Quick Answer: Seiko offers skeleton watches through their Presage line (open-heart designs) and powers many third-party skeleton watches through their NH70/NH72 movements. For the best value skeleton watches with Seiko movements, consider SKYRIM's Nautilus Skeleton ($295), Royal Oak Skeleton ($295), or Santos Skeleton ($295) collections—all featuring automatic movements with visible mechanics.
What Is a Skeleton Watch?
A skeleton watch reveals the mechanical heart of horology. By removing or cutting away portions of the dial and movement plates, these watches expose the gears, springs, and escapement that make mechanical watches tick. It's watchmaking as wearable art—form meeting function in the most literal sense.
Skeleton watches appeal to those who appreciate:
- Mechanical artistry: Watching the balance wheel oscillate and gears turn
- Visual interest: A dial that's never boring—always moving, always catching light
- Conversation pieces: Non-watch people notice skeleton watches
- Horological appreciation: Understanding what makes your watch work
Three Types of Skeleton Watches
Not all skeleton watches are created equal. Understanding the three main types helps you choose the right style:
1. Full Skeleton
The most dramatic option. Both the dial and movement are extensively cut away, revealing maximum mechanical detail. You can see straight through to the caseback in many designs.
- Pros: Maximum visual impact, most mechanical detail visible
- Cons: Can be harder to read time, busy appearance
- Best for: Watch enthusiasts, special occasions, statement pieces
2. Open Heart
A more subtle approach. The dial has a window (usually at 12 or 6 o'clock) exposing the balance wheel—the "heart" of the movement. The rest of the dial remains traditional.
- Pros: Easy to read, glimpse of mechanics, more versatile
- Cons: Less dramatic than full skeleton
- Best for: Daily wear, dress watches, skeleton beginners
3. Exhibition Caseback
Technically not a "skeleton" watch, but related. A transparent caseback reveals the movement from behind, while the dial remains solid. You see the mechanics when you flip the watch over.
- Pros: Traditional dial appearance, still see the movement
- Cons: Must remove watch to appreciate mechanics
- Best for: Those who want mechanical appreciation without skeleton aesthetics
Seiko's Skeleton Movements: NH70 & NH72
Seiko Instruments (SII) produces dedicated skeleton movements that power both Seiko's own watches and countless third-party skeleton watches:
NH70A Specifications
| Type | Automatic + Manual winding |
| Diameter | 27.4mm |
| Thickness | 4.49mm |
| Jewels | 24 |
| Frequency | 21,600 bph (6 beats/sec) |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Accuracy | ±20 sec/day |
| Hacking | Yes |
| Hand-winding | Yes |
| Date | No |
NH70 vs NH72
The NH70 and NH72 are both skeleton movements with minor differences:
- NH70: Standard skeleton variant
- NH72: Alternative skeleton configuration
Both lack a date complication—skeleton dials don't have date windows since there's no solid dial to cut one into.
NH70 vs NH35 Comparison
| Feature | NH70 (Skeleton) | NH35 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Dial Type | Skeleton/Open | Solid dial |
| Date Function | No | Yes |
| Thickness | 4.49mm | 4.8mm |
| Accuracy | ±20 sec/day | ±20 sec/day |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours | 41 hours |
| Hacking/Hand-wind | Yes | Yes |
Official Seiko Skeleton Watches
Seiko offers skeleton aesthetics primarily through their Presage line:
Seiko Presage Open Heart (SSA Models)
Price: $400-550 | Movement: 4R39 | Size: 40-42mm
Seiko's Presage collection features various open-heart models with a window at 9 o'clock revealing the balance wheel. These combine Japanese dial craftsmanship with mechanical visibility. The "Cocktail Time" open-heart variants are particularly popular, featuring textured dials inspired by drinks.
Pros: Seiko brand recognition, excellent dial finishing, dressy versatility
Cons: Only open-heart (not full skeleton), limited to Presage styling
Seiko 5 Sports Skeleton
Price: $300-400 | Movement: 4R36 | Size: 42.5mm
Some Seiko 5 Sports models feature skeleton dials, offering a sportier take on the transparent aesthetic. These tend to be bolder and more casual than Presage models.
Pros: More affordable than Presage, sporty styling
Cons: Less refined finishing, larger case size
Best Seiko Skeleton Watches
For those wanting skeleton watches with Seiko movements but different aesthetics—or better value—these alternatives deliver:
Santos Skeleton Collection (Dress/Unisex)
The Santos silhouette—square case, exposed screws, Roman numerals—works beautifully as a skeleton watch. The geometric case frames the mechanical movement like a display window.
SKYRIM Mod Santos Skeleton Black
Price: $295 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 38mm | Gender: Unisex
Black-finished skeleton movement against a dark case creates a stealthy, sophisticated look. The 38mm case works for both men and women—true unisex sizing that's increasingly rare.
Best for: Dress occasions, smaller wrists, those who prefer understated skeleton aesthetics
SKYRIM Mod Santos Skeleton White
Price: $295 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 38mm | Gender: Unisex
White/silver skeleton finishing for a brighter, more visible mechanical display. The contrast makes the movement details pop.
SKYRIM Mod Santos Radiant Openwork
Price: $295 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 38mm | Gender: Unisex
A more intricate openwork pattern that balances visibility with visual complexity. Art deco meets mechanical engineering.
