Top 7 Open Heart Watches: Affordable and Aesthetics

Open heart watches stand as a testament to both artistic innovation and mechanical precision in the watchmaking industry – where intricate craftsmanship meets timeless elegance. These unique timepieces offer a captivating window into the heart of the watch, revealing the intricate dance of gears, springs, and balance wheels that power their movement.

In its real application, open heart watches have a hole in the dial, showcasing the anatomy of the watch working and constantly spinning back and forth. Beyond mere timekeeping devices, open-heart watches are a fusion of engineering mastery and aesthetic allure, captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Following a huge interest and demand for this unique and intriguing timepiece, many watch brands make their own version of the best open heart watches. The result is a wide array of designs, models, and even prices. This article will take you to look closely at timepieces that display a magical moment in plain sight. 

The Anatomy of Open Heart Watches

Open-heart watches, also known as skeleton watches, distinguish themselves by their transparent dials, allowing a view into the inner workings of the movement. The term “open-heart” aptly describes the design, as a portion of the dial is cut away to expose the meticulously crafted components underneath. 

This intricate arrangement reveals not only the passage of time but also the complex ballet of gears and springs working in harmony. Each movement, whether it’s an automatic, manual, or even a tourbillon, is on display for the wearer to admire.

The design of an open-heart watch is a blend of technical precision and artistic creativity. Master watchmakers meticulously arrange the exposed components to create a visually pleasing tableau. 

Every gear, balance wheel and escapement lever is carefully positioned to create a symphony of movement that is both mesmerizing and functional. The craftsmanship required to achieve this delicate balance between mechanics and aesthetics is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans behind these timepieces.

Read also: How Watches are Made: Key Steps into Crafting Timepieces

Best Open Heart Watches Under $500

As mentioned before, there is a wide range of open heart watches available in the market, including the most affordable one. In this section, we’ll first take a look at some affordable open heart watches as a starter for your collection.

Seiko Presage “Style60’s” Series Open-Heart White Ref. SARY189

With the open heart design, the Seiko Presage “Style60’s” Series Open-Heart White Ref. SARY189 allows enthusiasts to witness the intricate mechanics of the movement in action. The transparent dial offers a window into the meticulously crafted components, showcasing the rhythmic dance of gears, balance wheels, and springs that power the watch.

Positioned between the 10 and 11 o’clock marks, the inclusion of a 24-hour subdial introduces a charming touch of intricacy to the overall composition. It displays a ‘workhorse’ movement, the 4R39 that boasts remarkable robustness from the proprietary Diashock anti-shock system.

Other than this silvery-white dial, you might also want to take a peek at its rose gold counterparts. Compared to the white dial, this Seiko open heart watch radiates a sense of a sporty timepiece – thanks to the combination of rose gold and black colors.

Price: $410.00 USD

Orient Star Mechanical Classic Sky Blue Ref. RE-AT0203L

A captivating and minimalist design of Orient Star Mechanical Classic Sky Blue Ref. RE-AT0203L is elevated with the semi-skeleton design on the dial. It makes a great contrast and irony between a soft pastel blue dial and the intricacy shown through the open-heart dial.

The openwork aperture located at 9 o’clock showcases the pulsating core of the mechanism, observing the dynamic components in motion is undeniably a delightful spectacle. Further, the wearer can also enjoy the working movement through the see-through caseback.

Price: $386.00 USD

Best Open Heart Watches Under $1000

For those with a higher budget, you might want to consider open heart watches under $1000 or even more. Let’s dive into a little bit of pricey choices.

Seiko Presage Automatic Sharp Edged Open-Heart Aitetsu Blue Ref. SARJ003

Seiko’s open heart watches are without a doubt an impressive lineup. The Presage Automatic Sharp Edged Open-Heart Aitetsu Blue is among its kind. This special watch flaunts an enchantingly mesmerizing dial – not only because of the open-dial work but also the brazen dial finishing. 

Presented as one of Seiko’s premium collections, the watch flaunts a sporty yet elegant style. The novelty lies in its open-heart presentation positioned at 9 o’clock, adorned with an exquisite pattern, slightly intersected by its 24-hour display sub-dial situated at the 6 o’clock position.

Price: $960.00 USD

Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Lady Auto Blue – Bracelet Ref. H32215141

The next candidate for the best open heart watch comes from Hamilton – known for its long and rich history of American brands combined with Swiss engineering. The Jazzmaster Open Heart Lady Auto Blue seamlessly merges classic design with modern innovation, creating a harmonious blend that appeals to the sophisticated woman with a penchant for horological beauty.

The primary highlight of the timepiece captivates observers through its striking semi-skeletal deep blue dial. Several openings on the dial provide a tantalizing view of the impeccably crafted and intricate mechanical components responsible for the watch’s operation, resulting in an enjoyable and engaging encounter.

Price: $970.00 USD 

Price: Top 7 Recommendations of Hamilton Watches under $1000

Orient Star Sports Semi-Skeleton Black Pwr Rsv Ref. RK-AT0101B

The next open heart watch to look forward to is the Orient Star Sports Semi-Skeleton Black Pwr Rsv Ref. RK-AT0101B. The watch comes with a bold and sporty design. Further, it stands out with its captivating semi-skeletonized dial, showcasing the intricate inner workings of its movement.

The watch’s sleek black color palette adds a touch of sophistication and versatility, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions. Not only does the watch make an appealing attraction for its openwork dial theme but also a reliable tool watch as it falls under Orient Star’s premium Sports collection. 

Price: $714.00 USD

Mido Multifort Skeleton Vertigo Rhodium Ref. M038.436.11.031.00

When it comes to Mido’s collection, elegance and impressive craftsmanship are the words for their watches. The Multifort Skeleton Vertigo Rhodium Ref. M038.436.11.031.00 is a striking and intricate timepiece that seamlessly marries technical craftsmanship with contemporary design.

This open-heart watch from the renowned Multifort collection by Mido offers a mesmerizing view into the heart of its movement, inviting enthusiasts to explore its intricate mechanisms. The transparent dial, a hallmark of open-heart watches, reveals the intricate interplay of gears, balance wheels, and springs that power the timekeeping functions.

Price: $950.00 USD

Rado True Square Automatic Open Heart White Ref. R27073012

Looking for a more contemporary design with the intricacy of open heart watches? The Rado True Square Automatic Open Heart White is the solution for your taste. The watch features a unique open-heart dial, a hallmark of Rado’s True Square collection. 

Encased in sleek stainless steel, the True Square Automatic Open Heart White exudes a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic. The cutaway section of the dial reveals the oscillating balance wheel and other components in motion, providing a dynamic visual display of the watch’s inner workings.

Price: $2,550.00 USD

Final Thought

While the technical prowess of open-heart watches is undeniable, their visual appeal is equally captivating. The play of light on polished surfaces, the contrast of textures, and the delicate detailing all contribute to the watch’s aesthetic allure. 

From minimalist designs that highlight the simplicity of movement to ornate creations that showcase the watchmaker’s virtuosity, open-heart watches come in a myriad of styles to suit diverse tastes. Whether paired with a formal suit or worn as a statement piece, these watches seamlessly merge form and function.

Read also: The Beauty of Skeleton Watches: Watch Your Timepiece Ticking