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Old 31 January 2023, 01:32 AM   #1
sjcapp
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Beater/GADA Choice?

Hey team -

Coming back for another round of opinions on a purchase decision (big thanks to everyone who chimed in on my post yesterday about a PM daily).

Background… My wrist is flat, around 6.75”. Currently have a PP 5117J for formal occasions and a Pepsi 16710 for work.

I am looking to add a beater/GADA piece. Something robust that can handle fly fishing, clay shooting, skiing, biking, hikes, the beach, etc. I also envision this being the watch I throw on when I need to be more cognizant of surroundings (i.e., certain foreign travel). Basically, a watch that I love wearing but am also not sad about if it meets its demise or takes real abuse.

Blue or white dial is preferred. Weighing the OP 116000 (36mm), the Blancpain FF Bathyscaphe (38mm), and the Omega Seamaster AT (231.92.39.21.04.001, 39mm).

Hit me with some feedback on your choices! Also welcome alternative recommendations... the more input the better.





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Old 31 January 2023, 01:35 AM   #2
HERITAGE82
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The Omega is a real looker and would look great on a variety of straps so that would be my choice.
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Old 31 January 2023, 01:45 AM   #3
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Blancpain for sure.
Comfortable strap, not basic like the Rolex... And a bit more unusual than the Omega
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Old 31 January 2023, 01:49 AM   #4
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Welp....this is the Rolex forum... I vote OP.
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Old 31 January 2023, 01:52 AM   #5
sjcapp
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Welp....this is the Rolex forum... I vote OP.
Fair point... should have put this one in the open discussion forum. Still learning the ropes!

Appreciate the feedback on the watch, though.
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Old 31 January 2023, 01:52 AM   #6
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If I imagine a person next to me wearing one of those 3 watches, I'd want to get to know the BlancPain guy more than the others.
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Old 31 January 2023, 01:54 AM   #7
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If I imagine a person next to me wearing one of those 3 watches, I'd want to get to know the BlancPain guy more than the others.
Yea....I'd ask why he didn't buy the normal Fifty Fathoms...
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Old 31 January 2023, 01:57 AM   #8
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Ou thats a hard one, I would probably go with BP / Omega
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Old 31 January 2023, 01:59 AM   #9
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I’m partial to GADA watches having a timing bezel. I’d vote Blancpain Bathys - but with a black dial & bezel as opposed to blue.

If timing bezel is not needed, I’d go with the Omega.
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Old 31 January 2023, 02:01 AM   #10
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Out of those, I’d go for the Omega. I have an older Seamaster and love that watch.

Maybe you could find one of the new Aqua Terras with the crazy red or saffron color - I remember seeing them announced like a year ago or more but haven’t seen any for sale yet.
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Old 31 January 2023, 02:02 AM   #11
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I'd take the AT or FF...would depend on how loud you want the dial to be.
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Old 31 January 2023, 02:04 AM   #12
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Of the watches you list, I’d go with the AT. In this case, I actually like it better than the others but I perhaps also choose it because it’s the cheapest.

I never really understand spending a lot of money on a watch to beat it to death - that’s what g-shocks are specifically designed for - or maybe a cheap seiko 5 dive watch or something if you want to splash out 200-300 and feel a bit smarter.

I just couldn’t ever go mountain biking or running around a ghetto in a Rolex not caring what happened. Even if it was an OP!
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Old 31 January 2023, 02:04 AM   #13
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Three great watches but I have to go with the Blancpain because of the timing bezel. Very useful for all sorts of activities.
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Old 31 January 2023, 04:53 AM   #14
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I'm in a similar camp as the OP, except I really want a white dial next. If the Tudor Ranger came with a white dial it might be the perfect choice. Same goes for the IWC XX, but it does come in blue, OP . ExpII Polar is too expensive for this purchase, not to mention nearly impossible to get. The AT here might be the answer.
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Old 31 January 2023, 04:57 AM   #15
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Of those three I like the Omega the most
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Old 31 January 2023, 04:59 AM   #16
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Your 16710 does everything you are looking for.
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Old 31 January 2023, 05:21 AM   #17
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I like that OP with the 3-6-9 numerals (not the all-stick indices). Not sure about the Omega finish (I never got into this reference), but you can remove a lot of blemishes and scratches from that Rolex very easily (should that be of any importance). I have a 114200 Air King with the 3-6-9 numerals on a white dial that I wear in the manner you are describing. Whenever it needs a bit of refinishing, it's easy to do and easily returns to looking great on the wrist. Very no nonsense look about it, which I find appealing for such usage.
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Old 31 January 2023, 05:32 AM   #18
stateman
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Same size wrist and also have a 16710 (fwiw) - currently use a BB58 blue for that specific use case. It is the watch I throw on for any purpose and location. The one I'm taking on vacation when I only feel like taking one watch and not worrying at all.

