Skeleton dials may be associated with modern sports watches, but that doesn’t mean that’s always been the case. Today, we have proof! This is the Universal Genève 151.11.662, manufactured in the 1990s. This piece is a perfect example of what we think of when discussing dressy silhouettes paired with the dynamism of skeleton dials.

A transition between the standard minimalist dress watches of much of the 20th century, and the RM-esque sports pieces of today, this piece is executed in 18K yellow gold, with fluted case sides, a hobnail bezel pattern, and a fully engraved skeleton dial. The skeletonized display reveals a micro-rotor movement with winding works at 9 o’clock, the openwork mainspring barrel at 2, and escapement at 6 o’clock.

If this watch had a standard dial, it would be a plain 2-hander like anything else. The skeleton takes what would be a simple dial configuration, and adds a whole host of fun details and intricacies to stare out.

Our one word of warning is that if you buy this piece, you (or onlookers close by) might just get distracted looking at this beauty!

Something different from a brand with a wonderful historical prominence, this is not your run of the mill Universal Genève.