Another day, another GADA discussion - which one would you pick?

I voted for the Sinn, mostly because to me a good GADA watch should blend in and be a bit "bland". The idea is it works everywhere, because it isn't flashy or eye catching.

Obviously there is a fundamental choice to be made between automatic or quartz. Now if you genuinely plan on wearing it everyday it’s not as big a choice as if you think it will be unworn for a period and, if automatic, then need resetting.

They are all watches that I like and I can see your conundrum.

The first that I would rule out is the SBGN003. Much as I like the watch those fixed 24 hour bezels really annoy me. I can count to 24 and even at a glance I can convert to a 24 hour scale from a twelve hour watch dial. I don’t really need those ugly pointless numbers around the dial.

The other GS is gorgeous with the colour matched date but I don’t think it has lume which might rule it out for me.

Oddly I have probably now eliminated my favourites of the four but at least the two that are left are crackers.

Between the two (Sinn and Longines) I think your distinction is sound as one is a bit more of a sporty tool watch and the other more classic and elegant.

Aesthetically the minimalism of the Sinn is initially more appealing but there is a lot more to look at on the Spirit dial and, over time, I think I would find more there to interest me.

But for regular wear that Longines crown looks really vulnerable compared to the Sinn. Obviously you hope it never happens but for an everyday watch the protected crown gives me an additional level of comfort that I don’t get with the Longines.

So I would pick the Sinn - although it’s probably the last one I would choose for an occasional rotation watch.

Depends on your lifestyle. My pick was Sinn as it can take some punishment.

Buy used, I paid £1300 for my quartz Aqua Terra...

Of those suggested, it'd be a tough choice between the Sinn and Longines, with the Spirit just creeping ahead because it's more versatile.

I haven't been hands on with the Sinn so can't give an informed opinion on that but I'd choose the Longines over the GS.

I like both GS's but I prefer the Spirit as a daily.

I picked up mine (in 40mm) in November and it's hardly been off my wrist - it's such a solid daily and it's a bit of bargain tbh - remarkably inexpensive for what it is. I would recommend springing extra for the Prestige Edition. The quick change bracelet and extra straps make a massive difference and leather changes the way it wears substantially.

Über legible, extremely accurate, comfortable, low key daily wearing - and the light play from the dial keeps on giving.

☻

If it's a first watch, I would go for the Sinn (pretty amazing for a first watch - the simplicity is stunning, not boring, and it's a strap monster), and experience how it wears, how you deal with scratches (which you will definitely get if it's your only watch), how you feel about automatics (and accuracy) - and then later consider buying a champagne dial GS as a much dressier watch for special occasions/ evenings out/ evenings in. I think you will appreciate it much more if you start with a lower tier timepiece (which is not knocking the Sinn at all).

I started with a Tag Aquaracer and it was my only watch for quite some time. Now it is my daily beater for swimming, cycling, sport; then after freshening up I switch to my other watches. Result: the Tag gets the dirt, the sweat, and the inevitable scratches - the others look pretty much good as new. I don't baby my Pelagos or IWC Mark XX, but I do like to keep them in good condition. With GS... I tell you, the finishing is so perfect that you will seriously mind a single mark. I really only wear my GS when it's going to be covered by a long-sleeved shirt.

It's your choice; this is just my friendly advice! (Others will differ, no doubt).

And enjoy whatever you buy - they are all great 👍

For me a GADA watch will always be under 500 bucks. You just cannot go anywhere in a GS, Omega, Rolex. A small 50 bucks Casio instead will go anywhere

I have at some point been hands on with all, the sbgx hands down takes this one

Great choices, difficult call.

I have a 556 and it’s a very good utilitarian watch, robust, decent reliable movement. But it is simple and plain. Nothing wrong with that, it’s a plus in my eyes. But if I could pick one out of this bunch it would probably be the Longines. It’s a beautiful little watch imo, very well made and can be used anywhere.

I present the Formex Essence for your consideration, particularly if you're looking for a "one and done" watch. It's sporty, but given it's high level of finishing and borrowed elements from Genta watches, it's rather refined and elegant. It's versatile enough to pull off in almost any setting (maybe except for black tie).

@lla2891 which one would you pick 😁

@kimo146 @Ichibunz my pick for a one and done would be the sbgx261! Its very nice everyday kinda watch with great accuracy.

I definitely see your point! In the end it really comes down to how one defines GADA for oneself: i.e. 50€ casio vs rolex explorer. I think I'm still figuring out where I fall on that spectrum.

I’m going Longines. I’ve love the Spirit line for a while (almost got myself one when I retired from the Air Force two years ago, but got Tissot SeaStar 2K instead) and I’ve got a real thing for watches without crown protectors right now

Hey Kimo,

I’m in the market for my first higher-end watch and have the exact same contenders as you except I opted for the Sinn 556A on my shortlist and have the Hamilton Murph over the GS SBGN003.

My two cents are to go for the Sinn or the GS SBGX261.

The Sinn is extremely legible, the sapphire just disappears unlike the Murph’s. It has an SW-200 movement which is a workhorse and has 20mm lug width which is useful as it’s much more common to have 20mm watches and so whatever strap you buy can be “reused” across all your different dials.

