Specifically, I am talking about the Graham Silverstone RS Skeleton, which has a partially skeletonized dial where you can see the balance wheel and some of the gears on the face of the watch. I personally happen to find these types of dials interesting because you get a fully functional dial with most of the legibility you expect, with a view of the movement’s workings. I call this “partial skeletonization” and it really is the best of both worlds in my opinion. Then again, I can see how some people might get irritated by this style and merely want a dial to be all skeletonized or not at all. Just a difference of opinion.
As racing watches go, you have a 30 minute chronograph and the time with a subsidiary seconds dial. Around the bezel (which is black ceramic) is a tachymeter scale that adds “racing character” to the overall design. The dial is mostly dark gray with accents of black and rose gold. The hands are also rose gold and large, with lume-filled center areas that account for the healthy legibility, even though they could be a bit longer. The dial doesn’t have a date window–but honestly I don’t think anyone will miss it.
The movement inside the watch is the Graham caliber G1790 which I believe is produced for them by La Joux-Perret. It is an automatic movement with an 18k rose gold rotor and a power reserve of 46 hours while operating at 28,800 bph. I feel terrible for missing a picture of this, but at 10 o’clock on the side of the case there is actually a small circular sapphire crystal window to offer yet another view of the balance wheel from the side. So, that is pretty interesting in addition to the normal Silverstone RS case style.
The Graham Silverstone RS Skeleton case itself is a wide 46mm (water resistant to 100 meters) and is offered in black DLC-coated steel with some 18k rose gold accents, such as for the knurled center ring, crown, and chronograph pushers. Really, it is a way of adding gold to the watch without dramatically increasing the price. A similar version of this Silverstone RS Skeleton watch in black and red was released last year, but I prefer the black and gold colors myself–though that is just a personal preference.
The Graham Silverstone RS Skeleton is a compelling watch with a scattered personality. Even the elements that make up the theme are seemingly hidden on the case. The “RS” (for RennSport) is only visible on the crown if you happen to see it, and the racing-inspired design is notable only to those who know watches really well. For everyone else, it is just a unique looking sporty chronograph. Sometimes mysteries such as this are the best kind and it is up to the wearer to help define the watch–when the watch itself doesn’t have a distinct message to tell.
That isn’t really a criticism but more an observation when compared to other sport watches that are clearly one type of watch or another. Having said that, when it comes to automotive watches the Graham Silverstone RS Skeleton is probably in the majority with this type of loose personality. Watch makers are often careful not to produce type-cast timepieces that seem too niche, but at the same time they want the wearers to have specific emotive references when wearing the watch (such as thinking about the world of racing, diving, flying, etc…). That can be a difficult line to ride and it is interesting to see brands continue to find that sweet spot. Coming back to the Graham Silverstone RS Skeleton watch, I do love it on the fitted black alligator strap (with a rubber liner). For what it lacks in a direct personality, it makes up for in being an uncommon treat. Price for this ref. 2STAZ.B02A.C160H watch is $19,710. graham1695.com
