I keep seeing tourbillon watches advertised alongside skeleton models

Tourbillons are often used in skeleton watches because they are visually dramatic and show off watchmaking craft. But in most modern wristwatches, a tourbillon doesn't improve accuracy much. It's more of a complication for collectors than a practical feature.

I'd separate the two. A skeleton watch is about the dial and movement being openworked. A tourbillon is a regulating device. They get marketed together because both are showy, but you can absolutely have a great skeleton watch without a tourbillon

So a tourbillon isn't necessary for a skeleton watch to be good? That's helpful. I was starting to think every nice skeleton had one.

No, not at all. Plenty of skeleton watches use standard movements that are nicely finished. The tourbillon adds cost and visual interest, but it's not a requirement.

I think the advertising pairing is mostly ab out perceived luxury. Tourbillons have a reputation as high-end, so brands put them near skeleton models to elevate the whole line. In reality, a well-made skeleton with a solid movement can be just as enjoyable to wear.

From a collecting standpoint, tourbillons in skeleton watches are often more about the spectacle than daily timekeeping. If you want a robust everyday watch, a simpler skeleton might actually be more reliable and easier to service.

Service costs are the big thing. A tourbillon can be significantly more expensive to maintain. So if you're buying, factor that in. It's not just the purchase price.

I own both a skeleton with a tourbillon and one without. The tourbillon gets more comments, but the non-tourbillon gets more wrist time. Its lighter and I worry less about it.

Marketing aside, I do think a tourbillon in a skeleton watch can be beautiful to look at. If you appreciate the the mechanics, it's worth considering. But it's a want, not a need.

To add to that, tourbillons were originally designed for pocket watches that stayed in one position. Wristwatches move around, so the benefit is reduced. That doesn't make them useless, but it's context for why they're more about craft than performance today.

I'd also check whether the tourbillon is hand-wound or automatic, and whether the skeletonization compromises legibility. Some openworked tourbillons are hard to read at a glance.

Legibility is a good point. Skeleton watches in general can be tricky to read, tourbillon or not. So try before you buy if you can.