Best Stainless Steel Watches For Him & Her (From Affordable to Luxury)

Carrera and Cartier watches

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One usual preference when it comes to the material used in watches is stainless steel. Among the primary reasons is that it automatically gives a more formal and sophisticated look to your timepiece compared to those that come with rubber or silicone watch bands.

Carrera and Cartier watches
Carrera and Cartier watches (Image: Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Speaker)

However, aside from the aesthetics, here are other reasons why stainless steel is a popular choice not just for watches but for other products as well:

  • First is that it is anti-corrosive, so it would last and shine longer. It will not easily be affected by damp air so it will not easily get rusty;
  • It also has high-resistance from oxidation – it layman’s language, this means that your stainless steel watch will not turn black;
  • More so, it does not easily get damaged or deformed since it is highly resistant to external forces; and lastly,
  • Stainless steel is biologically harmless – it cannot cause any major irritations, although there are minimal complains of minor nickel allergy caused by stainless steel watch.

Maybe you’re thinking that another good material for watches is Titanium. Perhaps you’ve already seen some Titanium timepieces and was amazed at their quality and build. So what’s the difference between Titanium and Stainless Steel? We’ve got a separate post on that. Read here.
Going back to stainless steel watches, here’s one great option that would look great for both men and women – it is none other than the technologically-advanced Apple Watch 4.

Best Stainless Steel Watches (Men’s)

Timex Men’s Expedition Ranger Watch

Timex Men's TW4B10900 Expedition Ranger Silver/Black Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
Timex Men’s TW4B10900 Expedition Ranger Silver/Black Stainless Steel (Image: Amazon)

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Timex is known for producing quality watches at an affordable price. The brand also has a wide range of products and among its classy looking models is the Timex Men’s Expedition Ranger Watch.
Despite being primarily built for outdoors, the Timex Expedition Ranger also has a stainless steel variety in gray and silver/black that gives the classy, elegant look.
Its 42.5mm case is made of brass while the watch band is the part that’s made of stainless steel. The clasp, moreover, is a fold-over with push-button safety.
The watch face features an analog display on gray or black dial. It also has a date window at 3 o’clock position and luminous hands. Also, the watch face is equipped with Indiglo backlight technology so you can still read the time even at night.
The Timex Expedition collection is primarily engineered to function well even in the outdoors. It was built to be tough and can survive through different weather elements. Its materials are also water-resistant up to 50 meters. It is good for a few minutes of recreational swimming, but not for scuba diving or snorkeling.

Fossil Men’s Grant Watch FS4736IE

Fossil Men's Grant Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch Color: Silver (Model: FS4736IE)
Fossil Men’s Grant Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch (Image: Amazon)

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Next is from another popular watch brand, Fossil. The Fossil Men’s Grant Watch FS4736IE features a round 44mm stainless steel case with black dial, analog display, Roman numerals, chronograph subdials, and a mineral crystal window. Along with these is the 22mm stainless steel bracelet with deployment clasp closure. You may also swap this bracelet with other 22mm watch straps.
Another outstanding feature is its water resistance up to 50 meters. It’s good for recreational swimming and showers, but not for snorkeling or diving.

Citizen Eco-Drive AT2141-52L

Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch with Date, AT2141-52L
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch (Image: Amazon)

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Next is from yet another popular brand with a long-standing history – Citizen.
The Citizen Eco-Drive AT2141-52L is another impressive watch that comes with a 42mm stainless steel case and a 21mm stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over push-button clasp. More so, this particular model comes with a blue dial with white accents, analog display using silver-tone hands, and a date window at 4 o’clock position. Covering all these is an anti-reflective sapphire dial window.
It is a chronograph watch featuring sub-dials that measure each second up to 60 minutes (Read this post if you want to know more about Chronograph watches). It is also equipped with Japanese Quartz Eco-Drive H504 movement; meaning, the battery is powered by light so you won’t have to replace it after few years (know more about the Citizen Eco-Drive here).
This watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling since it is resistant to water for 100 meters. It is covered by a 5-year limited warranty.

