Skeleton automatic watches, whether those be mechanical or automatic, are all characterized by the same quality. A dial with an open heart or a see-through crystal-clear glass (or both). Being automatic, the value of the watch is inevitably increased, as when compared with quartz watches, they need more commitment and a human touch to assemble the parts.
Skeleton automatic watches AKA exposed gear watches display the art of watchmaking as no other watch can. Allowing the wearer to catch a glance of the constantly working movement, is the main reason why skeleton automatic watches are so preferred among watch aficionados.
Without further ado, below you will see some of the best skeleton automatic watches watch lovers of all calibers can have on their wrists glowing. Enjoy!
Skeleton Automatic watches under 100 dollars
Lucien Piccard 1300A5 Automatic
The century-old Lucien Piccard watch brand has seen better days. The US-based watch brand was initially established in the 1920s by Mr. Lucien Piccard who trusted their company to the Swiss know-how watch manufacturing industry. A declaration of bankruptcy in 2010 ended the journey of Lucien Piccard luxury watches to step back and manufacture entry-level timepieces, now under the direction of Swiss Watch International Group. After some history lessons nobody asked for, let’s stick with the topic…
The Lucien Piccard model 1300A5 is one of the finest skeleton automatic watches you will ever encounter. The watch features a skeleton dial with a bi-directional black-plated rotating bezel. The hands as well as the hour markers are all luminous coated, to help the wearer read the time easily at any moment. The design of the timepiece might be mistaken with a diving watch, however, with only 50 meters of water resistance, long swims might cause irreversible damages to the watch. Price the last time I checked: $ 99.99
Movement – 20 Jewels Automatic with 40 hours of power reserve
Water Resistance – 50 Meters
Case size – 44mm
Glass Material – Scratch resistant mineral crystal
Complications (Features) – Bi-directional rotating black-plated bezel, Luminous hands, Skeleton dial & exhibition case back
Lucien Piccard 10660A-02S-RA
Similar to the Invicta you will see below, regrettably, this model from Lucien Piccard features no uniqueness when it comes to the design of the watch. It comes in a stainless-steel case with a black leather strap.
From the scratch-resistant sapphitek crystal (not as good as sapphire) you will see a transparent ring where most of the automatic movement is displayed. Minute markers in the outer rim and silver cut hour markers complete the rest of the dial. Not to forget about the luminous hour hands that feature a classic spear cut style. Price the last time I checked: $ 99.99
Movement – Automatic
Water Resistance – 50 Meters
Case size – 45mm
Glass Material – Sapphitek crystal
Complications (Features) – Transparent case back, skeleton dial, luminous hands
Brooklyn 203-M1121 Carlton Automatic
A silver-toned stainless-steel case and bezel with a black leather strap polymerized with a white open heart dial is what you get for 100 dollars from Brooklyn Watch Co. A classic automatic skeleton watch that provides up to 36 hours of power reserve and 50 meters of water resistance. From the scratch-resistant & anti reflective sapphire crystal, you can take a look at the movement, as you can do from the transparent exhibition case back as well. Price the last time I checked: $99.99
Movement – Automatic with 21 jewels
Water Resistance – 50 Meters
Case size – 46mm
Glass Material – Scratch resistant & anti reflective sapphire crystal
Complications (Features) – Luminescent hands, Open heart dial, exhibition case back
Invicta 22639 Objet D Art Automatic
If it wasn’t for Timex, Invicta would now probably be the watch marketplace ruler in the US. The brand launches exceptional timepieces every once in a while, as this model is. The Objet D Art Automatic from Invicta, model 22639 is an affordable skeleton automatic watch that can be yours only for around 80 dollars at Jomashop.com.
It features a transparent dial with a center skeleton ring from where you can catch a glance of the automatic movement with 40 hours of power reserve. The watch comes in an ion-plated stainless-steel case and a black leather strap holds the whole thing attached to your wrist. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for swimming in shallow water but not for snorkeling, bathing, or scuba diving. Price the last time I checked: $ 80.00
Movement – Automatic
Water Resistance – 50 Meters
Case size – 42mm
Glass Material – Scratch resistant flame fusion crystal
Complications (Features) – Exhibition case back, Hour, Minute, Second, Luminous Hands
Skeleton Automatic watches under 200 dollars
Fossil ME3110
Unbeatable on precision, Fossil manages to always deliver quality watches affordable by watch lovers of all calibers. ME3110, the model we picked as one of the best skeleton automatic watches under 200 dollars, features a royal blue dial which is home to gold-colored Roman numerals and an open window. The open heart dial allows you to catch a glance of the automatic movement together with the exhibition case back. A minimalist-looking watch, classic enough to wear in an office or wherever you want to. Price the last time I checked: $ 200.00
Movement – Automatic with 40 hours of power reserve
Water Resistance – 50 Meters
Case size – 44mm
Glass Material – Mineral Crystal
Complications (Features) – Exhibition case back, Open heart dial
Stuhrling 3133.1 Skeleton Automatic Watch
All you have to do is choose between black or white as the Stuhrling designers have taken care of the rest. This watch is a pioneer in the category of skeleton automatic watches as sincerely, I haven’t seen one more beautiful. The dial is where the manufacturer spent their time the most and you will notice the symphony of colors, shapes, and materials. Skeleton dial? Yes. Automatic? Yes. Under 200 dollars? For sure. Look no further as this timepiece is the crème de la crème of skeleton automatic watches. Price the last time I checked: $150.00
Movement – 22 Jewel Automatic
Water Resistance – 50 Meters
Case size – 44mm
Complications (Features) – Alligator leather strap, Screw Down exhibition case back, Skeletonized dial
Kenneth Cole New York Automatic Skeleton Watch
For slightly more than 100 dollars you can get your hands on one of the most stylish and exceptional skeleton automatic watches. The uniqueness in this Kenneth Cole timepiece stands in the tonneau case shape. A rarely seen design in the world of watches that always attracts attention to your wrist.
