Watches That Live Up to the GADA Name

The GADA watch is a term thrown around all too often. But what does it really take to be a “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” watch? Let’s find out.

Being a one-watch-and-done guy is something that many collectors aspire to be. It’s true. Not everyone is looking to own one of every type of watch available. And if you only own one singular watch, it doesn’t make you any less of a watch enthusiast, either. Some connoisseurs are intentionally seeking to pare down their collection to one or two timepieces. The reason for that is partly down to the GADA watch.

GADA is an acronym for “Go Anywhere, Do Anything”. It’s not a category of watch determined by any one particular function or feature, moreover a combination of several. The fact is, watches are so cool and multifunctional these days that they can be useful for almost anything and everything. 

Amongst a vast array of pilots’ watches, sports watches, dive watches, and dress watches, there exists a watch defined by a single, unifying purpose. The GADA watch strips away the fluff, leaving the essence of a perfect everyday companion. It’s the ultimate all-rounder – a multifunctional stroke of greatness. The watch you possibly didn’t know you needed until now. 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re conducting scientific tests at the bottom of the seabed or climbing a mountain. You should be able to don a GADA watch in the morning and see the day through with it. Though there’s still an excellent argument for building out a collection with every complication, the desire to own a GADA watch is undoubtedly on the rise. 

Everyone Needs a GADA Watch

There are so many scenarios where a GADA watch can prove its worth. Say you’re at a birthday bash that takes an unexpected turn and becomes an impromptu pool party? Everyone jumps in, then frets about their soggy leather watch strap afterwards. You, on the other hand, emerge from the pool looking chill AF in your solid 100M water-resistant bracelet watch. 

Or what about the overseas business meeting you attend without a dapper suit because your luggage gets delayed? At least you have your perfectly professional-looking GADA watch on your wrist. Now, your quick-fix suit, which you grab on the way, looks instantly better.

Supposing you decide to go off the beaten track on your hike with your friends? The “shortcut” turns out to be longer than expected, but your GADA watch can see you through anything. Uphill, down dale, and through mud baths and streams you go, using its basic compass feature for navigation. 

GADA Watches are a Delicate Balancing Act

GADA watches have lots of appeal. Part of their draw is their tidy, simplified, no-fuss look and their ability to balance a robust, durable build with a timeless aesthetic. They have an effortless versatility that can withstand the rigors of daily life, whilst giving you the flexibility you need in a statement piece. Some are even refined enough to slip under the cuff of a suit, though they don’t tend to fall into the slim watches category as such.

A GADA watch is a jack of all trades, master of none. It’s the ultimate definition of an all-rounder. It needs to be comfortable enough to wear all day long and should slide easily under a cuff. Size-wise, it should measure somewhere between 38mm and 42mm (don’t worry, there are plenty of options for the smaller-wristed gent).  

One of the most important elements of an all-day watch is versatility. While you don’t want it to be too sporty, it shouldn’t be too dressy either. Neutral colours, of course, lend to a watch’s versatility. Blue, black, white, and other muted colours keep a watch looking both classy and classic. It makes sense that these solid colours also enhance legibility in dark conditions. 

It helps if a GADA watch has a simple bezel. Although it’s often the place you’ll find a 24-hour scale or tachymeter, a quality watch should deliver these functions in an understated and straightforward format. In that same vein, complications should also be minimal. GADA watches will typically avoid busy dials that make them too specialist.

Robustness and durability are other key qualities in a go-anywhere, do-anything watch. Stainless steel is a material often chosen for its robustness and corrosion resistance, while titanium is better for its lightweight quality. Some manufacturers specialise in forging their own proprietary materials for maximum sturdiness and longevity. Examples include Rolex’s Cerachrom, Panerai’s Carbotech, Rado’s high-tech ceramic, and Luminox’s innovative Carbonox. You should also look for features like a sapphire crystal glass front and models with water resistance of 100M or more. Combined, these materials provide sufficient protection against water damage to the internal parts of a watch and offer supreme resistance to scratches. 

The engine of a GADA watch must be a true workhorse if you plan to enjoy it for years to come. Automatic watches rely on the wearer’s wrist movement to keep accurate time and don’t require manual winding each day. This makes them a preferred choice compared to hand-winding watches, though a precise quartz watch is somewhat more hassle-free. 

