Dappered Classics: Stainless Steel Watches under $300

Affordable Stainless Steel Watches, for the guy who never wears them.

Originally Published 11/10/2010

Not counting the Timex Ironman I run with, I own seven watches.  Not a single one has a stainless steel band.  Four have black leather bands, two have brown leather bands, and one has this red and blue striped nylon watchband from Brooks Brothers.  Stainless steel watchbands just haven’t ever been my style.  Until now.

I’m strongly considering getting one and wearing it sparingly.  I’m in no rush by any means, and I’ve got a few requirements:

• Not too shiny.  Can’t look like man-jewelry
• Has to be relatively versatile so I can wear it with a suit or a t-shirt and jeans.
• Chronograph is a huge plus (I use parking meters quite a bit)
• The links can’t be too small/intricate.  That’s a personal preference.
• Must be under $300.

Here’s a few that I’m considering:

Bulova Stainless Steel 98B131 – $220.00 $137.31 (reg. $275)

The Pros: Simple.  Classic.  Great orange accents.  Trusted brand.  Decent Terrific price.
The Cons: Could have more shine in person. Maybe a tad boring? Over $200.
UPDATE: Serious hat tip to Jon for catching the Bulova for under $140 on Amazon (see the comments below).  That’s an amazing deal.  Plus, it’s fulfilled by Amazon (no longer the case) so if you question any of the authenticity it’s their return policies you deal with.
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Citizen Eco Drive Black Ion Plated Chrono – $270.00

The Pros: It’s a Citizen with Eco-Drive. Great dial and features.  Chronograph.
The Cons: Links get a little small on the bracelet.  Black Ion might not be that versatile.  Expensive.
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Tissot T17 PRC 200 Chronograph – $298.99

The Pros: Great balance between sport and dressed up style.  Incredible brand.  Well reviewed.
The Cons: Really expensive.  Looks better with a leather band?
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Swiss Army Chrono Classic #241122 – $268.00

The Pros: Trusted brand, great links, terrific dial.
The Cons: The Tach around the bezel is a little much.  Also expensive.
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Orient Black Mako Automatic – $117.99

The Pros: Looks great.  Perfect links.  Pic from customer shows it looks better in person.  Incredible price.
The Cons: Not many.  A little plain?
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Wenger Battalion II Diver – $125.65

The Pros: Simple, looks a lot like the Bulova.   Love the larger crown.  Inexpensive.
The Cons: Like the Orient above, is it too simple?
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GUESS Waterproof Chronograph – $125.00

The Pros: The black bezel is a nice touch.  Intricate looking dial.  Inexpensive.
The Cons: How chromed up are those pieces in between the links?
UPDATE: Via Matthew who owns the Guess watch above. Those spaces between the links are the same shine level as the rest of the band. Check out the pic here (bonus points for having the site pulled up in the background…)

If you had to pick one, which one would you go with?  Got any additional suggestions or direct experience with any of these?   Any and all feedback goes in the comments section below…
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