Are Steinhart watches any good? If you’ve ever considered this popular homage-focused brand, here’s everything you need to know.
Not all homage watches are replicas. Moreover, unless a brand straightforwardly calls a model an homage, we never really know if it is one. Is the Seiko SKX007 a Submariner homage? Or is it just a classic diver, the standards of which are highly influenced by the Sub? If the SKX007 is an homage, it’s proof that a truly good homage can make a name for itself. Many ask the question, are Steinhart watches good?
This is likely because not everyone realizes that an homage can be good. But are the ones they make any good? Are they for you if you’d rather not go for a “copycat?” I’m going to break everything down for you here, from their history to their designs. Of course, I’ll also go over the quality of their pieces. You’d be surprised at who the brand can appeal to. I promise you that it’s not just for people looking for cheaper versions of luxury icons.
Table of Contents
Steinhart History: Democratizing Designs
Steinhart was founded by a German engineer and watch enthusiast, Günter Steinhart, in 2001. He started the brand in Augsburg, Germany, aiming to provide high-quality, high-value watches. Günter essentially wanted to democratize formerly gate-kept designs and, to an extent, solid constructions as well.
One thing that makes Steinhart unique from many other homage brands is its German construction. You will find most homage makers based in Asia, specifically China. This gives Steinhart a leg up, image-wise. Moreover, they use Swiss-made automatic movements.
Steinhart, the man, specifically wanted to revive historical watch designs. His primary focus was on pilot watches and seafaring dive watches. Of course, the result is that they recreate icons and, therefore, are an homage brand. However, Steinhart does two things that I believe level them up from a design perspective.
First, they tend to add their own signatures to the homages. They look almost exactly like their source material, but not in a copycat sense. It’s more in the sense that the source material is a classic standard-bearer, so many watches in that category take from it.
Moreover, they often build vintage-inspired pieces using modern constructions. These aren’t just fashion watch props. So, in a way, they offer models that simply don’t exist in the real world.
Usually, you have just two choices. You can get a modern iteration of a classic model for its superior construction. Or, you can get the vintage option with all the vintage hassle. Steinhart allows you to get the best of both worlds.
An Overall Steinhart Watches Review
Here’s an overall Steinhart watches review to give you an in-depth idea of what you can find in their line. I won’t go too deep into specific models here. They offer a wide range. Of course, I’ll use specific models to illustrate the qualities I’m exploring.
Steinhart Makes Classic, Tried-and True Models
As mentioned, Steinhart often focuses on classic templates and incorporates classic design cues in the sport watch realm. Many consider the watch world slow-changing, and tried-and-trues are gold standards.
Their Nav B-Uhr may resemble an IWC, but no one owns the classic Flieger watch template. Vaer does something quite similar but doesn’t get labeled an homage brand. While Steinhart and Vaer generally pay homage to full eras, Steinhart doesn’t avoid models associated with current, popular luxury models.
I understand that perhaps something like their use of Mercedes hands, as with the Ocean 39, is a bridge too far for some. But again, Rolex doesn’t own that design. Even more, their models that utilize such features are, indeed, undeniable homages.
If you want a more subtle homage, those are also available in their range. For example, I love how their Ocean One Vintage Chronograph is both a racing chronograph and a dive watch. It’s not an homage to a classic but to several classics, producing something that doesn’t exactly exist in the market.
Solid, High-Value Construction
There’s absolutely no denying that Steinhart makes solid watches. Even if you disagree with my “high-value” statement, you can’t deny that the prices are at least fair and reasonable. If you think the higher-end Seiko 5 models are worth their $400-$500 price tags, then Steinhart watches definitely are, too.
Their sport watches are legitimate, featuring water resistance and ceramic inserts on the bezel. This means that the bezel isn’t just highly durable but also fade-resistant. The vividness of their Pepsi-bezel watch, the Ocean One GMT, will stay bright for life. Even more, that dive is an example of one of their ceramic dial watches.
They also offer titanium models in addition to stainless steel. Titanium is definitely a premium offering since it’s at least as strong as stainless steel but much lighter. This also makes it perfect for guys with smaller wrists like myself!
They employ domed sapphire crystals, which combine the vintage look with modern materials. Plus, some brands make watches at Steinhart’s price points that don’t use scratch-resistant sapphires.
