What is a GADA Watch?

You may have noticed the term “GADA watch” being used more frequently in watch enthusiast circles. While the name may be new, the concept is not – it’s essentially another label for an everyday watch, a daily watch, a daily driver, a daily beater, or any other identifier that covers a watch that gets the most wrist time.

What does GADA watch mean?

The meaning of a GADA watch is in the name: a “Go Anywhere Do Anything” watch. This is to say it has to both be versatile enough to pair with the majority of your wardrobe and sturdy enough to handle your daily grind. Whether the office, gym, pool, travel, or couch, a trusty GADA watch is never out of place. Go Anywhere, Do Anything. Generally speaking, the best GADA watches will have the following traits: 

• Case size between 38mm and 42mm; not too thick or heavy for long-wearing comfort
• Water resistance of at least 100 meters (330 feet)
• Neutral dial color in shades like black, white, silver, beige, gray, and blue
• Metal bracelet (lug width of 20mm would be ideal for strap variety)
• Non-precious metal case (for instance, steel or titanium)
• Good lume for all-around legibility
• Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal

However, like we’ve said plenty of times before, watch definitions aren’t always set in stone. The most significant thing to consider when choosing a GADA watch is that it works for you and your unique lifestyle. 

Do you spend tons of time around water, immersing your timepiece in hot tubs, pools, or the sea? Then water resistance is a key factor to keep in mind. Alternatively, are you typically dressed up in a suit and tie for work and frequently attend formal events? Then, a dressier watch (but still a durable one) may be just what you need. Are you a frequent flyer who constantly lands in different time zones? A GMT watch would make a solid GADA watch for you. 

Back to basics: What is a GMT Watch?

Style-wise, everyday watches with neutral dial colors that complement most of the clothes you wear would be most practical. Classic silhouettes with round cases and simple bezels often work best. Moreover, GADA watches typically have metal bracelets (since they’re tougher than leather bands and more versatile than rubber straps). However, a GADA watch that’s also a strap monster (i.e. easy to switch out the band and looks great on various straps), is a big plus.

What is not a GADA watch?

Regardless of your particular lifestyle, a GADA watch should be never too fussy, too precious, or too complicated to wear. It should be easy, low maintenance, and something you don’t have to think about too often. Set and forget. Also, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable on the wrist or too dangerous to wear for fear of getting robbed!

Protect yourself: How Can I Recover My Stolen Rolex?

Best Everyday Watch

Now that we’ve loosely defined what makes a GADA watch, let’s have a look at some excellent examples available for various budgets. While digital and smartwatches can certainly be considered GADA watches, we’re sticking to mechanical models.

Best GADA watches under $1,000

A smaller budget won’t get in the way of finding a reliable GADA watch. Some of our top picks for affordable daily watches that offer plenty of value include:

• Timex Expedition North Field Mechanical: 38mm, matte black steel case and bracelet, manual-winding movement, 100m WR, $259 MSRP
• Seiko 5 Sports SRPE55: 40mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 100m WR, $275 MSRP
• Victorinox Alliance Mechanical: 40mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 100m WR, $775 MSRP
• Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80: 40mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 100m WR, $775 MSRP
• Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic: 40mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 50m WR, $775 MSRP

Best GADA watches under $2,000

Popular microbrands are a great segment to explore for solid everyday watches for less than $2,000; however, there are some top choices from big brands too. 

• Christopher Ward: 38mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 150m WR, $1,025 MSRP
• Longines Conquest: 39mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 300m WR, $1250 MSRP
• Sinn 556: 38.5mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 100m WR, $1,500 MSRP
• Monta Noble: 38.5mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 150m WR, $1,795 MSRP
• Oris Big Pointer Date: 40mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 50m WR, $1,950 MSRP

Best Luxury GADA Watches

The luxury watch space is home to so many great GADA watches, it may be tough to pick just one! The good news is that the big luxury brand’s entry-level models are often ideal daily watches

• TAG Heuer Carrera Automatic: 39mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 100m WR, $3,000 MSRP
• Tudor Black Bay 36/41: 36mm or 41mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 150m WR, $3,200 to $3,425 MSRP
• Grand Seiko SBGA465: 40mm, steel case and bracelet, Spring Drive movement, 100m WR, $4,800 MSRP
• Breitling Premier Automatic Day & Date: 40mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 100m WR, $5,200 MSRP
• Omega Aqua Terra: 38mm or 41mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 150m WR, $5,700 to $6,300 MSRP
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual: 36mm or 41mm, steel case and bracelet, automatic movement, 100m WR, $6,100 to $6,400 MSRP
• Cartier Santos Large Model: 39.8mm, steel square case and bracelet, automatic movement, 100m WR, $7,450

Watch: Unboxing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 on Grey Market TV

How to Pick Your GADA Watch

Regardless of if you spend cautiously or invest a significant amount, the key to picking your daily timepiece is to be honest about what you need from it. Disregard all notions about what is considered on-trend right now and opt for the watch that suits your taste, wrist, and budget.

If you do that, you’ll find yourself reaching for that piece over and over again, which will then make it into a true GADA watch.

For some inspiration, check out Marco’s rundown on The Ultimate Watch Collection Under $25K for Your Style!