Lastly, when shopping for a good-quality GADA watch, look for a model that has an easy strap-changing mechanism. Having such a feature will allow you to transform the look of your watch at the drop of a hat. Again, this goes back to my POV on the versatility of a watch. The more strap styles you can combine with your watch, the more use you’ll have out of your GADA companion. 

Top Brands Nailing the GADA Watch

The GADA watch is a very popular category right now, and it’s easy to see why. They are the grab-and-go tools that those with busy schedules and fast-paced, adventure-ready lifestyles need. The market is producing some pretty neat contenders right now. From entry-level manufacturers to mid-point micro-brand designs to high-end giants – there is a price group for every collector.

High-end competitors such as Rolex and Omega are producing watches of a superior, solid build. Many of these designs rely on patents and innovative materials that ensure maximum protection against the elements. Even better, watch designs like the Rolex Explorer and Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra have an iconic look. The fact that these tool watches impart maximum wrist presence while still delivering on a practical level makes them some of the best GADA watches.

In the mid-priced watch category, brands like TUDOR and Oris are excelling on the GADA watch front. The TUDOR Ranger, Pelagos, and neo-vintage Black Bay are all great tool watches; the latter of which is the most famous of all. Oris, however, offers the ProPilot X watch – a great example of a GADA watch thanks to its lightweight titanium case. Of course, carrying the pilot watch DNA, the ProPilot X also carries all the essential hallmarks of Oris’s legacy in crafting aviation instruments. 

Longines is another mid-priced company producing excellent GADA watches. In fact, its W.W.W watch was one of the famous Dirty Dozen. The Longines Spirit watch is the ultimate tool for pioneers of the land, sea, and skies. Longines Spirit watches haven’t been around for all that long, but in a short space of time, they have made a lasting impression. These watches blend vintage-inspired aesthetics with COSC-certified movements. With accuracy and crisp legibility at the forefront of its design, it’s hard not to appreciate the Longines Spirit for all its greatness. This classic pilot watch style is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any outfit.

Budget-conscious manufacturers can also make great GADA watches. Entry-level brands like Christopher Ward and Hamilton are excelling with their daily wearables.

Christopher Ward is a British brand renowned for crafting value-for-money wristwatches. The C63 Sealander, for example, embodies the essence of a GADA watch with its clean, legible design and a variety of cool dial colors. This brand is a top-tier GADA watch contender and thoroughly deserves mention when discussing some of the best daily tool watches available. 

Lastly, Hamilton is another great entry-level brand producing GADA watches at an affordable price. Models like the famous Khaki Field are a classic choice. This field watch is ideal for those who prefer a rugged, military-inspired look at an entry-level price. 

That was a brief look at some of the top brands competing in this space for the coveted GADA watch. Now let’s take a much closer look at these models in more detail. 

Rolex  

Rolex is the mother of all watch brands and the most famous one by far. Its immense fame stems from a multi-faceted strategy. By combining groundbreaking innovation with an unwavering commitment to quality, Rolex can craft the perfect GADA watch. At the same time, it uniquely positions itself as a symbol of excellence, status, and profound achievement.

The Rolex Explorer

The Rolex Explorer is arguably the original GADA watch. It was the GADA watch designed for mountaineering expeditions. Its tough external shell and legible face became the two USPs for the model, garnering a following right from day one. It has a storied history – a legacy that intertwines with a design that is robust and practical enough for daily modern life. Cementing its reputation as a rugged tool for extreme adventures is its connection with Mount Everest. 

Arriving in 1953, the Explorer watch accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary to the summit of Mt Everest. The original DNA of the Explorer was a black dial with a triangular marker at 12 o’clock. This iconic design survived 26 years with minimal changes. Minor modifications, such as the sapphire glass, improved movement, and increased water resistance, have, however, improved its design over the years. To this day, its classic 36mm and 38mm proportions are perfect for adventure-seekers with smaller wrists.

The Rolex Explorer 36 features a distinctive dial that is easily identifiable by its numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, all of which glow with luminous material. It has a clean and sober aesthetic, while its smooth and elegant 18k yellow gold bezel balances luxurious tones with a robust steel case. Rolex trademarked this meeting of two metals in 1933 as Rolesor. Its Oysterlock clasp prevents the two-tone bracelet from accidentally opening. Meanwhile, Rolex’s EasyLink extension system is an ingenious design that allows for a 5mm increase in length for added comfort. 

