Not super interesting looking except for the visible antennas and connectors.

Dude what is wrong with a skeleton-themed watch

There's plenty to be had for under $50, actually. I had an awesome one, but broke the sapphire in it. That was like 20 years ago :-\

This is really cool. I'm going to add it to my list for gifts.

I have honestly never seen a skeletonized quartz. That's actually kinda cool.

My old (2005?) Swatch skin was similar but it had no ring to contrast the hands. It’s kind of a cheat watch since it ticks once every 15 seconds, and doesn’t carry a second hand. But I did enjoy it until the face got severely scratched. Don’t reach behind stuff with your watch hand.

I never liked Jacod & Co, I don't find their watches useful at all. Imagine walking and your hand goes on the wall.

Just insane that thing even works. Crazy engineering.

This is not a watch you wear, this is a display watch/collectors item.

I'm happy with my Seiko 5. It was like 90$ when I got it 7-8 years ago. It took a bit for it to "wear in" but now it keeps time for months without me having to set it.

Seiko makes excellent mechanical wrist watches. What is your intrigue? I'm assuming you like the idea of mechanical wrist watches and want a timepiece that is accurate and built to last. $200 is just a little below their entry price point I believe but you can always find used watches on eBay/Marketplace and the like. If you learn a little bit more about the industry then you might be able to find a bargain and get it serviced to work like new.

I got extremely lucky when I was fixated on the idea of owning or restoring a mechanical watch when I learned that my grandfather left behind a 1930's Hamilton. Nothing super high end, but a watch that would probably go for $600 today and was my style. I find it hard to match my style today because it seems everyone is searching for a massive statement piece on their wrist. I just wanted a watch that ticks when its quiet, has character, and can be passed on to my own children.

I have an Original Grain watch that I like a lot. Not too expensive.

Some companies have mechanical watches in the 400-500€ range that can go for 200€ used. I have a Junkers that I bought used for 200€ some years ago, and it's got a glass bottom (other models do, too). But honestly, I wouldn't make this a criterion, because you rarely see the back, and skeleton watches can sometimes look tacky.

I've got one of these, and it's the least expensive that won't get sneers

https://www.orientwatchusa.com/collections/orient-bambino/ra-ag0002s30b

If you're any dexterous at all, you can build a completely custom one that you choose all the parts for~$150. And it's the same movement they use in some $1000+ pieces.

The image I posted is of the back of one. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeleton_watch

Why is for aesthetics. I have a pocket watch like this. I think the gear work is beautiful in its own way, and the front of it is like any normal watch face (just with a transparent face so you can see behind it).

Seiko invented the self-winding watch, which has a big counterweight on the back, so as you moved around, the counterweight swung around, naturally winding the watch throughout your day. It was a notable innovation, and kind of confusing to describe, so Seiko put glass backings on their watches so you could watch the counterweight swing. I believe that was the event that made it a mainstream trend. Flashier brands like Seiko and Swatch were big fans of it, but higher end brands like Rolex and Breitling tend to avoid it to make a "We're not like the others" kinda statement.

Clear bottom case is different from skeleton. The watchface is specifically designed for see through, as are mechanical parts.

Luxury brands have to somehow find a way to make the most mundane shit seem complex to justify their prices.

Maybe some, but can't you actually get one that's made well? I've seen a few for a couple hundred.

I've found plenty that are very nice quality. I mean like the decently good Bulova/Citizen kind of quality, and not the TAG Hauer / Breguet kind. But that's a pretty long way from shitty Chinesium. Although there's plenty of shitty watches of all kinds, too.

Spooky

For anyone with Rolex money, look into a brietling! Most companies have a single movement representative of a line tested, while brietling certifies each and every one of their movements. They are THE best quality highish end watches.

So the unziping part is not sarcasm?