Watches where you can see the gears inside (also known as skeleton watches) are and always have been very popular. These sophisticated timepieces show the beauty of the watch’s mechanics and the elegant complications of their interior movements.
Watchmakers have total autonomy in choosing which parts of the movements they show, which makes for a huge variety in the styles of these classy timepieces. Skeleton watches are more than just machines for telling the time, they are also works of art!
For horologists that love the mechanical “openwork” artistry that is a feature of every skeleton watch, we present 9 of the best watches where you can see the gears. This list honors the complexities and beauty of these exquisite timepieces.
The most beautiful watches with the gears showing
Bulova 96A135 BVA-Series Watch
This beautiful analog display watch from the leather Bulova Self-Winding series has a 41 mm case and a choice of either a patterned black & gray dial or a brown color scheme.
Bulova Men's 96A135 BVA-SERIES 120 Automatic strap Watch
- Bulova's Men's Classic Automatic Collection features meticulously crafted beautiful timepieces with self-winding movements that are powered by the motion of your wrist.
- 4 Hand, Automatic, Heartbeat Skeleton, Sub Second Hand, Hack Feature, 24 Hour Time
- Bulova's Men's Classic Automatic Collection features meticulously crafted beautiful timepieces with self-winding movements that are powered by the motion of your wrist.
- 4 Hand, Automatic, Heartbeat Skeleton, Sub Second Hand, Hack Feature, 24 Hour Time
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Metalized Domed Mineral Crystal
- 30M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
As this is a mechanical watch, you’re free from ever needing to buy batteries again. The watch has a rotor-based self-winding automatic 21-jewel movement, which uses gravity and body movement to power it.
The Bulova features a sturdy stainless steel case that has a domed metalized crystal on one side to show the double-dial aperture, luminous hands and markers, and 24-hour sub-dial.
With a super-soft calfskin leather strap, the watch is extremely comfortable. And should you decide to take a dip, it’s water-resistant to 330 feet.
We particularly love the classy Roman numerals and the exceptional build quality of this exposed gears watch. It comes with a 2-year warranty (but we doubt many people have reason to use it!)
Invicta 1088 Russian Diver Watch
For the money, the Invicta 1088 Russian Diver Watch is very impressive and one of the best skeleton watches under 300. With both front and back views, you can peek at the Quartz movement doing its thing with every tick of a second.
Invicta Men's 1088 Russian Diver Stainless Steel and Black Polyurethane Skeleton Watch
- Stainless steel case 51mm diameter x 12.5mm thick; Exhibition case back; Silver exhibition dial; Luminous hands
- Chinese Mechanical movement, 3600K Caliber, 17 jewel; Assembled in China; Watch weight: 200 grams
- Stainless steel case 51mm diameter x 12.5mm thick; Exhibition case back; Silver exhibition dial; Luminous hands
- Chinese Mechanical movement, 3600K Caliber, 17 jewel; Assembled in China; Watch weight: 200 grams
- Stainless steel and Black silicone band, 235mm L x 26mm W; Buckle clasp
- Flame Fusion crystal; Screw-down crown; Stationary stainless steel bezel; 50 meter water resistant: Suitable for washing hands, light splashes, swimming in shallow depths.
Lovers of the 1088 refer to the durability of the watch claiming that it’s “built like a tank”. According to reviewers, the 1088 doesn’t scratch easily and is said to hold up quite well over time (as is the case with all Invicta timepieces.) Reviewers also love that’s it comfortable enough to wear every day and has a water resistance of up to 165 feet.
One thing you should note before buying this watch with visible gears is that it’s big…really big!..and this baby makes even Citizen or Casio watches look small in comparison.
The Invicta 1088 features a precise hand-wind mechanical movement, a black polyurethane strap (with stainless steel barrel accents), a rounded stainless steel bezel and it’s all topped off with a funky-looking screw-down cap with a link chain.
As is the case with all Invicta watches, it’s covered by a one-year warranty as standard with the option of extending if you wish. Certainly a beautiful watch where you can see the gears.
Rotary gs90505/06 Watch
Next on our list of watches with gears showing is the Rotary gs90505/06. This classy and mechanically mesmerizing timepiece just screams classic. With a lifetime warranty, the Rotary gs90505/06 is certainly one of the best mid-range skeleton watches available today.
Rotary Men's gs90505/06 Analog Display Swiss Automatic Brown Watch
- Rose gold plated automatic Swiss Made watch
- Silver index dial with sapphire glass
- Swiss-automatic Movement
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Water Resistant To 165 Feet
- Rose gold plated automatic Swiss Made watch
- Silver index dial with sapphire glass
- Swiss-automatic Movement
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Water Resistant To 165 Feet
Rotary was established in 1895 and is the oldest family-owned & run Swiss watchmaker. Rotary watches are currently sold in more than 65 countries around the world. If you’re not familiar with the brand, they specialize in making affordable stylish timepieces in which they mix the old, the new, the contemporary, and the classic.
