Skeleton clocks and silhouette exterior clocks use the wall surface as the clock dial background. For skeleton style clocks, the individual clock dial markers are affixed to the wall surface. On silhouette style clocks, the dial markings are joined together to provide a one piece, full metal overlay clock dial assembly that mounts to the wall surface.

Skeleton and silhouette clock movements generally are mounted to the interior of the wall with the clock shaft or arbor going through the wall to the exterior. Front mounted clock movements are also available with recessed mounting enclosures and rosettes.

Skeleton and silhouette clocks are usually front illuminated with standard exterior lighting. Reverse halo lighting is available for larger applications.