Category: Watch Reviews

Skeleton watches combine various worlds to keep art, movement, and technology in one piece.

People who cannot do without art, mechanical movements, and analog timepieces can use these watches because they contain these qualities. 

Skeleton watches are stylish and reveal timepieces’ complex, tiny, and breathtaking mechanical workings.

If you appreciate the complexities and intricacies of watches, you would love to own one of these. However, you will not enjoy these watches if you don’t have a knack for craftsmanship. 

In our review, we consider the 25 best skeleton watches for men. This list is for you if you need timepieces where you can see the gears.

Additionally, we include a buying guide to help you obtain the best affordable skeleton watches you can find on the market. 

Are you new to luxury skeleton watches but want to understand what they are and how to appreciate them better? You can keep reading our post, and you will have your answers in a few minutes. 

What Is A Skeleton Watch?

We will first explain skeleton watches to help you understand and appreciate them. Simply put, a skeleton watch is a mechanical watch that allows you to see all the moving parts through the front, back or a small cut through the watch’s dial. 

These watches are called skeletons because they trim away non-essential metals on the plates, bridges, wheel trains, or any other mechanical parts of the watch. Hence, you will only see the bare minimalist skeleton required for full functionality. 

One thing you will notice about all skeleton watches is that they are usually limited to mechanical movements.

These watches use mechanical movements because their tiny wheels turn and move inside. Although first introduced in the 18th century, skeleton watches have come back in our day.

Now that you have understood what skeleton watches are, we will look at the 25 best skeleton watches for men in 2022.

For your convenience, we will classify these watches under several categories based on their prices. 

Best Skeleton Watches Under $200

You can obtain several cheap skeleton watches that do not cost much. We will look at some of them to give you some perspective on some of the best budget skeleton watches under $200.

Fossil Men’s Townsman Stainless Steel Mechanical Automatic Watch

This skeleton watch is a bit sophisticated for the price. Additionally, the watch offers a class to lovers of vintage style. The watch comes with a classic leather strap and a stainless steel case.

Furthermore, the see-through dial provides an exciting view of the watch’s internal design. You can use this watch for a weekend or office outing. 

The watch has a case size of 44m and a band size of 22mm. Additionally, the watch has an automatic mechanical movement with an analog display.

The cut-out skeleton dial allows you to enjoy the inner workings of this beautiful timepiece. 

If you love water-resistant watches, this timepiece is for you. The timepiece has a 50m water-resistant feature, which makes the watch your best option for short recreational swimming activities.

You can also use this watch in the shower without issues. However, you should not use this watch for deep diving or snorkeling. 

Fossil Men’s Grant Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph Watch

Like other Fossil watches you will find on the market, the Grant Stainless Steel Quartz Chronograph watch has a timeless style.

The timepiece improves the beauty of your personality and outfits with its classic design. One thing you will love about this watch is its accents and new materials. 

The Fossil Grant has navy blue and rose dial pops and a sunny design that makes it suitable for formal occasions.

The chronograph movement and shiny rose gold-tone case are why we love this watch so much. The Roman Numerals artistically balanced on the dial help to bring out the watch’s aesthetics. 

Like our previous choice, this watch has an analog three-hand display with automatic movement.

Your watch will remain scratch-resistant due to the hardened mineral crystal lens used in the watch design. Your comfort remains guaranteed with the genuine brown leather band used. 

Invicta Men’s 8926 Pro Diver Watch

The Pro Diver Watch is one of Invicta’s best skeleton watch designs. The watch offers a bold design with a poised and calm ambiance.

If you love high levels of technical innovation, you will love this skeleton watch. The watch has a Japanese Quartz movement for accuracy and reliability. 

The Invicta Men’s 8926 Pro Diver Watch has a unidirectional stainless steel bezel. Thus, you can only rotate the bezel in one direction (counter-clockwise).

The watch also has a Flame Fusion Crystal, ensuring it remains scratch-free for longer. 

Another feature you will love about this watch is its 100m water-resistance feature which beats the other two watches we reviewed.

Also, the watch comes with a chronograph which matches its bold and classic design. The watch also has a push/pull crown for easy adjustments. If you love accuracy with a touch of class, this timepiece is the best for you. 

Invicta Men’s 17185 Specialty Analog Display Mechanical Hand Wind Watch

This watch is an excellent example of a classic leather-styled strap watch. The watch has Roman numerals, providing a timeless design appeal. On top of that, the see-through center is fascinating and clear but not overbearing. 

The watch has a light gray gearing and a white environment to offer a complex look. It should be no surprise that this watch only has a 30m water resistance.

Additionally, the watch has a simple hand-wound movement and a synthetic sapphire crystal that adds to its beauty. 

The piece is not too big or small, with a case size of 42mm made from stainless steel. You also enjoy an analog display type with a leather band material with a comfortable buckle clasp. 

The watch has a stationary bezel with a silver-colored dial and a second hand for easy readability.