For those that want a see-through watch where you can see the gears, this baby features deep blue hands that pass over a beautiful intricacy of exposed watch mechanics. It not only looks like a million dollars, but it’s also practical, being water-resistant to a depth of 165 feet.
The wristband is very comfy being made from crocodile leather and completes the classic look. The bezel is relatively small at 39 mm and is plated in rose gold.
An exquisite exposed mechanism watch that not only looks expensive but is also one of the best Swiss-made skeleton watches you will find around this price point.
Stuhrling Original 657.02 Delphi Watch
This watch with visible gears combines great aesthetics with functionality. It’s a very good-looking watch made from top-quality materials and a steal at the current price!
Stuhrling Original 371.01 Men's Legacy Automatic Self Wind Genuine Leather Strap Watch,...
- A WINDOW INTO TIME: Skeleton style allows you to visually watch your timepiece mark the time
- GENUINE LEATHER BAND: Alligator embossed, premium Made in U.S. real leather band, 24 mm wide
- STUNNING STYLE AND COMFORT: Luxury design is eye-catching and comfortable enough for daily wear
- A WINDOW INTO TIME: Skeleton style allows you to visually watch your timepiece mark the time
- GENUINE LEATHER BAND: Alligator embossed, premium Made in U.S. real leather band, 24 mm wide
- STUNNING STYLE AND COMFORT: Luxury design is eye-catching and comfortable enough for daily wear
- WARRANTY: All Stuhrling watches include a Comprehensive International Warranty
- WINDS ITSELF: Uses automatic mechanism technology and your natural movements to wind itself
We love the incredible attention to detail in this watch and that goes from the precision of the dials and hands through to the branding on the strap. For many, the Stuhrling Original 657.02 may be a little too flashy for day-to-day wear but it’s a great dress watch for special occasions.
With a self-winding mechanism, the Stuhrling’s main attraction is the dual time zone dial allowing you to keep an eye on an extra time zone, apart from the one you are in (it displays both local time and Greenwich Mean Time).
The dial is 42 mm wide and 13.4 mm thick (pretty large by any standards). The display shows an AM/PM indicator and also a classic vintage-design cresting sun and waning moon. You can watch the inner workings through the transparent face as well as the similarly transparent rear.
The Stuhrling Original Delphi is water-resistant in up to 165 feet of H2o and comes with a sweet alligator-embossed black leather strap.
It’s fitted with a rotor-based self-winding automatic movement, which uses gravity and movement of the user’s wrist and arm. If used daily, the watch doesn’t need winding but if not worn daily, it can be manually wound.
Hamilton Open Heart Watch
The Hamilton Watch Company based in Bienne, Switzerland has been making luxury timepieces for the world market since 1893.
Hamilton Men's Open Heart watch #H32565555
- Water Resistant
- Watch Width: 4.3 cm
- Face Height: 3.4 cm
- Maximum wrist circumference: 20.0 cm
- Water Resistant
- Watch Width: 4.3 cm
- Face Height: 3.4 cm
- Maximum wrist circumference: 20.0 cm
The Open Heart is one of our favorite see-through watches where you can see the gears inside. It’s a real conversation starter when people notice the skeletal interior of this very cool watch.
Despite looking delicate, the Hamilton is wrapped in a 40 mm stainless steel case and is very hard-wearing. It also has water resistance to a depth of 165 feet, is fully automatic, and comes with a real leather strap to finish off the premium look and feel.
And if you were wondering how this watch got its name, ….there is a tiny wheel bouncing just below the midnight mark and it looks very much like a little beating heart (that’s what we think anyway!)
Charles-Hubert Paris Watch
Since the ’90s, Charles-Hubert Pans has been a big influence on the United States watch industry.
Their range of timepieces includes both contemporary and retro designs. The company offers lifetime warranties, top-of-the-line quality standards, and surprisingly modest pricing.
The Charles-Hubert Premium is a fashionable watch in that you can see the gears. It combines awesome functionality with exquisite design style.
Charles-Hubert, Paris Men's 3887-A Premium Collection Stainless Steel Mechanical Watch
- Stainless Steel Case
- Skeleton Dial
- 17 Jewels Automatic Movement
- Water resistant to 99 feet (30 M): withstands rain and splashes of water, but not showering or submersion
- Stainless Steel Case
- Skeleton Dial
- 17 Jewels Automatic Movement
- Water resistant to 99 feet (30 M): withstands rain and splashes of water, but not showering or submersion
The Charles Hubert 3887 features one of our favorite skeletonized mechanical movements. Its gold-tone movement is visible from the front and back of the watch. We also really love the stark contrast of the stainless steel frame, gold-colored dial, and blue hands.
The mid-tier watch with gears showing is very lightweight (only 7.2 oz). It’s fashionably large and is water-resistant up to 99 feet, which means there are no worries if you get caught in the rain.
