7 Intricately Designed Luxury Watches That Impress

Watchmaking may be the only place where complexity and complication are coveted. While most people want to run away when they hear the word 'complication', in watchmaking, a complication means the watch is more intricately designed and sophisticated than other pieces. It is a function above and beyond hours, minutes and seconds.

People who admire engineering will appreciate these machines.

Brands like Cartier, Hublot, MB&F, and Girard Perregaux have embraced the avant-garde design spirit to produce incredible watches with commendable mechanical prowess.  It's not easy to create these 'Go big and go weird' watches that surely require a great deal of work.

Here, we've compiled a solid list of some of the most insane-looking horlogical wonders, each guaranteed to impress with its intricate and sophisticated design.

Top 7 Elegantly Complicated Luxury Watches

1. Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Limited Edition 'All Black' Chronograph Ref: 601.CI.0110.RX

A watch like this on your wrist will make everything else look good. Say what you will about the choice of skeleton dial or even the ceramic case, but you can't deny the marvellous watchmaking here. From the integration to the execution, this watch offers a lot to marvel at from a technical standpoint. Not to forget, this Hublot timepiece is a limited edition series with only 500 available. That's why it sits at the top!

Hublot has revolutionised the watchmaking universe with its extraordinary design, and this limited edition Spirit Of Big Bang 'All Black' Chronograph Ref: 601.CI.0110.RX showcases the technical and aesthetic daring the brand is known for. It sits in a relatively reasonable tonneau-shaped black ceramic 45mm case with a fixed ceramic bezel featuring microblasted recessed zones. Hublot has done a remarkable job with the skeleton dial that intricately integrates various mechanics. It houses luminous hands and hour markers, chronograph sub-dials, minute markers around the outer rim and a small date window for added functionality. Finally, it is attached to a robust black rubber strap for added comfort.

Specifications:

• Model: 601.CI.0110.RX
• Case Material: Ceramic
• Size: 45mm
• Dial: Black skeleton
• Bezel: Ceramic
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bracelet/Strap: Black Rubber strap
• Movement: Automatic, HUB4700
• Power Reserve: 50 hours
• Water Resistance: 50 metres  

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2. Ulysse Nardin Le Locle Skeleton Ref: 146 28 

Some watches are just great, and we say this because they simply need no comparison or a timeline within which they'll fade out of fashion. The Ulysse Nardin Le Locle Skeleton Ref: 146 28 gives us plenty of reasons to believe so. It is nothing but spectacular and a pure work of art that you won't find circulating on the market so easily.

Crafted in the 1980s, the Ulysse Nardin Le Locle Skeleton Ref: 146 28 is an extraordinary 34mm rose gold dress watch measuring just 7.9mm thick and 39.5mm from lug to lug, with a vintage-inspired 18mm lug width. This rare timepiece is a perfect choice for both men and women and embodies the elegance of a traditionally designed dress watch.

The dial is beautifully executed with only Roman numerals and black-styled hands visible when you flip up the hinged case, where you can also see the beautiful logo marked on the opposite. You can see the bevels opened on the dial side. The dial is put on the underside of the watch, and the movement, along with skeletonisation and engraving on the top. The ultra-thin movement from the 70s is fully engraved, showcasing the Ulysse Nardin Locle origin with exceptional detailing, including finely engraved rotors. On every edge, there are so many components where two bevels meet and form an interior angle.

This rare Ulysse Nardin Le Locle timepiece is believed to have been crafted by Ulysse Nardin during the early years of Rolf Schnyder's Ownership. It is a true marvel of design and engineering. You cannot get anything of this sort less than a six-figure from Patek Philippe or Vacheron Constantin. 

Specifications:

• Model: 146 28
• Case Material: 18ct pink gold
• Size: 34mm
• Dial: Skeletonised reverse dial
• Bezel: 18ct pink gold
• Bracelet/Strap: Black leather strap with an 18ct pink gold Ulysse Nardin buckle
• Movement: Automatic, 14.8.11.5
• Power Reserve: 45 hours
• Water Resistance: 30 metres

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3. MB&F M.A.D. 1 Edition Ref: M.A.D.1 RED

The M.A.D. 1 Edition Red Ref: M.A.D.1 RED by MB&F with a skeleton dial is a watch that brings not just the hype but also other fascinating points of discussion. Created by Max Busser, this is a limited-production watch that exudes style and sophistication like no other. There's a reason why the brand is called a 'Horological Machine', and we can well understand why.