You can wear this timepiece with a near-perfect weight (13.33 ounces) without feeling it. You can go for this timepiece if you love simple and elegant Chinese watches. 

Thomas Earnshaw Westminster Automatic Skeleton Watch

Thomas Earnshaw’s Westminster Automatic Skeleton Watch is unlike the other watches you will find in this review. Due to its features, you will definitely notice this timepiece from a mile away.

The watch has a sub-dial for seconds and nicely designed Roman numerals on the markers. The entire dial design screams “look at me” from the moment you notice this timepiece. 

This timepiece is classy, classic, and unique, mixing black, gold, and metal moving parts. Although not very water resistant, we can excuse the timepiece because it has other enticing features for a watch of its price. The watch comes with a leather band and a Tang buckle, so you cannot use it for diving.

Additionally, the black-colored dial combined with the mineral dial window material makes the watch a perfect pick for casual and official outings.

On top of that, the watch has a mechanical hand wind that works well with its analog display. 

Overall, this round-shaped piece of craft is one you will want to pick if you have less than $200 budgeted for a skeleton watch. 

Carlien Automatic Gold Tone Watch

Carlien watches always find themselves at the top of the skeleton watch market due to their casual and unique designs, ingenuity, and American creativity.

This timepiece offers you a decent, clean look that will never go out of style. The brand uses a self-wind mechanism for this watch. 

Due to its luxury gold tone, this watch fits almost all outfits and suits every occasion. The watch is designed for men’s business, fashion, and casual outfits.

You will find genuine leather bands which offer comfort even when you wear them for extended periods. Furthermore, the buckle closure makes adjusting easy.

You will enjoy a scratch-resistant watch due to the stainless-steel watch case. Also, the 30m water resistant feature ensures that your watch remains waterproof from brief immersions and minor splashes of water. However, you should not use this watch for diving or swimming.

Carrie Hughes Men’s Steampunk Skeleton

If you love sporty watches, the Carrie Hughes Men’s Steampunk Skeleton watch is just what you need. The all-metal case and band provide a sporty look.

However, the gold-colored mechanism with a black bezel and face makes this watch stand out. 

This watch is one of the least-priced pieces on our list. Thus, it shouldn’t surprise you that it only has a 10m water resistance feature.

While the watch may not be up there regarding water resistance, it’s still a reasonable buy for a budget skeleton watch. 

The watch has an automatic mechanical movement. However, you have to wind up the watch before each usage. The watch also marks the movement of time with a series of gear mechanisms that work with your wrist movement.

Also, the timepiece combines color and light for its photochromic glass (magic crystal glass) feature. Hence, the color of the glass automatically changes with the intensity of sunshine. 

You will notice that the dial colors become different when viewing from different angles and under different lighting conditions.

Furthermore, the timepiece has a classic vintage dial with a Steam Punk appearance and a hollow skeleton design. 

Skagen Men’s Holst Automatic Stainless Steel Skeleton Watch

Like other Skagen watches, this timepiece has an aesthetically decent and straightforward design. The simple design works well with every style you choose. The watch has a chronograph movement, stainless steel case, and a slim sunray dial. 

The automatic movement has a built-in rotor that is motion-activated. Thus, you do not need a battery to power this watch.

All you need to do is move your wrist, and the watch begins to work. The genuine leather hands allow for a comfortable feel.

Furthermore, the 30m water resistant feature protects your watch from potential damages caused by immersion in water and little splashes. 

Forsining Retro Watch for Men

Forsining Retro watch is one of the practical watches you can wear. The watch has a retro design with ancient Roman numerals on the dial. Additionally, the South African diamonds used on the watch produce the full retro style.

You will also find a precision laser engraving 3D technology on the dial. The 3D flower engraving dial has a unique pattern that makes it shinier and more retro.

This self-winding watch does not require a battery to function. All you need to do is keep winding it after a few hours to maintain the precision.

Best Skeleton Watches Under 300

Swatch Men’s Stainless Automatic Watch

This timepiece is an entry-level invention with a black stainless steel case with a diameter measuring 42mm. You can think of this watch as a semi-skeleton watch.

The watch has a central cutaway that exposes some parts of the watch’s movement under the dial. While it is not the best on the market, it’s one of the most affordable budget skeleton watches you can buy.

The watch has curved plastic glass with automatic movement. Additionally, this timepiece comes with a brown leather strap for comfortability and a pin buckle to ensure easy adjusting.

The black dial on the watch contains black Arabic numerals and hands together with luminescent hands and a date display to match. 

Stuhrling Original Men’s Watch

This timepiece offers some of the best features in a budget skeleton watch. The watch has a GMT dual-time zone on the smaller time dial.

Additionally, you will find an AM/PM indicator that differentiates the time of the day and a lasting self-winding movement. 