Recently got a Tudor Ranger bracelet for it which helped a lot (in my opinion). Smooth taper, no rivets, T-Fit clasp for on the fly adjustment and I prefer the fully brushed look. Also have a Vanguard rubber strap and Artem sailcloth for the watch - very versatile.

But I do agree with someone else's comments above - GShock is never a wrong answer.
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Old 31 January 2023, 05:44 AM   #19
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I'm a big fan of this watch. In any of it's color iterations.
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File Type: jpg 1.-HEADER-Omega-Seamaster-DIVER-300M-White-RBR.001x.jpg (49.1 KB, 1273 views)
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Old 31 January 2023, 05:44 AM   #20
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Consider the white op39 I think that would tick every box for you.
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Old 31 January 2023, 06:01 AM   #21
sjcapp
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S’portEye View Post
Your 16710 does everything you are looking for.
Agreed, except I don't want to risk junking or losing the 16710. Love that thing a little too much.
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Old 31 January 2023, 06:07 AM   #22
sjcapp
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Consider the white op39 I think that would tick every box for you.
Would definitely consider it if not for the price. If this is my "don't cry if it gets destroyed or lost" watch, I'm trying to keep the price reasonable. Have insurance but still want to keep costs in check (lest my wife start to take a less forgiving approach to my watching buying habits).
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Old 31 January 2023, 06:07 AM   #23
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I've got an older AT 8500, great watch for the most part. I did have to send it back a couple of times due to the hour hand not jumping when setting the time. Other than that solid for the last 11+ years. That'd be my choice..
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Old 31 January 2023, 06:08 AM   #24
sjcapp
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn View Post
I'm in a similar camp as the OP, except I really want a white dial next. If the Tudor Ranger came with a white dial it might be the perfect choice. Same goes for the IWC XX, but it does come in blue, OP . ExpII Polar is too expensive for this purchase, not to mention nearly impossible to get. The AT here might be the answer.
IWC is a tough one for me. I so badly want to like their pieces, but none ever speak to me. I always look, try them on, and then walk away. Then the cycle repeats...
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Old 31 January 2023, 06:13 AM   #25
sjcapp
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WristWatchWonders View Post
Three great watches but I have to go with the Blancpain because of the timing bezel. Very useful for all sorts of activities.
Quote:
Originally Posted by effovex View Post
I’m partial to GADA watches having a timing bezel. I’d vote Blancpain Bathys - but with a black dial & bezel as opposed to blue.

If timing bezel is not needed, I’d go with the Omega.
Quote:
Originally Posted by VonSomething View Post
If I imagine a person next to me wearing one of those 3 watches, I'd want to get to know the BlancPain guy more than the others.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tifosi View Post
Yea....I'd ask why he didn't buy the normal Fifty Fathoms...
Thanks for all the BP FF feedback. Really like that watch, definitely unique.

Totally separate thought about Blancpain... They drive me crazy. 40mm would be the sweet spot for the regular FF line but they only do that size in limited releases and I am not trying to pay $20k+ to get my hands on one. So that leaves me with either a 43mm+ or 38mm Bathyscaphe. And my wrist, while not tiny, cannot support a dinner plate haha.
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Old 31 January 2023, 06:14 AM   #26
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SJCapp, I have the exact Bathy like you have pictured there, as well as a number of other sport Rolexes, OP's and DJ's. I have completely fallen in love with that watch. The blue is gorgeous. It's a tough sport watch that sorta doubles as a dress watch, the bezel is fantastic. The sailcloth is the ONLY strap I like that isn't a bracelet. And I'm very active person. In fact, it's the only non-Rolex I have and wear a lot. It's a fantastic watch.
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Old 31 January 2023, 06:16 AM   #27
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And to add, since you mention wrist size, I am 6.9-7.0 inches wrist depending on activity and weather.



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Old 31 January 2023, 06:56 AM   #28
sjcapp
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And to add, since you mention wrist size, I am 6.9-7.0 inches wrist depending on activity and weather.
Great pictures! From afar the watch looks nondescript, but up close it really is very high quality. Tried one on at the flagship in NYC and almost bought it then (but then I remembered it can be had cheaper - but still new - on the grey market).
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Old 31 January 2023, 07:09 AM   #29
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I have the OP in blue with explorer dial in 34mm and it’s a great daily. Have worn it just about every day for 4 years with heavy wear and hasn’t skipped a beat. Wore it in Puerto Rico for a wedding this past weekend and highly recommend. Will say I don’t love the look of the blued indices and hands on the omega. Have seen one in person and fell like it’ll age poorly.
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Old 31 January 2023, 08:31 AM   #30
sjcapp
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Appreciate the feedback from everyone. After a few conversations with some helpful TRF members and doing some sleuthing, dropping the Omega from consideration. The leather underside of the canvas band is a no-go for me - it'll end up getting wrecked/gross from all the activity.

So I'm down to the OP and the FF...
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