Is there really a GADA watch amongst watch enthusiasts?

I think many of us have GADA watches we just pretend we don't to acquire more watches 😂. In my opinion if the watch looks good on a suit and has a decent water resistance it qualifies as a GADA watch.

I will throw my Astor Banks to the mix:

At 39mm, 200WR, 20mm drilled lugs, clean dial qualifies as a GADA watch.

Haha 😂. I didn’t want to admit that! Is that a blue turquoise face? I can’t stop staring at it!!!

It is! I think I was on crack when I bought it like June last year, since I'm not into turquoise at all. So far I don't regret it.

I love the Pelagos 39! If i didn’t get the BB58 it’ll be either this or the BB pro. And yeah these watches should be used after all we paid for them🤣

TLDR

What does GADA mean?

"Go Anywhere, Do Anything". I.e. can function anywhere, and look appropriate/good doing it.

My Aqua Terra is my GADA. Without fail it’s the one I travel with.

Nice looking watch 😊 As of the moment this beauty is my GADA which is the best purchase I ever did.

I’m with you, OP. I’ve got the blue version and it’s hard to find a situation where I wouldn’t wear this watch.

My one concern with the watch is where I wear it on the bracelet. With all of the watch theft in cities, I do think about where I will be while wearing it. I don’t think this model is really a target, but if it gets mistaken for its big brother, maybe it could be a target by accident. I could just be too careful.

Aside from that, this watch is definitely one of the most versatile I’ve owned. I also like the way the polished surfaces and aluminum bezel are vulnerable to scratches. I enjoy seeing a watch age with me.

My GADA. Haven't found a situation that is doesn't work for.

I wish a Tudor Ranger to be my GADA some day soon

I feel like I have an affinity for (what I feel are) GADA watches. To me, it means it would just work in every occasion I throw at it. Versatility is added with strap options when possible.

The watches I own that most fit the bill are the Rolex Red Sea Dweller, Omega Seamaster Heritage, and the Cartier Santos (although the lack of screw down crown and general discouragement from my cartier boutique sales rep means I'm hesitant to take it swimming). I really enjoy when a watch can go from the pool to a shorts and t-shirt setting to a formal dinner.

I tend to like vintage, dressier pieces but have grown to understand how versatile the steel sports watch can be. Even if some purists would shake their head at the sight of one paired with a suit, I personally think it looks great 99% of the time even though I am fatigued to see endless rolex submariners with suits (the most common sight in formal events in Bangkok, Thailand).

Below pictures of my Seamaster heritage on a bracelet, nato and leather just to show how versatile it is. Although changing straps is a pain and I've scratched the lugs more than once doing so 😂😂

I’m currently trying to get my hands on a BB58 as well! Pretty sure that would be my GADA piece too once I acquire it. I love older models such as vintage/neo-vintage and have a couple pieces that are kind of in the neo-vintage category (16570 Polar and 3539.50 Speedmaster Reduced II) and find myself really babying them because they just feel more delicate. That’s why I absolutely love the BB58 because it has the vintage inspired look that I love but also the modern technology/performance/materials for practical everyday use and the sturdiness that comes with a modern watch. It truly seems like the best of both worlds. Now this is not to say you’d have to baby older watches nor that they can’t handle it but that’s just my personal feeling when I put them on and am working on trying to enjoy them more regularly with time! Happy hunting for your 16570! 🤩

Love my BB58 - now on an Uncle strap which wears really well.

I dont have a GADA watch. I struggle with this. If i need to knock about then a Casio. I have a garage watch the rest is matched to my preferences at the time. I have a couple arrivals coming namely a Bel Canto in a couple of weeks and a 41 datejust but none fit the GADA bill. Im really missing my Pasha Grill as it’s back with Cartier geting serviced at the moment. If anything that is as close as i have to one as i would wear that every day. Mind you they are polishing it up so i might end up being 'my precious' when it comes back hahaha

It’s really good! I took it service a few months ago, the valjoux 7750 is running pretty well, +2.4spd. I have a 7” wrist.

We all have at least one in our collections.

The Sinn 556 is my GADA watch. It is simple, accurate and reliable. If I could only ever own 1 watch, it would be this.

My 'daily wearer' Eterna Kontiki is the nearest I have to a GADA watch, as was intended when I chose it. It is very nicely finished, keeps good time and has 200M WR rating and now a waterproof bracelet to accompany this. Aside from when working, very rarely do I feel that one of my other pieces would be preferable when I'm wearing it - the only exception would be on very formal occasions when I choose my long-standing 'dress' Oris Big Crown instead.

Feel free to swap out the Seikos for other brands, but you get the point:

https://youtu.be/ZLScL0_1Dr4

My GADA must be my Oris Aquis. Dresses up well, no issue with dressing down, and can take pretty much anything.

My second option would be the bb58 925 but silver being less scratch resistant I’d go with the oris probably for the “DA” part so to speak.

+1 for the Formex, excellent option! Too bad for the 100m water resistance.

I truly believe the Tudor BB58 is the greatest watch of our generation.

My GADA would be my white SMP 300. Sits very comfortably on my wrist, has a date and goes with any outfit.

I've have the divers 65 with the Cal 400, it's hard to beat the versatility and uniqueness of a simple Oris diver.

For me a GADA must have a date, especially for travel. Now being a watch person I do like no date ascetic so a 6 o'clock date is a must.

I agree in always wanting a date function - and with wanting it placed at '6 ', (or even 12) rather than anywhere else. Being strict about that does limit options however - unless the maker of your chosen watch uses a different system...

Give me that Oris all day!