The watch also has crocodile leather, which matches the watch’s gold and silver body. Also, you can enjoy a shatter-resistant watch due to the Krystenrna Crystal feature used in its design.

For all its goodness, this watch isn’t big on the hand. You will find that the case size is only 41mm, which fits perfectly on your wrist. 

Charles-Hubert, Paris Men’s 3874 Premium collection

The Charles-Hubert watch is another budget skeleton watch you will love to own. One outstanding feature about this timepiece is that it contains a 17-jewel mechanical movement that offers style and precision at the same time.

In addition, the watch can resist splashes of water and rain with its 30m water resistance feature. 

The stainless-steel case ensures that you enjoy durability, while the skeleton dial allows you to see the moving parts.

This round 2011 mineral-dial window skeleton watch has a case diameter of 48mm. Hence, the watch is suitable for people with big wrists. 

Seagull Doble Skeleton M182SK

This Chinese timepiece uses a Seagull movement and is one of the best-looking pieces in this price range. The watch uses the automatic ST1602 movement for precision and accuracy.

Also, you can see the rotor and other components through the exhibition case back. You will just love how the brand decorates each visible part. 

The timepiece has an entire chapter ring that helps with legibility. Additionally, the blued hands also ensure you can read time perfectly.

However, the brand ensures that the hands remain thin to maintain the skeletal outlook. This watch suits individuals with small wrists as it has a case size of 38.5mm.

Best Skeleton Watches Under $500

Maserati Men’s R882111900

This watch has everything you need – from style to class to comfort. The Maserati Men’s R8821119003 comes with a two-year warranty.

This warranty tells you how much confidence the brand has in this product. One outstanding feature you will love about this skeletonized watch is its design.

The watch has a white silver dial color that matches the brown leather strap. In addition, the leather strap makes it easier to wear this skeleton watch for more extended periods.

You can also enjoy the analog display while wearing this 44mm watch.

Invicta Men’s 24707 Coalition Forces

This timepiece is your pick if you need a standout skeletonized watch with a bit of bling. The watch has a thick silver-colored bezel that makes it pretty hard not to notice.

Additionally, you can enjoy the visible mechanics with lum-coated gold hands that make it easy to tell the time.

This watch has you covered if you want to enjoy some serious outdoor sports with water. This timepiece offers 200m water resistance and a rubber band, making it suitable for swimming and shallow diving. On top of that, the watch has a well-protected crown, making it almost impossible to damage.

Bulova Men’s Automatic Open Aperture Watch

This watch is one from the classic automatic collection. Its stainless steel case, exhibition case back, and silver and blue skeleton dial are some of its standout features.

Other features you will find enticing are its shatter-resistant mineral glass, excellent self-winding movement, and a steel bracelet that has a double-press deployable closure for comfort. 

Also, the watch is a fully skeletonized timepiece with three hands and an automatic movement. The silver-tone stainless steel matches any outfit you pick, while the mineral crystal preserves the watch by increasing its durability.

A good feature you will love is the 100m water resistance, and the resistance makes this skeletonized timepiece suitable for swimming.

Relic Round Automatic Skeletonized Watch

This timepiece is an all-stainless invention from this brand. One outstanding feature of this watch is that it allows you to enjoy the best of two worlds – dive and style.

The skeleton’s interior has a complex and multi-colored outlook. Hence, the watch stands out well from its monochrome gray dial exterior. 

The stainless steel band matches the watch style and color, while the automatic movement provides precision. Furthermore, the stainless steel case contains a fixed bezel with a case size of 42mm.

You can also enjoy the view through the mineral crystal window. However, this watch only has a water resistance feature of 50m, making it suitable for light water activities. 

Best Skeleton Watches Under $1,000

Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Automatic Skeleton Watch

This watch ensures that everything you see beneath its sapphire crystal face remains organized. The overall presentation of this watch speaks of tightness and density.

Also, the timepiece has a well-demarcated chapter ring and clean circular repetitions of “Hamilton Viwmatic” under the indices. 

There’s also a gray bridge that curves and cuts across the movement, joining the dark outer ring to the metallic tones of the movement.

Many of the components used in this watch have distinctive H-shaped patterns. The decorations used in this timepiece echo the manufacturer’s name, thus giving the watch a unique flair. 

Another outstanding feature is the bevels where th lugs meet the case side. This arrangement gives off an eye candy outlook under the perfect lighting and adds some body to the skeletonized frame.

Additionally, you will enjoy the H-10 movement, which has an 80-hour power reserve. What could go wrong while using this skeletonized beast of a watch?

Best Skeleton Watches Above $1,000

We have considered some budget-friendly watches, and we have also included some luxury watches in our roundup. Here are some timeless pieces you can obtain if you have some extra cash to spare.

Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 Chronograph Automatic Men’s Watch

The very first thing you will notice about this watch is its design. With a 44mm case design, this watch stands out with its black case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window.

The watch uses a deployable clasp combined with a Cordura Effect rubber band to ensure class and longevity while used in water. 

