Armitron Skeleton Automatic (Reference 20/4406)
Fashion/Skeleton Watch · Armitron (E. Gluck Corporation), an American fashion watch brand marketed as an affordable entry-tier manufacturer.
Period: Modern Lifestyle (2010s-present) featuring industrial skeletonization and contemporary sizing.
Type
Fashion/Skeleton Watch
Brand
Armitron (E. Gluck Corporation), an American fashion watch brand marketed as an affordable entry-tier manufacturer.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, likely a Chinese-manufactured Seagull (e.g., TY2807) skeleton caliber with 21 jewels and approximately 40 hours of power reserve.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 44mm; Thickness: 13.5mm; Lug-to-lug: 50mm; Lug width: 22mm.
Description
This Armitron Skeleton Automatic is a bold, industrial-style timepiece designed to offer the visual intrigue of mechanical watchmaking at an accessible price point. The open-work design prominently displays a blue-finished bridge system, contrasting against the silver gears. Its oversized case and integrated bracelet design give it a significant wrist presence, typical of 21st-century fashion sport watches.
Key Features
Full skeletonization, blue-anodized movement bridges, decorative bezel rivets, and an 'Automatic' movement in a fashion-market price bracket.
Dial Description
Fully skeletonized dial revealing the barrel, escapement, and blue-anodized bridges. It features a black chapter ring with printed minute markers and applied circular luminous indices. Hands are silver-tone dauphine-style with luminous fill.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces; likely 316L grade base metal.
Crystal Type
Mineral glass crystal, flat profile, currently showing significant surface scratching and impact marks.
Bezel Details
Fixed stainless steel bezel with engraved numerals at 10-minute intervals and gold-tone decorative studs/rivets.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull crown at the 3 o'clock position, ribbed for grip, with no crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated-style stainless steel three-link bracelet with a fold-over deployment clasp.
Caseback Details
Likely features an exhibition window (screw-down) to display the rotor and movement from the underside.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, likely a Chinese-manufactured Seagull (e.g., TY2807) skeleton caliber with 21 jewels and approximately 40 hours of power reserve.
Water Resistance
Rated at 50 meters (5 ATM) originally, suitable for light splashes, but not currently recommended for swimming due to age and visible wear on the case seals.
Origin & Provenance
Brand based in the USA; movement and components manufactured in China; assembly typically in China.
Age Estimate
Circa 2012-2020 production based on specific dial aesthetics and bridge anodization.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'complication' aesthetics, making the skeletonized look (historically reserved for high-end Swiss horology) available to a mass-market audience.
Condition Notes
Poor condition. The case and bracelet show heavy scratches, dirt accumulation, and possible surface oxidation/corrosion. The crystal is severely scratched, and the bezel shows signs of impact damage. Lume performance is likely degraded. Grade: Poor.
Value Estimate
MSRP: $100-$150. Current secondary market value in this condition: $15-$30. Factors: Severe wear and lack of box/papers significantly impact resale.
Care & Maintenance
Suggested service every 5 years, though service cost may exceed replacement value. Clean with a soft brush and slightly damp cloth; avoid water immersion due to the current condition of the seals.
Similar Watches
Fossil Grant Skeleton, Invicta Specialty Skeleton, or Stuhrling Original Delphi. These all feature similar Chinese skeleton calibers and oversized cases.
Interesting Facts
Armitron was once the official timekeeper of the New York Yankees and was one of the first brands to popularize affordable LED and digital watches in the 1970s.