Best Daily: Spirit 37 or Legend Diver 37 ??

I think they're both great-looking watches.  If I could only choose one, I'd go with the Spirit.  While people certainly do, dive watches don't mix that well with suits.  I don't dress up often, but I think the Spirit would fair better when I do while still being fine for sportier occasions.

As always, it comes down to your lifestyle and personal preference.

Definitely agreed on lifestyle/personal preference per the styling. I do wonder though if the Legend Diver's movement/lume should be as much a point of concern as I'm making it. Seems like its main flaws where the Spirit seems to have almost none. 

Neither would be my first choice, but I'd take the Legend Diver, by far. The Spirit does nothing for me. 

I think the Legend movement is based on the ETA 2892 which isn't a movement that should give you any trouble.  The only knock against it might be that it's not "special", but that should be balanced by the fact it'll do it's job and be easy to get repaired if needed.

Thanks for this. Still trying to learn about movements, so definitely helps put my mind at ease. 

All good. What would be some top watches for a daily wear in your mind then? (Keeping a budget of below $2k)

In watch terms, I think this movement would be classified a "workhorse" movement.  It won't win a beauty contest and doesn't impress hard-core watch people, but it's solid and does its job well.  It's a movement that shows up in lots of watches in the $500 to $2500 range.  Companies buy these movements and add their own rotor and/or add decoration depending on the price point.  I've got a $650 dive watch with this movement and haven't had any issues.

A Complete Guide To The ETA 2892 Movement

https://www.watchshopping.com › watch-guide › eta-2...

This is phenomenal! Thanks for this. Gonna' get to diving in. 

I think Longines and Tissot are big players in your price range.  If you don't mind a used watch, you might look at the Tudor 1926.  They can be found for under $2000 on several sites including Chrono24.

Was actually just looking at this yesterday with the white dial/blue indices+hands. Very pretty watch and seems well worth its cost. 

Spirit 37 all the way.

I would go for the Spirit I have tried them and are absolutely gorgeus, also the other one is a great choiche but the Spirit is the perfect GADA watch! What matches better your style is the best choice.

Any choice you would make is great anyways the only thing that I would suggest you is spent even 2k (so 200 more) but go for perfect conditions and buy it from reputable dealers.

Spirit, Spirit and Spirit! Beautiful piece........ 🤓🔥

Once upon a time I would have gone with the diver. But I think the Spirit would be a better everyday watch if it was my cash going down on the table.

Hello friend, you are considering two great options as your first watch! Wish I would have been as smart back then. 

Small correction: The smaller LLD actually comes in 36mm vs the Spirit in 37mm. You should also keep in mind the lug-to-lug distance being different in the two of them (the Spirit’s is longer).

I own a BB36 as my daily driver/GADA and am looking to extend my collection either with the LLD or the Spirit.

I’d say that the Spirit is clearly the more versatile option for you as a 1st watch and also it comes with a solid articulated bracelet vs. the mesh on the LLD. 
 

However, I find the dial and case design of the LLD more intriguing, it’s just much more unique imo. Despite the comparably bad lume and the fact that it’s intended to “look old/vintage” it’s the winner for me at the time of writing this post.

I am a little bothered by the 5 stars on the Spirit (albeit it being personal taste) but agree that it has a much better movement.

All this being said, I’d also recommend you go for the Spirit. 
 

Hope this helps!

Thanks for this. And agreed. Been tough finding a good condition Spirit for $1,800. Only $200 more, but probably best to just take my time and up my budget a bit. 

Ooof! Embarrassing! But thanks for the kind correction. And for the simple, solid rundown on each. This thread and your post has me pretty convinced to go with the Spirit. Looking for something that'll last me years and fit in any situation, and seems like that's the route for a 1st GADA. 

Spirit without a doubt.  I bought the matte black zulu time back in October and it hasn't left my wrist.  The 37mm versions are perfect imo. 

Great to hear. Was there a reason you went with black over blue? 

Such a solid looking piece. Is there a reason you went with black over the blue? 

My instinct is always to go with black, white or champagne dials for maximum legibility and versatility. In this case though the blue really did look exceptional but I couldn't find it in the metal. I live in the south of England and only a handful of places even stocked the 37mm model (I bought early summer last year and this wasn't in stock in many places). Of the places I tried, they only had the black dial version in stock anyway. For what it's worth: no regrets. It's a true GADA piece, subtle when it wants to be, impressive if you take the time to look closer, and tough enough for most pursuits. If anyone ever happened to ask my advice for the best watch under £2000, this would be my recommendation.

Go for the Spirit and you will not regret. I have both. I love them, but Spirit is much more GADA than the LD. 

The Spirit has much better caliber (COSC, 72hr reserve), better bracelet, and easier to wear…  

Thank you for this!

Question on the blue dial - in general, how bright or "flashy" is the blue? Or is it a bit deeper/darker in person? I know it'll shift in different light, but hoping it's more understated than not. 

Under bright light it’s a bit flashy due to the sunray dial, not like the black one, which in plain (matt). More elegant perhaps? It looks more “Pilot” watch than the blue one, very nice indeed. But I fell in love with the blue one...

Awesome. Thanks for the heads up and the pics. Very helpful. 

I think the Spirit 37 is such a nice-looking watch. I really wanted it for a while, but I decided against pursuing it because I thought it would be too small. I'm about 6' 2" and 235, so I was afraid it would just look too dainty. But for anyone of a similar build who has this watch, I'd be interested to hear about your experience/thoughts.

Imo all three are beautiful.  I already have a blue Omega aqua terra and wanted something different and more of a tool watch that would be kind of timeless (this was to be my forever GMT in the collection).  The matte black is that, again, in my opinion.  I considered the green, but I'm not sure the gilt hands and markers fit the tool watch look I was looking for.

Love the LLD. If you don’t mind me asking, where is the beads of rice bracelet from? I can’t seem to find any online for the 36mm version. Thank you.

It's the bracelet of a Dan Henry 1964, which fits well on the LD 36mm...

Besides, I know the Rado Golden Horse beads of rice bracelet (ref 07.03910.10) is compatible too, and I think it has a quality at the level the LD deserves, besides being polished which fits better.

I was thinking of buying it, but then I knew a new LLD in 39mm was coming, with it's own BOR bracelet (finally!), no date, COSC, and a short (normal) lug length... so I focused on that, and I'm in love with it.

Excellent, many thanks for that. I would never have discovered that those bracelets fit. The 39mm is a great looking watch and very well spec’d. Enjoy.

I’ve managed to pick up a nice pre-owned 36mm LLD for a good price so very pleased about that.