Philipp Plein The Skull PWAAA1321 Men's Watch, Black Dial, Silicone Strap

The $kull PWAAA1321: matte black accented with gold and crystals

The Philipp Plein The $kull PWAAA1321 watch plays on the brand's most classic contrast: black and gold. Its 44 mm round case in IP black-treated steel features gold, studded bezel inserts, a gold crown, and a black dial with a skull set with gold crystals at its centre. The result is more nocturnal and denser than the gold versions, with the sparkle concentrated where the eye should go: the skull. It is the Philipp Plein death's head watch for those who want character without making everything shine.

• Case: round, 44 mm, IP black steel, 15 mm thick.
• Bezel: studded gold inserts.
• Crown: gold.
• Dial: black, skull set with gold crystals.
• Movement: Seiko Y121F4 quartz, no date.
• Strap: black silicone, pin buckle, 22 mm lug width.
• Glass and water resistance: mineral, 50 m (5 ATM).
• Warranty: 2 years, new and authentic watch.

Full black, or set or black and gold: where the PWAAA1321 fits

Three Skulls in our selection play on black to different degrees. The PWAAA0721 is entirely black, skull included; the PWAAA1221 takes the opposite approach with a fully set gold dial and a white strap. The PWAAA1321 sits between the two: the base remains black, with gold appearing only as accents on the bezel, the crown and the skull. It shares the same 44 mm case, the same 15 mm thickness and the same 22 mm lug width as the PWAAA1221.

• PWAAA0721: for a stealthy style, with no colour at all.
• PWAAA1321: for black enhanced with gold, readable from a distance without being flashy.
• PWAAA1221: for making the watch the main jewellery piece of the outfit.

Another advantage of black: a dark dial is read more quickly than a fully set background. The hands stand out clearly, and the gold crystals of the skull serve as a central reference without disrupting legibility, even in a bar or a dimly lit room.

On the wrist: a 44 x 15 mm that pairs well with black

The 15 mm thickness invites you to wear the PWAAA1321 with short sleeves, a sweater with fitted cuffs or an open jacket; under a tailored shirt, it makes its presence felt. On a wrist of 17 cm and above, the 44 mm diameter is well proportioned. The matte black case has a slimming effect: at the same size, the watch looks slightly more compact than a gold version.

• Total black look: the gold bezel and the skull become the only points of light.
• Denim and leather: the most natural combination with the brand's rock universe.
• Jewellery: a signet ring or a gold chain echoes the studs on the bezel.
• Caution: the raised studs are the first point of contact against a wall or a car door.

Caring for the gold studs, crystals and black silicone

The bezel studs and the set skull collect dust and fingerprints. A soft, dry toothbrush clears the spaces between the studs without damaging the IP treatment, then a microfibre cloth restores the shine to the crystals. The black silicone, which does not show dirt easily, needs only a monthly wash.

• Studded bezel: soft dry brush, no product.
• Skull crystals: microfibre cloth on the glass; never use ultrasonic cleaning.
• Black strap: lukewarm soapy water, rinse and dry flat.
• Battery: replacement by a watchmaker, with gasket check to maintain the 5 ATM rating.

Delivered new, authentic and with a 2-year warranty, the PWAAA1321 is the most versatile Skull in the crystal series, equally at home at an evening event or with jeans at the weekend.