And finally, as mentioned, the watches are assembled in Germany. The reason why the fatherland has been a manufacturing powerhouse for decades is because of its precision and technical chops. I’m not saying that all Chinese manufacturing is poor, but they definitely focus more on mass manufacturing.
Swiss Movements
Though Steinhart makes their watches in Germany, their movements are Swiss. This is a big plus for many watch buyers since Swiss movements are highly coveted. Steinhart uses automatic Sellita calibers, which are high quality and used by many luxury brands. IWC, Hublot, Raymond Weil, and Sinn have all used Sellita movements or bases.
Steinhart also uses Swiss workhorse ETA movements. ETA is known for its accuracy, craftsmanship, and reliability. It makes one of the most high-value Swiss chronograph movements on the market.
Finally, you can also go for upgraded Steinhart watches, which run on Soprod movements. Soprod is more elaborate, which means it’s adjustable in three positions and has an average rate of 5 seconds a day. Moreover, they don’t rely on just Swatch for their escapements, which could potentially make servicing easier.
Unique Offerings and Limited Editions
One thing I absolutely love that Steinhart does is combine cool elements from different brands. For example, their Submariner homages come with exhibition case backs. Rolex never does exhibition case backs. So, you get the Rolex look on a watch that’ll satisfy your horological curiosity.
I already mentioned their use of titanium and how they build chronograph divers. Another thing worth mentioning again is how they build vintage-like models with the convenience of modern-day construction. For example, the Ocean One Vintage GMT looks just like the original Explorer II. However, it boasts a whole 300 meters of water resistance.
Steinhart also does “ladies” sport watches. The Ocean 39 Beige has a Rolex Rootbeer aesthetic. It’s obviously less elusive and expensive, and at 39 millimeters, it’s slender-wrist-friendly.
Steinhart GMT Watches
The Steinhart GMT watch range really shows off the brand’s strengths. It homages GMT Master IIs, vintage Explorer IIs, and original GMT Masters, and offers fun remixes of these classic designs.
For example, take a look at the premium red Ocean 39, which is an homage to the original GMT Master. However, it has outlined applied indices and a bright red ceramic face. It’s truly striking and something Rolex has never done.
The Ocean One Vintage GMT two-tone looks just like the Rolex McQueen 1655 but in a two-tone construction. It’s familiar yet unique. All of this is proof that Steinhart offers something the market wouldn’t otherwise have. Speaking of the Ocean One Vintage GMT, let’s take a closer look at the core version.
Spotlight: Steinhart Steve McQueen GMT
One of Steinhart’s most popular watches is the aforementioned Ocean One Vintage GMT, which is lovingly referred to as the Steinhart Steve McQueen GMT. This watch is modeled after the original 1655 Explorer II, otherwise known as the McQueen. It boasts a sapphire crystal, 200 meters more water resistance, and a solid stainless steel construction. Of course, it flaunts the same military-esque, rugged look as the 1655.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 13.5mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 300m
FAQs
There are a lot of questions floating around the internet about Steinhart watches. Hopefully, when it comes to the question, “is a Steinhart watch good?” we’ve already provided some answers. However, here are some of the more common questions about the brand!
Is Steinhart a Luxury Brand?
Steinhart isn’t considered luxury since they’re priced much lower than true luxury brands like Rolex and even Breitling. However, they offer Swiss movements and German manufacturing. At their mid-level ~$500 price point, some might consider them “affordable luxury,” though that’s subjective.
Who Owns Steinhart Watches?
Günter Steinhart founded Steinhart Watches in Augsburg, Germany, in 2001 and currently owns the brand. He’s an engineer with a background in architecture, an entrepreneur, and a watch enthusiast.
Is Steinhart a Homage Brand?
Yes, Steinhart is generally considered an homage brand. They build both direct homages to classic sport watches, as well as models that generally pay homage past eras.
Conclusion: A Step Above Your Average Homage-Maker
So, are Steinhart watches good? In my opinion, yes. They may be homage makers, but they do both straight homages and remixes that the source material doesn’t offer. This allows their range to occasionally stand on its own, outside of the pieces that inspired them.
Steinhart also boasts precise German craftsmanship, not cheap mass-market production, which most homage-makers utilize. Most people love that they outfit their watches with Swiss automatic movements, too. Again, that’s something other homage brands don’t often do.
Even if you don’t think they’re a great stand-alone brand, you can’t deny that they make good homages.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below.
