PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS022 Review: A Skeleton Automatic with Tourbillon Style for $227.97

By Cesar R

Most people who want to watch a mechanical movement in action face an uncomfortable choice: spend $500-2,000 on a respected skeleton watch from established brands, or accept that affordable watches hide their movements behind solid dials. The PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS022 rejects this binary completely. At $227.97 (on sale from $299.99), it delivers a full skeleton dial showing the automatic movement in constant motion, an open balance wheel that creates the visual effect of a tourbillon complication, sapphire crystal protection, 10 ATM water resistance for swimming, an exhibition caseback, and a comfortable rubber strap on a 44mm case designed for bold wrist presence. This is PAGANI DESIGN's most theatrical watch — built for people who want their timepiece to spark conversations and celebrate the mechanical tradition without requiring a collector's budget.

The "Tourbillon" Question: What You're Actually Getting

Before diving into the review, the most important clarification: the PD-YS022 features a tourbillon-style display, not a genuine tourbillon complication. Understanding this distinction matters if you're evaluating the watch honestly.

What Is a True Tourbillon?

A genuine tourbillon is one of watchmaking's most prestigious and expensive complications — a rotating cage that holds the escapement (balance wheel, hairspring, and pallet fork) and rotates continuously to average out positional errors caused by gravity, theoretically improving accuracy. Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1795, tourbillons require extraordinary artisan skill to manufacture. Entry-level Swiss tourbillons start around $15,000-$30,000. Chinese-made tourbillons from respected manufacturers (Sea-Gull, Beijing) run $1,500-$5,000. True tourbillons involve rotating the entire escapement assembly — a complex cage mechanism visible through the dial.

What the PD-YS022 Actually Has

The PD-YS022 features a skeleton dial with an open balance wheel — the balance wheel (the circular component that oscillates back and forth, regulating timekeeping) is visible and prominent at the dial's center, creating a visual effect similar to watching a tourbillon. The mesmerizing oscillation of the balance wheel — swinging at 6-8 beats per second — is genuinely captivating and delivers the same watching-a-mechanical-heart-beat experience that makes true tourbillons compelling.

What it does NOT have is the rotating escapement cage that defines an actual tourbillon. The balance wheel is visible and beautiful, but it's not rotating around a central axis in a cage mechanism.

Why this matters: PAGANI DESIGN calls this a "tourbillon-style display" in the product description, which is accurate and honest language. The aesthetic experience — watching the balance wheel oscillate through the dial — is similar to the visual pleasure of observing a tourbillon. The mechanical complication itself is not present. For $227.97, this is entirely appropriate. Buyers should enter with clear expectations: you're getting the spectacle and visual drama of a tourbillon without the actual complication, at a price that reflects this.

Why this is still worthwhile: The open balance wheel skeleton dial is genuinely beautiful, the movement is visible from both front and back, and the watching experience is mesmerizing for anyone who appreciates mechanical horology. The PD-YS022 delivers what matters most — the joy of watching a mechanical movement work — at an accessible price.

First Impressions: PAGANI DESIGN's Most Dramatic Watch

Unboxing the PD-YS022, the visual impact is immediate. This watch does not whisper — it announces. The skeleton dial reveals layers of gears, bridges, and wheels in constant motion. The open balance wheel at the dial center pulses visibly with every tick. The red rubber strap against the steel case creates a sporty, contemporary energy. At 44mm and 14.7mm thick, the presence on the wrist is substantial.

Initial Observations:

• The skeleton dial is genuinely intricate — not a simple cutout, but layered depth showing multiple movement components
• The open balance wheel oscillation is hypnotic — you find yourself watching it tick
• Sapphire crystal clarity is excellent — zero distortion viewing the movement
• Red rubber strap is soft, flexible, and immediately comfortable
• 10 ATM rating means this isn't a dress-only piece — you can wear it swimming
• The exhibition caseback doubles the viewing opportunities
• At 44mm, this is sized for confident wrist presence, not subtle elegance
• The numberless dial keeps the focus entirely on the mechanical display

"Red" variant notes: The reviewed colorway pairs a red rubber strap with a steel case and skeleton dial. The red provides a sporty, energetic contrast to the mechanical complexity of the dial — it signals that this isn't a formal dress watch but a bold, contemporary automatic for casual and active wear.

