The skeleton watch design is one of the most attractive and unique designs in the world. Just like a Lamborghini or Ferrari with a transparent window that shows the engine, a skeleton watch provides us a view of the timepiece’s movement.
Behind both cases (in cars or watches), the idea is the same: to admire the state-of-the-art and powerful machinery behind these luxury items. If you ask how much does a skeleton watch cost, it could be around $47,000 or up to $640,000.
But some of these skeleton watches are often of the highest quality, such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. Manufacturers of these watches emphasize that these expensive watches are made of precise calibers.
Yet, do you really need to invest in hundreds or thousands of money to own one?
With this list of the best skeleton watches under 200, we’ll prove to you that skeleton see-through timepieces need not be expensive and no, they’re not even fake. Excited to own one and see the art of time-making in plain sight at an affordable price?
Here are the best Skeleton Watches Under 200 handpicked for you based on our team’s experience! Let us begin.
Top 5 Best Skeleton Watches Under $200
1. Orient ‘Bambino Open Heart’ Japanese Automatic Stainless Steel
The Orient ‘Bambino Open Heart’ Japanese automatic skeleton stainless steel watch looks cool, especially if you are someone who appreciates seeing things with exposed workings. It is not tacky and only a portion of the watch is exposed.
Our research shows that this watch marks a lot of firsts for the Orient Bambino collection. For one, it is the only watch model that does not feature a date display and also has an open-heart dial.
The modern, thin hour markers and hands of this watch are the same as the Bambino Version 4 and the onion-styled crown design is the same as Version 2. Overall, it creates an attractive look.
- 50-meter Water Resistance
- Open heart design
- Hand-winding, automatic, and hacking movement (seconds halt)
- Domed Mineral Crystal
- Transparent case back
- The hour and minute arms may not be well-calibrated, especially if you don’t wear the watch often
Here’s a quick link to where you can buy it!
2. Akribos Automatic Mechanical Skeleton Watch
Another contemporary classic and elegant skeleton watch on our curated list is the Akribos automatic mechanical watch with a crocodile-embossed leather strap. This skeletonized wristwatch does not require a battery.
With a see-through dial, you can see the watch’s movement as it turns and twists. It also has a polished case with a beveled top ring or bezel. On the inner skeleton dial, it has a fine-textured finish.
And you know what’s most fascinating about this watch? The mechanical movement is exposed for you to see and is even designed with intricate scrollwork!
- Elegant and comfortable
- Unique skeletonized style feature
- No battery required
- Classic round silver-tone
- Wrapped in a beautiful gift box
- Alligator-embossed genuine leather band
- 3 ATM Water Resistance (10 meters/30 feet)
- Automatic movement
- Low contrast between watch background and watch hands may make it difficult for you to quickly see the time
Click here if you’d like to buy this skeleton watch!
3. Genuine Sea-Gull Retro Date Power Reserve Skeleton
The way the Sea-Gull Retro Date Power Reserve Watch is manufactured is such a great way to show off the in-house made movement of a skeleton watch. It has an auto date power reserve, which is the amount of time it takes for the skeleton watch to fully wound.
Our investigation showed that as one of the best skeleton watches for men, this watch is water-resistant but only suitable for daily use, like washing your face or hands and not to be submerged in water or full of steam.
A word of advice from the watchmakers, though, is not to adjust the week or date of this watch from 11 PM to 5 AM to avoid damaging its movement. Since this is also a hand-winding skeleton model, it needs to be winded before actually wearing it.
It has a sapphire crystal cover. This means that aside from being scratch-resistant, the sapphire crystal gives your watch the ability to withstand breakage and cracks.
- Great build quality
- Auto date power reserve
- Sapphire crystal (durable watch)
- No battery required
- Double-axis tourbillon
- Push-button hidden clasp
- Stainless steel case
- None
Interested? Here’s where you can buy it!
4. Fossil Men’s Townsman Stainless Steel Watch
Be wowed with Fossil Men’s Townsman Stainless Steel Mechanical Automatic Watch. Its style is inspired by American ingenuity and creativity that brings new life into the leathers and watch industry.