The watch comes in a comfortable 42mm stainless steel case with a flat-angled bezel encircling the winding rotor. It also measures 17.8 mm in thickness and 50.6mm from lug to lug, which means it would not fit under the cuff. It appears thick on the wrist, not huge. The case is sapphire-encased all around.

The standout feature is the striking red skeleton dial, which showcases a distinctive lateral time display with two rotating cylinders for hours and minutes. The time is displayed on the 6 o'clock side of the case via two rotating rings with luminous Arabic numerals. You can read the time by tilting the wrist. Quite fascinating, we say.

Another captivating feature is the modified unidirectional winding Miyota movement, powered by a titanium and tungsten Triple-Blade winding rotor. The open-worked case back has a 5-spoke cover engraved with "M.A.D. EDITION – MAXIMILIAN BUSSER – IT'S A M.A.D. WORLD – 316 STAINLESS STEEL – WATER RESISTANT 3 ATM.

Everything displayed so prominently and in such an unusual manner makes this watch desirable. The watch fits on a bold-looking red strap with a double-folding deployment buckle.

The real magic of this watch lies in its exclusivity, and most times, you cannot even find one to buy. With so much said, we wonder how such an outrageous watch can be so economically accomplished.

Specifications:

• Model: M.A.D.1 RED
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Size: 42mm
• Dial: Red skeleton dial
• Bezel: Flat angled bezel
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bracelet/Strap: Original MB&F Black leather strap & an Additional red Alcantara strap
• Movement: Automatic, Miyota 821A
• Power Reserve: 42 hours
• Water Resistance: 30 metres

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4. Girard Perregaux Free Bridge Ref: 82000-11-631-FA6A

Since the beginning, Girard Perregaux has sought to surprise the world of watchmaking with its precision engineering, which has successfully and playfully disrupted conventional horological norms. The 'Free Bridge' takes this iconic design cue and creates a captivating, high-tech timepiece. As the name suggests, the bridge is an aerial, open, and liberated feature that retains the brand's DNA and bold tradition of making the invisible visible.

Sitting proudly in a polished and brushed 44mm stainless steel case, The Girard Perregaux Free Bridge Ref: 82000-11-631-FA6A reimagines tradition through its innovative design and exceptional technical mastery. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal gives a clear view of the intricate mechanism inside, and it's a vision! The stunning black openwork dial reveals the working of the movement and features the arrow-shaped Free Bridge. But what we really appreciate is the strong level of legibility, depth, movement animation and the ability to attract attention with its shine and polish. However, the hands are a bit short.

The value of the movement lies in its exotic architecture and its symmetrical design. The Free Bridge has one distinctive bridge over the oscillator at 6 o'clock, but it is very distinctive. The regulation system and mainspring barrel are designed to be at the watch front instead of the rear, where most mechanical movements have such systems placed.

Girard Perregaux reveals that watches like the Free Bridge are specifically intended for the younger, aspirational-type consumers who want relevant designs from classic names in the luxury watch space. It is a perfect link between the past and future with design and material innovation.

Specifications:

• Model: 82000-11-631-FA6A
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Size: 44mm
• Dial: Open work black dial with arrow-shaped Free Bridge
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bracelet/Strap: Black calfskin strap
• Movement: Automatic, GP01800-1170
• Power Reserve: 54 hours
• Water Resistance: 30 metres

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5. Cartier Santos De Cartier Large Ref: WHSA0009 

The Cartier Santos De Cartier is a luxury sports watch with an extensive history and notable design. The Santos line always had an easily recognisable design, but the skeletonised Cartier Santos De Cartier Ref: WHSA0009, of course, shattered that brief. The French watchmaker has stripped away all but their essential framework for beauty.

Popularly referred to as the Santos' Noctambule', this piece is a standout in the collection, combining Cartier's ionic skeletonised movement with a luminous base plate. The 39.7mm case has been fully blacked out in ADLC, and the movement and hands are generously filled with Super LumiNova. The result is an ultra-modern take on the Santos, which appears visually stunning. While the Noctambule has the largest Santos case size, the case appears relatively slim and sits well on the wrist. The steel case beneath the ADLC coating lends the watch a solid, reassuring weight.

The dial features open-worked bridges and a base plate that form bold Roman numerals, a hallmark of Cartier's signature style. Together with the eye-catching sword-shaped hands, the numerals extend outward from a square that surrounds the central axis.