The Skeleton Dial: Layers of Mechanical Drama

What You're Actually Seeing

The PD-YS022's skeleton dial removes the traditional solid dial surface and replaces it with an open-work view of the movement architecture. Through the dial, you can observe:

• The balance wheel (center) — oscillating at 6-8 beats per second, the regulating heart of the watch
• Gear trains — wheels that transfer power from the mainspring to the escapement
• Bridges and plates — structural components holding the movement together
• Automatic rotor (visible through exhibition back) — the weighted semicircular component that winds the mainspring as you move

The layering creates visual depth — some components are close to the crystal, others recede into the case, and the overall effect is three-dimensional. In motion, the watch becomes a kinetic sculpture.

The Numberless Philosophy

By eliminating printed numerals entirely and relying on the mechanical components themselves to indicate time (via hour and minute hands), PAGANI DESIGN keeps the skeleton dial uncluttered. Numerals would fragment and compete with the movement display. Their absence is a deliberate design choice that prioritizes the mechanical spectacle.

Time-reading note: The hands are luminous and clearly visible against the movement components. There's a brief learning curve (1-2 days) to read time without numerals, after which it becomes second nature. If you've worn the CILOA range or other numberless watches, this is familiar territory.

Specifications: Complete and Honest

Movement

Automatic Self-Winding — unnamed caliber (consistent with PAGANI DESIGN's practice of not specifying movement origin).

Based on the skeleton construction and price point, this is most likely a Chinese automatic caliber — likely similar to Seagull ST16 or comparable movements designed for skeleton watch applications. These movements are reliable for daily wear, maintain reasonable accuracy (±30-60 seconds per day depending on wear pattern and winding state), and provide genuine automatic functionality without the precision or longevity of Miyota 8215 or NH35 movements.

Honest expectations:

• Daily accuracy will vary based on wrist activity and winding state — expect ±30-60 seconds/day
• Service interval: 3-5 years for cleaning and lubrication recommended
• Lifespan: 5-10 years with proper care and periodic service
• This is not a precision instrument; it is a mechanical show piece that tells time reliably enough for daily wear

The skeleton format trade-off: Open-work dials expose the movement to slightly more dust and environmental exposure than sealed dials. This is a normal characteristic of skeleton watches at all price levels. Regular wearing (which keeps the movement wound and in motion) is actually beneficial for skeleton watches.

Case, Crystal, and Water Resistance

On the 44mm / 14.7mm proportions: This is a bold watch. 44mm is the upper end of comfortable daily wear for most wrists; 14.7mm is thick (for comparison, the CILOA 510 dress watch is 8mm). The PD-YS022 is not trying to hide — it is designed for presence, visibility, and wrist drama. For wrists under 7 inches, verify fit before buying. For wrists 7-8 inches, this will wear with the intended bold statement.

On sapphire crystal: Genuine sapphire is essential on a watch priced at $227.97. It protects the intricate skeleton dial from scratches and maintains optical clarity for years. Sapphire is approximately 9 on the Mohs hardness scale — only diamond can scratch it in normal wear conditions.

On 10 ATM water resistance: This is genuine swim-capable water resistance — 100 meters / 330 feet equivalent. You can shower, swim in pools and open water, and engage in water sports. The watch should not be worn for SCUBA diving (which requires minimum 200M) or for hot showers/saunas (heat can compromise gaskets over time), but for normal aquatic activities, 10 ATM is fully adequate.

Exhibition caseback on a 10 ATM watch: Some purists argue that exhibition casebacks compromise water resistance compared to solid casebacks. In practice, modern exhibition casebacks with proper gaskets maintain excellent water resistance. The PD-YS022's 10 ATM rating is genuine and tested — the exhibition back does not prevent you from swimming with this watch.

Bracelet and Clasp

The rubber strap choice: For a skeleton automatic with 10 ATM water resistance, rubber makes more sense than steel or leather. Rubber is:

• Comfortable for all-day wear
• Impervious to water (unlike leather)
• Lightweight (unlike steel)
• Easy to clean
• Flexible for active wear

The red colorway pairs the rubber strap's sporty energy with the mechanical complexity of the skeleton dial — a deliberate design statement that this is a contemporary sport-casual automatic, not a traditional dress piece.