Casio Men’s G-Steel by G-Shock GST-B100D-1ACR

Casio Men's G-Steel by G-Shock Quartz Solar Bluetooth Connected Watch with Stainless-Steel Strap, Silver, (Model: GST-B100D-1ACR)
Casio Men’s G-Steel (Image: Amazon)

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Evidently, Casio G-Shock expanded its collections and the brand also offers some models that have a stainless steel bracelet that gives a more formal look to the watch.
In particular, the Casio G-Shock G-Steel GST-B100D-1ACR is another chronograph watch with a stainless bracelet and resin case. It boasts of a tough double-layer bezel to withstand impacts. This is in addition to the shock-resistant construction being done to other G-Shock watches.
It is also equipped with a solar-powered battery, Bluetooth technology that allows you to link the watch to your phone, super illuminator LED light, and a 1/100 second stopwatch. In addition, the watch also has world time, alarm, stopwatch, and timer that may be accessed through the watch’s app once it is connected through Bluetooth.

Alpina Men’s Alpiner 4 Swiss-Automatic Watch with Stainless-Steel Strap

Alpina Men's Alpiner 4 Swiss-Automatic Watch with Stainless-Steel Strap, Silver, 22 (Model: AL-525NS5AQ6B)
Alpina Men’s Alpiner 4 Swiss-Automatic Watch Stainless-Steel Strap (Image: Amazon)

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The Alpina Alpiner 4 is a simpler-looking watch that used stainless steel for the case and bracelet. Mainly, it stands out because its analog display is powered by Swiss-made automatic movement so it doesn’t really need any battery (why? read here).
On its blue dial are hour indices, anti-magnetic hour, minute and second hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock position. You may also take the watch for swimming and snorkeling, but not for diving. Unfamiliar with the brand name? Learn more about Alpina watches here.

Bulova Men’s 47mm Precisionist 

Bulova Men's 96B175 Precisionist Stainless Steel Watch
Bulova Men’s 96B175 Precisionist (Image: Amazon)

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Next is from another longest-running brand, Bulova.  It is another classy looking chronograph watch. The Bulova 47mm Precisionist boasts of accuracy, not just in timekeeping but also in its chronograph function. Its seconds watch also does a continuous, smooth sweeping, you would think it is equipped with automatic mechanical movement; instead, it comes with Japanese quartz movement. It also features luminous markers, and hour and minute hands.
The bracelet is made of stainless steel bracelet with a double-press fold-over clasp with a safety lock. Also, the 47mm is made of stainless steel with a curved crystal window.

Omega Men’s Constellation Co-Axial 

Omega Men's Constellation Co-Axial Automatic 35mm Analog Display Swiss Automatic Silver Watch
Omega Constellation Co-Axial Men’s Automatic 35mm (Image: Amazon)

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If you’re going to a fancy party or formal dinner, then the Omega Constellation Co-Axial may look just perfect. Watch enthusiasts or even usual purchasers of watches would automatically have an idea how much your watch would’ve cost (Want to know why Omega watches are expensive? Read here).
Omega Constellation Co-Axial features a perfect combination of simplicity and elegance – with a black dial, hour indices, luminous silver hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The polished stainless steel case measures 37mm and with Roman numerals engraved to the polished bezel. It also comes with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal window and a bracelet that is also made of stainless steel and with a push-button deployment clasp.
This luxury timepiece is equipped with an automatic movement with a 48-hour power reserve – so, just like other automatic watches, it does not need any battery to work.

Longines Conquest Classic 

Longines Conquest Classic Automatic Black Dial Stainless Steel Mens Watch L27864566
Longines Conquest Classic Automatic Black Dial Stainless Steel (Image: Amazon)

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Next is a Swiss-made elegant chronograph watch from Longines.
This particular Longines Conquest Classic features a black dial with analog display. It also has a date window located between 4 and 5 o’clock, three chronograph sub-dials, luminous hands, and the Arabic numeral 12 along with other hour indices. The stainless steel case is 41mm in diameter while the band that’s also made from stainless steel measure 20mm. It’s equipped with automatic movement and water-resistant for 30 meters deep. See our complete list of Best Longines Watches here.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel Case, Domed Bezel, Silver And Black Dial, Index Hour Markers And Jubilee Bracelet.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel (Image: Amazon)

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If you want a sure attention stealer in any fancy event, then Rolex is definitely the brand to go to.
The Oyster Datejust collection traces its origins back in 1945. Evidently, its design, elegance, and features have transcended through years and decades. It’s one of the well-known collections from a very popular watch brand.
This particular Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust retains the aesthetics and timekeeping features of the original collection. It also comes with a black and silver dial, the Rolex logo, stick hour markers, luminous hour and minute hands, and a date window with Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock position.  See 100% authentic pre-owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches here.
The case, bezel, and even the bracelet are all made of stainless steel. It is equipped with a self-winding movement and a 48-hour power reserve.

