Following the success of the Speake-Marin Ripples now comes a Skeleton iteration of this watch fitted with an integrated bracelet. The new Ripples Skeleton is an absolute first at Speake Marin with the new innovative automatic ultra-thin Skeleton calibre SMA07 at just 3.25 mm. Equipped with an integrated micro-rotor and a balance wheel beating at 36,000 vph this cutting-edge movement powers the brand’s latest creation and one of the nicest open-worked watches of 2024, we had the pleasure of perusing the watch in the metal during Geneva Watch Days a few days ago.
Things to Know About the Watch
The new Speake-Marin Ripples Skeleton is fitted with a perfectly sized case in 904L stainless steel measuring 40.3 mm in diameter and only 6.30 mm in thickness making this watch an ultra-thin timepiece. The watch is equipped with a square bezel with rounded shapes, a polished profile, a satin-finished surface on the top, and equipped with a screw-down crown with an engraved logo despite its thinness.
Meanwhile, the skeletonized dial leaves nothing to the imagination. The skeleton dial features a small seconds subdial at 1 o’clock that is engraved with three-dimensional horizontal ripples, satin-finished by hand, and with a black PVD treatment that makes it appear graphite grey depending on lighting conditions. This subdial features applied indices that are rhodium-plated, and diamond-polished with opaline flanks. The applied indices are only 0.14 mm wide for the ones at 12-3-6-9 and 0.12 mm for the rest of them which makes them quite impressive.
The heart-shaped hour hand tip and minute hand are flamed blued providing incredible contrast and perfect readability. The hour hand is uniquely designed with a heart-shaped tip, a subtle nod to Speake Marin's British heritage, evoking the silhouette of London's iconic Big Ben.
To complete the dial there is a silver minute-flange with a circular satin-brushed finish and shiny black dots. Through the skeletonized dial, one can admire the mainspring barrel in full glory at 4 o’clock and the back of the micro-rotor between 9 and 10 o’clock. The micro-rotor features a very exclusive and highly appealing embossed motif —similar to the finish of hand hammering— on its front and back.
The Ripples Skeleton is equipped with a three-row integrated bracelet in stainless steel with polished center links and brushed outer links and with a personalized folding buckle with the Maison's logo. Additionally, the bracelet is equipped with a micro-adjustment system that allows for adjustments up to 4 mm. While the bracelet is very nice, we would’ve preferred a bracelet with full satin-brushed finish and no polished center links.
The Movement
Powering the new Speake-Marin Ripples Skeleton is a new calibre different to the in-house manufacture calibre SMA03-TD powering the rest of the Ripples collection. Turning the watch over reveals the intrinsic beauty of the in-house manufacture skeleton automatic calibre SMA07 with a fully integrated micro-rotor composed of 182 parts. This 27-jewel movement with a thickness of only 3.25 mm beats at a frequency of 36,000 vph and provides a power reserve of 52 hours when fully wound.
This movement is extremely nice and rhodium-plated with vertical satin-finished, bevelled micro-beaded profiles and angles visible on the dial side, sandblasted finish visible from the case back and equipped with a Tungsten micro-rotor with an exclusive embossed motif resembling a hammering finish.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the Speake-Marin Ripples Skeleton wears true to its size and extremely comfortably. Its low profile thanks to its ultra-thin construction makes it a perfect watch for everyday wear and a watch that can easily be tucked under the cuff of a shirt.
The intricate details of the skeletonized dial invite close inspection. You might find yourself drawn to the hand-finished components, the polished surfaces, and the beautifully executed micro-rotor. This Speake-Marin watch is designed to sit elegantly on your wrist, striking a balance between substantial presence and ease of wear.
In a world full of mass-produced items, wearing a Speake-Marin is a reminder of the value of individuality and craftsmanship. It’s a conversation starter and a piece of art that you get to carry with you. Each glance at your wrist is a moment to appreciate not just the time but the artistry and dedication that went into creating such a distinctive watch.
Sticker Price CHF 29,900 —approx. USD 35,000. More info on Speake-Marin here.
