What is it with skeleton watches? – The Aerial Prism from Wishdoit

There is something special about skeletonized watches. It ticks us watch nerds in the right way, and the main reason is that we get to see the inner movements of our hobby, how everything works even if we do not fully understand the concept.

The main issue with skeletonized movements is that they need to be done within a certain amount of high quality, is not easy as taking out the dial and let the inner parts shine, it is more complicated than that. Bridges, leavers and balance wheels are made to perform admirably inside a watch, again ‘’inside’’ and not to be seen, this is when brands tend to fail, and it is mainly because of the costs involved.  The time spent to make pieces attractive, reduced the size of the main plate and then decorate the whole product, will make the watch almost impossible to afford.

Take a closer look at a skeletonized Audemars Piguet or a Richard Mile (more on this brand later), and you will see the time and dedication spent and of course, the 6-figure price tag. All of this doesn’t mean that there is no space for us to enjoy a well finished movement within a reasonable price, after all, just like wine, we do not need to spend 250 USD per bottle to have a pleasant evening, there is a compromise to achieve and something special for everyone.

I have review several Wishdoit watches, their Worldtimer is one of those pieces that really stuck with me, and I still use it quite often, but one of the first offerings they had were those beautiful barrel shaped watches, and not we have their latest offer with us: The Aerial Prism.

The Aerial Prism is a watch that comes with a great design, tight tolerances and high-quality execution and I am not saying that because of the price (more on that later), but because in overall, it is extremely well made.  There is no denying that the inspiration comes from those high-end Richard Mile watches, and to clarify I am not saying that one replaces the other, but that there is merit to enjoy something similar at less than 1% of the price.

Coming back to our outstanding Aerial Prism, we are here to look closer the details and what makes it a complete bargain, it really deserves our attention. Let’s begin.

The specifications

Just like the high-end counterpart, the Aerial is made for medium wrists at 42mm in diameter by 50mm lug to lug. The measurements are just one part of the story because the case shape is where the magic happens. The barrel shaped stainless-steel case is curved making it hug the wrist not only quite well but also, presenting some challenges to the brand like a concave shaped sapphire front and back. This was extremely well executed by the guys at Wishdoit.

Between the sapphire ‘’sandwich’’ you can find the mainplate of the watch which has been completely reworked and skeletonized, this includes the bridges with bevelled edges and then coated for a more aggressive look. The result is exquisite and hope that the macros can make justice.

In terms of functionality, the three hander is simple, but it has a very thin internal bezel which includes the minutes and 12 lumed hour markers, everything to avoid any distractions front the main canvas. The spade hands look futuristics and because they are not coated, they are easy to spot.

Another ace under the sleeve is the movement. Turn it over and you will see the rotor which has also been skeletonized to avoid covering parts of the watch. It gives the Aerial 80 hours of power reserve, quite good to keep it ready after a long weekend.

On the wrist

Wearing a watch like the Aerial Prism is easy, the comfort that the case provides its quite outstanding, and then you have the looks. I tis a showstopper, it is not subtle nor quiet, but it is not the loudest in the room, it is quite versatile. Sure, the Aerial brings a sportier look, but it can also be worn with a more casual wardrobe, and even if the whole R&B scene has been spotted with watches like this, I still prefer a more clean-cut approach, it really works on both sides.

My 6.25-inch wrist supports the Aerial Prism quite well, 50mm lug to lug is my limit and even if the watch is 14mm thick, it feels smaller because of the curve and shape of the case.

Part of this comfort is based on the rubber strap as well. Not only completes the look of the watch but it is an integral part of the case with 25mm in diameter but adding a nice tapering to a simple pin and buckle which is ideal instead of anything more cumbersome.

I wore the Aerial Prism mostly to the gym, it felt great and right at home while catching some looks, I am sure some people thought that I was wearing a 250K watch but, that was not my satisfaction, I was happy because I could finally appreciate a well make skeletonized watch that could be worn doing physical activity.

One of the comparison points that this watch will bring is the weight, and it is not as light as the inspiration but that said, at 126 grams, it is quite an accomplishment to achieve. For reference the RM 006 weights 42 grams with no strap.

Concluding thoughts

It is hard to argue when an object brings lots of joy to the owner and this is what the Wishdoit Aerial Prism has done for me; it is a watch that I simply use to make me smile. It might not replace a more high-end offer but for me, there is no place for a watch of that category in my collection, so the Wishdoit fills a place that I was never intended to have, and here I am smiling.

Touching upon the price, the Aerial Prism is now on sale for 258 GBP which is even more outstanding. The watch comes in two other executions, a rose gold version and an all-black version, they both look outstanding, and I think they can suit different purposes.

If you are in the market for something different, something that can make you appreciate mechanics and know how, this is a watch that should be on your radar, make sure to check them out before they are out of stock.

For more information please visit : https://wishdoitwatches.com/products/aerial-prism-automatic-mechanical-skeleton-watch

Technical Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Shape Tonneau

Diameter 42mm*50mm(1.65in*1.96in)

Thickness 14.8mm(0.58in)

Weight 126g(0.27lbs)

FEATURES

3 Hands/Luminous/Power Reserve

PVD & 316L Stainless Steel Case

5 Years Warranty

5 ATM, 50 Meters

MOVEMENT

Automatic Mechanical Movement, self-winding

Frequency 28,800 VPH (4.0 hz)

Power Reserve 80 hours

Jewels 23

MATERIALS

Case 316L Stainless steel

Top Glass Sapphire Coated Mineral Crystal

Caseback Glass Mineral Crystal

STRAP

Strap Width 25mm(0.98in)

Strap Length 21cm(8.26in)

Fluorine rubber strap with matte stainless steel buckle.

DIAL

The bracket inside the lettering has inner and outer bevel edges, multiple ridges in the middle, and a dark Gunmetal gray color. Brass dial, processed by 30 processes such as frosting, electroplating, and polishing.