Best Skeleton Watch Under $1000

Do you appreciate hand-crafted watches, want to make a statement, but don’t want to splurge too much on a luxury watch? Then, skeleton watches under $1000 would be a great choice.

Skeleton watches have intricate composition and distinct designs that initiates conversation, both about machinery for any watch enthusiast. In essence, a skeleton watch is a timepiece that has been removed or unnecessary pieces so you get to see its inner mechanism.

This ability to see the intricate parts of moving machinery makes skeleton watches stand out and desirable for people who appreciate the craftsmanship of watchmakers. And if you’re looking for barebones or an openwork that is below 1000, we’ve got you covered.

Drawing from our experience, we have curated below the best Skeleton Watches Under 1000 that are worth owning.

Our Choice
Bulova Men’s Brown Self-Winding Mechanical Timepiece
Bulova Men’s Brown Self-Winding Mechanical Timepiece
  • Water-resistant (up to 30M or 99 feet)
  • Stainless steel case
  • Roman numeral hour markers
  • 24-hour and seconds sub-dials
Best Premuim
Stührling Stainless Steel Watch
Stührling Stainless Steel Watch
  • Stunning style
  • Winds itself
  • Dual time (AM/PM Sun Moon)
  • Stainless steel case
Best budget
MASERATI Men’s Potenza Stainless Steel Quartz
MASERATI Men’s Potenza Stainless Steel Quartz
  • Water-resistant up to 100 m (330ft)
  • Leather strap
  • Durable material
  • Self-winding movement
     

Top 5 Best Skeleton Watches Under 1000

1. Stührling Stainless Steel Watch

Stührling Stainless Steel Watch

A legacy collection of timepieces from Stuhrling is its Original Stainless-Steel watch built with expertise and precision. It has a genuine leather alligator-embossed band that is made in the US.

As for the watch itself, you can visually watch the mechanism involved in moving the timepiece. With only 22 millimeters band/ strap width and 15 millimeters case thickness, you already get to enjoy the luxurious look of a skeleton watch that winds itself. 

This means that the Stuhrling Stainless steel skeleton watch utilizes automatic mechanism tech and the user’s natural movement so it can wind itself. At its price point, after trying out this product, we consider it as one of the best skeleton watches for men.

Pros
  • Stunning style
  • Genuine leather band (alligator strap)
  • Winds itself
  • Dual time (AM/PM Sun Moon)
  • Has comprehensive international warranty
  • Stainless steel case

Cons
  • Not shatterproof
  • Not waterproof
  • You may have to wear it for 8 hours to maintain accurate time

Check out the price here!

2. MASERATI Men’s Potenza Stainless Steel Quartz

MASERATI Men's Potenza Stainless Steel Quartz

At less than $1000, this MASERATI Men’s Potenza Stainless Steel Quartz looks stylish with its black dial, genuine leather strap and buckle, and steel case. It uses quartz movement and is self-winding, meaning your natural motion as the wearer of this watch will provide energy to the mainspring.

When we trialed this product, we discovered it is also suitable for snorkeling and swimming since it is water-resistant for up to 330ft. The case diameter of this skeleton watch is 40mm. It also features a durable mineral dial, meaning it won’t shatter if you drop your watch.

It is a type of skeleton watch that is strong, coated with a hardening material, but is more affordable than expensive brands of skeleton watches.

Truly, the MASERATI Men’s Potenza Stainless Steel Quartz is a blend of strength and elegance!

Pros
  • Water-resistant up to 100 m (330ft)
  • Men standard band size
  • Leather strap
  • Durable material
  • Self-winding movement
     
Cons
  • For snorkeling or swimming, but not designed for diving
  • Since there is no battery, you may have to shake it at night before going to bed to make sure it will not stop moving

Check out the price here!

3. Bulova Men’s Brown Self-Winding Mechanical Timepiece

Bulova Men’s Brown Self-Winding Mechanical Timepiece

We determined through our tests that the price for a luxury watch is also beyond great if you choose the Bulova Men’s Brown Self-Winding Movement Mechanical Timepiece. It looks elegant with its rose gold and brown-patterned dial.

It also has a leather strip, but because of the redesign made by Bulova, this skeleton watch will not have the tuning fork logo on its watch face. Nevertheless, it has a slightly domed mineral crystal.