22cm band length: This is the longest band length in the entire reviewed catalog. The PD-YS022 is explicitly designed to accommodate larger wrists (up to 8.5-9 inches comfortably). If you've found other watches in the catalog too short, this addresses that problem directly.

Pin buckle clasp: Standard tang buckle closure — simple, reliable, secure. Not as refined as a folding clasp but entirely appropriate for a rubber sport strap.

Wearing the PD-YS022: When and How

The Skeleton Watch Personality

Skeleton watches occupy a specific niche in watch wearing. They are conversation pieces, mechanical celebrations, wrist theater. They are not subtle, not minimalist, not for blending in. Understanding this helps identify when the PD-YS022 excels and when other watches in the catalog are better suited.

Where the PD-YS022 shines:

Casual and weekend wear — The red rubber strap and skeleton dial make this an outstanding casual automatic. Jeans, t-shirt, sneakers, bomber jacket — the PD-YS022 adds mechanical personality without requiring formality.

Active and sport contexts — 10 ATM means you can wear this to the gym, swimming, hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities where most automatics would stay home. The rubber strap is comfortable in motion and easy to clean post-workout.

Tech and creative professional environments — In startup offices, design studios, creative agencies, and tech companies, the PD-YS022's bold mechanical aesthetic fits naturally. It's a watch that signals you care about craftsmanship and engineering without demanding a dress code.

Social settings and going out — Bars, restaurants, parties, events where style and personality are appreciated — the skeleton dial becomes a natural conversation starter.

Travel — The combination of automatic movement (no battery concerns) and 10 ATM water resistance makes this an excellent travel watch for beach destinations, adventure travel, and active vacations.

Where the PD-YS022 does NOT fit:

Formal business — Black-tie, traditional corporate, formal weddings, conservative professional environments — the skeleton dial and red rubber strap are too casual. For these contexts, look to the CILOA 510 ($74.97) or PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS023 ($154.99) on leather.

Discreet/minimal aesthetic preference — If you want a watch that disappears on the wrist, this isn't it. The PD-YS022 demands attention by design.

Outfit Pairings

The "Red" variant pairs naturally with:

• Denim — jeans, denim jackets, casual weekend looks
• Black and grey — the red rubber pops against neutral casual wear
• Athletic wear — gym clothes, activewear, running gear
• White tees and casual shirts — clean canvas lets the watch be the statement
• Olive and military greens — complementary color harmony
• Navy — classic red-navy combination

The PD-YS022 in the PAGANI DESIGN Range

The PD-YS022 represents PAGANI DESIGN's most visually dramatic offering reviewed so far:

The PD-YS022's positioning: Most theatrical, most visually complex, boldest design. Not the best value (that's the PD-YS023), not the most refined dial (that's the PD-YS027), not the most complete diver (that's the PD-YS028) — but the most mechanically dramatic and conversation-generating.

PD-YS022 vs. PINDU PD6628 ($399.99): Both occupy the "watch as mechanical theater" category. The PINDU offers NH35 movement, rotating dial mechanism, and collector-grade execution. The PD-YS022 offers skeleton display and tourbillon-style balance wheel at $172 less. Choose PINDU for movement quality and rotating dial artistry; choose PD-YS022 for skeleton architecture and lower cost.

Complete Pros & Cons

Pros

✅ $227.97 (sale from $299.99) — genuine skeleton automatic at accessible price
✅ Skeleton dial with open balance wheel — mesmerizing to watch, creates tourbillon-style visual effect
✅ Sapphire crystal — essential for protecting the intricate dial
✅ 10 ATM water resistance — swim-capable automatic, rare in skeleton watches
✅ Exhibition caseback — view the movement from both sides
✅ Automatic self-winding — no battery, mechanical tradition
✅ Comfortable rubber strap — ideal for active wear and water activities
✅ 22cm band length — longest in the catalog, accommodates large wrists
✅ Bold 44mm presence — statement watch designed for visibility
✅ Luminous hands — readable in low light despite numberless dial
✅ 3-year warranty from PrimeTimepiece

