Here is one of those interesting watches that you’ll dare not see being sold in America – at least most likely not. Which prompts me to remark once again, that there are many a splendid brand of timepiece that are simply not marketed or sold here in the States. So this is a watch by Zannetti, and determined Italian watch brand that I’ve spoken about before. This watch is the Squelette XL Automatic, and offers a nice set of easy to live with features. I like that, because it is an obviously avant garde watch, but you don’t need to worry much about it being hard to live with.

The movement is an ETA 2892-A2 that has need skeletonized and blued (via PVD). There are also some engraved decorations on the bridges. It is a nicely done movement for those who can really get into a skeletonized dial – and in this case a totally non-existent dial. Still, you have hour marker on the bezel, and  a few around the face itself. The hands and some of the hours markers are covered in lume, also being easy to read among the backdrop of the movement. This is important, because a lot of skeletonized watches are so hard to read. Sandwiching the movement are two AR coated sapphire crystals. There is also a “secret Zannetti logo engraved on the crystal.”

The Squelette XL has a steel case and bracelet. The case is 41mm wide, and a think 9.5mm thick.  Only 30 meters of water resistance though. I think the shape of the case is appropriate. Not as exciting as the dial, but perhaps that is the point. The watch is anything but conservative in style, which is precisely how the Italians prefer it. Then you have the bracelet which is the same style as that on the Rolex Day-Date (President). This is a nice (but conservative) style, and looks good in steel. The bracelet uses screw bars and a butterfly deployment clasp. Thus you have a watch with different styles of design elements that I’d like to think can represent the dynamic nature of who is wearing it.

There is a thorough Italianess to the design like I mentioned, but it is also a comfortable look. Perhaps not the design that you fall in love with at first glance, but I can see the look steadily growing on you. In addition to the steel bracelet, the watch is also available with a blue alligator strap. The Zannetti Squelette XL Automatic watch is available for about $6,000.

See this Zannetti Squellete XL Automatic watch on James List here.