This skeleton watch is also water-resistant for up to 30M or 99 feet. We especially like that its look is comparable to that of 

Pros
  • Slightly-domed mineral crystal
  • Attractive rose gold and brown-patterned dial
  • Leather strap
  • Water-resistant (up to 30M or 99 feet)
  • Stainless steel case
  • Roman numeral hour markers
  • 24-hour and seconds sub-dials

Cons
  • Stops at night when rested, which may affect the accuracy of time
  • Few users said the clasp is not easy to align into the strap

Check out the price here!

4. Invicta Men’s Russian Diver Rose Gold Skeleton Watch

Invicta Men’s Russian Diver Rose Gold Skeleton Watch

Another beautiful timepiece on our trialed list is the Invicta Men’s Russian Diver Rose Gold Skeleton Watch. It uses the Chinese standard mechanical watch movement.

There are no numbers stamped on the movement so you have to search based on the watch’s functionality (hands, calendar position), thickness, and size. But if you prefer a design this way, then this would be your ideal choice.

Weighing 200 grams, this skeleton watch is suitable for swimming in shallow depths of water, light splashes, and washing hands. Its water resistance feature is up to 50 meters only, unlike other Skeleton watches in this list.

Pros
  • Has exhibition case back
  • 50 m. water resistant
  • Attractive rose gold stainless steel


Cons
  • Very few users say that the watch gains 10 minutes per wind up

 Check out the price here!

5. Hamilton Men’s Open Heart Watch

Hamilton Men's Open Heart Watch

The last, but definitely not the least of the best skeleton watch below 1000 is the Hamilton Men’s Open Heart Watch. It is made in the USA and has a maximum wrist circumference of 20.0 cm.

This round-shaped watch has an analog display type and automatic movement. Being an automatic skeleton watch, its moving parts are visible in the front and it harnesses energy through the user’s natural motion.

Also worth checking out from this brand is the Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic. Its exquisite finish is comparable to Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece or TAG Heuer Carrera.

Pros
  • Water-resistant for up to 50 meters depth
  • Automatic movement
  • Very stylish and unique design


Cons
  • Its bracelet or strap may not be as high quality as the watch itself

Check out the price here!

What to Look for When Buying The Best Skeleton Watches Under 1000

1. Watch Strap

Watches can last for years, but their straps may not. So, as much as possible, buy a skeleton watch under 1000 that has durable straps that are not meant to be replaced too short of a time or immediately.

However, it is also important that the skeleton watch you’re buying has a strap that can be easily replaced or interchanged. This makes it easy to fit any particular bracelets when the last one is already damaged.

2. Movement

There’s a huge difference between a quartz movement and a mechanical movement. Our findings show that cheaper movements usually have plastic parts inside while the durable ones can survive for years without having to be taken to a watchmaker for watch service.

If you are planning to wear the watch regularly, then choose for ones that use quartz movement. However, luxury watch collectors opt for skeleton watches with mechanical movement if they plan to use the watch only on certain special occasions.

3. Brand Reliability

While a watch brand is not everything, it is nice to buy a skeleton watch from a company that makes reliable watches because they often have good customer service and warranties. At the very least, it gives you that added security and you are at ease purchasing your favorite watch.

4. Type of Watch Glass

Generally, there are three types of watch glass: sapphire crystal, mineral crystal, and acrylic crystal. Each of them has unique properties that make them suited for certain functions and situations. 

Acrylic crystal is impact-resistant and low-cost but can be easily scratched.  Mineral glass is less reflective than sapphire crystal and is more scratch-resistant compared to acrylic. Sapphire crystal or glass is often the default choice. It has an attractive appearance and an unparalleled scratch resistance feature.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Bulova Men’s Brown Self-Winding Mechanical Timepiece

Drawing from our experience, our top pick in this list would be the Bulova Men’s Brown 96A120 BVA Series. We find its leather strap and brown patterned dial with rose gold accents attractive for formal and casual occasions.

Not to mention that it is water-resistant for up to 99 feet. This self-winding mechanical watch with 21 jewel movement is visible through the exhibition case back and the on-dial aperture.

The brand itself is also known for its advanced technology, craftsmanship, and innovation. That is why we consider this work a classic art that is worthy to adorn the wrists of today and tomorrow’s generation.

If you liked this article, you might want to check out our other reviews such Best Skeleton Watch Under $200, Best Skeleton Watches Under $300, and Best Skeleton Watch Under 500 at EvesWatch.com

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