Beater/GADA Choice?

[jzsj0]

Originally Posted by sjcapp

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.

Wait until mid feb, they have a new 70th anniversary apparently coming out. I’m in the exact same boat as you - love the Bathy but worry 43mm is too big. Not tried the 38 but I think it’ll be the opposite end of the scale. I’m really hoping they come out with something good!

[jzsj0]

Originally Posted by Newt

And to add, since you mention wrist size, I am 6.9-7.0 inches wrist depending on activity and weather.

Is this the 38mm? It certainly looks good!

[Star Ferry]

Originally Posted by Blansky

I'm a big fan of this watch. In any of it's color iterations.

I own this and would wear it swimming. 40mm Blancpains are nice but they are pricey special editions, not beaters. The 38mm bathy is a bit of a puck, so might as well get the 43mm, which fits a small wrist anyway.

[Newt]

Jzsj, yes it is.

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by R3Dprius

I have the OP in blue with explorer dial in 34mm and it’s a great daily.

having a 6.25 in wrist, I wear a 34mm OP pretty much daily and couldn't agree more. It is also by far my favorite travel watch. Slides out of sight under a cuffed hoodie sleeve with ease.

The blue Explorer dial OP is perfect, IMO. Sometimes, I regret not getting it... SOMETIMES! ;)

Given the wrist size of the OP, I think him looking at 36mm is a good move. Though, at nearly $13k retail, the Fifty-Fathoms is not exactly an expendable travel watch. And given the market of the OP last time I checked, it's not much better.

For a travel/knock around watch at a modest size and price, I'd look at an Oris diver 65. Plenty of options to choose from.

[sjcapp]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

having a 6.25 in wrist, I wear a 34mm OP pretty much daily and couldn't agree more. It is also by far my favorite travel watch. Slides out of sight under a cuffed hoodie sleeve with ease.

The blue Explorer dial OP is perfect, IMO. Sometimes, I regret not getting it... SOMETIMES! ;)

Given the wrist size of the OP, I think him looking at 36mm is a good move. Though, at nearly $13k retail, the Fifty-Fathoms is not exactly an expendable travel watch. And given the market of the OP last time I checked, it's not much better.

For a travel/knock around watch at a modest size and price, I'd look at an Oris diver 65. Plenty of options to choose from.

The allure of the blue “explorer” is a real thing. I have always been a big fan of that design.

And in the FF price point, they don’t particularly hold value well, so new or barely used can be found on the grey market sub-$8k. If not for this fact, it’d probably be out of the running haha!

[NYC2023]

I think we are in a different income bracket, but I just bought this as my beater watch. Wore it for the first time today and it was running less than one second fast over the course of 30 hours or so. Pretty impressive for the price.

[denmanproject]

This is the one that fills that role for me

[HogwldFLTR]

I've owned three OPs and the last one I had was the perfect OP41 I wanted but ultimately it bored me. I traded it in on the watch below and I've got absolutely no regrets. It's a great watch. It fits my 6.5in wrist in my eye. Maybe not so great in close up photos but on the wrist I love it. Also there are alternative Blancpain straps which can be found if you want to switch it up.

[Aman08]

My vote would be aqua terra and swap factory strap for a rubber strap.

[Carguy87]

My beater is a Luminox diver. Screw down crown, sapphire crystal and the lume is great. Under $1,000 so nothing to get heart broken over if something happens to it. If you’re wanting something nicer I think the OP is a cool option.

[serenerabbit]

116000 white batons dial, easy decision.

[Krash]

Based on the watches you have, your 6.75” wrists and a desire for a blue or white dial watch, I’d go with a different Omega AT than what you listed.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Setarip]

I always prefer Rolex so the OP for me would be a no regrets. For GADA oyster bracelet or NATO.


My GADA is the 11600 or BLNR. But this IWC with blue dial is also in the rotation for that type of service.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RogerOP]

My GADA is my OP41.

