Window to the Watch – the Beauty of the Open Heart Watch

Enjoy a slice of mechanical finesse with one of these open-heart watch recommendations.

Luxury watches are one of the few modern gadgets we enjoy seeing the inner workings of. In most cases concerning modern technology, the idea is to cover and conceal how it works. Doing so makes a product slicker, more elegant, and effortless-looking. Modern technology is ugly. But timekeeping instruments are far from modern. They behold a complex and intricate network of synergistically working components that gracefully power the hands around a dial. The difference between modern technology and an elegant wristwatch is that we want to look at it. Case in point: the open-heart watch.

Mechanical wristwatches are the pinnacle of horological artistry. They are charming, majestic, whimsical, even. They combine mechanical prowess with aesthetic beauty while blending craftsmanship with features we use daily. We can keep track of the days of the week and the months of the year. We can use them as stopwatches and work out the distance of an object based on speed. Heck, we can even perform mathematical equations with one and work out an aircraft’s fuel consumption! What can’t we do with a watch?!

Nothing captures the beauty of a watch’s working movement, whether complex-looking or simple, quite like an open-heart dial. This guide has superb recommendations if you’re building your watch collection and want to add this complication.

The Beauty of the Open Heart Automatic Watch

Open-heart automatic watches have to be the most visually entrancing of all the complications to wear on your wrist. The inner workings of a mechanical watch tell a tale of their very existence. An open-heart automatic watch works in the same way as an exhibition case back. It allows you a glance into the intricate workings of the beating heart nestled deep within the case. 

You don’t get to see quite so much of the movement through an open-heart watch. If you want complete exposure, you’re looking at a skeletonized watch. The concept of the open heart feature is to grant a glimpse into a beautiful oscillating weight. The aperture on the dial showcases a perfect blend of engineering, science, and artistry. 

If you like the sound of an aesthetically striking timepiece, an open-heart watch may be just the ticket. This visual feature strays from the conventional three-handed norm. Instead, you can immerse yourself in the workmanship of the skillful artisans who assemble and decorate the movement. After all, there are so many differences between a mechanical watch versus a quartz. Craftsmen painstakingly assemble and arrange every spring, jewel, and gear of a mechanical movement. To say they are works of art is an understatement. Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

The Best Open Heart Watches

The best open-heart watches, like moon phase and skeleton watches, provide extra aesthetic value. A close-up look at the mechanism inside a watch reminds you just how much craftsmanship goes into watchmaking. Here are some great examples. 

1. Seiko Presage Cocktail Time

Let’s clear one thing up. Seiko classes this Presage Cocktail watch as a women’s watch on the brand’s official website. But this is merely a small-sized watch for those with small wrists. It measures 34mm and features a stainless steel case, a 50-meter water resistance, and a stylish blue leather strap. Personally, I think it’s one of the best Seiko watches for under $500. But I’m also biased towards open-heart watches. 

Seiko bucks the trend a little here, positioning its open-heart feature at 9 o’clock. Since so many open-heart watches feature the window at 6 o’clock, this version makes for a refreshing change. This model takes inspiration from Japanese cocktail culture, more specifically, those you find at Tokyo’s famous Ginza Star Bar.

2. Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto is a superb choice if you’re craving something with a bit of color. Its deep and dramatic cherry red dial reveals slices of the mechanical engine uniquely. Between the hours of 11 through to 4 o’clock, parts of the dancing automatic Calibre H-10 appear. Then, at 7 o’clock, more of the same. The Calibre H-10 is a power horse that performs at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its autonomy of 80 hours also proves beneficial for weekend swaps. 

The movement features a Nivachron balance spring that resists the adverse effects of magnetic damage. What I love about this watch, besides its smoky red dial, is the matching leather strap. Of course, you could switch this red one out for another leather strap option in black. But I love the matching color theme Hamilton chooses in this example. 

3. Tissot Tradition Powermatic 80 Open Heart

This stainless steel Tissot open-heart watch, measuring a compact 40mm diameter, belongs to the Tradition collection. Inside the watch is the Powermatic 80 movement—the same engine as the Hamilton Jazzmaster. It presents itself through an unconventional 12 o’clock window against a stunning anthracite display. Tissot adds another layer of detail to this design with a striking dial texture. 

Together with rose gold-colored hands and markers, these features sit under a sapphire glass dome. Flipping the movement over showcases more of the Powermatic 80 movement, complete with traditional decoration and finishes. An interchangeable bracelet keeps things classic. It’s perfect for combining with smart attire, doubling up as a great go-to dress watch. 

4. Rado Centrix Automatic Open Heart

Master of ceramic watches, Rado presents this minimalist open-heart watch using various materials. One of the most appealing features of the Rado Centrix is its tapering bracelet, allowing the watch to wear smaller. Sitting just under the 40mm mark, this 39mm Rado Centrix Automatic Open Heart watch features a mesmerizing blue-black gradient dial. The shades appear to melt into one another, contrasting beautifully against the open-heart mechanism. The beating heart pierces the dial in crisp cut-outs at two locations: one at 12 and one in the center. 

