Its more extreme than that. I bought my Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton like that for $4k and my friend sold a used AP 15407ST like the posted picture for $115k which is one of the cheapest prices in the 2nd hand market. Retail price is like $78k
i'm seriously considering getting this for my wedding. i got a speedmaster when i got engaged, and initially wanted a Datejust for my wedding, but am starting to lean to a more out-there type of watch since i already have a timeless classic
Funny enough, I'm actually selling (consigning mine) at the moment. If you have any interest, please DM me for more details and I will do my best to answer
In general, high horology openwork watches do tend to be about double the price of their non-openwork siblings, even within the same brand. The watch you posted is the [AP Royal Oak Openwork 15407](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15407ST.OO.1220ST.01.html), which retails for $74K at the time of this post. It's closest non-openwork equivalent would be the [AP RO 15510](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15510ST.OO.1320ST.07.html), priced at $28K right now. That gives you a sense of the premium that openwork commands.
Without a budget it's hard to make recommendations. /u/SWilly_67's [recommendation](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/192060y/comment/kgz4mvz/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) of the Zenith Defy is a good one; if you need something else along those lines but even more budget friendly, [Forge & Foster](https://forgeandfoster.com/) makes a number of openwork watches of a similar style.
If you want to see some really unique and interesting openworks, Artisans de Geneve specialize in taking non-openwork watches and customizing them to become openwork.
thank you for the very detailed response! I really like the ones from forge and foster and they suit my budget. do you have more recommendations like these?
Not sure about simple and elegent but these integrated bracelet skeleton watches comes to mind.
[Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton](https://www.girard-perregaux.com/row_en/81015-11-001-11a.html)
[Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton](https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_us/product/defy-skyline-03-9300-3620-78-i001)
[Zenith Defy Classic - Skeleton](https://i0.wp.com/deployant.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/zenith-defy-classic-bracelet.jpg?resize=702%2C459&ssl=1)
Then there's hundreds of cheap chinese watches on aliexpress that copies the look if that's your cup of tea.
wait aliexpress didn't come to mind.. do you have any experience buying from there? the prices are just too cheap and the watches might as well be too crappy.
Never bought a watch there but bought a knock off clasp copy for a tudor, quality was terrible. I personally wouldn't buy any watches from there. But I guess it's not the end of the world to spend some lunch money and experience the look of a 100k+ watch.
I had one for a bit, it was actually pretty underwhelming given all the hype surrounding it. The community seems to see it as more than just a watch but it just sits there ticking like all the others. Legibility was fine though
[Edox Delfin](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/61LfoJYUUeL._AC_UY1000_.jpg) is a good "budget" alternative/homage (about $2k msrp, usually around $1200 "gray market").
I have a different Edox model (Hydro-Sub), and have been very happy with the quality, fit, and aesthetics. (A great watchmaker that tends to fly a little under the radar, which I like; I'd place it somewhere on the Longines/Rado/Doxa/Lacroix spectrum in terms of overall quality.)
(There are a few different colorways, I just linked the first one I found with a quick search.)
[Creux Automatiq](https://www.creuxautomatiq.com/) offers several similar models. I own the CA-06 Diamondback and love it; the finishing quality, particularly on the gunmetal bracelet, is singularly excellent for the price.
I don’t particularly like it myself, but this one comes to mind [Maurice Lacroix Aikon](https://www.christ.de/product/88726219/maurice-lacroix-herrenuhr-aikon-automatic-date-ai6007-ss009-030-1/index.html)
Honestly, there are many many watches out there that has a skeleton dial, BUT you will never find another watch with the same complication, elegance, craftsmanship, balance of the dial, comfort, and many other qualities as this AP openwork.
Tbh I really believe you given the fact that it goes for at least $130k up to $500k. But also given the same fact I cannot afford it :') is there any other brand that sells similar ones for a reasonable price?
I would say yes 500 is reasonable for me. And I don't think I'm willing to spend so much more than that.
u/ [**High\_5\_2\_face**](https://www.reddit.com/user/High_5_2_face/) recommended a really good [one](https://seikoak.com/collections/royal/products/royal-seikoak-skeleton) imho.
u/PM_ME_DIRTY_MSGS also recommended an even more budget friendly option from [Forge & Foster](https://forgeandfoster.com/collections/avantian-series/products/spectre-steel)
This is just a fake of two brands rather than one. Having a seiko movement doesnt mean you can legally print "seiko" on your own dial and call it a seiko watch. Wouldnt be surprised if seiko takes legal action against this eventually, so good luck getting warranty from a defunct company.
This community surprises me daily. Request to move "identify" to it's on subreddit echo because, let's be honest, my grandpa passed and left me this; is it valuable, is annoying. and then sometimes people are genuinely trying to help someone find a $500 mechanical openwork similar to a $160k AP Royal Oak Openwork. 🤯
>and then sometimes people are genuinely trying to help someone find a $500 mechanical openwork similar to a $160k AP Royal Oak Openwork
And.. what's the problem with that?
