Rolex OP Datejust alternative
About 15 months ago I went to my Rolex AD and asked to be put on the “waitlist” of a Rolex OP Datejust. It would be my last “expensive” watch to finish my collection, a daily beater do everything watch. He told me there was no waitlist and he’d order me one. He said it wouldn’t take too long, and I told him “whatever, long wait short wait, didn’t matter. Just from comments here and on any watch site I figured it’d be 10 months or longer.
True to his word he called me 1 1/2 months later to tell me my watch was in. Unfortunately in the span of that time I had to buy 2 new cars to replace fully paid off cars and that severely limited my disposable income, so I told him I would be buying it.
Anyway it’s 15 months later, I can buy that Rolex but I’ve seen other alternatives like the new Tudor BB with the COSC movement and the TAG and I’m second guessing myself. It’s not like I was completely sold on the Datejust, it just fit my criteria of GADA. I’m also considering the Omega Seamaster AT but those listed really resemble the OP more.
Any suggestions welcomed. Thanks.
I’ve always worn a watch as far as I can remember starting with a Texas Instruments digital watch with a Star Wars theme. Mostly interested in mechanical watches but I don’t snub my nose at a nice qua...
Roman numerals + cyclops over the date = win
Waiting list I think you will get this watch very fast people are not spending money like 2020-2022
Roman numerals + cyclops over the date = win
Right?! Love the cyclops, always have, still don’t understand some people’s aversion, but to each their own.
I made this my Datejust alternative for a number of personal reasons that likely won't match yours - but my goal was a high quality blue dial time and date only on a bracelet. My reasoning for the GS was as much pro-GS as it was con current six digit Rolex.
In no particular order:
I wanted an all brushed bracelet vs polished center links / I wanted to try a Spring Drive movement / 36mm feels too small, 41 feels too big. I wasn't thrilled to part with 7K (+) / I wanted the date wheel to have an interesting font (sorry Omega) ...
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbga439g
I made this my Datejust alternative for a number of personal reasons that likely won't match yours - but my goal was a high quality blue dial time and date only on a bracelet. My reasoning for the GS was as much pro-GS as it was con current six digit Rolex.
In no particular order:
I wanted an all brushed bracelet vs polished center links / I wanted to try a Spring Drive movement / 36mm feels too small, 41 feels too big. I wasn't thrilled to part with 7K (+) / I wanted the date wheel to have an interesting font (sorry Omega) ...
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbga439g
Solid alternative also.
I made this my Datejust alternative for a number of personal reasons that likely won't match yours - but my goal was a high quality blue dial time and date only on a bracelet. My reasoning for the GS was as much pro-GS as it was con current six digit Rolex.
In no particular order:
I wanted an all brushed bracelet vs polished center links / I wanted to try a Spring Drive movement / 36mm feels too small, 41 feels too big. I wasn't thrilled to part with 7K (+) / I wanted the date wheel to have an interesting font (sorry Omega) ...
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbga439g
Awesome choice. Kind of also looking at that, along with the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra and the 3 on the post. Tried all of them and they all fit the bill and have a great feel on the wrist, I thought the Aqua Terra on the rubber strap felt the best, but then it looked to sporty casual.
My choice would be the Aqua Terra, but in your last sentence you said the Tudor and Tag were on the shortlist because “those listed really resemble the OP more.” That make me think you really want the OP and you are trying to rationalize the others. The heart wants what the heart wants. So, I think you should get back on the list for an OP.
You won’t go wrong with any of your choices, I’m partial to the Omega AT that you mentioned, but one tip I have heard over and over on watch videos “ don’t buy the settler watch”. Don’t buy the cheaper or more available watch in lieu of what you set a goal for. It won’t fill that want the same way.
Go Rolex. Love the Romans.
The other choices are great, I particularly love the new Tudor Blsck Bay 36, but I wouldn’t see them as proper alternatives to the DateJust.
The only reason I think it makes sense to get a different watch is that you said you weren’t sold on the Rolex. Then sure, find something you really love before you drop a huge amount of money on it. Although considering your choices I’d look at the Rolex OP36 and skip the DateJust, seems like it might be more in the style you’re seeking.
Grand Seiko all day every day
Of the three you're leaning toward - I like the TAG!
contrarian me I guess!
a better looking dial, and dressy but you'd keep it on for any activity, and
no weird cyclops bubble that makes looking at the date awkward unless perfectly and messes up the dial more than just a simple date display. Tudor always skips having a date on their nicest models, which drives me crazy as I find it so helpful in my daily life.
A GADA should have screw down 100mWR, a date, and that you won't mind wearing it when it in almost all environments.
Unmentioned in your group, I'd probably go with a GS, me being me.
Their Elegance lines up with your preferred specs (37ish mm) ... while the Heritage line (40mm, date, &100WR) is much more GADA-ish for my daily life.
37mm and a 38mm elegance (283 and the Ti 259)
My Heritage GS, Ti cherry blossom - dressy, swimmable, date, & Ti disappears on wrist!
GADA: looks stunning at coffee breaks outside while doing long shifts at work
GADA - Good for hiking up Seymour Mountain
GADA - walking with wifey around Imperial Palace in Tokyo, before heading for lunch - Michelin starred Ramen 🤣 (yes, it was good!)
Of the three you're leaning toward - I like the TAG!
contrarian me I guess!
a better looking dial, and dressy but you'd keep it on for any activity, and
no weird cyclops bubble that makes looking at the date awkward unless perfectly and messes up the dial more than just a simple date display. Tudor always skips having a date on their nicest models, which drives me crazy as I find it so helpful in my daily life.
A GADA should have screw down 100mWR, a date, and that you won't mind wearing it when it in almost all environments.
Unmentioned in your group, I'd probably go with a GS, me being me.
Their Elegance lines up with your preferred specs (37ish mm) ... while the Heritage line (40mm, date, &100WR) is much more GADA-ish for my daily life.
37mm and a 38mm elegance (283 and the Ti 259)
My Heritage GS, Ti cherry blossom - dressy, swimmable, date, & Ti disappears on wrist!
GADA: looks stunning at coffee breaks outside while doing long shifts at work
GADA - Good for hiking up Seymour Mountain
GADA - walking with wifey around Imperial Palace in Tokyo, before heading for lunch - Michelin starred Ramen 🤣 (yes, it was good!)
That ramen looks amazing! The watches too but the ramen..,😂