You can use this watch for swimming due to its 100m water resistance feature. Also, the watch has an analog display type and an automatic movement to match.

The watch has the lightest chronograph caliber on the market today (15.9g). An exciting feature of this watch is that it contains only 31 jewels and 328 working parts.

Hublot Classic Fusion Classico

If there’s anything you should know about Hublot, they always show up with the best. Their Classic Fusion timepiece is a wonderful one for modern aesthetic lovers.

Additionally, the brand adds a tradition to the timepiece to ensure a close balance between contemporary and vintage life. 

The movement comes in a 45mm satin-finished titanium-covered case. Also, the watch has an intimidating 90-hour power reserve.

For a watch this pricey, it is disappointing to see that it only has a 50m water resistance feature. However, the design’s black leather strap and deployable clasp tell you the watch wasn’t made for diving.

Raymond Weil freelancer

Everything about this timepiece screams class. The brand combines its mainspring, escapement, and train into a greatly-designed watch case. On top of that, the watch has a nice contrast and blue hands, which offer legibility against the white-colored dial.

The watch comes with a rose-colored band and a fold-over clasp, making easier adjustments. Additionally, the timepiece has an automatic movement and a 100m water-resistant feature. 

Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre

The first thing you will notice about this skeletonized watch is its mechanical precision inspired by high-performance motorsports.

The timepiece has a modern masculine design comprising 39 jewel movements for complexity. Also, the watch has a black and white dial with a lovely touch of red. 

The movement comes well packaged in a modular case obtained from several layered materials.

Additionally, the brand uses a beautiful black titanium-coated stainless steel case for a truly modern finish. The watch has a water resistance of 100m and combines a black rubber band with a deployment clasp.

Tissot Men’s T0704051641100

There’s everything to love about a Swiss-made Tissot skeleton watch, and this timepiece is not any different.

The Tissot T-Complication is another outstanding timepiece you will find at the budget end of your luxury watch collection. This timepiece comes with the best modern aesthetics that showcase exquisite details. 

The hand-wound movement fits perfectly into the 43mm case. Furthermore, this beauty comes with a black leather strap that goes with any outfit you pick.

The scratch-resistant sapphire, analog display, and fixed bezel material work hand-in-hand for a perfectly finished skeleton watch.  

Oris Manual Wind

This watch can become everything you want it to be, from sporty, elegant, modern, and complex. How the watch remains a practical timepiece with a nice variation is impressive.

This timepiece contains a 44mm titanium case, and the titanium makes the watch lightweight though it may seem big on the hands. 

The watch comes with an in-house Caliber 115 movement and a whooping 10-day power reserve which is the best you will find on the market today. In addition, you will find a visible mainspring at the top side of your watch display.

Another striking thing is the finishing, dominated by dark greys and silvers, which offer an almost spartan style.

Rado True Square Automatic Open Heart Men’s Watch

Rado’s timepieces are some of the best quality skeleton watches you can buy. This automatic skeleton watch offers as much visual content as the movement itself.

One thing you will first notice about this watch is the dial design. The dial forms a connection of bridges that help you to focus on the caliber. 

The caliber contains a well-placed balance, circular cutaways, a jewel bearing, and a wheel. Additionally, the integrated bracelet and case come from ceramic.

Hence, you will enjoy a scratch-resistant and lightweight design with this product. The watch also has four colorways you can consider: black and white, black and yellow, white and tan, and dusty blue. 

Accutron Spaceview 2020

This futuristic watch showcases the future of watchmaking. Equipped with modern electrostatic movement technology, this piece oozes high-level design. Displayed in the front sapphire crystal are two electrostatic turbines in the lower half of the dial that generate power. They spin restlessly to provide the watch with pinpoint accuracy and all the advanced functions this piece is renowned for. 

The case is made of stainless steel. The bezel comes with an Accutron logo and turbine design stamped across the back. The diameter measures out to 43.5mm, with a thickness of 15.9mm and a water resistance of 50m. 

The strap is beautiful. A matte black genuine American alligator strap, it’s sleek and subtle which highlights the futuristic nature of the watch. 

Buying Guide for Men’s Skeleton Watches

There are several things you can consider when looking for skeleton watches for men. We will quickly go over these guidelines to help you understand how to make your pick.

Gear Exposure

You can buy your watch based on the gear exposure. You can consider three types of gear exposure: partially exposed gears, watches with complete skeletonized movements, and watches with small cutaways. The kind of gear you go for depends on your preference.

Watch Movement

Skeleton watches have mechanical movements. However, you can pick between manual or automatically winded watches.

An automatic watch only needs you to rotate your wrist for it to create energy to wind the mainsprings. The manual movement is quite the opposite – you must wind it yourself.

Material Used

Picking the watch material should be of your topmost considerations. Some watches cost much due to the materials used in their production. Such materials may include platinum, gold, and others.