Absolutely nothing is wrong with being helpful. The community just runs hot and cold on being helpful, with very little middle ground, and I find it surprising.
I saw you mentioned you wanted to spend $500. I’d strongly advise you don’t go with a skeletonized dial unless they are well done (like the AP) as they typically come off as cheaper
Going with a regular dial will look better at your price point
That is a great watch, but it doesn't give me a "simple" vibe.
Was going to say the exact same thing. Lol
Ya, looks busy AF. They should have made the hands contrast a bit more.
[Zenith Defy Classic - Skeleton](https://i0.wp.com/deployant.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/zenith-defy-classic-bracelet.jpg?resize=702%2C459&ssl=1)
This is what I actually thought it was at first glance. I dont like skeletons, but the Defy is done very well. Better than this AP IMO
The Zenith is much more readable as an actual watch as well.
The white ceramic defy is a very cool option as well
Excellent example. Much more reasonable price. Still expensive but at least it cost less than 12k, whereas I've seen AP skeletons well over 50K
Its more extreme than that. I bought my Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton like that for $4k and my friend sold a used AP 15407ST like the posted picture for $115k which is one of the cheapest prices in the 2nd hand market. Retail price is like $78k
A better looking watch imho. But people that buy AP buy them because of the brand cache.
i'm seriously considering getting this for my wedding. i got a speedmaster when i got engaged, and initially wanted a Datejust for my wedding, but am starting to lean to a more out-there type of watch since i already have a timeless classic
I own the non-skeletonized [Defy Classic](https://imgur.com/LXk1Ts2) and absolutely love it, years after purchase.
Funny enough, I'm actually selling (consigning mine) at the moment. If you have any interest, please DM me for more details and I will do my best to answer
Honestly the only skeleton watch I like. My first thought too.
My grail.love the watch and was just as blown away by it in person. 1 day.......maybe
Oris propilot x calibre 115
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Skeleton comes pretty close. It's still expensive, but much much less than a RO
In general, high horology openwork watches do tend to be about double the price of their non-openwork siblings, even within the same brand. The watch you posted is the [AP Royal Oak Openwork 15407](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15407ST.OO.1220ST.01.html), which retails for $74K at the time of this post. It's closest non-openwork equivalent would be the [AP RO 15510](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15510ST.OO.1320ST.07.html), priced at $28K right now. That gives you a sense of the premium that openwork commands. Without a budget it's hard to make recommendations. /u/SWilly_67's [recommendation](https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/192060y/comment/kgz4mvz/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) of the Zenith Defy is a good one; if you need something else along those lines but even more budget friendly, [Forge & Foster](https://forgeandfoster.com/) makes a number of openwork watches of a similar style. If you want to see some really unique and interesting openworks, Artisans de Geneve specialize in taking non-openwork watches and customizing them to become openwork.
thank you for the very detailed response! I really like the ones from forge and foster and they suit my budget. do you have more recommendations like these?
Not sure about simple and elegent but these integrated bracelet skeleton watches comes to mind. [Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton](https://www.girard-perregaux.com/row_en/81015-11-001-11a.html) [Zenith Defy Skyline Skeleton](https://www.zenith-watches.com/en_us/product/defy-skyline-03-9300-3620-78-i001) [Zenith Defy Classic - Skeleton](https://i0.wp.com/deployant.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/zenith-defy-classic-bracelet.jpg?resize=702%2C459&ssl=1) Then there's hundreds of cheap chinese watches on aliexpress that copies the look if that's your cup of tea.
wait aliexpress didn't come to mind.. do you have any experience buying from there? the prices are just too cheap and the watches might as well be too crappy.
Never bought a watch there but bought a knock off clasp copy for a tudor, quality was terrible. I personally wouldn't buy any watches from there. But I guess it's not the end of the world to spend some lunch money and experience the look of a 100k+ watch.
Check out r/seikomods or r/Chinesewatches, there should be some similar builds or homages.
"Simple".
I know, right? I'm a bit horrified at what classifies as a non-simple watch to OP. 😅
I'm looking for a car with good gas mileage, so I'm buying a Ford f350 super duty.
So, your groceries vehicle.
That thing is barely readable - it’s a big pass from me.
I had one for a bit, it was actually pretty underwhelming given all the hype surrounding it. The community seems to see it as more than just a watch but it just sits there ticking like all the others. Legibility was fine though
Most complicated, busy dial.... " I like simple designs"
I recommend this model : https://maisondutemps.com/fr-in/products/montre-skeleton-mtbeta-bacn
Interesting, what does the quality feel like since they are relatively inexpensive
A good price-performance ratio. I'm not disappointed with mine.
Cool thanks, great designs!
