In recent years, watches incorporating skull motifs have been quietly gaining popularity. This genre is characterized by its unique designs, but its appeal extends beyond that. Skulls have been used in art and decorative items since ancient times, and they carry a variety of hidden messages. We would like to introduce some of the most representative skull watches that have been released in the past few years.
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
Article published on June 2022, 12
Skull Watch: Fearing "Death" and Enjoying "Life"
The skull is something that directly evokes the idea of death, yet allows us to see life beyond it. From pre-Christian times to the present day, humans have incorporated skulls into paintings, decorative items, and other motifs. In fact, in recent years, skull-themed watches (skull watches) have been quietly gaining popularity.
As the name suggests, a clock is something that measures time. If "life" is a unit that indicates the time from the birth of a life to its end, then, as sung in the well-known nursery rhyme "The Old Clock on the Wall," a mechanical clock could also be an entity that measures the "life" of its owner. In that respect, the affinity between mechanical clocks and skulls seems surprisingly high.
Throughout the long history of mankind, the meaning of the skull has changed over time, and it has also been used to represent the closeness of death and anti-war sentiment. Even today, death is an inevitable phenomenon that will come to everyone, but with the development of medicine and science, it has become less of a familiar feeling on a daily basis.
In these times, the skull watch is an item that makes us aware of death and thereby celebrates life to the fullest, providing its owner with irreplaceable time. While people tend to focus on the avant-garde look, the true essence of the skull watch lies in the message hidden behind it.
Louis Vuitton "Tambour Carpe Diem"
The model name, Carpe Diem (Latin for "seize the day"), is a phrase that appears in the poetry of the ancient Roman poet Horace, meaning "cherish the present moment." This model, which speaks of the futility and transience of life through the skull motif on the dial, is an automaton equipped with a jumping hour, retrograde minutes, and an hourglass-shaped power reserve indicator.
Manual winding (Cal. LV525). 48 jewels. 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve approximately 100 hours. 18KPG case (diameter 46.8mm, thickness 14.42mm). Water resistant to 30m. Reference price 55,500,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Louis Vuitton Client Service Tel. 0120-00-1854
The automaton is activated by pressing the pusher at 2 o'clock on the case. Its movement, which lasts for approximately 16 seconds, is a spectacular sight. The snake raises its head, revealing a small jumping hour window hidden in the skull's forehead.
The snake's tail indicates the minutes in retrograde fashion, Monogram Flowers appear in the skull's eyes, and the jaws slowly open to reveal the words "Carpe Diem."
The sophisticated automaton isn't the only highlight: the skulls and snakes are all crafted by top Swiss artisans using engraving and enamel, and the skull-shaped movement can be seen through the case back.
Corum "Bubble 47 X-Ray"
This model features a striking skull design that fills the entire dial. The "Bubble" collection, now known as the company's signature piece, is characterized by its domed sapphire crystal, which, as its name suggests, resembles a bubble.
This model is based on a model that was previously in the lineup and was based on the concept of "Día de Muestre (a Latin American holiday in which the deceased are joyfully remembered)," with a modern touch added.
Automatic (Cal. CO 082). 21 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel + black PVD (diameter 47.0 mm, thickness 18.5 mm). 100m water resistant. Limited to 88 pieces worldwide. 660,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) GM International Tel. 03-5828-9080
The skull, given a three-dimensional effect by the curved sapphire crystal, is depicted with a transparent design that resembles an X-ray. The skull is coated with luminous paint, and its mysterious glow in the dark has a different appeal from that seen in the daytime.
Not only is the sapphire crystal prominent, but the entire case is rounded, with sharply curved lugs and a crown that is almost spherical. The fabric strap, with a rubber backing, features neon green stitching to match the glow-in-the-dark skull.
This limited edition of 88 units was well received and was upgraded in 2022 as the "Bubble 47 Skull X-Ray," released as a limited edition model of 666 units.
