If Not A Daytona, Nautilus Or A Royal Oak Then What? Top 6 Sports Steel Watches
5 min read
Trends keep evolving, but the one that is timeless is the perennial demand for sports steel watches. In fact, in the pre-owned markets, the demand and price of some sports steel watches are relatively higher than those made of precious metals, a trend that took off in the 70s with the arrival of Patek Philippe’s Nautilus and the Royal Oak in all steel versions with integrated bracelets.
Advantages of a steel watch
- Anti-Corrosive: Stainless steel actually translates to “rustless” steel.
- Durability: Steel is an extremely hard metal and is more resistant to everyday dings than any other precious metal.
- Price: Well, in most cases, steel watches are relatively more pocket-friendly in comparison to other precious materials like gold and platinum.
- Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711
- Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
- Vacheron Constantin Overseas
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
- Girard Perregaux Laureato
- Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
However, over the last decade, we have seen prices of some of the most sought-after sports steel watches skyrocketing, especially in the pre-loved markets. And it doesn't just end there. If the prices, which are twice the amount of the actual MRP, may dissuade you, there is the suffering of the dreaded waitlist. We’re not saying it's not worth the wait, that is of course if patience is one of your stronger virtues. Here is our list of some of the best sports steels that you don’t need to wait in line for.
Cartier Santos
Arguably a watch that fits both the dressy and sporty vibes, Cartier’s Santos today is undoubtedly the best “value for money” steel sports watch out there. Although the original Santos was designed with a strap, Cartier expects no such commitments from you now. The new generations of Santos steel watches come with integrated bracelets with Cartier’s quick switch lug triggers that lets you switch to a leather strap with a deployment clasp in less than 60 seconds.
Tudor Heritage Blackbay Fifty Eight 79030N
A 39mm steel case with a unidirectional rotatable bezel on a riveted steel bracelet, a 2018 release that met instant success and is still much in demand. Without delving further into the vast historic background of the Fifty-Eights, this Tudor is much appreciated amongst enthusiasts and anyone who is looking for an aesthetically pleasing credible watch. Rolex-level obsession? Well maybe not but, Tudor watches represent exceptional manufacturing qualities at affordable price points.
Panerai Luminor Marina PAM 00977
A Manufacturer that has surely caught the attention of millennials over the last decade is Panerai. The one we are recommending today is made from an alloy that is extremely resistant to corrosion - AISI 316L Steel, the PAM977 with a silver brushed face. What is interesting here is the alternating brushed and polished finish composition of the bracelet that gives it that sporty yet elegant look. A 3 days power reserve with a jumping hour mechanism, the PAM 977 is a versatile sports steel watch that will not break your bank.
Zenith Defy Skyline
Beating to the tunes of the El Primero 3620 high beat automatic caliber, next on our list is Zenith’s Defy Skyline - a non-chronograph version of this famous movement. With a 47mm steel case, and a blue dial accentuated with that twelve-sided bezel on an integrated steel bracelet, the Defy Skyline has a lot of character. Some may refer to it as a rip-off of another coveted collection with an eight-sided case and although there may be a slight resemblance it would be imperative to mention that the Defy was introduced back in 1969, years before Genta gave us the Nautilus and Royal Oak.
Omega Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph
A combination of De Ville’s chronograph dial and the Moonwatch, the Speedmaster 38, is more than just a reduced version of the Speedmaster. Making it to our list today is this sun-brushed blue dial with the light blue sub-dials and a vertical oval date window. The blue central second-hand sports a special *Orbis Teddy Bear counterweight. The final commemorative touch is the view of a stamped Orbis Teddy Bear on the solid steel case-back.
*A cuddly companion given to children undergoing eye surgery is the inspiration for the Orbis Teddy Bear, made in support of Orbis International and its Flying Eye hospital.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur
Talk about a fresh new take on an old classic - The super sleek vintage-inspired Marine Torpilleur. There’s little not to like about this 42mm valued packed steel marine chronometer-styled watch. Tasteful with a white lacquered dial that contrasts perfectly with the crisply painted black roman numerals. A power reserve indicator and a seconds subdial with a date integrated within sits at 12 o'clock and 6 o clock respectively. The more you look at it, the more you appreciate how well all the elements sit so cohesively with the rest of the look, especially the occasional red and blue highlights. Besides the visual elements, the mechanism powering this timepiece is also a reflection of Ulysse Nardin’s expertise and innovation in the craft of watchmaking. It is powered by a Marine Chronometer Torpilleur Cal. UN-118 Self-winding movement that offers a power reserve of 60 hours.
The watches that made it to our list are both relatively affordable and more importantly largely obtainable and available. There is no debating the demand and desire for the classics namely, the Bvlgari Octo, the Rolex Daytona and Submariner, the Nautilus, and so on, but the watches listed above are also well-executed and highly qualitative worthy contenders that won’t necessarily come with excruciating waitlists and divorce worthy price tags!