You can pick gold, platinum, or other expensive materials if you have the money. Chances are that these watches will last longer. However, you can go for a stainless steel material if you have a tight budget.

Purchase Objective

You need to know why you buy a skeleton watch to help you make the best pick. For example, it would be wrong to pick a watch with a 50m water resistance feature if you want to dive with your watch. In such case, you must search for a skeleton watch with a higher water resistance feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are skeleton watches expensive?

You can find skeleton watches for different budgets. Thus, you can get a skeleton watch depending on the budget you have at hand.

There are skeleton watches for $100 or less, $200, $500, and even others that cost as much as $20,000+. The type of material used for the timepiece and other factors determine the watch’s price.

What are skeleton watches called?

Skeleton watches are simply skeleton watches. However, some people call these timepieces skeletonized watches or mechanical watches. The most famous name you will find on the market is skeleton watches.

Are there skeleton watches for women?

Indeed, there are outstanding skeleton watches for women. However, we have focused on skeleton watches for men in this article. Perhaps we will consider the best skeleton watches for women in our next article.

What do you call a watch where you can see the inside?

Watches, where you can see the inside, are generally referred to as skeleton watches. These watches have lean trimmings that allow you to see the inner movements through the back, front, or some cutaways in the dial.

How long do skeleton watches last?

The longevity of a skeleton watch depends on several factors. First, it depends on the material used in producing the watch. Additionally, the handling also matters. If you handle your skeleton watch with care, it will last for many years.

What is the best skeleton watch?

There are many exciting skeleton watches you can find on the internet. We have highlighted 25 of the best men’s skeleton watches for you to consider. You can review our detailed list again to pick your desired product.

Are skeleton watches fashionable?

You can find fashionable skeleton watches depending on your taste. Some of these skeletonized watches suit classic outfits, while others have a sporty outlook. You will have to consider each watch to pick the one that works best for you.

Conclusion

We have outlined the 25 best skeleton watches for men in our article. The watches we have outlined come from reputable and trustworthy brands.

Thus, you can expect the best products from the names on our list. We have outlined watches from different budget categories on our list. 

You can find the cheapest watches if you want a budget watch. Additionally, you can go for the more expensive luxury skeletonized watches we have included in our list.

We also added a buying guide and a FAQ section to give you more perspective on the best skeleton watches for men. 

One misconception about purchasing a sapphire crystal watch is that it has to be expensive to be quality.

No matter your budget, we rounded up the 15 best sapphire crystal watches, ranging from around $240 to $60,000.

It includes a classic dress watch, a rugged diver’s watch, and a dress watch with a sporty edge. Countries vary from Japan, Germany, and Switzerland.

One has traveled to the end of the Earth, and another has walked across the moon. But, these well-engineered and stylish watches all have one thing in common: a sapphire crystal.

Our favorite

Seiko Prospex SPB143

Around $1,200.00. The Seiko Prospex SPB143 is a modern interpretation of the 62MAS and is part of the “1965 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation” series.

The 40.5mm curved stainless steel case and solid case back are applied with Seiko’s DiaShield to protect them from most dings and scratches.

The vintage-style sapphire crystal protects a black dial with conventional hands that are half-brushed and half-polished.

The hands, applied markers, and coin edge bezel have Lumibrite for legibility. Seikos’ 6R35 automatic movement powers the watch. It beats at 21,600 vph and has a 70-hour power reserve.

The stainless steel strap includes short, drilled lugs, which makes it quick and easy to attach straps. It also has Seiko’s DiaShield for extra protection. It has 200m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watches under $300

Seiko SNE529

Around $240. The 40mm stainless steel case features polished and brushed finishes on the bezel and other case components. Additionally, it has a screwed-on stainless steel case back.

It has a sunburst emerald green dial, long sword-shaped hands, and yellow gold hour markings. The hour and minute hands each have bevels that greatly enhance the dial’s contrast.

The dial’s edge is grey/white and has a lighter green tone. At three o’clock, a push-pull crown and a day-and-date window with a black background.

This watch has a solar-powered Seiko internal caliber V158 Solar Quartz, with a frequency of 32,768 Hz and a 10-hour power reserve.

A brown embossed leather strap and tang buckle complete a clean look. It has 100m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watches under $500

Seiko Presage SARY055

Around $280. A conventional dress watch, the Seiko Presage SARY055 has a flat anti-reflective sapphire crystal that protects the dial in a 41mm case.

The display case back is protected by a Hardlex crystal and displays the internal Seiko automatic movement 4R36A. It operates at 21,600 vph and has a 40-hour power reserve. 

The two-step sloping chapter ring on the metallic white dial features blue minutes and sub-minutes markings.

It also has sizable blue dauphin hands and polished hour markings adorn the dial. Lastly, the date and day wheels can display Kanji or English.

Three positions exist on the push-in and pull-out crown. The first position manually winds the watch; the second position changes the day and date complications, and the third position changes the time.