This fashionable stainless-steel watch shows the inner workings of the dial. Whether for weekend use or office look, this timepiece is sure to complement your style and has a mark of uniqueness.
Our analysis of this product revealed that, unlike the skeleton watches we listed here, this one is not just splash resistant, but water-resistant up to 50m or 165 feet. So, you can say this is good for short periods of showering or recreational swimming, although not a diver watch.
- Balanced case and band sizes
- With a hardened mineral crystal lens
- Beautiful watch
- Good value for money
- Attractive packaging for gifts
- Leather strap
- Lack of contrast between background and hands may make it difficult to read time
- You have to set the time if you don’t wear it daily
Convinced? You can buy the product here!
5. Bulova Men’s 97A109
Very classy watch and looks more expensive than its look, the Bulova Men’s 97A109 Bulova Series showcases an attractive rose-gold tone. It also has rose-gold tone indices and a logo at 12 o’clock time.
This watch has a stainless-steel case and a mineral dial window. It is likewise water-resistant for up to 99ft or 30m. After trying out this product, we discovered It can withstand short immersion in water, although cannot really be considered a waterproof watch or may not be suitable for swimming.
It also has a Croco-embossed band made of leather with buckle closure.
- 45 mm stainless steel case
- Leather band (Croco-embossed)
- Attractive Rose gold-tone watch
- 21-jewel movement
- Patterned black dial
- No battery required
- Made by a trusted brand or watch company
- Maybe a little hard to buckle
If you think this skeleton watch is right for you, here’s where you can buy it!
What to Look for When Buying the Best Affordable Skeleton Watch
1. Watch material
If you want the skeleton watch to last for a long period while still maintaining its beauty as if you just purchased it yesterday, then opt for a stainless-steel case material. Then, depending on your style, you can choose the appropriate material for the watch’s strap.
You can select a watch strap that represents your personality or one that will be based on certain occasions.
2. Automatic vs. mechanical
When buying the best skeleton watch, you have two options: mechanical or automatic movement. These two types of skeleton watches are similar in function and motion.
You need to handle the watch by hand. If you find it troublesome to adjust the mechanical watch manually or if you don’t wear the watch every day, then choose an automatic skeleton watch.
3. Color, design, and size
Choose your favorite design and color, whether it’s for men or women. You also have to consider watches with the right size that complements your wrist and outfit. The case itself will speak for your unique style and bring the right combination when worn with the right fashion outfit.
4. Watch movement
An automatic movement skeleton watch requires less maintenance than a mechanical skeleton watch. However, skeleton watches manufactured today are also considered jewelry for consumers. So, you may choose depending on your individual preferences.
5. Water-resistant feature
Not all watch collectors may be considering this feature important but it is essential and brings you convenience. This is because you won’t have to worry about your watch being exposed to rain or water.
This is also an essential feature in case you leave behind your watch in the bathroom (for people who take their watch off in the restroom).
Bottom line: Which One Should You Buy?
Although we love all the watches or items listed above, our top pick based on firsthand experience, would be the Orient 'Bambino Open Heart' Japanese Automatic Stainless Steel and Leather Dress Watch. It sports an automatic movement and you can guarantee its daily accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds.
It has just the right case diameter (40.5mm) to fit your wrist. This water resistance watch can also withstand brief immersion in water or splashes. For its price range, it’s a great open heart watch.
We also especially like that this model has a domed crystal. In terms of value and quality, it delivers you the best of both worlds in watchmaking. This is ideal for watch collectors and horology enthusiasts alike.
If you liked this article, you might want to read our other reviews such as the Best Skeleton Watches Under $300, Best Skeleton Watch Under $500, and Best Skeleton Watch Under 1000 at Eveswatch.com.
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My name is Eve Acosta and I’m the person behind this site. Watches are what get me ticking ;).
No, but seriously, I just love watches, I have over 30 myself. It’s an obsession of mine, which is why my husband recommended me to put my hobby into some good use and build this site – so I did.
My passion for timepieces came from the fact that my parents own a small chain of shops selling timepieces. I’ve worked at the shop since I was 11 and fell in love with the merchandise.
