Skeleton and open-heart watches reveal the mechanical magic happening inside—gears turning, balance wheels oscillating, escapements ticking. It's the difference between admiring a car's exterior and watching the engine run. This guide covers the best examples from entry-level to haute horlogerie.
Open-Heart vs Full Skeleton
- Open-heart: Small aperture (usually at 12) showing balance wheel. Maintains dial legibility.
- Semi-skeleton: Larger cutouts revealing multiple components. Partial dial remains.
- Full skeleton: Entire dial removed, movement fully visible. Maximum visual impact, reduced legibility.
Entry-Level: Under $500
Orient Star Semi-Skeleton
$400 - $500
Best value open-heart available. In-house movement with power reserve indicator. The cutout at 9 o'clock reveals the balance wheel while maintaining excellent legibility. Proper finishing for the price.
Seiko Presage SSA405
$425 - $525
Open-heart at 9 o'clock with textured dial. 4R38 movement visible through the aperture. Seiko's cocktail-inspired designs add visual interest beyond the skeleton element.
Bulova Sutton Skeleton
$350 - $450
Full skeleton dial with Roman numerals framing the movement. Automatic Miyota movement. Bold look at accessible pricing.
Mid-Range: $500 - $2,000
Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart
$895 - $1,195
Swiss H-10 movement with 80-hour reserve. Classic dress watch proportions with tasteful aperture. Available in multiple dial colors. The balanced approach—visible mechanics without sacrificing elegance.
Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton
$1,025 - $1,195
Powermatic 80 movement, 80-hour reserve. More aggressive skeletonization than Hamilton. Swiss finishing at competitive pricing.
Frederique Constant Highlife Skeleton
$1,695 - $2,095
In-house FC movement with silicon escapement. Integrated bracelet design. Contemporary styling with mechanical showcase.
Premium: $2,000 - $10,000
Oris Artelier Skeleton
$2,400 - $2,900
Independent Swiss brand with serious skeletonization. The dial architecture creates depth and visual interest. For those wanting substance behind the skeleton aesthetic.
Zenith Chronomaster Open
$9,500 (grey ~$6,500)
El Primero movement—36,000 vph high-beat—visible through the dial. Watch the chronograph mechanism operate at 5 Hz. For those who want to see the legendary movement in action.
TAG Heuer Carrera Skeleton
$6,500 - $7,500
Heuer 02 movement exposed. Motorsport heritage meets mechanical display. Bold, modern interpretation of the skeleton concept.
Luxury: $10,000+
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Skeleton
$18,000 - $25,000
Hand-finished skeletonized movement from the Watchmaker's Watchmaker. Every component receives individual attention. The benchmark for tasteful skeletonization.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked
$50,000+
Iconic octagonal case with fully skeletonized dial. Hand-finished bridges and plates. The ultimate statement skeleton from a holy trinity brand.
💡 The Finishing Test
Skeleton watches expose movement finishing—poor finishing is obvious. At higher prices, look for: anglage (beveled edges), Geneva stripes, perlage, polished screw heads, hand-finished bridges. A skeleton watch is only as good as what it reveals.
Our Top Picks
- Best Value: Orient Star Semi-Skeleton — in-house movement, ~$450
- Best Swiss Under $1K: Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart — 80hr reserve, balanced design
- Best High-Beat: Zenith Chronomaster Open — El Primero visibility
- Best Finishing: JLC Master Ultra Thin Skeleton — hand-finished excellence