What is the ultimate ‘budget’ GADA watch?
Hey crunchers!
I’m sure this question has been posed before, and will be again many a time.
I’m just curious to the answer, and honestly too lazy to dig through and find older post about this. Perhaps the answers have changed too though, with new watch releases, new experiences.
We all know the Rolex Explorer, or Grand Seiko’s, but I’m curious what you guys have for the more let’s say humble watch lover.
So here are the rules;
‘Budget’ is a very subjective term. For this exercise let’s say <$1000
Has to be GADA, Go Anywhere Do Anything just as comfortable scaling Mount Everest, as scaling a meal at a nice restaurant. Just as at home at walking down the aisle, as it is walking your dog. You guys get it you’re smart
All movements are welcome, though automatic is preferred.
Post a picture of the watch in your comment if you can, we need some eye candy.
Thats pretty much it, have at it watch nerds!
For reference, my current GADA is my Zelos Mako V3 Hanmered Orange
Arise, arise, Riders of Watch Crunch! Fell deeds awake: temptation and financial ruin! Bracelets shall be shaken, Crystals be splintered, a Seiko day, a Rolex day, ere the moonphase rises! Ride now, r...
I think the Vaer S3/S5 is likely the ultimate budget GADA at $179($143 on sale right now) on a strap.
Stainless, sapphire, 100m WR with a screw-down crown, and quartz reliability. The design is timeless and not too "out there", so it won't draw attention at all, which is what makes a GADA watch great in my mind.
Wouldn't say that's a GADA, too big & colourful. You wouldn't wear it at more formal occasions, like weddings, a date or court.
Id say something like one of the less vibrant Seiko Alpinist reissue's would be more versatile.
My vote goes to the Echo/Neutra Averau moonphase
A reasonable sized field watch with a 100m wr with a screw down crown. A fun complication that looks great.
Wouldn't say that's a GADA, too big & colourful. You wouldn't wear it at more formal occasions, like weddings, a date or court.
Id say something like one of the less vibrant Seiko Alpinist reissue's would be more versatile.
I have and I will lol. It’s all subjective of course. The dial on my Zelos is muted enough to where it doesn’t burn your eyes, but it just adds a pop of colour to any occasion. Plus super comfortable
Seiko 5 dresskx,
you can wear it with a suite, at the beach, when you are working. Simply everywhere.
Under 1k Longines Hydroconquest used
My current GADA is my Seiko SPB239. Not $1000 retail but I did picked up one for under that price.
Just goes with any dress and works on many straps. If I'm going to really suggest a budget GADA watch then I would always recommend the Seiko 5 dressKX.
Definitely agree with @Matt84 and the big moon is going to be mine but in the meantime this Raven has been pulling weight...
Steinhart Adventure or Metropole (bronze dial, the other colors are clownish).
https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/diver-watch/diver-watch-39mm/ocean-39-adventure-classic.html
I don’t have it because it doesn’t fit my collection and due to its scarce availability, but tossing the Lorier Astra in the ring:
The PRX, obviously.... pick your size and color combination too....
The PRX, obviously.... pick your size and color combination too....
I do really like the PRX, I just think it is a little heavy on the dress side for it to be a GADA. Great watch though!
The PRX, obviously.... pick your size and color combination too....
Had to send this thing in three times already and I'm requesting my money back.
So basically, this watch got everywhere... but without me. And now it's going for good 😅
Another vote for the Lorier club. Neptune:
I have to say that Christopher Ward dominates the $1000 dollar category. Any of the c63 Sealanders are just unbelievable. You can rock the classic and bold black and red colorway or you can rock the white and orange as a tribute to the rolex explorer.
A nice automatic Victorinox maybe? A real GADA I would say
Radiocontrolled, solar, titanium, 38mm and sapphire. 5bars is enough for a swim, forgetting to take it of to shower, heavy rain or doing the dishes. Versitile and timeless look.
Radiocontrolled, solar, titanium, 38mm and sapphire. 5bars is enough for a swim, forgetting to take it of to shower, heavy rain or doing the dishes. Versitile and timeless look.
Perhaps a little dressy for a GADA, left field entry though I like it a lot!
Perhaps a little dressy for a GADA, left field entry though I like it a lot!
Matte titanium and grey dial? Not very dressy 🤔
Arguably the best gada ever
Matte titanium and grey dial? Not very dressy 🤔
I don’t think that makes it less dressy, perhaps just quirky. Plus the overall style is very dressy
I don’t think that makes it less dressy, perhaps just quirky. Plus the overall style is very dressy
Of course it does! Compared to gold with white dial?
Of course it does! Compared to gold with white dial?
Sure the gold and white one looks MORE dressy. Doesn’t mean the other one does not look dressy. It is all personal opinion of course 🤷♂️
Oh dear
Yes dear? 😉
Sure the gold and white one looks MORE dressy. Doesn’t mean the other one does not look dressy. It is all personal opinion of course 🤷♂️
So it's LESS dressy 😅 But more than a G-Shock of course 😜
In my collection, it would have to be my green Seiko sharp edges.
So it's LESS dressy 😅 But more than a G-Shock of course 😜
Less dressy than the gold one, still looks like a dress watch to me though🤐
This is my affordable GADA
Halios (if you can get one)
I’m torn between a Steinhart, Echo/Neutra , CW, or a Hamilton Murph. Leaning more towards Steinhart or Echo.