Skeleton watches are all the rage these days. They’re the kind of timepiece that lets you see the inner workings of the watch. It is captivating to have a glimpse of the moving parts through either the front or the back of the watch.
It was originally invented in the 18th century but has recently gained popularity. With their unique aesthetic that combines both classic and modern elements, it’s certainly a worthy choice if you’re making your next purchase.
However, choosing one can be overwhelming as there are a lot of different factors that go into deciding which one to pick, such as what style of watch will suit your personality, what brand, its price, what are the features of the watch, types of movement to name a few.
Luckily for you, most of the renowned brands in the world have skeleton timepieces and to help you choose which one will suit you best, we have compiled a list, based on firsthand experience, of the best skeleton watches under the 300-price tag.
If you’re interested in knowing more about it, keep reading.
Top 5 Best Skeleton Watches Under $300
1. Bulova Automatic Watch (Model: 98A238)
Product Description
If you’re a fan of something with an edgier and decidedly rebellious design, the Bulova Automatic Watch (Model: 98A238) is perfect for you. Its distinctive skull design and a black leather strap with contrasting topstitches make this watch unique and different.
This single-tone colored timepiece has a 46 mm case diameter, a black dial black color with black accents, protected by a black stainless-steel case. The glass on top of the watch is made from sapphire crystal, which is nearly comparable to a diamond’s toughness that makes it impossible to scratch.
It has an exhibition case back that shows the skeletonized automatic three-hand 21-jewel movement with a “reserve” of power that will last for 42 hours when fully wound.
Pros
- Energy-efficient; with a long power reserve
- Anti-reflective coating and Scratch-resistant watch face
- Water resistance up to 100m
- Does not need a battery to operate
- Luminous black hands
- Sapphire Crystal
- With exhibition case back
Cons
- Not ideal for water activity such as diving and swimming
- Bulky
Interested? Check it out on this link!
2. Kenneth Cole New York Men’s Automatic Stainless Steel Dress Watch
Product Description
Kenneth Cole New York Men’s Automatic Stainless Steel Dress Watch is a self-winding watch that features a Japanese 21-Jewel Automatic Movement which is generally found in the finest watches.
It has a 40 mm case diameter. A skeleton dial with an exhibition case back. And a solid stainless-steel band with double-press deployant closure for safety.
Like any other wristwatches, it can also be wound manually by turning the crown.
With its stainless-steel case and stainless-steel band, this automatic skeleton watch can go well with whatever outfit you wear, from our experience.
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 30 m
- Self winding; Does not need a battery to operate
- Scratch-free
- Unique Tonneau shape
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Manufactured by a well-known brand
Cons
- Not for diving and snorkeling
- Heavy on wrists
Interested? Check it out on this link!
3. Invicta Men’s 1090 Russian Diver
Product Description
This Invicta diver watch has a 51 mm case diameter, and an 18k rose gold-plated stainless-steel case with a rounded rose gold-plated stainless steel which is made in textured coins that help retain its golden patina. Its watch face is made from flame fusion crystal, a synthetic sapphire that is resistant to scratches.
With its transparent skeleton dial design, you will see the black and gold gunmetal gear and how magnificently it moves inside.
As per our expertise, if you’re looking for a watch with both function and style, Invicta Men’s 1090 Russian Diver is perfect for you.
Pros
- 50 m water resistant
- Suitable for swimming in shallow waters
- With exhibition case back
- Scratch-resistant
Cons
- Color might not be for everyone
Interested? Check it out on this link!
4. Fossil Men’s Grant Automatic Stainless Steel Mechanical Watch
Product Description
Fossil watches have long been a go-to brand and they certainly won’t leave you disappointed. They’re known for stylish yet affordable quality watches. Even their budget-friendly models are polished to a high degree.
The Fossil Men’s Grant Automatic Stainless Steel Mechanical Watch is inspired by Fossil‘s vintage skeleton series. It has a 45 MM casing diameter with a 22 mm thickness making it a sizable watch that is eye-catching on your wrist.
It’s been paired up with a brown genuine leather strap that fastens with a strap buckle clasp giving a sleek, handsome look that makes this a great go-to for formal attire.
Aside from the brown genuine leather strap, they also offer a stainless-steel bracelet and a black leather strap design.
Pros
- 50m water resistance rating.
- Interchangeable with all Fossil 22MM bands
- Wearable while swimming in shallow water
- Affordable price
- Exhibition case back
Cons
- Has the IIII instead of IV for 4 o’clock numeral
Interested? Check it out on this link!
5. Stührling Original Men’s Watch Stainless Steel Automatic, Skeleton Dial, Dual Time, AM/PM Sun Moon, Genuine Leather Strap 371 Watches for Men Series
Product Description
Finally, we have this attractive-looking Stührling Original Men’s Watch Stainless Steel Automatic watch. The luxury 24 mm-wide genuine leather band is alligator embossed and definitely draws attention to your wrist. It also gives you some extra durability compared to other standard straps.
Another notable feature of this watch is the onion-style crown and Dauphine-style hands and detailing skeleton style. It has a sizable 46mm round case with a silver dial.
They also offer a variety of colors of stainless-steel cases to choose from gold, rose gold, and silver.
Pros
- AM/PM indicator
- 5ATM water-resistant rating
- Suitable for swimming but not for diving
- Manufactured by a well-known brand
- Changeable strap
Cons
- The large case might not for everyone
Interested? Check it out on this link!
What to Look for When Buying a Skeleton Watch
Case size
Choose a case size that is not too big nor too small on your wrists as this may catch unwanted attention.
One tip when choosing case sizes is to measure your wrist by using a measuring tape. You should buy 38mm, 40mm or 42mm watch cases if your wrist size is 6 to 7 inches and 44mm to 46mm watch cases for sizes 7.5 to 8 inches.
Design
Contemporary and sleek designs are the ones that can work for the office, a guys-night-out, or a date with your loved one. Black and leather straps or even steel bracelets match up well with pretty much anything.
Movement
There are 2 types of movement that matters when it comes to skeleton watches: The automatic-self-wind which allows the watch to charge by the movement of your arms, and mechanical hand-wind which allows the watch of the wound by rotating the crown.
Automatic-self-wind can be manually wounded as well.
These movements are what we see through the skeletonized design, being able to see inner parts move in rhythm.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Each watch featured has a unique look and great build quality.
Our findings show that, if you’re looking for a bold statement piece, you can’t go wrong with the striking Bulova Automatic Watch (Model: 98A238) The skull design is special and the dial window is the anti-reflective sapphire crystal which will prevent it from scratching and also reduces glare caused by light.
Based on our observations, if you are after a style that works best for a more formal setting, we recommend Fossil Men’s Grant Automatic Stainless Steel Mechanical Watch.
What we really love with this product has to be the large skeleton dial that showcases a huge portion of the inner workings of the automatic movement.
The watch also features mineral crystal glass and a 50m water resistance rating. The understated effortlessness of this watch is perfect for any occasion.
If you like this article, you might want to check out our other reviews 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.
