Apple Watch & Exercise.

Yes, the Apple Watch does count steps. You can find your step count under your Activity Rings--just scroll down passed the info on each ring, and you should see the current step count for the day.

It counts steps via the accelerometer sensor, which measures your body's movement, and if you use the Workout app, it also uses GPS.

I found this article as a reference: https://www.myhealthyapple.com/how-to-track-steps-distance-and-floors-climbed-on-your-apple-watch/

If you want a compilation that will show the number of steps taken on the face of the watch, you'll need an app like StepsApp.