Best casual-sportish watch ?

For the beauty of watch-hunting, some personal selection criteria : - best-in-class comfort metal bracelet for spring/summer days, - no toolless micro-adjustment = red flag, - black dial, - not too big, not too heavy, - long power reserve (won't be my daily office watch) or no date. Suggestions welcome ;-)
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I would have voted the Mark XX because I prefer its thinner case, but if you're going for the OP41 it tells me the size and thickness works for you. So I voted the OP41 as the safe choice.

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robbits

I would have voted the Mark XX because I prefer its thinner case, but if you're going for the OP41 it tells me the size and thickness works for you. So I voted the OP41 as the safe choice.

I have tried the Mark XX, I was agreably surprised by the fit on my 18 cm wrist. The lugs are strongly curved so the bracelet wraps nicely. I have not yet tried the OP41.

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Both bracelets are very comfortable. Personally, I'd go with the Mark XX. It flies under the radar compared to the OP.

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I picked "other". I think the Omega Aqua Terra is the best casual sports watch on the market for the money. Can be dressed up or down, suitable for any occasion and the movement is impeccable. I've had mine on wrist so much lately that I haven't had to wind it for 6 weeks or so. It's currently running 24 seconds fast relative to the atomic clock I set it against around Halloween. That's less than +/- 1 second per day that I've gotten over that span.

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Nate_Designer

Both bracelets are very comfortable. Personally, I'd go with the Mark XX. It flies under the radar compared to the OP.

The "under the radar" point is a good point ;-)

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GoingTopShelf

I picked "other". I think the Omega Aqua Terra is the best casual sports watch on the market for the money. Can be dressed up or down, suitable for any occasion and the movement is impeccable. I've had mine on wrist so much lately that I haven't had to wind it for 6 weeks or so. It's currently running 24 seconds fast relative to the atomic clock I set it against around Halloween. That's less than +/- 1 second per day that I've gotten over that span.

I have sold both a Seamaster 300P (damn heavy on a non tapered bracelet) and an AquaTerra (I will never buy again a watch on a bracelet without any toolless microadjustement :p). Beautiful watches by the way. And very accurate, as you point.

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I voted Rolex between the two. Looks nicer to me. 

But for me personally it's this. 28g weight because it's titanium and runs off solar which I think has several months of power reserve in total darkness. And perpetual calendar, timers, alarms, etc. 

Not super fancy but insanely practical and I think it looks nice too. Great finishing and sapphire crystal. 

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The included bracelet lacks adjustment so I just use fabric. 

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Lavrugix

I have tried the Mark XX, I was agreably surprised by the fit on my 18 cm wrist. The lugs are strongly curved so the bracelet wraps nicely. I have not yet tried the OP41.

Sounds like you have to try the OP41 to make a comprison. I changed my vote to the Mark XX.

Based on my personal experience with the OP36, it seemed to hover over the wrist rather than sit flat and snug. This caused the watch to feel top-heavy on my wrist, so it wasn't very comfortable for me.

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I think you gotta put the Omega Aqua Terra on this list

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How about Longines Spirit Titanium (40mm).

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you could go for 37mm black dial as well

It has microadjustment but u need a pin, prolly only - from your description

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Max

I think you gotta put the Omega Aqua Terra on this list

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I have sold one, no toolless microadjustment on the clasp 😢

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songiang

How about Longines Spirit Titanium (40mm).

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you could go for 37mm black dial as well

It has microadjustment but u need a pin, prolly only - from your description

I have tried this model, stunning watch ! 
Two cons : 
1/ a strong one : no toolless microadjustment on the clasp (red flag)
2/ and quite straight lugs that make it wear very large for a 40 mm watch. 

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Lavrugix

I have tried this model, stunning watch ! 
Two cons : 
1/ a strong one : no toolless microadjustment on the clasp (red flag)
2/ and quite straight lugs that make it wear very large for a 40 mm watch. 

ye, i mentioned the clasp, for the lugs there is 37mm 😬

Monta Noble is also similar looking watch but with only 42h power reserve (has toolless microadjust)

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Lavrugix

I have sold both a Seamaster 300P (damn heavy on a non tapered bracelet) and an AquaTerra (I will never buy again a watch on a bracelet without any toolless microadjustement :p). Beautiful watches by the way. And very accurate, as you point.