The bracelet links have solid end links with a pin and collar to bind them together. It has 100m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watches under $1,000

Seiko Prospex SPB077: 1968 automatic diver’s modern re-interpretation

Around $1,050. Seiko’s and Japan’s first dive watch was released in 1965, upgraded to 300m, and had a 10-beat automatic movement in 1968.

Seiko’s Prospex collection commemorates the famed dive watch’s 50th anniversary with a modern interpretation of the 1968 design.

In many ways, the rugged Prospex SPB077’s design continues to pay tribute to the original.

It has similar six, nine, and twelve-hour markers that feature squared arrows with large circles in front of them.

However, its 44mm stainless steel case is thinner and coated with Seiko’s Dia shield that minimizes scratches. Its tooth-edged, rounded, and unidirectional black bezel is narrower and slimmer.

Additionally, there are silver highlights rather than gold. It also features redesigned LumiBrite hour markers, matte black finished hands, and a Prospex logo. 

It houses the automatic 6R15 caliber with 21,600 vibrations per hour and a 50-hour power reserve.

It sports a three-link steel Dia-Shield bracelet with a 2mm taper from lug to clasp. The main link has flat brushed top surfaces with flat polished bevels, but the side links have conventional rounded edges. It has 200m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $1,500

Seiko Presage SPB205 limited edition watch

Around $1,150. Honoring Seiko’s 140th anniversary, Japanese sunrises inspired the Presage SPB 2015’s design.

It sports an angular 39.3mm black case with a design reminiscent of Seiko’s signature “Grammar of Design” from the 1960s. Only 4,000 units are available.

The intricately rich texture of the graduated dial incorporates features of a motif known as asanoha, or “hemp leaf.”

Traditionally used for fabrics, this geometric pattern with textured surface shimmers in the light. Since the Heian period (794-1185 AD), it has been a part of Japanese culture, which brought good health and prosperity, especially to the young.

The hands and stick markers have been painted with Lumibrite for legibility and accented with gold. A date aperture can be viewed at 3 o’clock.

It has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and its transparent case back shows Seiko’s caliber 6R35 automatic movement. It beats at 21,600 vph with a 70-hour power reserve. 

It has wide lugs and a “super-hard black coating” finish on the bracelet. It has 100m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $4,000

Seiko Marine Master “MM300” Prospex SLA023J1

Around $3,100. The zaratsu polished 44.3mm case includes a monobloc dial (no physically detachable case back).

The mirror blade polished by Grand Seiko, the ‘zaratsu’ method, requires three years of training before a watchmaker can polish cases in this manner.

A “Big Wave” emblem and lettering are engraved on the case back. It also has engraving for the reference number, serial number, water resistance, etc.

An anti-reflective sapphire glass protects the deep blue sunburst dial. The hands have been painted with Lumibrite for legibility and have a beautiful brushed appearance. Logos, markers, and the central second hand have a gold accent.

The unidirectional rotating bezel also features a luminous triangle and a 5, 10, 15, and 20-minute indicator.

Seiko’s Diashield technology protects the bracelet’s polished and brushed metal components against scratches and dings. It also comes with a unique black rubber strap.

The self-winding 8L35B caliber beats at 28,880 vph, has 50 hours of power reserve, and comes with 26 jewels. It has 300m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $6,000

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 

Around $5,700. The 41mm stainless steel case houses a dome anti-reflective sapphire crystal and an exhibition case back that displays the in-house Co-Axial 8800 Calibre.

The case’s slab sides have a coarse-grain, horizontally brushed finish. The tops of the lyre lugs are polished with a circular brush, and the organic curves frame the case.

Most of the crown is polished and is attached to the case side in a slight recess. The white dial has a “teak” patterned dial with raised indices and horizontal stripes.

It has Super-LumiNova coated hands, indices, and a date window. The Co-Axial 8800 Calibre is a “master chronometer” certified timepiece with a power reserve of 55 hours, anti-magnetic up to 15,000 gausses, and a frequency of 25,200 vph.

This certification is a step beyond the typical COSC rating. It has to pass eight tests, including magnetism resistance at different exposure levels, function accuracy during extreme magnetism, chronometric day-to-day precision, and others.

The clasp is a sequential folding dual arc with push-button actuators for release. The underside construction of the rocker’s arms is polished and curved. It has 150m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $10,000

Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar Green Dial

Around $9,900. The 40mm stainless steel and 18kt red gold case has a mixture of brushing on the sides, and the top sides of the lugs and bezel are polished.

It also has a signed crown with the double-g logo.  The PanoMaticLunar’s case is polished and brushed and holds an anti-reflective sapphire crystal that protects the gradient deep forest green dial.

The white gold hour hands and seconds dial have Super-LumiNova. Two circular displays occupy the left side; the smaller one is the extra second’s register, while the larger one has attached baton markers and lume-filled alpha-shaped hands.

