highest standards to ensure unparalleled quality. Their in-house artisans carefully inspect every component during customization, refining the prototype to perfection.

The culmination of this process is the creation of a meticulously crafted prototype to undergo detailed quality control testing. Each bespoke Skeleton Concept timepiece is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and an international warranty, attesting to its craftsmanship.

The Concepts

©Skeleton Concept

The Dennis Rodman Concept
Dennis Rodman is a retired American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of the NBA. He is also known for his colorful hairstyles, tattoos, piercings, controversial antics, and wild fashion sense that coined him the nickname “Bad Boy.”

Rodman was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1986 and helped the Pistons win back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990; where he won his first NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1990 and would go on to win the award twice more in his career. In 1995, Rodman was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he played alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. With Rodman’s help, the Bulls won three consecutive NBA championships from 1996 to 1998.

The creation of the Dennis Rodman Concept was a two-year endeavor that required the expertise of over one hundred skilled watchmakers and artisans. In collaboration with Skeleton Concept, the decision was made to enhance the Rolex GMT-Master II by replacing its original stainless-steel case with a bold red and black carbon one and pairing it with the Rubber B Velcro Series or the nylon velcro strap. This watch pays tribute to Rodman’s legendary tenure with the Chicago Bulls during their three consecutive championship victories.

The heart of this masterpiece lies in the 3186 Caliber movement, handcrafted in the renowned Vallée de Joux. Each component undergoes disassembly, shaping, angling, and hand-finishing process, showcasing the epitome of Swiss craftsmanship. The transparent sapphire case back serves as a final touch, providing a mesmerizing view of the movement, accentuated by the intricate angling of its components. This timepiece is a testament to dedication and elegance, exemplifying the pinnacle of horological artistry.

©Skeleton Concept

The French Montana Concept
Karim Kharbouch, aka French Montana, is a multi-awarded Moroccan-American rapper best known for his Diamond-certified hit song “Unforgettable” and Platinum-certified hits such as “All The Way Up,” “Tip Toe, “Just Got Paid,” and many more. With over 13 billion combined streams throughout his career, French Montana has left an indelible mark on communities around the globe.

French Montana’s personalized Rolex Cosmograph Daytona embodies his Moroccan heritage, a testament to his profound love and respect for his roots. This unique timepiece features an entire black sandblasted skeletonized movement, symbolizing the essence of his cultural identity.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of the Moroccan flag, the color palette chosen for this masterpiece includes emerald green and bright red. The sapphire dial showcases circled subdials in anthracite gray and red, while the Arabic numerals on the 12-hour subdial, replacing the original Roman numerals, pay homage to the rapper’s native country. Complementing this theme, custom-made red hands adorn the dial, complementing the watch’s motif.

A distinguishing feature of this piece is its green bezel, crafted from synthetic crystalline polycarbonate in a translucent emerald green hue. This innovative bezel material, a world first for Skeleton Concept, adds a mesmerizing 3D effect and depth to the overall movement, further accentuated by the reflection of the red tachymeter scale on the case. Mastering this technical feat required five months of dedicated craftsmanship.

Available in Oyster steel with an anthracite PVD surface treatment, the steel bracelet showcases satin-brushing with polished sides, creating a captivating interplay of contrasts. Alternatively, the “French Montana Concept” version boasts a carbon case paired with a sleek black nylon strap, epitomizing class, quality, and elegance.

©Skeleton Concept

The Carbone Concept
The Carbone concept was crafted with a singular focus: performance. This technical marvel emerged after two years of intensive research and development, resulting in unparalleled achievement. Skeleton Concept’s challenge to skeletonize the movement while maintaining precision and quality that pushes boundaries, elevating the timepiece to new heights.

In a strategic move, the original steel case and bracelet were replaced with a lightweight yet durable carbon case and bezel, perfectly aligned with the watch’s purpose. Every component was crafted using digital design techniques to achieve precision down to the micron. This precision is evident in the watch’s form and alignment, with a remarkable reduction of material usage by at least 65%. The matte black carbon finish, intricate hand beveling, and sandblasted surfaces complement the 4130 movement, resulting in stunning visual and technical harmony. The entire ensemble meets the rigorous standards set by the original manufacturer. Purposefully designed to showcase the movement, the skeletonized dial features original white gold hands alongside highly legible Chromalight hands, accentuated by vibrant orange counters and second hands, ensuring instant readability of essential information.

With the intent of trailblazing designs and groundbreaking collaborations, Skeleton Concept has firmly established itself at the forefront of watch customization, setting new standards in both design and precision. Each timepiece crafted by Skeleton Concept is a testament to its commitment to pushing boundaries, offering individuals a unique opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that reflects their distinct personality and style. From innovative materials to intricate detailing, every aspect of these timepieces is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations and set new benchmarks in the world of horology.

Whether it’s pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship or embracing cutting-edge technology, Skeleton Concept continues to redefine the art of watchmaking, ensuring that each watch is not just a timekeeping instrument but a timeless expression of individuality and sophistication.

Do any of the pieces listed above interest you? Contact us at [email protected], or call us at (+63) 917 159 1211 to kick off the journey. We’re here to make your vision a reality!

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