It is easy to understand the current demand for steel luxury sports watches. You get all the design finesse that comes from a luxury brand, and yet, thanks to its humble case in steel, the price is considerably less than that of precious metals. Additionally, steel is a more robust material, making it perfect for an everyday watch.
With such a frenzy for these types of watches, there comes another hurdle that the consumer has to overcome – scarcity. Case in point: the launch of the new Rolex Submariner 41mm. The moment it was announced, consumers began to line up to get on the waiting list. And do not even get us started on the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711. With the difficulty of obtaining these grail watches, let us take a look at some worthy alternatives.
Longines Spirit
Longines Spirit (Ref: L3.810.4.73.6) with silver dial
The Longines Spirit is a brand-new collection that has been inspired by aviators and explorers of the past, like Paul-Emile Victor, Elinor Smith and Amelia Earhart. The base model comes with a stainless-steel case in 40mm or 42mm, and is designed with a very classic styling. Paired with a stainless-steel bracelet, the watch comes with either a black or a silver dial. The Longines Spirit is also Chronometer certified by the COSC, in which it is guaranteed to have a precision of -4/+6 seconds of deviation per day.
TAG Heuer X Fragment Design Heuer 02 Chronograph
AG Heuer X Fragment Design Heuer 02 Chronograph with black dial and black ceramic bezel
This fantastic watch is one that you can appreciate, not so much for the heritage value of the TAG Heuer name, but because of its modern design. The watch is a collaboration between TAG Heuer and Fragment, an imprint of the artist and designer Hiroshi Fujiwara. This watch is the second collaboration between the pair and where the first was a more vintage-looking watch, this second one is undoubtedly modern. The watch is completed with a black dial with red accents and a black ceramic bezel. The best part about it is the transparent red sapphire crystal on the caseback.
The TAG Heuer X Fragment Design Heuer 02 Chronograph featuring a transparent red sapphire crystal on the caseback
Breitling Chronomat B01
Breitling Chronomat B01-42 with a silver dial and black contrasting chronograph counters
You know a watch was made to be tough and functional if it was designed for an Italian aerial squadron. That is exactly what the Breitling Chronomat was based upon when it was launched in 1984. Today, Breitling has decided to revive this collection with the Breitling Chronomat B01 automatic chronograph. This watch offers a unidirectional bezel that has rider tabs at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions, that can be swapped so you can count up or down to a specific event. The coolest part about the new Chronomat is the eye-catching Rouleaux bracelet that was inspired by retro style. This new Breitling steel sports watch is available in multiple variations (view them all).
Omega Speedmaster 321 Moon Watch
OMEGA Speedmaster (Ref: 311.30.40.30.01.001) on steel bracelet with black dial
The Omega Speedmaster needs no introduction, but the version we are talking about today is a very special edition with a distinctive movement. The Speedmaster you see here is one in stainless steel and offers a Calibre 321 movement. This movement was announced last year and is an exact reissue of the famed movement that was qualified by NASA for use in space. The design of this Speedmaster is based on the one worn during the first American spacewalk in 1965. Their stainless-steel case is only 39.7mm in diameter, smaller to reflect the passing times, but it has been updated with a black ceramic bezel.
H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Centre Seconds
H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Centre Seconds Matrix Green (Ref: 6200-1200) exclusively available at Cortina Watch
The debut of H. Moser’s new Streamliner collection was the first automatic chronograph for the brand, as well as the first watch with an integrated stainless-steel bracelet. Today, we are taking a look at the second model in this Streamliner collection – a pure and simple, time-only sports watch. The Streamliner was named after the first high-speed trains from the 1920s and 1930s which had a curvier design to better help with the train’s aerodynamics. This design is translated into the watch, where it is visible on the case and also in the subtle shape of each of the links of the bracelet. View the full review with images of this new novelty.
Discover the full range of steel sports watches in Cortina Watch boutiques.