Cons

❌ NOT a true tourbillon — tourbillon-style display only; actual balance wheel not in rotating cage
❌ Unnamed movement — likely Chinese automatic; expect ±30-60 sec/day accuracy
❌ Bold 44mm / 14.7mm proportions — not for small wrists or subtle aesthetic preferences
❌ Skeleton dial not for everyone — some buyers prefer clean dials; this is maximalist by design
❌ No date display — time only
❌ Rubber strap is casual — not appropriate for formal contexts
❌ Movement quality unknown — not Miyota 8215 or NH35; service history unpredictable
❌ Red variant is sporty — limits formal versatility (black or blue variants may be available)

Final Verdict: 8/10 — PAGANI DESIGN's Most Theatrical Automatic

The PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS022 earns 8/10 by delivering something genuinely unusual at its price: a skeleton automatic with an open balance wheel, sapphire crystal protection, 10 ATM water resistance, and exhibition caseback for $227.97. The tourbillon-style display is honest about what it is (an aesthetic effect, not the actual complication), and the overall execution — from the intricate skeleton work to the comfortable rubber strap to the swimming-capable water resistance — creates a watch that serves a specific buyer extremely well: someone who wants mechanical drama, wrist presence, and conversation-starting appeal without requiring a $500+ budget or limiting wear to dress-only occasions.

Rating Breakdown:

• Design / Visual Impact: 9.5/10 — skeleton dial is genuinely striking and well-executed
• Build Quality: 8/10 — sapphire, 10 ATM, exhibition back are appropriate for price; unnamed movement is the compromise
• Movement: 6.5/10 — unnamed Chinese automatic; functional but not premium
• Comfort & Fit: 8.5/10 — rubber strap excels for active wear; 44mm is bold but intentionally so
• Value: 8.5/10 — skeleton + sapphire + 10 ATM at $227.97 is competitive
• Versatility: 7/10 — excellent for casual/sport/active; limited for formal

Who Should Buy the PD-YS022

Perfect for:

• Mechanical watch enthusiasts who want to watch the movement without spending $500+
• Active lifestyle buyers needing a swim-capable automatic with personality
• Conversation seekers who want a watch that generates genuine interest
• Collectors building variety who need a skeleton piece at accessible price
• Tech/creative professionals in casual work environments
• Travel and adventure buyers wanting mechanical reliability with water resistance
• Anyone with larger wrists (22cm band accommodates up to ~8.5" comfortably)

Consider alternatives if:

• Formal dress watch needed — CILOA 510 ($74.97) or PAGANI PD-YS023 ($154.99) on leather
• Best automatic value desired — PAGANI PD-YS023 ($154.99) with Miyota 8215
• True tourbillon complication required — budget increases to $1,500+ (Chinese) or $15,000+ (Swiss)
• Subtle/minimal aesthetic preferred — skeleton dials are inherently maximalist
• Date complication is essential — most automatics in catalog offer date; this does not

Where to Buy

Price: $227.97 USD (sale from $299.99)
Available: PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS022 at PrimeTimepiece

Color Variants: Red (reviewed) — check listing for black, blue, or additional colorways

Included:

• 3-year warranty
• Free delivery
• Secure checkout
• 14-day returns

Explore More PAGANI DESIGN Automatics

• PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS023 — $154.99, Miyota 8215, best value automatic
• PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS027 — $206.28, honeycomb dial statement
• PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS028 — $219.99, 42mm sky blue sport diver
• PAGANI DESIGN PD-1728RG — $124.99, rose gold aesthetic
• All PAGANI DESIGN Watches

Skeleton & Art Dial Watches:

• PINDU PD6628 — $399.99, NH35 rotating art dial
• PINDU P6502 — $157.97, open-heart skeleton
• CILOA 518 — $54.97, painted artistic dial quartz

All Watches:

• Automatic Watches
• Watches Under $200
• Waterproof Watches
• 3-Year Warranty Details
• Contact Our Watch Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this a real tourbillon?
A: No — it's a tourbillon-style display. A genuine tourbillon rotates the entire escapement (balance wheel, hairspring, pallet fork) in a cage mechanism to counteract gravitational effects. The PD-YS022 has a visible balance wheel at the dial center that creates a similar visual effect (watching the oscillating balance), but it's not rotating in a cage. The aesthetic experience — watching a mechanical heart beat — is similar. The actual complication is not present. At $227.97, this is appropriate and expected.