Ladies Watch Stainless steel
Ladies Watch Stainless steel (Image: Bruno)

Best Stainless Steel Watches (Women’s)

Timex Women’s T2P457 Casey 

Timex Women's T2P457 Casey Dress Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Mesh Bracelet Watch
Timex Women’s T2P457 Casey Dress (Image: Amazon)

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Even for women, the most affordable option is one from Timex.  In particular, the Timex Women’s T2P457 is a silver-tone dress watch with a sleek design. It has an analog display that uses Arabic numerals and stick style watch hands, along with stick minute and hour hands. It uses a 24mm brass case with a scratch-resistant dial window and a stainless steel mesh bracelet with deployment clasp closure.
This simple timepiece is suitable for brief immersion in water and would withstand splashes since is it water-resistant for 30m deep.

Fossil Women’s Riley Stainless Steel Multifunction Glitz 

Fossil Women's Riley Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch, Color: Silver (Model: ES3202)
Fossil Women’s Riley Quartz Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch (Image: Amazon)

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The Fossil Riley Stainless Steel Multifunction Glitz overall look is a combination of classic and sporty. Its stainless steel case comes with a sparkling crystal dial that makes the timepiece worth a second look.
The silver dial features crystal hour markers with the Arabic numeral 12, luminous minute and hour hands, three sub-dials for the day, date and 24-hour time. The band is also made of stainless steel with a deployment buckle clasp.
It is equipped with a Japanese Quartz movement and is resistant to water for 330 feet deep. It is good for swimming, snorkeling, and ordinary bathing, but not scuba diving.

Citizen Women’s Quartz 

Citizen Women's Quartz Stainless Steel Watch with Day/Date, EQ0510-58A
Citizen Women’s Quartz Stainless Steel Watch (Image: Amazon)

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Next is this Citizen Women’s Stainless Steel Watch. It is a 25mm quartz watch with a white watch dial and an analog display. It is rather a simple-looking watch with Arabic numerals, a day and date window, and luminous hands.
The case is made of stainless steel as well as the 14mm band with a fold-over clasp. Its water-resistance is good only for 165 feet.

Seiko Women’s Diamond Solar Watch 

Seiko Women's Diamond Solar Japanese-Quartz Watch with Stainless-Steel Strap, Silver, 8 (Model: SUP377)
Seiko Women’s Diamond Solar (Image: Amazon)

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Next is a rectangular watch – the Seiko Diamond Solar Watch. The bezel, case, and stainless steel case are all made of stainless steel while the dial window is made of Hardlex.
The 24mm rectangular display is rather simple – comes with the Mother of pearl color, crystal hour markers with Roman numerals 6 and 12, and silver minute and hour hands. It is water-resistant for 100 feet and is covered by a manufacturer’s 3-year limited warranty.
If you’re looking for other rectangular watches, visit this page.

Movado Women’s Juro 

This following timepiece is probably the most minimalist one you’d see here.
Movado Juro’s (Amazon Link) notable feature is its plain round black dial, a single concave circle to mark the 12 o’clock and 2 silver-tone hands; no other hour markers or even logo may be seen on the dial.   Yet, even without the logo or brand name, watch enthusiasts and collectors would easily distinguish that it is a Movado timepiece because if its design that was already popularized way back in 1947. To know more about Movado as a watch brand, read here.
This particular watch uses stainless steel for the case and band and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for the dial window. It is also equipped with Swiss Quartz movement for accurate timekeeping. It is water-resistant for 30 meters so it will do just fine under the rain and through some water splash, but not for showering and other activities that would intentionally submerge the watch.