Fair point. I wear mine on rubber, so the bracelet issues don't affect me.

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Both great options in my opinion. I owned the OP41 and as amazing as it was, for me, in time it became a little big dial wise, and I let it go. I also own the OP39, which I still do and that has lasted the test of time. I guess my point is the OP41 may become a bit large in time for a casual sport. The IWC also has a date which I do enjoy. I guess I would venture with the IWC. I hope that helps. 

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The bracelet seems to be very important for you. All the reviews of the IWC bracelet and the microadjustmen seems to be very positive. So that’s a big argument for the IWC.

I also prefer the design. 
 

Quick question: Does the OP has toolless microadjustemnt? 

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BigIona

Tudor Ranger!  I had an OP41 and I can tell you, the fit of the watch and function of the bracelet are much better on the Ranger.  

Yes. I was going to suggest either the Ranger or Pelagos 39. 

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I'm looking for a watch with similar criteria, and the Mark XX got my vote.

I learned to love that watch, which for some reason, I completely overlooked at first.

The Tudor Ranger made the cut too. 

The Longines Conquest black dial looks nice, too, but I irrationally tend to prioritize in-house movements.

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watchfun

The bracelet seems to be very important for you. All the reviews of the IWC bracelet and the microadjustmen seems to be very positive. So that’s a big argument for the IWC.

I also prefer the design. 
 

Quick question: Does the OP has toolless microadjustemnt? 

The OP has the easylink (5 mm) hidden in its clasp. 

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thewatchphilosopher
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I'm looking for a watch with similar criteria, and the Mark XX got my vote.

I learned to love that watch, which for some reason, I completely overlooked at first.

The Tudor Ranger made the cut too. 

The Longines Conquest black dial looks nice, too, but I irrationally tend to prioritize in-house movements.

My daily is a JLC Master Control Date. I eliminated this watch at first sight when digging the Internet and ended up buying one 😁

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Having tried both on, the Rolex feels better to me.

I already own a blue Op39, so maybe I am biased.

But you can get the IWC  today, from an AD and probably get a 15% discount.

The OP41 not so much.  They have to be got on the grey for at least 20-30% over retail.

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Try Hermes Slim D’Hermes, Rolex Milgaus (better for summer), Christopher Ward C1 Morgan 3 Wheeler Chronometer, Bulgari OCTO FINISSIMO WATCH. 

everything is below $15k and a bit more fun for summer

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Lavrugix

Well, you point something deep :p As far as I'm concerned, I do not know if it is a question of personal taste tending toward discretion or maybe national culture. I am French and perceived 'show off' is very badly received here, somewhere between a lack of taste (a crime) and disrespect toward low income people. That's how it is... And sadly a precious watch is one of the first object associated with 'show off' in common mind. You will more difficultly see in France full gold or diamond watches than in other countries, I am pretty sure. Rolex has become a national magical word to speak about disconnected elites, fiftenn years after someone spotted a Daytona on president Sarkozy's wrist (and I'm not exaggerating). "Live happy, live hidden" says the proverb (don't know if there is an anglo-US equivalent).

That is to say that it does not prevent me from buying a Rolex (or an Omega or another well known brand) but almost unconsciously I have it in mind :p

That's a lot of arguments, and I have to say, I don't agree with you on any of them 😂

I think you heavily overestimate how much people pay attention to your watch...I'm almost certain 99.99% of all people don't give a damn about what you wear on your wrist, people don't even pay attention to it, they just don't perceive it....the 0.01% who do pay attention are watch nerds like us :-)
So who spotted that Daytona on Sarkozy? A watch nerd of course, because 99% of all people don't even know what a Daytona is.

Not buying/wearing a precious watch because it doesn't show respect towards lower income people? Come on man.......for that one person in a thousand you are gonna meet and who pays attention to your watch, who then also happens to have a low income and for 3 seconds thinks, oh what an expensive watch, I'm really jealous and who 2 seconds later is already thinking about what he's going to eat later?


Are you not allowed to drive a nice Mercedes because it is not respectful to the owners of small Toyotas?  Are you not allowed to wear a nice, tailored suit because it is disrespectful to the homeless? Or if you have a super hot smoking wife or girlfriend you never go out with her in public because it is disrespectful to men with a fat ugly wife? 😀😉

Come on man....sorry but that's not an argument for me.