The GS SBGX261 is such a stunner, the black dial is deep and gorgeous. The thing holding me back is primarily the price, I’m not sure I want to spend that much on a watch especially one that scratches rather easily. The 19mm is annoying but you could build a solid collection of just 19s and hence still have the same strap benefit as above. The Longines Spirit is 19mm iirc.

I’m stuck between these two options myself haha but I’m leaning more towards the GS bec it is absolutely gorgeous in real life.

Totally fair - aesthetics is a deeply personal choice. I don't really notice them, but I actually kind of liked the screws, so I'm a bit biased.

The Longines is only one there that will retain more resale value as downsizing collections is trending now and then.

I have owned both the Longines and the Sinn. I have not owned either seiko watch. With that being said the Sinn was too plan for the price. The movement was plain, the dial was loooked cheap and the clasp was terrible. I know the Longines is more expensive but it is worth it in my opinion. You can always get a used Spirit if you wan to save a bit of cash

Hi there, yes the 556 is a proper strap monster! Looks goo on almost anything i've seen it on so far. that's definitely a huge plus and sinn offers tons of OEM straps. I also appreciate the top grade SW movement and the overall value proposition of the 556.

I don't know about you, but I really wouldn't mind to buy the SBGX second hand. They're in the same ballpark as a new 556. And if I only stick to one watch, then 19mm also wouldn't bother me. Been also contemplating the Seiko SPB317, which I'd keep on a rubber or nato strap whereas the SBGX would probably look best on a leather strap or bracelet.

Thanks for sharing! I should probably check out the SBGX as well! Good thing is there's an AD here who sells Longines, Sinn and GS :)

that's true, but that's also just a trend and I'm sure that will change again in the future. my main priority is actually just to find the watch that I'd enjoy wearing the most :)

yes I agree that the Sinn looks plain in comparison. It really didn't feel cheap to me though. actually i was surprised by how solid it felt. maybe Sinn is the VW of the watch world - not flashy but just a solid workhorse😃 they just released a new clasp with on the fly micro adjust btw

when I put on the sinn I felt like "ok this is very nice" but with the longines I was definitely more wow'd. really like their finishing details especially on the bezel and bracelet. also the size was perfect for me.

s/o to everyone who participated in the poll so far🥳 260 votes and counting. I should have taken some screenshots to record the progress😃 The Longinges started out strongest but the 556 was really catching up and surprisingly the SBGN took the lead. Only the SBGX seems to be settled in last place. really curious to see where the vote will settle. Cool but not very helpful to see that options A - C got roughly the same share of votes😄

Yes. A privileged problem for sure 😄

We have similar tastes. I don't think there's a bad choice here. Also the different color versions of many of these are incredible as well. I have Sinn 556I RS (38,5mm ø) arriving this weekend. That Longines is on the short list and although I haven't yet considered a Grand Seiko those are NICE. My solution is instead of picking one why not see if you can eliminate one and get the others? 😀

Hey Kimo,

Yes, secondhand is something I’m considering but as I’ve never bought a watch secondhand before, I’m more hesitant about it. I can’t shake the feeling like it’s picking up dollars/euros in front of a steamroller XD. Not just because you could buy a lemon but you could also be buying a frankenwatch/outright fake. Not sure I trust myself to notice 😅.

Hmmm the SPB317 is a completely different animal as it’s not a GADA watch. That said, you could always pull off a diver in the office so even the concept of GADA might not be as relevant nowadays.

Looking forward to seeing your WRUW when you make your decision!

The longines & sinn dont dress up as nicely. The novelty of the GMT wears out pretty quick. I also am not a fan of the hour marker printed bezel.

The sbgx wins because i have no complaints. It is perfect. Another great testament to it is my wife hated it. We went out to dinner evening, i was wearing the sbgx, and she look at it and goes man that's brilliant. I can see why you picked it now haha

Haha glad to hear we share the same taste 😄 Enjoy your new 556! It definitely is a really solid piece. Hmm I think out of the bunch in posted I wouldn't pick more than one bc for me they all fit the same gada purpose.

Yes I get that! That's also what's holding me back about the SBGN. However, I think with some research it should be possible to find a good watch on chrono24. Also, I would take it to a watch maker or see if I can get the serial number verified. At least the quartz movement shouldn't be too much of a concern when bought second hand.

It definitely is! To me, it would nicely compliment the Spirit or SBGX for outdoor activities etc. I agree! I work in research and most people really wear whatever they want to work 😄

Haha thanks I'm also looking forward to that 😊 Might still take some time and deliberation though...

With the Sinn I agree but I would expect to be able to pull off the Spirit with a suit. Interesting point about the GMT, that's something I should reflect on. I would expect that to apply more to the 556 red second because it's really just a style gimmick. with the GMT it at least serves a function.

Haha that's actually the best compliment 😄 I mean it's really elegant and refined so I think it should work in most situations.

Gmts make a great 2nd watch. If this were the only watch i would own i would have to give it to the sbgx no contest.