by Brent Robillard
Transparent Intentions
You don’t have to squint to see where the D1 Milano Silver Skeleton takes its inspiration from. The integrated bracelet, the brushed surfaces, the polished bevels, and the hexagonal bezel all point in a very specific design direction—the same one that leads straight to Le Brassus. But here’s the thing: D1 Milano isn’t pretending to be something it’s not. This is a well-finished, accessibly priced watch that wears its homage on its sleeve, and I’ll admit—I was surprised by how much I enjoyed wearing it.
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Key Features of the D1 Milano Skeleton
First impressions
The case measures 41.5mm across, but the integrated bracelet and flat surfaces give it more presence than the numbers suggest. Still, thanks to a reasonably slim profile and a gentle curve in the lugs, it hugs the wrist comfortably without slipping under the radar. It’s bold, but not brash.
The real centerpiece is, of course, the skeletonized dial. Or more accurately, the lack of a dial. The Seiko SII NH70-L movement is on full display here—bridges, wheels, balance, and all. While the NH70 isn’t a movement known for decorative finishing, the symmetry and openness give it enough visual interest to justify the transparency. Functionally, it performs just as well as you’d expect from the NH70 family: stable, reliable, and refreshingly low-maintenance. The 40+ hour power reserve won’t win any awards, but it’s more than sufficient for daily wear.
The brushed surfaces on the case and bracelet are crisp and well-executed, with enough polishing in the bevels and edges to elevate the overall finish. No, it’s not haute horology—but at this price, I wasn’t expecting it to be. The alternating textures give the watch some welcome dimensionality, and the whole piece feels cohesive rather than cobbled together.
Quibbles
Now, there are two quibbles worth mentioning. First, the crown is a bit of a pain to use. It’s tucked into the case in a way that looks great but makes it hard to grip, especially when setting the time. It’s not a deal-breaker by any stretch, but it’s definitely something I noticed every time I went to interact with it.
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Second, the water resistance is 50 meters, which feels just a little undercooked given the watch’s sporty aesthetic. A case this angular and assertive begs to be worn without worry, but 100 meters would’ve added the kind of peace of mind that encourages daily wear—and maybe even the occasional swim.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 41.5mm Diameter 11mm Thick Integrated Lugs Screw Down Crown & Display Case Back 50m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Flat Sapphire Crystal Skeletonized Dial Pencil Handset |
| Movement | Seiko SII NH70-L 24 Jewels 21 600bph 41-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Integrated Bracelet /w Butterfly Clasp |
D1 Milano Skeleton
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Final Thoughts & Pricing
That said, D1 Milano has done something here that’s worth paying attention to. In a world full of lookalikes and cut corners, this Silver Skeleton offers a surprisingly solid mechanical experience wrapped in a design that, while clearly referential, feels honest about its intent.
It’s not rewriting the rules, but it’s playing the game well—and sometimes, that’s all you need.
Pricing & availability
The D1 Milano is available directly from the brand website. It retails for $745 ($1015 CAD).
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Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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