Swiss watchmaker Romain Jerome (RJ) has unveiled a limited collection that draws its inspiration from the skulls n’ wheels trend of the eighties.

The new Skylab 48 Speed Metal Skulls watch offers a playful interpretation of skulls revolving around “vanities and the passing of time”. 

This timepiece incorporates most of the aesthetics and technical aspects of the Skylab 48 Speed Metal model, offering a strong contrast between the black PVD case and the steel claws and paws, respectively satin-brushed and polished. 

But what really stands out is the newly added satin-brushed internal bezel with sneering skulls acting as indexes. 

Painted in cold enamel, the red skulls indicate the hours like any vanity that keeps reminding us of the passage of time. 

The inclination of the internal bezel gives a certain perspective and leads the eyes towards the vital organ of the watch, the skeleton movement. 

This manual winding movement built on three levels was designed by RJ and allows to appreciate the mechanics, with the small seconds at 9 o’clock, the barrel at 12 o’clock, and the balance wheel at 6 o’clock shown on the dial side. 

A crocodile hornback strap completes this exclusive model with red stitching to recall the “colour of life flowing through the veins”.

Earlier this year, RJ brought out the Skylab 48 Speed Metal Skull – a limited skeleton skull watch also inspired by skulls and wheels, featuring a single skull on the dial in 12 colour versions.  

The Skylab 48 Speed Metal Skulls timepiece is limited to nine watches and is priced at CHF18,950 ($23,500).