From the scratch resistant mineral crystal, you can see how the manufacturer has created an open dial where the whole parts of the Japanese automatic movement are displayed. Price the last time I checked: $119.00
Movement – 21 Jewel Automatic
Water Resistance – 30 Meters
Case size – 40mm
Complications (Features) – Luminous hands, Exhibition case back, Skeletonized dial
Swatch Vatel YAB101G
What makes it unique is the black net that has imprisoned the automatic movement of this Swatch model YAB101G. An exhibition case back allows you to see the movement as well. A grey Ion-plated stainless-steel case and bracelet with net motives in black make this relatively small watch fit every occasion with confidence. The watch is no longer for same on Swatch’s official website; however, one can easily be found online. Price the last time I checked: $ 145.00
Movement – Automatic
Water Resistance – 30 Meters
Case size – 37mm
Glass Material – Scratch resistant mineral crystal
Complications (Features) – Unisex design, Hour, Minute, Second, Exhibition case back.
Skagen Holst Skeleton Automatic Watch
Skagen Denmark is a Danish watch manufacturer that has seen a fast growth of their customer base recently, due to their unique designs and the quality of watches. The Holts Automatic is one of the most satisfactory skeleton automatic watches one can wear for 200 dollars. And if you’re lucky enough to get a discount coupon, this automatic timepiece can glow on your wrist for way less. Price the last time I checked: $ 200.00
Movement – Automatic
Water Resistance – 30 Meters
Case size – 42mm
Glass Material – Scratch-resistant mineral crystal
Complications (Features) – Luminous hands, Roman Numerals, Skeleton Dial
Skeleton Automatic watches under 300 dollars
Fossil Townsman Automatic
This skeleton automatic watch from Fossil has nothing to hide as you can admire the automatic movement with 20 jewels from the transparent glass of the dial and the expository case back as well. The movement is positioned in the center of the watch, surrounded by an empty circle of Roman numerals. The 44mm stainless steel case is kept on your wrist by a brown leather strap. Price the last time I checked: $ 249.00
Movement – Automatic
Water Resistance – 50 Meters
Case size – 44mm
Complications – Expository case back
Swatch Blurang Automatic
The Swiss giant watchmaker Swatch is always ready to amaze watch lovers with innovations and contemporary designs. The Swatch Blurang Automatic is the perfect example of what innovation in the skeleton automatic watches category means. The watch features an automatic non-magnetic movement with 90 hours of power reserve, more than 3 days. The dial and the case back allow you to see a bit of the movement. Price the last time I checked: $ 265.00
Movement – Automatic
Water Resistance – 30 Meters
Case size – 42mm
Complications – Expository case back, Date window at 6 o’clock
Orient RA-AG0004B10A
Probably the best of the skeleton automatic watches mentioned in this article is this classic contemporary timepiece from Orient. Featuring an open heart display and an expository case back, the automatic movement of the watch is never hidden from the wearer’s eye. This timepiece is made to always glow on people’s wrists; even so, 40 hours of power reserve are enough to keep the watch ticking when you can’t wear it. Price the last time I checked: Around $300
Movement – Automatic
Water Resistance – 30 Meters
Case size – 40.5 mm without the crown
Glass Material – Domed mineral
Complications – Exhibition case back, open heart dial
Seiko SSA231K1
This unique timepiece from the giant Japanese watch brand is discontinued, however, you can purchase your own on Amazon for slightly more than 200 dollars. The elegant automatic watch from Seiko features a white dial with an open heart and Roman numerals & minute markers in the outer rim. From the homemade Hardlex crystal (scratch resistant as mineral crystal) you can take a look at the open heart close to a 24h sub-dial. A brown alligator embossed leather strap, appropriate for an elegant watch of this caliber, holds the timepiece attached to your wrist. Price the last time I checked: Around $200
Movement – Automatic with 24 jewels
Water Resistance – 50 Meters
Case size – 41 mm
Glass Material – Crystal Hardlex
Complications –See-through case back, Open heart dial
Reasons to Purchase a Skeleton Automatic Watch
Craftsmanship
Unlike a quartz watch, it takes skills and time to create an automatic watch. The watch movement itself is a work of art – a courtesy of dozens of pieces carefully assembled by craftsmen and women to manufacture a timepiece that hopefully, will glow on your wrist for the rest of your days.
Value
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the value of an automatic movement watch is higher when compared with a battery-operated watch. Mechanical, or automatic, both types of watches tend to increase in value over time. Quartz watches are also valuable. There is no reason why not to have a quartz watch on your wrist as well.
Overall Aesthetics
An automatic watch is great but a skeleton automatic watch is fabulous. An open heart dial, an exhibition case back, or a 100% skeleton dial allows the wearer to take a closer look at the watchmaking heritage they are lucky to have on their wrists. Definitely more aesthetically pleasing than a quartz watch.
In Conclusion
The world of watches has something to offer to everyone. Watch lovers of all calibers are welcome to pick the timepiece they want to glow on their wrists depending on the budget and the type of watch they are thrilled to have.
Skeleton automatic watches, for example, feature a deadly combination that hypnotizes every watch connoisseur at the first moment of sight. They are considered collectible timepieces due to their overall aesthetics allowing watch aficionados to study the movements without having to open the case of the watch.
