The dial of a skeleton watch is often partially or fully open, allowing the movement to be seen. The case, usually made of a durable material like stainless steel or gold, protects the watch's inner workings. The hands, often made of a contrasting color or material, ensure that the time can be easily read.

Skeleton see-through watches and pocket watches are usually expensive because of the type of movement they have. Creating an automatic mechanical skeleton watch costs more than one with quartz movement. What happens if your automatic watch stops? You can't wear your wristwatch forever.

Also, consider the practical aspect of the skeleton watch – mechanical skeletonised watches won't need batteries but will need to be wound. Automatic watches use your movements to power and will keep you from having to wind at all. The ritual of winding a watch is something many watch collectors talk about.

To understand how a skeleton watch works, envision it as a miniature mechanical wonderland. The mainspring stores energy, the balance wheel regulates time, and the escapement controls the release of power. As the gears interlock and tick in unison, they drive the hands around the dial.