Hi Nina, I think Homage watches fill the niche between those that realise they will never or cannot justify the huge wait with its equally huge price tag to purchase something like a Rolex or an Omega…
I collect watches and recent bought a Raven 39mm Vintage and is well worth the 1000 OZ dollars I paid for it – whilst it has obviously been Regulated by the owner (Steve) and so – keeps near Seiko Astron time – it’s still a product of its build cost; which is excellent, also!
I truly believe, as many have alluded to, that there is a lot of Smoke & Mirrors going on in the Watch Industry – and, the Asians are fast catching up to those up-market, overpriced Swiss items.
Truly, how many people can afford to buy one of those insanely priced watches, that still fail?
Steinhart watches are now based in Stadtbergen Germany.
As of today, April 17, 2023, Steinhart also offers a Titanium Ocean One GMT which also uses a Sellita SW330-2, a nice movement where fully wound, it runs up to 56 hours. Unfortunately, Steinhart has chosen to make the bezel unidirectional instead of bidirectional, which is what Rolex and many other upscale watches offer.
I have recently changed my mind – if not on hommage watches in general, then at least on Steinhart. It was 1996 and I was still a university student with a large number of student jobs when I bought my first Rolex. I had been saving money for it for nearly two years.
Back then wearing a watch like that made me feel like I was lifted to a different value. My self-esteem rose, and with it my whole behaviour changed whenever I wore my Rolex.
An hommage watch was to me something like a replica watch: A cheap shortcut. Something that aspires to make you seem like something your’re not: Shiny on the outside, but not much behind it. And even though people may not recognize it, you would always know for yourself that you don’t live up to what you show off.
Times have changed. At first: Yes, I’m getting older. As the saying goes … At age 20 you care a lot about what others think about you. At age 40 you quit caring what others think about you. At age 60 you realize that nobody ever cared about you in the first place. I’m only 50, but well … It’s true :-).
More than that … It sure depends on where you are and who you’re with. Five years ago I remembered all my old watch dreams – and found that finally I was able to fulfill them! So I bought an Omega Speedmaster Professional, several Breitling Navitimers and Super Avengers, a Sinn 142, and qhite some more … Within these last five years I took note of who asked me about my watches and who obviously looked at my wrist. Double zero! In five years of wearing not only my Rolex (vintage by now), but also truly large watches like the Breitling Super Avenger or the Montbrillant Legende or the iconic Omega Moon Watch not a single person asked me about it. And hardly ever anyone checked my wrist in a way that I noticed.
You may have different experiences, but to me the last five years have turned my watches from proudly worn status symbols to something nearly as privat and personal as my underwear.
Then a few years ago I got my first Steinhart! It’s a Rolex hommage, but hardly anybody would confuse it with a Rolex, because it’s a vintage version mimmicking the Submariner from the late 1950s with a highly domed glass. Only of course, Steinhart uses sapphire glass, has a 42 mm diameter bezel and a level of craftsmanship that would make a 1950s Rolex look like a cheap knock-off.
In the years to come I truly fell in love with this watch. The design was my initial reason to buy it, and I still love it. But what’s more … The Steinhart is a true high quality watch, and that is what I really enjoy in things: Great quality. If it’s a piece of furniture, a luxury car or a pair of shoes. Extraordinary quality (not brand names) is what makes all the difference to me. And the Steinhart is at least on a level with my (old) Rolexes, my Breitlings and my Omega.
Recently I bought some more Steinhart watches. Yes, some are just plain Rolex hommages. The type of watches I would have despised a while ago. Today I don’t care about image, or if anybody might think I was generic because I’m wearing a “generic” watch (in the age of smartphones and Apple watches you hardly run into anybody who cares about “old fashioned” watches anymore anyway). I like the design, and I love the quality even more. And I’m truly proud to wear such a beautiful piece of premium craftsmanship, every day. Looking at the prices Steinhart demands for the high quality watches they offer it almost seems like you’d have to be silly NOT to buy them.
And yes, I’m proud to tell you I could afford the “real thing” from Switzerland without crashing the bank. I just don’t care to spend 10,000 on a thing hardly better than another thing for 500, just to get the name …
I know who I am. I don’t need a brand logo to make me fell worthy (the trick doesn’t work for me anymore). I like great design and superb quality. I love my Steinharts. And anyone who feels like I do and enjoys a mechanical watch should consider trying a Steinhart. They’re truly great watches, hommages or not.
Best regards, Kai from Germany