he mechanical clarity of the classical Opus Chronograph is achieved by dexterously paring away all superfluous material, leaving nothing but a filigreed skeleton – which functions just as well as when fully fleshed. On the SkelTec, however, Chronoswiss has created the brand-new C.304 movement, where maximum reduction of the entire movement has already been realized on the drawing board.

“I would say that the name SkelTec is kind of self-explanatory. Its exclusive 166-part manufacture movement with a power reserve of 48 hours combines Opus’s mechanical spirit with space age technologies. SkelTec takes artisanal, traditional skeletonising to warp speed,” says Head of Design Maik Panziera.

Chronoswiss Skeltec, CHF 20,900, limited to 50 pieces

The 2020 version of the exceptionally complex 300-part masterpiece Opus Chronograph – which in 1995 advanced the skeletonising chapter at Chronoswiss – has been thoroughly updated. It now offers a modern geometry with a 41-millimetre case and shorter lugs, hugging the wrist more comfortably.

Opus Chronograph, CHF 11,400

Thanks to the double anti-reflection treatment of the sapphire crystal, the skeletonising can be admired clearer than ever before. And in line with contemporary user-friendly needs and expectations, the watertightness has been upgraded to 100 metres. There is also a limited edition where the subdials showing date, chronograph hours and minutes and small seconds are blue and orange, adding another verse to this horological opus.

Chronoswiss SkelTec, CHF 17,700, limited to 50 pieces

The radically progressive design of the SkelTec also applies to the stainless steel case with a DLC treatment. Organic free-flowing forms reflecting the fluidity of time itself are clearly seen in the sculptural curves as well as in the sensually hollowed-out lugs. “With these revolutionary elements together, the overall extremely technical look is delicate, yet bulletproof, while maintaining the Chronoswiss signifiers like the knurled bezel and the onion crown,” say Ruben Velasco and Manuel Fuentes, founders of RUMA design, who worked on the design with Panziera.