Simple, 3 hander - whole reason I bought it was to wear everyday with no worries, no matter where I go.

So I am partial to the Rolex.

[htc8p]

when it comes to indestructible watches it's either rolex or omega

but omega seems to be upping their game.

i prefer the bond seamaster but the aqua terra is just as good and flexible with bracelet or rubber

[Andad]

Yeah, beat up the Omgeeega Sam.

[Harry-57]

I have the bigger AT World Time and I'm so impressed with the finish and quality that I'm eyeing a 38mm. They have a style all of their own. The corollary is that I have all the Rolex models I want. If I still wanted a DJ or an OP I'd be heading there as a priority, although I could buy the AT with a discount from an AD today, so temptation might get the better of me. The AT is a bit more shiny so it will bash up more visibly.

[Number3]

I would revisit the AT on a steel bracelet.

[Star Ferry]

I’d add that, in reality, banging any of those watches around is a bad idea. They will all break with a solid impact.

[samson66]

The AT is just a killer watch and really the definition of GADA. It can be dress, it can be sport, it's tough as nails, it has a great movement, looks good on bracelet, fabric, or rubber straps. You can get them at good prices pre-owned. I would go that direction.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by samson66

The AT is just a killer watch and really the definition of GADA. It can be dress, it can be sport, it's tough as nails, it has a great movement, looks good on bracelet, fabric, or rubber straps. You can get them at good prices pre-owned. I would go that direction.

I just can't get past the shark teeth markers. It reminds me too much of "Little Shop of Horrors." "Feed me, Seymour."

[yesnaya]

I like your pepsi as the GADA watch.

[sjcapp]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I just can't get past the shark teeth markers. It reminds me too much of "Little Shop of Horrors." "Feed me, Seymour."

Hahaha now I can't unsee it

[sjcapp]

Originally Posted by htc8p

when it comes to indestructible watches it's either rolex or omega

but omega seems to be upping their game.

i prefer the bond seamaster but the aqua terra is just as good and flexible with bracelet or rubber

Originally Posted by Andad

Yeah, beat up the Omgeeega Sam.

Originally Posted by Harry-57

I have the bigger AT World Time and I'm so impressed with the finish and quality that I'm eyeing a 38mm. They have a style all of their own. The corollary is that I have all the Rolex models I want. If I still wanted a DJ or an OP I'd be heading there as a priority, although I could buy the AT with a discount from an AD today, so temptation might get the better of me. The AT is a bit more shiny so it will bash up more visibly.

Originally Posted by Number3

I would revisit the AT on a steel bracelet.

Originally Posted by samson66

The AT is just a killer watch and really the definition of GADA. It can be dress, it can be sport, it's tough as nails, it has a great movement, looks good on bracelet, fabric, or rubber straps. You can get them at good prices pre-owned. I would go that direction.

Omega fans have entered the chat haha! Appreciate the heads up re: the AT option on rubber. I'll see if I can get one on the wrist this weekend for a test drive.

[sjcapp]

Originally Posted by yesnaya

I like your pepsi as the GADA watch.

The Pepsi definitely could be a one-and-only watch for me. But it was my first and it has a bit too much sentimental value for me to wear in rougher situations. Not that I'm doing anything crazy rough on regular, but you get it.

[ArtNouveau]

I love my OP41. I wear it anywhere for anything but it is red so maybe not GADA. A new OP 36 or 41 in black, blue, or silver would be GADA.

[rmlovett1]

I’d personally go OP

[EvelynWaugh]

Originally Posted by denmanproject

This is the one that fills that role for me

this one is the clear winner especially if you can source an ez link to make it adjustable. Its rare with a unique off-white dial.

[SPACE PEPSI]

The Rolex is a nice simple watch that will work well with any state of dress. If you are casually wear it, it will get some character scratches and dings due to the bracelet. If you don't care about that and or want something slightly more unique with less versatility, the Blancpain is an attractive choice. The Omega, not so much to me personally. Frankly it looks cheap.