Stainless Steel Watches

The difference between steel watches is in the finishing. A case with brushed flanks and polished bevels catches light two ways and takes several more operations to produce than one polished throughout, which is why the same alloy can look entirely different at opposite ends of the market. Sharp, defined transitions between the two finishes are the mark of a case that has been properly worked.

904L, popularised by Rolex, is marginally more corrosion resistant and considerably harder to machine. In daily wear the difference is negligible. What you will notice is the bracelet: solid end links, a milled clasp and on-the-wrist micro-adjustment are what decide how a steel watch actually feels to wear.

This is the largest section on the site and spans nearly the entire price range.

Stainless Steel Watches holds 3274 models across 96 brands, from £20 to £120,000. Half cost less than £279, and a quarter less than £159. 1162 of 3274 are automatic. 1315 are stocked by more than one retailer, giving 4721 offers in total. Emporio Armani lists more references here than any other brand. Prices are checked nightly against the retailers’ own feeds.