While a skeletonised watch may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when we speak of an aggressively lumed piece, this Santos de Cartier has most definitely changed the narrative. The Super LumiNova coating allows the skeletonised movement, bridges, and base plate to glow. The entire dial lights up in bright green when the lights are off. It can be charged with artificial and natural light.

The black ADLC case and well-made black rubber strap add plenty of sportiness to the watch. Cartier has finally realised its potential to create some of the top-notch skeletonised watches in the industry, combining timeless sophistication with modern elegance.

Specifications:

• Model: WHSA0009
• Case Material: Black ADLC Steel
• Size: 39.7mm
• Dial: Skeleton dial
• Bezel: Black ADLC Steel
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bracelet/Strap: Black alligator strap
• Movement: Manually wound, 9612 MC
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Water Resistance: 100 metres

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6. Panerai Limited Edition Radiomir One/Eight Second Ref: PAM00246

Panerai is a watchmaker with a rich nautical history, and the Panerai Limited Edition Radiomir One/Eight Second 45mm Black Dial Ref: PAM00246 keeps all the bases covered as a stylish sportsman's chronograph with an open-ocean regatta bent. 

The watch features a 45mm stainless steel case with a curved steel bezel and removable wire loop strap attachments. The dial combines two high horology complications rarely spotted together. With a lightning second hand at 9 o'clock, the minutes counter at 3 o'clock and a centre-mounted rattrapante (split-second) chronograph, the Panerai PAM00246 can time two separate events/competitors. Powered by automatic movement, the watch has anti-shock functionality to ensure performance remains unaffected at all times. Thanks to the almost open case back, you can take a glimpse of the complicated and intricate mechanism inside, showcasing Circular graining and Côtes de Genève decorations on the bridges.

Apart from all the practical applications, the secondhand lightning and the rattrapante combine to create some unmatched visual fireworks. Even if the onlooker has little or no idea of horology, they're bound to appreciate the sports timing. The Panerai beige Mohawk skin strap finishes the look of the watch. It can easily slip under the cuff or long sleeves.

All in all, this Panerai exudes a little vintage style and sits well on the wrist. It is perfectly suited for yacht racing. Limited to only 300 pieces, this fantastic limited edition Panerai is as rare as it is beautiful.

Specifications:

• Model: PAM00246
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Size: 45mm
• Dial: Black luminous
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bracelet/Strap: Panerai Beige Mohawk skin strap
• Movement: Automatic, OP XXI Calibre
• Power Reserve: 42 hours
• Water Resistance: 100 metres

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7. Cartier Pasha Ref: 2379

The Cartier Pasha watches available today are probably the best the brand has ever made. That said, Cartier has a range of Pasha timepieces, but the Pasha Ref: 2379 in steel is in a league of its own. Whether this is an interesting or rather weird design is hard to say. However, it's really hard not to love these types of exotic statement-making watches that are anything but boring.

The Cartier Pasha Ref: 2379 sits in a nice 38mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating steel bezel. One of the gimmicks of this timepiece is the grille matrix over the dial, adding to its appearance. The grey guilloche dial has a great texture and is adorned with Arabic 3/6/9/12 numerals and a date display complication, making it a reliable and practical choice for everyday wear. It remains well protected by the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. The watch is fitted with a leather strap for those interested in versatility. It's certainly a playful and fun luxury watch from Cartier that is simple for any audience to understand. On top of that, the addition of a screw-down crown cap linked to the case by a small chain adds a touch of vintage flair.

The Cartier Pasha 2379 is equipped with an automatic movement, Calibre 1904, ensuring precision and reliability. It is ideal for those who appreciate style and performance. The watch's exhibition case back allows you to admire its intricate inner workings, adding to its charm.

Specifications:

• Model: 2379
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Size: 38mm
• Dial: Grey
• Bezel: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Bracelet/Strap: Black alligator strap
• Movement: Automatic, Calibre 1904
• Water Resistance: 100 metres

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BOTTOM LINE

And there you have it—the seven most intricately designed luxury watches we've explored here not only tell the time but represent a fusion of tradition, innovation, and unparalleled beauty. These watches are truly among the special occasion luxury watches you’ll ever need. 

Imagine strapping one of these statement-making pieces to your wrist and feeling the craftsmanship behind it.

There are various reasons why people buy luxury watches. Whether you're an experienced collector or just beginning your journey into luxury watchmaking, it’s worth considering one of these stunning timepieces when you buy watches. But good luck trying to find one at retail, though!