The Centrix guarantees uncompromised accuracy using the same movement as the Hamilton and Tissot open-heart watches. In true Rado watch brand style, the remainder of the dial is resolutely modern, with a minimalist layout and little other detail. Rado experts equip this open-heart watch with a bi-color stainless steel and black high-tech ceramic bracelet. 

5. Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Automatic Open Heart

If the Rado Centrix is too simple, consider a more complex-looking open-heart model from Zenith. The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster watch showcases one of the most historically important movements ever. The legendary El Primero is on center stage via a black or matte silver dial. 

As any Zenith fan will appreciate, the chronograph sub-dials feature contrasting colors and promise 1/10th of a second accuracy. This watch exposes the famous El Primero chronograph movement through three circular cut-outs at 9 o’clock. The 39.5mm steel sports watch model features a blue cordura-effect rubber strap and promises 100-meter water resistance. You can take this watch anywhere and enjoy it with a myriad of casual, smart attire. You could also change the strap to a leather alternative for a dressier finish. 

6. Chronoswiss Open Gear Flying Tourbillon Paraiba

Check out the color patterns on this watch. The Chronoswiss Open Gear Flying Tourbillon Paraiba is an extra exceptional timepiece. Limited to just 15 pieces, it’s a collectible that communicates the highest level of craftsmanship. The watch is horologically complex and features a breathtaking dial that recalls the mesmerizing hues of blue and green Paraiba tourmalines. 

The watch’s interaction with light is one of its most appealing qualities. The nuances are bold but not enough to distract from the beauty of the open-heart window. The Caliber C.303 movement is a manually winding engine, so you must wind the knurled onion-shaped crown daily. Manual winding watches are a perfect excuse to connect visually and physically with your favorite timepiece daily.  

7. Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat Automatic

Measuring 41mm, the Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat Automatic watch is the perfect combination of classical elegance and technique. The model showcases an embossed globe decoration on its dial, creating a beautiful backdrop for the open heart feature. The engine in question is the Sellita SW300-1, a tried-and-tested movement that appears at 12 o’clock. 

Frederique Constant has been perfecting its open-heart watch since 1994, revealing several stylish iterations for every taste and size. Interestingly, this open heart feature imitates real-life anatomy. It features a jewel on the balance wheel, just to the left of the center, right where the heart should be. 

8. Orient Bambino Open Heart

Orient does a great take on the popular open heart feature. Its affordable price tag proves that luxury doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Orient combines the feature with a timeless silver dial in this version of its popular Bambino series. The open heart feature in this watch is far from imposing. You can wear this watch as a dressy companion with elegant attire, and it will look as understated as ever. The silver dial features an open heart window at 9 o’clock, exposing the performance of an automatic Japanese movement. 

The 40mm model keeps costs down with a mineral glass front and promises a 30M water resistance. Perfect for wearing with a suit or smart jacket, the Orient Bambino Open Heart watch is a classically styled companion. It features a brown alligator leather strap and a stainless steel buckle boasting the Bambino logo. Suffice it to say, this model is one of the most affordable options on the market and looks just as stylish as pricier options. 

9. Timex Waterbury Traditional Automatic Open Heart

Speaking of affordable options, the Timex Waterbury Traditional Automatic Open Heart watch won’t break the bank, either. It features a dramatic blue dial with silver-colored dial elements. With a minimal, Bauhaus-inspired design, the Timex Waterbury open heart is a handsome piece with a 7 o’clock open heart display. Thanks to the slim hands and marker font, the dial has an extra minimal look, emphasizing the colorful open heart. 

Outfitted with an automatic movement carrying a 40-hour power reserve, the Waterbury is a solid pickup with a great look. Right now, it’s hovering around the very competitive $150 range. I also like that its spring bars make for easy strap changes. If you don’t care much for the leather strap, you can always enjoy experimenting with different watch bracelet types.  

FAQs

Still have questions about open hearts? See your cardiologist! Just joking — here are a few Q&As. 

What Is an Open Heart Watch?

An open-heart watch is a mechanical timepiece with an aperture on the dial showing the oscillating weight. The oscillating weight is responsible for winding the mainspring and keeping the watch running. The open-heart watch has many varieties, including models with different cut-out styles. 

What Is the Difference Between an Open Heart and a Skeleton Watch?

An open-heart watch only shows part of the mechanical movement inside a watch. A skeleton dial watch exposes the entire mechanism and all its intricate components. 

Is an Open Heart Watch Worth It?

If you’re curious about how traditional wristwatches work and their complexity, you’ll enjoy the allure of an open-heart watch. Watchmakers embellish the movement with traditional decorative techniques, enhancing the finest parts of the movement. Like an exhibition case back feature, a watch design brings another layer of enjoyment to timekeeping. 

The Takeaway

Open-heart watches are more than just showpieces. They have competitive specs, show an added technical prowess and mastery level, and guarantee accuracy. Even if you completely disregard aesthetics for a second, there’s enough on a functional level to keep you interested. 

Watching the balance wheel and the escapement, as it swings back and forth rhythmically, is an absolute joy to experience. So, if you’re considering expanding your collection, do it with an open-heart watch; you won’t regret it. 

Do you own an open-heart watch? Which brand makes the best one, in your opinion? Leave your comments below and see if others agree!