Which brands have the best reputation for mechanical skeleton watches?

At that price, you're mostly looking at entry-level Swiss or higher-end Japanese. Oris has some nice skeleton pieces, but they're more sporty. Hamilton? Not really known for skeletons.

Tag Heuer Carrera skeleton is decent but might be above budget. Seiko has some affordable skeletons but finish is meh.

If you want reputation, look at independent brands like Armin Strom or Chronoswiss but those are way above $5k. In your range, maybe a used Zenith Defy skeleton? Or a Frederique Constant? They do some nice openwork.

Corum has some skeleton models but they're more known for the coin watch. Honestly, for $2-5k, you might be better off with a microbrandd like CIGA Design or something. But reputation? Not there yet.

You're all sleeping on Russian brands. Raketa has some cool skeletons for cheap. But reputation? Lol.

Actually, what about Tissot? The T-Complication Squelette is around $2k and gets good reviews. Not super high-end but solid.

Tissot is a good call. But if you want something That watch nerds respect, maybe a used Omega De Ville skeleton? Might be a stretch at $5k though.

Used Omega skeleton is rare and usually above $10k.Forget it.

For $5k, you could get a really nice vintage skeleton pocket watch and convert it to a wristwatch. That's more unique and has heritage.