How does the contemporary skeleton type differ from traditional skeleton settings?

The contemporary skeleton type is designed from the outset to be a skeleton watch, meaning that its movement and components are intentionally created to be visible and aesthetically pleasing through a transparent or partially transparent case. This design approach is a significant departure from traditional skeleton settings, which often involve taking a fully assembled watch movement and then manually machining parts away to create a skeletonized effect. This inherent design philosophy allows for the integration of artistic elements and innovative engineering from the beginning, focusing on the display of the movement's intricate mechanics as a primary feature.

In contrast, other approaches such as using no metal at all, relying solely on hand carving techniques, or avoiding machinery altogether do not accurately capture the essence of contemporary skeleton designs. While these alternative methods may contribute to watchmaking, they do not specifically characterize the contemporary skeleton type which embraces modern production techniques and aesthetics.