Bulova Women’s 96R105 Diamond-Accented Watch

Bulova Women's 96R105 Diamond-Accented Stainless Steel Watch
Bulova Women’s 96R105 Diamond-Accented Stainless Steel (Image: Amazon)

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If you are into shiny and sparkling accessories, then the Bulova Women’s 96R105 Diamond-Accented Watch just might be the perfect timepiece for you. As the name indicates, it boasts of diamond crystals on the stainless steel bezel and even as hour markers.  The white mother of pearl dial also features luminous hands and a date window at 3 o’clock position.
The case and bracelet are both made of stainless steel, with a fold-over clasp. It is water-resistant for 30 meters and is covered by Bulova’s 3-year global warranty.
Should you want to know more about the Bulova, read our watch brand review here.

Rado Women’s Centrix Jubile Watch

Rado Women's R30928713 Centrix Jubile Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
Rado Women’s R30928713 Centrix Jubile (Image: Amazon)

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From a shiny, sparkling one, this next timepiece is rather minimalist. The Rado Centrix Jubile features a black dial with crystal markers at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions. It also has a small date window beside the marker at 3 o’clock.
The 28mm round case is made of stainless steel so as the 18mm silver bracelet. For the dial window, it uses an anti-reflective sapphire crystal. It is powered by Japanese Quartz movement and is water-resistant for 99 feet.

Longines Dolce Vita Ladies Watch

Longines Dolce Vita Ladies Watch
Longines Dolce Vita (Image: Amazon)

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The Longines Dolce Vita Watch is a luxury rectangular watch with Swiss Quartz movement. It has a silver dial with Roman Numerals, tank tread lines, and a seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock position.
However, it comes with a stainless steel case and stainless steel bracelet with invisible double-locking clasps. With all these, you would have an elegant watch that would look perfect for any formal occasion. Not very familiar with Longines? Read our Longines review here.

Cartier Women’s Santos Watch

Cartier Women's W20056D6 Santos Stainless Steel Casual Watch
Cartier Santos Stainless Steel (Image: Amazon)

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If you want the best of the best for your everyday business affairs, we highly recommend to you the Cartier Santos Watch.
It came from the same manufacturer that produced the iconic Cartier Tank Watch. As such, you would easily notice that the remarkable features of the tank watch are also present in the Cartier Santos Watch – the Roman Numerals, tank tread lines, stick hands, and the brand name. However, instead of being rectangular, its analog display comes in square shape.
The 24mm case is made of stainless steel as well as the 13.8mm bracelet. It also uses a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for its dial window and a deployment clasp for its buckle.

Unisex Smart Option: Apple Watch Series 4  

Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular, 44mm) - Stainless Steel Case with Milanese Loop
Apple Watch Series 4 (Image: Amazon)

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For those who always want the latest products from Apple, then you would be thrilled to see an Apple Watch on this list. Yes, you read it right! Apple Watch Series 4 offers timepiece options with a stainless steel case and Milanese loop.
To make this even better, you can even select from three different colors – gold, silver or space black. With its sleek and classy design, the Apple Watch 4 will look great for both men and women whether students, young professionals or experienced adults.
Compared to the previous versions of Apple Watch, Series 4 boasts of a larger display, slimmer case, faster processor, and improved sensors. As such it can show more useful data to its wearer. No wonder it’s one of the most popular watches in 2019.
Among its new key features are the ECG app and an atrial fibrillation feature. It is, undoubtedly, way more advanced compared to most smartwatches that only show your heart rate. The ECG app can easily take your electrocardiogram because it is equipped with electrodes within the sapphire crystal-and-ceramic back of the crown. The atrial fibrillation feature, on the other hand, notifies you when your heart made five irregular rhythms.
Having these medical data for a period of time could significantly help in case you’d need to be brought to a hospital or clinic.
If you’re the type who prefers to avoid hospitals and maintains a healthy lifestyle then Apple Watch 4 can also help you with that. It automatically detects workouts and reminds you to use the Workout app.
It also features personalized coaching and monthly challenges. You can even compare your activity with a friend. Want to know more about the Apple Watch Series 4, read here.
A stainless steel watch is a good, practical choice that may fit any occasion – whether for your everyday use or for strictly formal events. It would instantly give you a sophisticated, fashionable look that would match any color of your outfit.
Also with this post, whether you have a very limited budget or you want to splurge – for you or for a special someone, you’d find a great timepiece for the list above.

stainless steel watch on mans arm
(Image: Tooru)

Header Photo by Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Speaker

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