Overlooked is your weekly horological treasure hunt — where we dig through the vaults of European Watch Company to spotlight a few quietly brilliant pieces hiding in plain sight. It’s the sleeper hit, the underdog, the “wait, how is this still available?” watch you didn’t know you needed… until now.

There are many watch terms that can make one’s mind turn to things that are outside of watchmaking, and the “skeleton dial” is one of them, harking back to the spooky season with its skeleton terminology. Otherwise referred to as an openworked dial, this type of technique not only allows the wearer to clearly see the elements of the movement from the dial side, but also allow watchmakers to truly show off their talents and finishing chops. When the dial is stripped away, there’s nowhere else for the eye to go than to the tiny details visible on the exposed movement. We’ve gone spelunking through the archives to find three skeletonized timepieces, and a bonus skull for good measure.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Q193K450 AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT Ceramic Skeleton Dial 

Jaeger-LeCoultre is often referred to as “the watchmaker’s watchmaker” in the watch industry for good reason. The technical mastery that has led up to that storied nickname is shown off here in great detail with this AMVOX3 Tourbillon GMT Ceramic Skeleton. Not only does it have a very useful GMT complication as well as a tourbillon, but it showcases openworked mechanical brilliance with its skeletonized movement. In a 44mm ceramic case, its dial is very legible with contrasting bright white numerals and hands, and the date on the outer ring is similarly easy to read at a glance. This watch was done in collaboration with Aston Martin, bringing a bit of automotive sportiness to a decidedly elegant mechanical execution.

Audemars Piguet 26735ST Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon SS Skeleton Dial 

If you’re not content with a tourbillon that does not fly, perhaps this Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon with a skeleton dial will do the trick. Of course, a flying tourbillon does not actually fly anywhere, but rather looks like it is floating on the dial because the tourbillon cage is only supported at one point on the cage, creating the illusion that it is floating in space. There’s a lot to appreciate about this fully skeletonized automatic movement that the wearer can view on the front and back, including multiple finishing techniques that could keep you staring at it for days on end. It’s also in new and unworn condition with box and papers, making it a truly exceptional piece.

Parmigiani Tonda PF Skeleton SS Slate Green 

The Tonda has been home to many of Parmigiani’s greatest creations, and this Tonda PF Skeleton with a slate green skeletonized dial is no exception. Showcasing the artistry that Parmigiani demonstrates in their craftsmanship, the swooping curves on the dial side of the openworked automatic movement make you feel like you’re seeing an arpeggio wrought from metal. As if the visual appeal and mechanical excellence were not enough, the steel case and integrated bracelet make it feel like a dream on the wrist.

Chopard L.U.C Skull One Calavera Pop Art Limited

We admit that we’re really reaching with the skeleton theme here, but you can’t really have a skeleton without a skull. This Chopard L.U.C. Skull One Calavera Pop Art model is a somewhat surprising departure from Chopard’s typically restrained dial designs, with a bright, colorful pop art design inspired by the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday. It’s powered by Chopard’s in-house dual-barrel L.U.C. 96.53-L automatic caliber, which has a 58-hour power reserve. Even though the dial design is very bright, it’s offset by the dark, DLC-coated stainless steel 40mm case, which comes in at a very slim 7.2mm thick. Limited to only 25 pieces, it’s the perfect option for anyone who needs a little pop art flair in their life.

From skulls to skeletons, there’s a little something for everyone in this group of watches, whether it’s bright, vibrant pop art or subtle, impeccable finishing and detailing.