Being such a great GADA watch, Rolex equips the Rolex Explorer 36 with a screw-down crown featuring the Twinlock double waterproofing system to maintain a 100M rating. Additionally, the Calibre 3230 boasts an impressive 70-hour power reserve and is an example of in-house manufacture. It features a Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, designed to resist daily knocks and bumps. 

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual

The Oyster Perpetual is another excellent choice. And for those new to this brand and wondering “How much does a Rolex actually cost?”, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Oyster Perpetual is one of the most affordable. Rolex offers this more classic model in a range of different dial colours and sizes, each one simpler in design than the Explorer. 

This design embodies understated elegance. It boasts a clean dial, no date window, and understated proportions. Lacking any flashy features, this GADA watch looks good paired with a tuxedo or a t-shirt, and can withstand daily splashes and quick dips in the pool thanks to its 100M water resistance. 

Those looking to begin building a watch collection will find the Rolex Oyster Perpetual to be a great beginner watch, should their budget allow for it. This no-fuss, no-frills watch is the purest expression of Rolex’s core philosophy. Again, you can enjoy this watch on a 36mm diameter, making it a perfect companion for those with sub-7-inch wrists. 

This model’s blue dial begins as a lacquer upon a brass plate before layer upon layer builds into a rich blue. The brand pad prints the inscriptions onto the surface, while the hands and hour markers are hand-riveted. The watch’s 904L stainless steel case is highly resistant to corrosion. It’s one reason why this particular version of steel takes preference throughout the aerospace industry. The steel bracelet is the perfect blend of form and function, with a universally loved appeal. The metal bracelet secures with an Oyster clasp, keeping the in-house Calibre 3230 perfectly connected to the wrist’s movement. 

Ticking all the GADA watch features, the Oyster Perpetual also boasts a domed sapphire lens. This structure protects the hands and hour markers as they emit their long-lasting blue emission luminescence. 

OMEGA

Some of OMEGA’s most significant achievements have a strong connection to humanity’s most outstanding achievements. The most iconic of all is the Speedmaster Moonwatch, which became the first watch to land on the moon. Yet, the Seamaster, being one of the largest collections of dive watches, offers some pretty impressive GADA watches. 

OMEGA’s Aqua Terra series is home to models with “teak” dial patterns that echo the wooden decks of luxury yachts. And that’s not all. The dial choices of the Aqua Terra are super impressive, ranging from classics like blue and black to the more adventurous terracotta. Above all, Aqua Terra watches are chronometer-certified and resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. Together, these features are perfect for daily wear. 

OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M

One of OMEGA’s latest Aqua Terra releases is the 150M water-resistant turquoise fume GADA watch. The model features a gradient effect dial with bright turquoise tones at the centre, melding into blackened edges. This compact 38mm model features a steel-on-steel design with 150m water resistance, a domed sapphire glass front, and an exhibition caseback. 

This Aqua Terra 150M watch features a trapezoid date window at 6 o’clock, an arrow-tipped minute hand, and triangular hour markers. The Calibre 8800 propels these defining features around the dial. The Co-Axial Master Chronometer is METAS-certified, guaranteeing exceptional accuracy and performance, day and night.  

OMEGA Seamaster Railmaster 38

Ever heard of the Railmaster? It’s one of the brand’s lesser-celebrated designs, but it shouldn’t be. The Railmaster has a clean and simple dial, an anti-magnetic Co-Axial Master Chronometer, and a robust case. 

The standout feature of this all-steel OMEGA GADA watch is its cushion-shaped profile. Its softly rounded edges scream “sports watch,” giving it a pillow-like appearance that puts the tool watch into relaxed mode. OMEGA kits the Railmaster out with another fume dial, this time in grey and black. The smoky tones of the dial combine with crisp Arabic numerals positioned quarterly underneath a sapphire glass front. 

Of course, it’s the polished accents and the brushed finish of the links in the steel bracelet that complete this cool GADA watch from Omega. Tough and resilient, the bracelet features a butterfly clasp with an innovative comfort setting for all-day wear, no matter the situation. 

TUDOR

TUDOR knows a thing or two about crafting GADA watches. It may be the little brother to Rolex, but its watches are a direct reflection of its “Born to Die” philosophy. These watches offer a more accessible price point, featuring some of the best everyday tools available within the Back Bay, Pelagos, and Ranger collections. 

TUDOR Ranger

If you prefer the more utilitarian look of a tool watch, the Ranger is for you. It pays homage to TUDOR’s historic watches from the British North Greenland Expedition. The mission actually tells the story of the Tudor Oyster Prince watch, which TUDOR subjected to a grueling two-year test. However, the success of this technique went on to inspire the development of this practical, action-ready watch. 

