Favorite GADA

Feel free to share your thoughts/comments about adding this to my existing collection.

I prefer dates on my watch with as little polish as possible, so the sinn

I generally agree with you on the date and polish, although I think a few touches of polish can help the watch blend in with more formal outfits. One of the biggest reasons I’m considering the Explorer is my distain for the AT polishing on the bracelet. I also should have bought the 38mm instead of the 41mm 😑

What is a GADA? I simply don’t know.

Go Anywhere Do Anything

You can't make me pick......I refuse. All so good!

For me I think a true go ANYWHERE do ANYTHING watch doesn’t have Rolex on the dial haha, but I would still choose the exp1 every day

I can’t disagree with you… while it is called “Explorer,” I don’t think I’d ever bring it into the mountains. The Sinn- maybe, but most likely my G-Shock. If wearing a tux, I’d probably reach for my Max Bill.

My brain tells me Explorer, but my eyes tell me Aqua Terra.

The 556 is undoubtedly a good watch; I thoroughly enjoyed mine. With that said, it's on a different playing field. I'm not going to say it's on a lower playing field, just a different one.

So you understand my predicament already owning the AT… 😕

That’s helpful feedback about the Sinn vs Rolex.

I guess I’m most concerned about the AT and Explorer being too similar in their use.

I think the 556i is closest of the three to being an actual GADA, and not just a GSDSSIIWGS (Go Someplace Do Something, Sometimes, If It Wont Get Scratched) .

I will say this much (and it's really stupid and basic of me to feel this way... it is what it is): I freaking LOVE Omega watches, but I spent all of my time basically trying to prove to myself and everyone else around me that it was just as good as a Rolex. I don't ever feel compelled to do that with my Explorer. That's the power of hype/branding/marketing for you. In my mind I know that it's just as good, if not superior. So take that for whatever it's worth.

Fair enough 🫣

I get what you’re saying. I’ve felt the same way about my Omega at times. There’s just something about that crown.

I personally prefer no date models based on dial composition but also allows you to only have to set the time quickly (am or pm doesn’t matter) if it’s been awhile since you’ve worn it. That aside, the Sinn has the most identity of the 3 but I think it is too high contrast for dressy situations. The explorer 36 is one of the closest examples to being a ‘perfect’ watch. One of the only models from the brand which I don’t think falls victim to the connotation of hype

Cheers

556i

This really is a good list. Perfect podium. I’m just annoyed and somewhat anxious that you’re making me choose between the Explorer and the AT. WHY?!?!

Well said. I think the Sinn is capable up to business casual, but I don’t think it would look right with a suit. Personally, I think it’s the lack of applied indices or and bit of polish that hold it back from the formal level.

Can’t agree more on the Rolex hype. There are not many other models I would feel comfortable wearing.

Right?!! Choosing between the Rolex and AT is not easy. For my collection, I guess choosing the larger 41mm AT gives me more justification to also pick up a 36mm Explorer 🤷🏻‍♂️

If the AT didn’t have those polished center links and included an on-the-fly adjustment clasp, it would be game over perfection.

The AT. I have the same one. The polished center links are derided by some, but they also dress it up for those more formal occasions. The 150m of water resistance is more than most will ever need. And…it’s just plain beautiful.

Currently own the 124270 Explorer (and the 14270 and 114270 in the past), and the Sinn 656 (basically the 556 with numerals)…I lean towards the Sinn 556. All three you posted are fantastic watches, but the Sinn is more under the radar = less attractive to thieves, less cost = less anxiety about getting thoroughly thrashed, generic ETA movement = less likely to get the “Swiss tax” when going in for service.

The Aqua Terra in my mind is the ultimate GADA. The Tudor Black Bay 36 is also a good GADA that often seems left out of conversations.

To me, for the price and design - you really have to love the Explorer design aesthetics and it's cachet.

BB 36 is another great option. The T-fit clasp is a huge plus. At $4k, it might be that people are opting to spend a little more for the AT (at a discount to MSRP).

I think the older Black Bay 36 with the smiley face dial, used, are definitely the more attractive option. As you pointed out, the higher price point for the new BB36 models with the inhouse caliber puts it's pricepoints into a different tier with arguably better/more popular options from Omega and others.

Wow! I though the Explorer would surely have a slight lead over the AT. Dead tie (39/39%) right now.

Don’t have the AT (would love to have the green dial version), but do have the Explorer and the 556i. Between the two I think the Explorer - even without a date complication - is the better GADA watch. It’s more accurate, has a more comfortable bracelet, and “dresses up” better. While technically both are tool watches, the fully brushed Sinn is more “tooly” compared to the Explorer.

Thanks for sharing this image. It’s very helpful to give me a size comparison (haven’t been able to see an Explorer in the flesh yet).

I agree about the Explorer being a better GADA.

I guess my bigger concern is that the Explorer is too similar to the AT that I already own. Although maybe the size difference will make them different enough to justify it.

Let us know what you decide. And pics when you get it!