Q: What movement is inside?
A: Automatic self-winding, unnamed caliber. Based on the skeleton construction and price, this is most likely a Chinese automatic movement similar to Seagull ST16 or comparable calibers designed for skeleton applications. Expect ±30-60 seconds per day accuracy depending on winding state and wear pattern. This is not a Miyota 8215 or NH35 — it's a functional automatic movement optimized for visual display rather than precision.

Q: Can I really swim with this watch?
A: Yes — 10 ATM (100M) is genuine swimming capability. You can shower, swim in pools and open water, snorkel, and engage in water sports. Do NOT wear for SCUBA diving (requires 200M minimum) or hot showers/saunas (heat can compromise gaskets). For normal aquatic activities, the PD-YS022's water resistance is fully adequate. The exhibition caseback does not compromise water resistance with proper gaskets.

Q: Is 44mm too large?
A: Depends on wrist size. For wrists 7-8+ inches, 44mm wears with the intended bold statement. For wrists 6.5-7 inches, it's at the upper end of comfortable but manageable if you like larger watches. For wrists under 6.5 inches, the proportions may feel oversized. The 14.7mm thickness adds to the presence. This is not a subtle watch by design — verify fit if you prefer moderate sizing.

Q: Why rubber instead of steel or leather?
A: Rubber makes sense for a 10 ATM automatic: it's waterproof (unlike leather), lightweight and comfortable (unlike steel), easy to clean post-swim/gym, and signals the watch's sport-casual personality. The red rubber specifically creates a contemporary sporty aesthetic that pairs the mechanical complexity of the skeleton dial with active-lifestyle versatility.

Q: How do I read time without numbers?
A: The hour and minute hands are luminous and clearly visible against the skeleton movement components. There's a brief learning curve (1-2 days of wear) to estimate time by hand position without printed numerals, after which it becomes intuitive. If you've worn other numberless watches (CILOA range, many automatics), this is familiar territory.

Q: How does this compare to the PAGANI PD-YS023 at $154.99?
A: Different purposes. The PD-YS023 offers Miyota 8215 movement (better accuracy, known service history), cleaner dial, and better value for daily wear. The PD-YS022 offers skeleton dial, tourbillon-style balance display, exhibition back, and maximum mechanical theater. Choose PD-YS023 for best-value reliable automatic; choose PD-YS022 for maximum visual drama and conversation-starting appeal.

Q: Will the skeleton dial get dusty or dirty?
A: Skeleton watches expose the movement more than sealed dials, so they can accumulate fine dust over time — this is normal for skeleton watches at all price levels. Regular wearing (which keeps the movement wound and in motion) helps. If dust accumulation becomes noticeable, a professional cleaning during routine service (recommended every 3-5 years) will refresh it. The sapphire crystal protects the dial from external scratches and contaminants.

Conclusion: Mechanical Theater on Your Wrist

The PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS022 answers a specific question: how affordable can a skeleton automatic with genuine visual drama become without sacrificing essential features like sapphire crystal and swimming-capable water resistance? At $227.97, it proves that the mechanical watch tradition — watching gears turn, balance wheels oscillate, and automatic rotors wind — can be accessible, wearable, and genuinely impressive without requiring the collector's budget or the formal dress code that often accompany skeleton watches. It's honest about what it is (tourbillon-style, not tourbillon-actual), delivers where it matters (sapphire, 10 ATM, exhibition back, comfortable rubber), and accepts its limitations (unnamed movement, bold proportions, sport-casual aesthetic only). For the buyer who wants their watch to be a conversation, not a whisper — this is the one.

Review conducted over 2 weeks of casual, active, and water-contact wear by Cesar R for PrimeTimepiece. Watch provided for review. All opinions are honest and unbiased. Note: "Tourbillon" refers to visual display style, not the actual rotating escapement complication found in Swiss tourbillons starting at $15,000+.

Related Reviews & Guides

• Pagani Design PD-1736 Automatic Diver Watch Review (2026 — Mechanical, Stylish, and Ready for Anything)
• Pagani Design PD-YS027 Review: MIYOTA 8215 Watch
• PAGANI DESIGN PD-YS028 Review: 42MM Automatic Diver With Sapphire, 100M & Exhibition Back for $219.99 (2026)
• Pagani Design PD-1617 Review – Best Budget Military Automatic Watch