The sapphire crystal exhibition case back displays the highly decorated, automatic, in-house-produced caliber 90-02. It beats at 28,880 vph, has 47 jewels, and has a 42-hour power reserve. 

A brown nubuck leather strap completes the piece with a pin buckle or folding clasp. Additionally, it comes with a bracelet with a machined clasp, a double-button security release, and micro-adjustments on a tiny ratchet system. The links have a brushed-out polished center link. It has 50m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $15,000

Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon

Around $12,000. Omega’s Speedmaster Darkside of the Moon is the first Speedmaster made entirely of ceramic.

The arduous process of multiple rounds of intense heating followed by meticulous detailing with diamond-tipped tools results in a 44.25mm casing. Then it’s polished by alumnia granules and a diamond pasted wheel.

A highly domed box-type sapphire crystal with an anti-glare treatment guards the dial and extends above the bezel.

A zirconium oxide polished dial is contrasted by Superluminova coated 18k white gold indices, hour, minute, and elapsed chronograph seconds. It also has a color-coordinated date window.

A matte chromium nitride-coated and laser-engraved tachymeter scale complements the bezel’s polished finish. On the case side, two pushers operate the vertical column-wheel chronograph.

The sapphire crystal exhibition case displays the Omega Co-Axial caliber 9300. The 54-jewel, distinctive double-barrel chronograph with COSC certification beats at 4 Hz and has a 60-hour power reserve. 

A technical nylon fabric strap with a polished black buckle, leather backing, and red contrast stitching completes the design. It has 50m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $20,000

Omega Olympic Official Timekeeper Limited Edition

Around $16,800. The Omega Olympic Official Timekeeper was designed to commemorate its rich heritage and the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Drawing upon a 1932 pocket watch design, it’s a contemporary sports watch with a vintage feel.

The 39mm, 18k yellow gold three-body case has gently curved lugs and a flat bezel that are polished and brushed.

Its anti-reflective sapphire crystal covers a lacquered white dial with a vintage red OMEGA symbol, black Arabic numerals, black painted minutes and seconds scale, and blue-steel hands and center sweep. 

The five iconic rings of the Olympic Games, “Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games,” and the watch’s limited edition number (out of 188) are engraved on the case back.

A limited edition Omega 3203 caliber is housed inside and has a manual-winding chronograph movement with a column wheel mechanism and Co-Axial escapement. It beats at 28,000 vph, has 55 hours of power reserve, and has 33 jewels.

It has a brown leather strap, an 18k rose gold tang buckle, and a retro Omega logo. It has 30m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $25,000

Breguet Marine 5527TI/Y1/TW0

Around $24,100. The Breguet Marine 5527TI has a titanium 42.3mm case with straight and sharp lines that contrast with polished and chamfered edges on the pushers and case side.

Fluting on the case back and a wave décor surrounds the crown. Anti-reflective sapphire glass protects a blue dial with lume-filled Roman numerals and hands, three ‘raised’ chronographs and a date aperture with a matching color background.

The elegant self-winding Breguet 582QA movement and skeletonized rotor are visible through the sapphire exhibition case. It has an inverted in-line Swiss lever escapement with silicon pallets and balance spring.

The 582QA beats at 28,800 vph, has 28 jewels, and 48 hours of power reserve. A titanium bracelet with vertically brushed and polished links complements the watch. It has 100m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $30,000

Arnold & Son DSTB Saintless Steel

Around $30,700. The Arnold & Son DSTB (Dial Side True Beat) 43mm stainless steel canonical-shaped case has a polished and narrow bezel and the Arnold & Son logo on the crown. The wide-screen sapphire crystal accentuates the depth of the dials.

Three open-worked bridges support the ‘true beat mechanism’ (also known as ‘deadbeat seconds’) that are black ADLC treated with sizable circular finishing and screws with beveled and mirror-polished heads.

It increases the accuracy because it measures time in completed one-second steps instead of fractions determined by the balance frequency. A large sapphire crystal chapter ring and a slender arrowhead display the seconds.

It also has a silvery-white lacquered dial, blue hands, and open-worked tips that rotate around Roman numerals.

The lever, wheels, and three palladium-treated bridges are arranged well for a charming display. Explicitly created for DSTB, a self-winding Arnold A&S6003 movement is seen back in the sapphire exhibition case.

It has a NAC grey-treated, diamond-shaped motif and features Haute Horlogerie finished with hand-chamfered and a satin-finished lever and bridges.

The A&S6003 has 32 jewels, 45 hours of power reserve, and beats at 28,800 vphs. It is completed by a hand-stitched black or brown alligator leather strap with a folding deployment clasp. It has 30 meters of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $35,000

Breguet Tradition 7097BR/G1/9WU

Around $32,700. Drawing inspiration from the souscription pocket watch, the Breguet Tradition 7097BR blends original elements with a modern design.