→ View Santos Radiant Openwork
Nautilus Skeleton Collection (Luxury Sport)
The Nautilus shape—integrated bracelet, porthole-inspired bezel—is iconic in luxury sports watches. As a skeleton, it combines sporty wearability with mechanical theater.
SKYRIM Mod Nautilus Skeleton Black
Price: $295 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 41mm
The quintessential skeleton sports watch. Black-finished movement against the distinctive Nautilus case creates a watch that's simultaneously sporty and sophisticated. The integrated bracelet flows seamlessly from the skeleton dial.
Best for: Luxury sport aesthetic, versatile daily wear
→ View Nautilus Skeleton Black
SKYRIM Mod Nautilus Skeleton Tiffany Blue
Price: $295 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 41mm
The trending Tiffany Blue color applied to skeleton finishing creates a unique, eye-catching combination. For those who want their skeleton watch to stand out.
→ View Nautilus Skeleton Tiffany Blue
SKYRIM Mod Nautilus Skeleton Green
Price: $295 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 41mm
Green skeleton finishing for a nature-inspired take on the mechanical display. Subtle yet distinctive.
→ View Nautilus Skeleton Green
Royal Oak Skeleton Collection (Luxury Sport)
The octagonal bezel and "tapisserie" pattern make Royal Oak one of the most recognizable watch designs. Skeleton versions maintain that iconic shape while revealing the mechanics within.
SKYRIM Mod Royal Oak Skeleton Black
Price: $295 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 41mm
All-black skeleton Royal Oak for maximum stealth luxury. The octagonal bezel frames the dark skeleton movement dramatically.
Best for: Bold statements, those who prefer darker aesthetics
→ View Royal Oak Skeleton Black
SKYRIM Mod Royal Oak Skeleton Silver II
Price: $295 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 41mm
Silver-toned skeleton finishing that catches light and highlights every mechanical detail.
→ View Royal Oak Skeleton Silver
Open Heart Style
For those who prefer the subtler open-heart approach over full skeleton:
SKYRIM Mod Seamaster VII Open-Heart
Price: $289 | Movement: Automatic | Size: 42mm
Dive watch meets open-heart design. The Seamaster aesthetic with a window revealing the balance wheel creates an interesting combination of tool watch and dress watch sensibilities.
Best for: Those who want subtle mechanical visibility, dive watch fans
How to Choose Your Skeleton Watch
By Style
| Your Style | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dress/Formal | Santos Skeleton | 38mm unisex size, elegant square case |
| Luxury Sport | Nautilus or Royal Oak Skeleton | Integrated bracelet, sporty-dressy versatility |
| Subtle/Understated | Seamaster Open-Heart | Partial skeleton, easier to read |
| Bold Statement | Royal Oak Skeleton Black | Maximum visual impact |
By Size
| Wrist Size | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Under 6.5" (smaller wrists) | Santos Skeleton (38mm) |
| 6.5" - 7.5" (average) | Any option works well |
| Over 7.5" (larger wrists) | Nautilus/Royal Oak (41mm) or Seamaster (42mm) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are skeleton watches harder to read?
Full skeleton watches can be more challenging to read at a glance since there's no solid dial background. However, most skeleton watches use contrasting hands and indices to maintain readability. Open-heart designs are as easy to read as standard watches since most of the dial remains solid.
Are skeleton watches durable?
Yes—the movement is protected by the same crystal and case as any watch. The skeleton design refers to the dial and movement finishing, not structural integrity. These are equally durable as non-skeleton watches.
Can I wear a skeleton watch daily?
Absolutely. Skeleton watches are fully functional timepieces. The exposed mechanics are behind sapphire/mineral crystal and protected from the elements. Choose a sportier skeleton (like Nautilus or Royal Oak) for more versatile daily wear.
How do I care for a skeleton watch?
Same as any mechanical watch:
- Keep it wound (wear it regularly or use a watch winder)
- Service every 5-7 years
- Avoid magnetic fields when possible
- Clean the crystal with a soft cloth
No special care required for the skeleton aspect—it's internal to the watch.
What's the difference between NH70 and NH35?
The NH70 is Seiko's skeleton variant—the movement bridges and plates are cut away to reveal mechanical detail. The NH35 is a standard movement with solid construction designed for traditional dials. Both have identical reliability and specs (41-hour power reserve, ±20 sec/day), but NH70 lacks a date function since skeleton dials don't have date windows.
Why don't skeleton watches have date functions?
A date function requires a date wheel and display window cut into a solid dial. Skeleton watches have no solid dial, so there's nowhere to show the date. Some skeleton watches use a small date indicator, but most embrace the no-date aesthetic for cleaner mechanical visibility.
Explore Skeleton Watches
Ready to see the mechanics of timekeeping? SKYRIM offers a range of skeleton watches—from dressy Santos to sporty Nautilus and Royal Oak designs.
- ✓ Automatic movements
- ✓ Free US Shipping
- ✓ 1-Year Warranty
- ✓ Hand-Assembled in USA
→ Shop Seiko mod Skeleton Watches
Related Reading
- NH35 vs NH38: Which Movement Is Right for You?
- NH36 vs 4R36: What's the Difference?
- 12 Best Affordable Automatic Watches Under $500
- Seiko Mod Watches Explained
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