Then finally to come back about the choice between the IWC and the OP41, I would take the OP41 but it has no on the fly adjustment so that falls away for you (easylink is useless that is immediately 5mm extra, it´s way too much).

If you like the design of the IWC Mark XX I would go for the IWC Mark 18, the le petit prince in blue...I happen to have it, it has the same design, it is inside in dim light very dark blue almost black, but outside and especially in the sun, olala, what a beauty...that blue dial, you can't take your eyes off it, just amazing, it really pops and it has also the on the fly microadjust.

Well, whatever you choose, enjoy it and wear it in good health 💪👍

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I love Sinn. I think it can be a watch for daily wear. But It doesn’t have the micro adjust. But for me, it fits my 16cm wrist.

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Jt0909
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I love Sinn. I think it can be a watch for daily wear. But It doesn’t have the micro adjust. But for me, it fits my 16cm wrist.

Love the full white hands, date display and overall quality of Sinn. Great value. They produce very good radical divers and less known delicate chronographs. I consider adding a Sinn from time to time.

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Elcaballero

That's a lot of arguments, and I have to say, I don't agree with you on any of them 😂

I think you heavily overestimate how much people pay attention to your watch...I'm almost certain 99.99% of all people don't give a damn about what you wear on your wrist, people don't even pay attention to it, they just don't perceive it....the 0.01% who do pay attention are watch nerds like us :-)
So who spotted that Daytona on Sarkozy? A watch nerd of course, because 99% of all people don't even know what a Daytona is.

Not buying/wearing a precious watch because it doesn't show respect towards lower income people? Come on man.......for that one person in a thousand you are gonna meet and who pays attention to your watch, who then also happens to have a low income and for 3 seconds thinks, oh what an expensive watch, I'm really jealous and who 2 seconds later is already thinking about what he's going to eat later?


Are you not allowed to drive a nice Mercedes because it is not respectful to the owners of small Toyotas?  Are you not allowed to wear a nice, tailored suit because it is disrespectful to the homeless? Or if you have a super hot smoking wife or girlfriend you never go out with her in public because it is disrespectful to men with a fat ugly wife? 😀😉

Come on man....sorry but that's not an argument for me.

Then finally to come back about the choice between the IWC and the OP41, I would take the OP41 but it has no on the fly adjustment so that falls away for you (easylink is useless that is immediately 5mm extra, it´s way too much).

If you like the design of the IWC Mark XX I would go for the IWC Mark 18, the le petit prince in blue...I happen to have it, it has the same design, it is inside in dim light very dark blue almost black, but outside and especially in the sun, olala, what a beauty...that blue dial, you can't take your eyes off it, just amazing, it really pops and it has also the on the fly microadjust.

Well, whatever you choose, enjoy it and wear it in good health 💪👍

Could you please tell me the size of your wrist? I want to buy iwc mark xviii or xx and worry that they will be too big on my wrist of 16.5 cm.

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DinoZaur

Could you please tell me the size of your wrist? I want to buy iwc mark xviii or xx and worry that they will be too big on my wrist of 16.5 cm.

My wrist size is 18 cm but I have a flat wrist...so more important is your wrist span, mine is 56 mm......some people can have 18 cm but more of a sausage shaped wrist and have thus a smaller wrist span.

The lug to lug of the Mark XVIII is 50 mm,  so if your wrist span is a bit over 50 mm you are good.....the Mark XX is 49 mm lug to lug....and the Mark XV is only 47 mm I think

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Elcaballero

My wrist size is 18 cm but I have a flat wrist...so more important is your wrist span, mine is 56 mm......some people can have 18 cm but more of a sausage shaped wrist and have thus a smaller wrist span.

The lug to lug of the Mark XVIII is 50 mm,  so if your wrist span is a bit over 50 mm you are good.....the Mark XX is 49 mm lug to lug....and the Mark XV is only 47 mm I think

Thank you very much! My wrist is about 54mm, I think the new mark will suit me

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Decision made, I agree with the majority and have choosen the IWC Mark XX.
Thank you to all contributors ;-)

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OP for sure