A 40mm 18k rose gold case and anti-reflective sapphire crystal display an open-worked skeleton that reveals bridges, wheels, escapement, barrel, and other parts. The silvered gold hobnail guilloche patterned dial has Breguet steel, polished blue minute and hour hands, and roman numerals.

Lastly, it has an arched scale with a blue retrograde seconds hand. Similar to the souscription pocket watch, a mainspring barrel is found at the center of the movement and has a starfish-like five-armed design for the train wheels.

Breguet also implemented the spare-shock anti-shock system. A unique serial number can be found on the dial and case back.

The exhibition sapphire case back displays the inverted souscription movement, the 505 SR1 caliber, which uses a silicon balance spring with a free-sprung adjustable mass balance.

It has 38 jewels, a 50-hour power reserve, and beats at 21,600 vph. Breguet’s signature straight lugs are welded onto the case and use screw pins to securely hold the alligator bracelet straps. It has 30m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $50,000

Laurent Ferrier Square Micro-Rotor Navy Blue Dial

Around $46,000. The polished and cushion-shaped 41mm stainless steel three-body case with a highly domed sapphire crystal. It has polished scalloped lugs, signature steel winding ball-shaped crown, and a stepped bezel.

The satin-brushed navy blue dial has faceted 18k white gold drop-shaped hour markers, Assegai-shaped arrow hands, and indices.

It also has a recessed blue guilloche auxiliary dial with subtle sky-blue markers and an 18k white gold baton-shaped seconds hand.

The exhibition sapphire case back displays the FBN229.01 automatic caliber with a double direct-impulse escapement and a small oscillating weight that offers pawl-equipped, unidirectional winding.

Wheel spokes are beveled, screw hands are chamfered and polished, and it has a lubrication-free silicon escapement.

It has 35 jewels, beats at 21,600 vph, and 72- hours of power reserve. The timepiece is complete with a blue alligator leather strap with Alcantra lining, matching stitching, and stainless steel tang buckle. It has 30m of water resistance.

Sapphire crystal watch under $60,000

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Purity White Gold Blue

Around $60,000. The watch features a polished and brushed 18k white gold 42mm case, concave sides on the lugs, a slight domed bezel, and a crown adorned with an ‘M.’ It has a minimalist gradient dial that displays only the essentials.

The midnight fume dial has a sunburst pattern with leaf-shaped hands, indices at 6 and 12 o’clock, a perpetual calendar, a power reserve indicator, running seconds sub-dial. Engraved on the curved case back is the piece’s limited edition number out of 50.

The exhibition case back displays the HMC 800 manual-winding Perpetual Calendar movement, interchangeable Moser escapement, and original Straumann Hairspring with stabilized Breguet over-coil.

It beats at 18,000 vph, has 168 hours of power reserve, and has 32 jewels. The black alligator leather strap has a pin buckle, and a red leather lining completes the design. It has 30m of water resistance.

What is Sapphire Crystal?

History of sapphire crystal

In the 1930s, they served as dial guards. By utilizing it on reference 5100 in 1970, Rolex set the standard for other luxury companies.

The brand also developed a unique green sapphire as part of its ongoing innovation. During World War I & II, acrylic glass was manufactured for submarines, gun turrets, and other structures.

Is sapphire glass good for a watch?

Watch design, legibility, and aesthetics significantly affect the crystal’s structure. Domed and flat shapes are the most typical shapes for sapphire crystals.

A flat crystal is easier to read underwater, while a domed crystal may cause a dial to go blank at specific angles. 

“Box-shaped” crystals are raised a few millimeters above the bezel, protruding the edges. These are often seen in vintage watches and use acrylic crystals. This design can be visually appealing and bestow a retro feel to modern watches.

Dive watches can be affected by a crystal’s shape. Domed crystals cause the dial to go blank, while flat crystals are easier to read underwater.

Another issue is that surfaces with flat interiors and domed exteriors might distort vision. For a clear view of a dial, “double-domed” crystals have curved surfaces on the outside and inside. 

Is sapphire glass real sapphire?

This ultra-hard crystal is a superior scratch-resistant glass-like material created in a laboratory at high temperatures.

Heat causes it to turn into a pulp, cut into pieces with diamond-coated saws. The watch glasses are then polished and cut. 

What’s the benefit of sapphire crystal?

Of the three most used crystals (acrylic and mineral), it is the most costly, hardest, and legible. The majority of other horology companies add an anti-reflective coating to improve visibility.

Does sapphire watch glass scratch?

It isn’t easy to scratch, but once it is, polishing becomes challenging. A few extreme situations also will cause one to break. It is more prone to cracking or fracturing than acrylic. Sapphire scores 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

Pros:

• The best dial for preventing scratches.
• Out of the three, it has the best clarity, especially with anti-reflective.
• Diamonds and moissanite only surpass its hardness.

Cons:

• The most costly option.
• Less shatterproof than mineral and acrylic dials