The 3887 comes with a brown calfskin leather strap and is shipped in a very nice gift box. It comes with total peace of mind lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defects.
Michael Kors Jet Master Watch
If you didn’t know, Michael Kors is a multinational fashion company with its HQ in New York. It was established in 1981 by American designer Michael Kors. It is most famous for its clothes, shoes, handbags, and watches. In 2015, MK had a whopping 550 + stores & boutiques around the world.
The Michael Kors Jet Master Watch has a sporty look with its stainless case, black unidirectional rotating bezel, and perfect red accents. The dial of the watch is skeletonized, but this doesn’t detract from the timepiece being legible and easy to read.
Michael Kors Men's Jet Master Silver-Tone Watch MK9011
- Skeleton watch featuring black corrugated bezel and red color pops at pushers, seconds hand, and subdials
- 45 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Japanese automatic movement with analog display
- Skeleton watch featuring black corrugated bezel and red color pops at pushers, seconds hand, and subdials
- 45 mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
- Japanese automatic movement with analog display
- Stainless steel band with fold-over clasp with double push-button safety
- Water resistant to 50 m (165 ft): In general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
Regarding the technical details, it’s 45 mm in diameter and is made from rugged stainless steel. It has a sapphire case back and a power reserve of around 40 hours. It also features a smooth, unidirectional rotating bezel. It’s water-resistant to 50 meters so won’t mess up if you accidentally wear it in the shower.
Considering this cool skeleton watch is made by the infamous fashion brand, it’s surprisingly very affordable. A worthy contender for the top spot in our list of the best skeleton watches for under 300 dollars.
Let’s hope that this huge demand for mechanical watches is met by more famous designers. It’s always interesting to see what these design experts come up with!
Fossil ME3099 Watch
Fossil Group, Inc. is an American fashion designer and manufacturer which has been around since 1984.
They also produce licensed accessories for some of the best brands in the world including Skechers, Emporio Armani, Michael Kors, DKNY, Diesel, Burberry, and Armani Exchange.
Fossil Men's ME3099 Self-Wind Stainless Steel Watch with Brown Band
- Fossil has always been inspired by American creativity and ingenuity. Since 1984, we’ve strived to bring new life into the industry by making quality, fashionable watches and accessories that were both fun and accessible.
- Fossil has always been inspired by American creativity and ingenuity. Since 1984, we’ve strived to bring new life into the industry by making quality, fashionable watches and accessories that were both fun and accessible.
- The Grant collection is always in style thanks to its time-honored design. Modern Roman numeral markers and materials like stainless steel make this a watch you'll wear for years to come.
- Case size: 45mm; Band size: 22mm; automatic mechanical movement with analog three-hand display; skeleton dial reveals the intricate, hand-assembled inner workings of the watch; self-winding; hardened mineral crystal lens resists scratches; imported
- Stainless steel case with cream sunray dial and cutout details; genuine brown leather band with adjustable buckle closure; interchangeable with all 22mm Fossil watch straps
- Water resistant to 50m (165ft): suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM
- An automatic—or self-winding—watch is a mechanical timepiece in which the mainspring is wound automatically from natural motion, making a battery unnecessary. If your watch has stopped, rotate crown clockwise approx 40 times.
The Fossil Grant Automatic ME3099 is a very nice skeletal automatic watch. It has super-cool inner workings that you can watch all day long. It features automatic-self-wind movement (with an analog display) and a soft leather calfskin band with buckle closure.
We love the strong stainless steel case and a skeleton dial which features Roman numeral hour markers and luminous hands. The 44 mm case is fitted with a strong mineral dial window.
This watch with gears showing looks very stylish and has a water resistance of up to 50 meters. This means it can be submerged in water for short periods but should not be used for swimming or scuba diving.
Tissot T070 T-Complication Swiss Skeleton Watch
Not cheap but certainly one of the best engineered and robust examples of skeletonized timepieces is a delectable offering from Tissot called the Squelette.
Tissot Men's T0704051641100 T-Complication Squelette Analog Display Swiss Mechanical Hand Wind Brushed...
- Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Featuring a Black Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
This mechanical skeleton watch is truly mesmerizing to view and uses an acknowledged Swiss mechanical hand-wind movement.
This Tissot is very easy to read with its contrasting dark blue hands (and indices) that contain lume (luminous paint). It is also water-resistant up to 165ft.
One of the most durable see-through watches for men on the list. The face of the watch is covered with sapphire crystal for excellent scratch protection. It is made from high-grade stainless steel to keep the inner workings protected.
A large part of the mechanical movement shows through both the dial and the case back. Please note that you have to wind this beauty when necessary.
You may not know that Tissot has been around since 1853 and has always been known for manufacturing affordable Swiss luxury watches.
We hope that you enjoyed our list of these watches with visible gears. If you did, take a look at the top 10 list of the best watch brands on Planet Earth.
