A black movement can hide some of the mechanical detail

Yeah, I've noticed that too. Black PVD on a skeleton is basically the watch equivalent of wearing sunglasses indoors. Looks cool, can't see anything.

Depends on the finishing though. A matte black movement is a void. But if there's anglage catching light it can actually pop more against the dark. Seen a couple where the contrast was the whole point.

This is why I can't do black movements. Half the reason I like skeletons is squinting at the gear train. If I wanted a dark lump I'd buy a regular watch.

lol "dark lump"

Counterpoint: black movements photograph like a dream and half of collecting is sharing pics. Also less glare when you're actually reading the time. Not saying it's for everyone but the drama is real.

Fair, but "photographs well" is a rough reason to buy a mechanical watch. You're supposed to look at it on your wrist, not through a phone.

I've got one with a black skeletonized movement and honestly it's grown on me precisely because it's subtler. Silver skeletons can look like a pile of shiny parts fighting each other. Black gives it a shape. Different strokes.

See I actually like the pile of shiny parts fighting each other. That's the hobby.

BreadcrumbBill gets it. Also worth saying the coating quality varies a lot. Cheap black coatings flake and look like a mistake after a year. Good DLC is a different animal.

That's the actual issue for me, longevity. Any coating on a moving assembly is a wear surface waiting to happen. Skeleton already means thin bridges. Add a coating and you're asking for trouble down the line unless it's done right.

ok but has anyone actually had a black movement flake on them or is this a forum rumor

Genuinely curious about that too. My worry was mostly visual, not durability. But if the coating really does wear, that changes the calculus.