08/16/2019

Summer Rewind: Our Top 5 Stainless Steel Watches Of 2019 (So Far)

Supplies might be low, but the demand is ever higher. Here’s a look at the best, new steel watches we could get our hands on this year.

By Watchonista

BREAKING NEWS: People seem to really like stainless steel watches. 2019 is not yet done, but we’ve decided to take a mid-year intermission to recap our favorite stainless steel watches of the year so far. Don’t worry, we won’t tease you with a Nautilus or a Daytona - this top five includes some of the watches you love and some you might’ve missed.

Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5121A

As a non-sports stainless steel watch, the new Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5121A occupies a unique space in the Patek universe. Its release was largely overshadowed by two other stainless steel pieces, the blue-dial Nautilus 5726 and the Aquanaut “Jumbo” 5168G in green, but has garnered attention from watch lovers looking beyond the hype. With a wealth of balanced information, pops of red, and hand-drawn fonts, the 5121A deserves every bit of attention it gets.

The New Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5121A

The New Calatrava Weekly Calendar 5121A on the wrist

Learn More About The Calatrava ref 5121A

TAG Heuer Monaco 1989–1999 Limited Edition

Anniversaries are a cause for celebration TAG Heuer knows how to party. Featuring a transformed Cipriani for a venue, Moët champagne, and actor-turned-race-car-driver Patrick Dempsey, the event marked the release 1990s tribute Monaco in stainless steel. The latest Monaco timepiece sports a sandblasted gray dial with red accents and is the third of five limited edition watches that will be released this. Follow the link to learn more about the big bash and to read our interview with Mr. Dempsey himself.

TAG Heuer Monaco 1989–1999 Limited Edition

TAG Heuer Monaco 1989–1999 Limited Edition caseback

Go Back To The 90s With TAG Heuer

Oris Aquis Date Relief

Oris is known for making “real watches for real people.” Now the Swiss manufacture is taking on real issues by releasing a trio of watches aimed at raising clean water awareness. Our favorite of the three is the Aquis Date Relief. With its sunburst gray dial, relief bezel, red rubber strap, and accessible price point (under $2,000 USD), it looks and feels considerably cooler than the typical “benefit” watch and is equally suitable for ventures 300m below sea level or an afternoon poolside.

Oris Aquis Date Relief

Discover the Oris Aquis Date Relief

Frederique Constant QP Tourbillon Manufacture

The husband-and-wife team of Peter and Aletta Stas founded Frederique Constant in 1988 with a goal to produce reasonably priced Swiss watches with high-end complications and finishes.   This example of haute horology features hand-polished components and comes in at a price under $20,000 USD, a fraction of the competition. Plus, you might not have to reset this watch for 400 years.

The New Frederique Constant QP Tourbillon Manufacture

The New Frederique Constant QP Tourbillon Manufacture on the wrist

“Batman” Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II BLNR on Jubilee Bracelet

A stainless steel watch list wouldn’t be complete without Rolex, and for our requisite selection, we’ve chosen the latest “Batman” GMT on a Jubilee bracelet. Released at Baselworld alongside the two-tone Sea-Dweller and an all-black Yacht Master, this watch builds off previous “Batman” models and features the new caliber 3285 and a Cerachrome bezel. Compared to the standard Oyster bracelet, the Jubilee is dressier, more scratch-resistant, and it helps separate the GMT from its dive watch brethren.