# Best skeleton and open heart watches Source: https://lumeandbezel.com/best/best-skeleton-watches Publisher: Lume & Bezel. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://lumeandbezel.com/how-we-pick A skeleton or open heart dial lets you watch the balance wheel swing, but the more of the dial you cut away, the harder the hands can be to read. An open heart shows a small window onto the movement and keeps a full dial for telling the time. A full skeleton removes most of the dial and relies on hand contrast and lume. This guide ranks seven options by how legible they should stay in daily wear, using what each listing states: dial type, case size, movement, crystal and water resistance. Prices run from under $300 to over $1,000, so the list moves from affordable open hearts to Swiss skeletons. When a listing leaves out a spec such as case size, the table says Not stated, and you should check it before buying. ## Picks ### 1. Orient Star RK-AV0B08L Automatic Watch, Layered Skeleton Mechanical, Made in Japan, Open Heart RK-AV0B08L, Men's Light Blue, Blue, Bracelet Type Dial type: Layered skeleton; Case size: Not stated; Movement: Self-winding and hand-winding, 50 h or more; Crystal: Not stated; Water resistance: Not stated A Made in Japan Orient Star with a layered skeleton dial and a power reserve indicator. The listing states the accuracy range, which few watches here do, and a run time of 50 hours or more. What the listing offers: - The listing states a power reserve indicator, so you can see when it needs winding. - Time accuracy is stated as +25 to -15 seconds per day. - Operation time of 50 hours or more per the listing is the longest stated reserve among the Japanese picks. Limits to know: - Case size, crystal and water resistance are not stated on this listing, so confirm them before buying. - A layered skeleton dial shows more movement, which can make the hands harder to pick out at a glance. ### 2. Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Automatic Men's Watch, 40mm Case Dial type: Open heart; Case size: 40 mm; Movement: Swiss H-10 automatic, 80 h; Crystal: Sapphire; Water resistance: 50 m A Swiss open heart with the H-10 movement and an 80 hour reserve in a 40 mm steel case. It suits buyers who want sapphire and a weekend-proof reserve on a dressy blue dial. What the listing offers: - The listing states an 80 hour power reserve, enough to sit off the wrist over a weekend. - Sapphire crystal is stated, so the dial should stay clear with daily wear. - The 40 mm case is a balanced size for an open heart dress watch. Limits to know: - It costs well over $1,000, several times the price of the Orient open heart. - Leather strap with pin buckle per the listing, so a bracelet costs extra. ### 3. Bulova Men's Classic Sutton 3-Hand 21-Jewel Automatic Watch, 42 Hour Power Reserve, Skeleton Dial, Luminous Hands, 100M Water Resistant, 43mm Case size: 43 mm; Movement: 21-jewel automatic, 42 hours; Water resistance: 100 m; Crystal: Mineral; Dial: Full skeleton A 43 mm Classic Sutton with a full skeleton dial and two-tone steel case. The listing states a 21-jewel automatic, 42-hour reserve, luminous hands and 100 m water resistance. What the listing offers: - A full skeleton dial per the listing shows the movement from the front. - 100 m water resistance is stated, high for a skeleton dress watch. - The listing states a 3 year limited warranty. Limits to know: - Mineral crystal per the listing is less scratch resistant than sapphire. - 43 mm is large for a dress watch and may wear big on slim wrists. ### 4. SEIKO SSA425 Automatic Watch for Men - Presage Collection - Black Open-Aperture Dial with Vintage 1960s Watch Inspiration - 50M Water Resistant Case size: Not stated; Caliber: 4R39; Function: Open aperture, 24-hour subdial; Power reserve: 41 hours; Water resistance: 50 m A black Style 60s open-aperture Presage inspired by the 1964 Crown Chronograph, with a 24-hour subdial and steel bracelet. For a buyer who wants to see the movement. What the listing offers: - Open-aperture dial shows the balance through the front. - 4R39 with a 24-hour subdial and LumiBrite hands, per the listing. - Steel bracelet and black bezel with a 41-hour reserve. Limits to know: - Case size is not stated on this listing. - At $595 it is one of the pricier 4R-powered picks here. ### 5. Bulova Men's Classic Maquina Black Ion-Plated Stainless Steel 3-Hand Automatic Watch, Skeleton Dial Style: 98A179 Case size: Not stated; Movement: Automatic; Water resistance: 100 m; Crystal: Sapphire; Dial: Full skeleton A Classic Maquina with a full skeleton dial and black ion-plated steel case. The listing states sapphire crystal, 100 m water resistance and a 3 year limited warranty. What the listing offers: - Sapphire crystal and 100 m are both stated, rare for a skeleton design. - A full skeleton dial per the listing gives a strong mechanical look. - The listing states a 3 year limited warranty. Limits to know: - Case size is not stated on this listing. - Black ion plating can show wear at edges. The listing does not describe durability. ### 6. Orient Bambino Open Heart | Automatic/Hand-Winding | 40.5mm Case Diameter | Classic Watch Case size: 40.5 mm; Lug to lug: 46 mm; Movement: Orient F6T22 automatic; Crystal: Domed mineral; Water resistance: 30 m A 40.5 mm Bambino with an open heart dial, exhibition caseback and leather strap. For a buyer who wants to see the balance wheel on a budget. What the listing offers: - Open heart dial and exhibition caseback, per the listing. - F6T22 automatic with hand winding and hacking. - 12 mm thick with a 46 mm lug to lug and 21 mm lug width. Limits to know: - The listing says 30 m is not suitable for swimming or bathing. - Domed mineral crystal rather than sapphire. ### 7. Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Skeleton, Swiss Powermatic 80, 39mm, Blue Dial, Unisex Watch Dial type: Skeleton; Case size: 39 mm; Movement: Swiss Powermatic 80; Crystal: Not stated; Water resistance: Not stated A Swiss skeleton in a 39 mm case built to show off the Powermatic 80 movement. The most compact case here for buyers who want a Swiss skeleton, though the listing gives few other specs. What the listing offers: - The 39 mm case size stated in the title is the smallest skeleton case in this guide. - The listing says the skeleton case is designed to highlight the Powermatic 80 movement. - A blue dial per the title adds contrast that can help the hands stand out. Limits to know: - Crystal, water resistance and power reserve are not stated on this listing. - At $1,100 it is the priciest pick, and the listing gives the least detail for the money. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.