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IWC Skeleton Automatic 2701 Luxury Watch Review

2,906 views · Published 31 January 2015 · 7:20 · Indexed 30 October 2026

Channel: The 1916 Company · 2015 · Howto & Style

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It's 2015, an thin is in. Again. IWC beat the modern ultra-thin watch revival by three decades with the IWC Skeleton Automatic 2701. Conceived in the 1970s, this mechanical marvel shocks with its gossamer lines, hand-engraved skeleton movement, and double-sided sapphire showcase.  

Incredibly, IWC's caliber 2717 measures only 2.4 mm thick. It's based on an F. Piguet cal. P71 automatic from the early 1970s, but IWC has taken what already pushed the limits of minimalism and evacuated all but tinsel strands of brass. The plates and bridges blur together amidst a mesmerizing dance of violet pivot jewels, springs, polished screws, and floral motif engraving. 

In an industry where 3mm automatic movements are considered "ultra" thin, IWC chopped .6mm from the height and virtually all the metal from the remaining 2.4mm stack.

This watch is the epitome of elegance, and it deserves to be held in the same esteem as modern "métiers d'art" masterpieces. Now that everyone from Technotime to Bell & Ross can ship tourbillons all day-long, traditional arts such as enameling, miniature painting, gem-setting, and yes, engraving have become the new measure of "haut-de-gamme" watchmaking.

This IWC has it, and it *had* it decades before such virtuosity became cool. But the IWC Skeleton Automatic 2701's time in the sun has come. Contemporary collectors are looking for value, and folks, here it is! Measured in terms of blood, sweat, and tears, there aren't too many watches that can compare to the challenge involved in producing this IWC Skeleton.

Not only does this IWC Skeleton Automatic 2701 present as a rare surveyor in outstanding condition, but its entire factory set has survived the ravages of time. thewatchbox.com takes great pleasure in offering this remarkable and remarkably unique IWC with its full factory accessory set as delivered by the original authorized dealer. Video and content by Tim Mosso.

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