Seven years ago, Richard Mille took inspiration from something that has fascinated humankind for centuries, the human skull, and made it the centerpiece of the RM 052 Tourbillon Skull. The shape of the skull served as the top bridges, hiding the entire movement behind it. It was suspended in the middle of the case, almost like a mystery watch, being only connected to the case by four bridges. This created the effect of bones and skull, much like a pirates flag. Richard Mille went even so far as also to sculpt the back of the skull, which served as the movement's center bridge. With the introduction of the RM 52-06, Richard Mille continues to play with this concept, yet now it is not a skull, but a mask that takes center stage.

HYT is already known as a brand that like the push the envelope, not only with their unique way of telling time through 'fluid technology,' but also in terms of design. The shape of the case provides HYT with the perfect canvas to take things to the next level in a way that no other watch manufacture can, and the new SOONOW is a perfect example of this.

Granted, these skeletons are not very scary, so that might make them even more perfect for your closet because they will complement a large range of outfits. Skeleton watches have always been quite a challenge to make, as you cut away what a watch so desperately needs: the stability of the main plate and bridges. That makes skeleton watches almost like a walk on the high wire for watchmakers, and so enticing for the rest of us!

What is the continuing appeal of pirates and privateers? Their sense of freedom or their adventurous life? Whatever it is, it has long ago also infected the world of Haute Horlogerie, and now Skull and Bones-watches form their own niche. New member to this elite group of watches is the X-TREM-1 StingHD by Christophe Claret.

Here's a first look at the new HYT Skull watches from HYT. They are seriously cool, as expected, and show off the brand can still shock...

Haute Time reviews the Carpe Diem, a skull watch imbued with symbolic that celebrates ten years of Konstantin Chaykin watches...

Haute Time visits the Audemars Piguet manufacture and the Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi think-tank and takes a look at the Audemars Piguet novelties...

Why the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Skull is the perfect timepiece for a rebellious collector looking to add a little bit of character to his collection...

Luxury watchmakers RJ-Romain Jerome have commemorated the maison’s dual passion for watchmaking and contemporary art in a stunning new collaboration with renowned Swiss artist John M Armleder. The company have unveiled Art-DNA; a collection of ten watches which feature a skull, a recurring motif found in Armleder’s works. Armleder was inspired by the skulls which feature prominently […]