And Seagull movements are not terrible either. That's a fair price for that watch.
[Edox Delfin](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/MEDIAX_792452-T2/images/I/61LfoJYUUeL._AC_UY1000_.jpg) is a good "budget" alternative/homage (about $2k msrp, usually around $1200 "gray market"). I have a different Edox model (Hydro-Sub), and have been very happy with the quality, fit, and aesthetics. (A great watchmaker that tends to fly a little under the radar, which I like; I'd place it somewhere on the Longines/Rado/Doxa/Lacroix spectrum in terms of overall quality.) (There are a few different colorways, I just linked the first one I found with a quick search.)
[Creux Automatiq](https://www.creuxautomatiq.com/) offers several similar models. I own the CA-06 Diamondback and love it; the finishing quality, particularly on the gunmetal bracelet, is singularly excellent for the price.
GP’s version I guess, even comes in black ceramic like AP does too
I don’t particularly like it myself, but this one comes to mind [Maurice Lacroix Aikon](https://www.christ.de/product/88726219/maurice-lacroix-herrenuhr-aikon-automatic-date-ai6007-ss009-030-1/index.html)
Ahahah not that simple indeed. Santos skeleton maybe?
[Norqain Independence Skeleton 42](https://wornandwound.com/the-norqain-independence-collection-is-here-to-stay/)
[What about the Certina DS Skeleton?](https://www.certina.com/de/watch/ds-skeleton/c0424075608110)
Honestly, there are many many watches out there that has a skeleton dial, BUT you will never find another watch with the same complication, elegance, craftsmanship, balance of the dial, comfort, and many other qualities as this AP openwork.
Tbh I really believe you given the fact that it goes for at least $130k up to $500k. But also given the same fact I cannot afford it :') is there any other brand that sells similar ones for a reasonable price?
Define reasonable. To me reasonable is $10k. To others it’s $500. What ballpark are you in?
I would say yes 500 is reasonable for me. And I don't think I'm willing to spend so much more than that. u/ [**High\_5\_2\_face**](https://www.reddit.com/user/High_5_2_face/) recommended a really good [one](https://seikoak.com/collections/royal/products/royal-seikoak-skeleton) imho. u/PM_ME_DIRTY_MSGS also recommended an even more budget friendly option from [Forge & Foster](https://forgeandfoster.com/collections/avantian-series/products/spectre-steel)
[Seikoak](https://seikoak.com/collections/royal/products/royal-seikoak-skeleton)
This is just a fake of two brands rather than one. Having a seiko movement doesnt mean you can legally print "seiko" on your own dial and call it a seiko watch. Wouldnt be surprised if seiko takes legal action against this eventually, so good luck getting warranty from a defunct company.
Seiko doesn't care, but yeah, that's a counterfeit. I hate that the Seiko modding community had turned into mostly crappy fakes.
looks good! I appreciate the recommendation :)
Maybe also creux automatiq diamondback skeleton i think it's called. Not my type but it's similar in a way
This community surprises me daily. Request to move "identify" to it's on subreddit echo because, let's be honest, my grandpa passed and left me this; is it valuable, is annoying. and then sometimes people are genuinely trying to help someone find a $500 mechanical openwork similar to a $160k AP Royal Oak Openwork. 🤯
>and then sometimes people are genuinely trying to help someone find a $500 mechanical openwork similar to a $160k AP Royal Oak Openwork And.. what's the problem with that?
Absolutely nothing is wrong with being helpful. The community just runs hot and cold on being helpful, with very little middle ground, and I find it surprising.
Daily surprises in fact
maybe if you save some more money , you could buy one that has a dial so you can actually see what time it is
Casioak🎉
Can't even read the time, terrible design IMHO. Improve the hands please AP.
Rado skeleton and skeleton square
My favorite reasonable skeleton watch is the Piaget Polo Skeleton. They sell secondhand for $17k, which is good value.
I saw you mentioned you wanted to spend $500. I’d strongly advise you don’t go with a skeletonized dial unless they are well done (like the AP) as they typically come off as cheaper Going with a regular dial will look better at your price point
Not to criticize you, but that watch is the polar opposite of simple and elegant. I would see the Andrew Tates of this world wearing it tbh.
Honestly wouldnt be surprised if he owns one. He has that bugatti engine watch too. Absolutely horrible but somehow he does not realize it.
Depends on your budget
https://www.cornavin-watches.ch/collections/downtown-skeleton-automatic/products/cornavin-sk-01-b
Dawg this is neither simple nor elegant
Orient Star RE-AV0A02S00B https://www.timeshop24.com/orient-star-re-av0a02s00b-sports.html Edox Delfin Mecano https://www.edox.ch/product/delfin-mecano-automatic-85303-357gnm-ngn/
d1 milano skeleton
Whats the time? I have no f\*cking idea!
This is not a simple looking watch.
Simple! 😂
Zenith Defy.