By Eric Gregoire
THE BARE ESSENTIALS
A look inside a Claude Meylan skeleton watch
Skeleton watches can be a polarizing topic , one that elicits DOING IT RIGHT
strong opinions from all sides . There are those who dislike That ’ s not to say that all skeleton watches are worthy of such praise . skeletons for what they consider a lack of legibility . Others There is no shortage of examples of the skeletonization process done prefer the simplicity that a plain dial can offer and look askance at poorly . the busyness of a dial-free watch .
When the movement is exposed , every decision regarding what to Then there are other critics who dismiss a skeleton watch as a remove and what to leave behind becomes critical . Too little decoration frivolous gimmick . can leave a movement looking cold , while too much can make it look But there are many skeleton enthusiasts who appreciate the watches gaudy . for their fun and whimsical nature , two elements that can remind us There are also important decisions to make regarding proper handsets why we initially became enchanted with timepieces in the first place . that create enough contrast to enhance legibility .
The people in this camp understand that in a world flooded with Clearly , it is no easy task to create a skeleton watch that is beautiful , quartz movements and smartwatches , which can perform hundreds functional and practical . of functions better , faster and more reliably , a skeleton display is one thing that a mechanical movement can always do better .
CLAUDE MEYLAN Given this era of uncertainty , it is understandable for watch manufacturers to play it safe and perhaps release another dive watch or maybe a
LOOK INSIDE For true fans , these special timepieces offer a rare glimpse into the vintage-inspired heritage model . In a landscape awash with an everincreasing number of safe bets , Claude Meylan has opted to instead innermost workings of the magic and the science involved in what makes a watch tick . By exposing all the parts , by cutting away any steer clear of the trends and forge its own path . extraneous piece and distilling everything down to the basics , the curtain of mystery is pulled back , revealing a timeless ballet where every for a perilous journey , yet taking the unpredictable , less-traveled road
The decision to avoid each new trend as it emerges can make component works together in harmonious balance . ensures that Claude Meylan ’ s timepieces stand apart . Not only do skeleton movements reveal this mesmerizing piece The Claude Meylan name itself was aptly chosen as it pays homage to the very same pioneering spirit of the original Meylan family . As of performance art every time we breathe life into them by winding the mainspring , they also serve a practical role as tiny timekeeping a distinguished clan , members of the family have figured prominently machines . throughout Swiss horological history , and it is not uncommon to find
It is the blending of these two worlds , one of art , the other of individuals bearing the name still occupying key positions within the science , that effortlessly combine in a skeleton to form a beautiful and watch industry today . beguiling whole .
Historical records reveal that the Meylans were one of the first four families to bring watchmaking to the Vallée de Joux in the Jura
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