13 Best Stainless Steel Watches for Men, According to Style Experts

Having been to the moon and back, this omnipotent sports watch is built with stellar accuracy and performance in mind to survive in space—and on your wrist. Featuring the legendary manual-winding movement tested on the moon, a chronograph, a tachymeter, and water resistance, it’s a hybrid of diving and racing chronography that needs an adventurous wearer like you who can match its spirit.

Longines’s iconic model is powered by an automatic, mechanical movement that takes the guesswork out of winding—and it certainly helps that it can run for 72 hours straight. With a scratch-resistant anti-reflective coating, the case of this heritage watch will probably stay looking good forever. And it also suits recreational swimming and diving.

Built for conquering adventures in style, Tudor’s Pelagos diver can deep dive and run for 70 hours before self-winding. Look-wise, this sporty stainless steel watch can add a touch of sophistication to a suit or dress shirt, while also complementing a more casual outfit such as jeans and a t-shirt, making it the perfect versatile ticker to own.

Capable of lasting for full six months straight once fully powered—by light, nonetheless—Seiko’s automatic solar chronograph can also measure in 1/5-second increments with split time for accurate timekeeping. Its luminous markers and decent water resistance also render it safe to use in an outdoor environment.

Hublot’s flagship model uses the brand’s own chronograph movement that’s built to the upmost precision and durability. The polished titanium outer is practically impervious to scratches, dings, and other types of curveball life will throw at it. Showing the ebb and flow and each second through the case, it’s also a miracle to look at.

Chunky but not too funky, laid-back but still rugged enough to take on the world (or just your wrist), this military-inspired watch is made to accompany your adventurous times in the great outdoors. And since it’s a chronograph and water resistant, it doubles as a sports watch for some recreational activities and friendly competitions.

With a ‘70s vintage look redefined in a tough-as-nails construction, Timex’s M79 is the pinnacle of what a retro ticker should look like nowadays. It’s automatic, meaning it’s powered by your movement and can last for 40 hours before needing winding. At under $300, it's a great starter to the world of steel watches.

Batteries? Citizen’s Eco-Drive-powered tickers don’t know them—why would they when they’re in fact powered by light, and any source of light? With a titanium case and bracelet, this signature timepiece can even thrive in a scuba dive at up to 650 feet. And since you’ll never need battery replacement, you can reach deep in the ocean resting assured that your watch still works just fine.

Looking masculine and sophisticated, Victorinox’s FieldForce Classic has the functionalities to match its rugged facade. It’s decently water-resistant so you can sweat or even go a few laps in the swimming pool with it. The GMT feature lets it accurately monitor two different time zones at once (anyone in a long-distance relationship?). The dials and numerals are also highly legible. At under $500, it's worth a grab.

Proving that you can look sophisticated without boring, the Vinton has a casual fun style that’ll charm any onlooker. We also love that its polished steel craft flows together seamlessly—from the dial to case to bracelet—to armor your wrist. On top of that, the sapphire crystal case is anti-scratch, and the movement is highly accurate.

A dress watch that lasts is one you’ll want to sport on your wrist for any formal, business occasions that require dressing up and smart. Tissot’s Gentleman series is a prime example of how to last in style: it’s a got power reserve of up to 80 hours, and the sapphire crystal case is scratch-resistant.

When you put a rare Swiss quartz chronograph movement together with a mid-century profile, you get a sports watch that doesn’t skimp on style while keeping time. And beyond the chronograph, this ticker even has a tachymeter to measure your speed while you’re running, cycling, or racing.

Tag Heuer’s iconic modern Carrera watch features the brand’s signature Calibre 5 automatic movement that is built to be precise and encapsulated in an elegant form that is ready for everyday wear.