The TUDOR Ranger watch perpetuates the spirit of daring adventure. From the original black dial with luminous Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock to new models like this, it’s a polarising option for any adventure-seeker. This model comes complete with a 5-year guarantee, and there’s no better reassurance in a watch’s quality than that. Its black domed dial, served inside a compact 39mm steel case, sits under a domed sapphire glass front. 

As a superb GADA watch, the TUDOR Ranger features the COSC-certified Calibre MT5402. This engine delivers exceptional accuracy, along with a 70-hour power reserve. Lastly, its steel bracelet features TUDOR’s innovative T-Fit clasp. This mechanism enables you to adjust the bracelet quickly and easily. 

Oris 

Connoisseurs all over the world respect Oris for its independent spirit and its commitment to exclusively producing mechanical watches. Founded in 1904, the brand focuses on authentic craftsmanship, creating watches that strike a balance between toughness and state-of-the-art technology.

Oris heavily invests itself in contributing to ocean conservation. Some of its GADA watches feature environmentally friendly materials, focusing on social causes and celebrating long-standing partnerships with various organizations. An example is its “Change for the Better” initiative. Other watches distil the essence of the pilot watch, keeping Oris’ heritage very much a part of its path forward. 

The Oris ProPilot X

If you’re considering the Oris ProPilot X as your next GADA watch, there are two routes you can go down. One is the ProPilot X Calibre 15. This sub-series houses models that feature a skeletonised dial. But since the emphasis on legibility is a key must-have in a GADA watch, we’ll talk about the ProPilot X Calibre 400s. 

The ProPilot X Calibre 400 is a perfect blend of high-tech engineering and rugged versatility. Take a look at this sleek, monochromatic grey dial. The grey tones of the watch evoke an authentic tool-like feel, sitting inside compact 39mm proportions. This is a lightweight titanium model that Oris experts fuel with the independently manufactured Calibre 400 engine. Oris set a new standard in mechanical excellence with the development of this movement. It promises anti-magnetic properties, a five-day power reserve, and even a 10-year warranty. 

You can’t help but put this watch on and instantly feel the joy it brings to the wrist. Oris combines ergonomics and performance into a sleek and streamlined design. To top it off, the ProPilot X watch features the distinctive jet engine turbine-inspired bezel. The Ita angle and fluting mimic the look of a spinning turbine, while the bracelet features an airplane seatbelt-inspired clasp. 

Longines

The Saint Imier watchmaker, Longines, is an expert in the field of pilot’s watches. Models like the Avigation BigEye and the Longines Spirit Flyback Chronograph are among the brand’s most popular designs. Speaking of which, there within the Spirit collection lies the perfect GADA watch. 

Longines Spirit Zulu Time

Longines roots its approach to creating excellent GADA watches in tradition. That’s why the Spirit watch has such a strong vintage vibe. Pioneers like Charles Lindbergh wore Longines watches, cementing the brand’s historical role in pushing the boundaries of human endurance.

Collectors widely hail the Longines Spirit as the best GADA watch in the brand’s current catalogue. It offers a comfortable size for small-wristed gents, with a 37mm option, plus a range of dial colours. This model is a compact 39mm GMT watch for the avid traveller. Rooting its design in functionality, Longines experts do well to keep the design pared back, straightforward, and simple. 

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time features a two-tone 24-hour bezel to differentiate nighttime and daylight hours. Reading off the main hands will give you your local time, while the red arrow-tipped GMT hand keeps you on track with home time. I particularly love the beige-coloured faux patina luminous material on the hands and Arabic hour markers. These features incorporate more of the vintage-inspired pilot watch aesthetics that the Spirit collection is famous for. 

Meanwhile, you also get a reliable COSC-certified automatic movement, which Longines references in the five stars above 6 o’clock. The bi-colour black and grey bidirectional winding ceramic bezel tastefully finishes the titanium case in low-key colours, too. There’s also a quick-change strap option with this watch. That means you can switch up the look of this Spirit watch easily using this innovative interchangeable system. 

Christopher Ward

GADA is Christopher Ward’s middle name, especially where designs like the C63 Sealander matter. The brand masterfully bridges the gap between the major Swiss watchmakers and the ingenuity of a microbrand.

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT

Christopher Ward’s GADA watches are a go-to for thrill-seeking collectors who look for exceptional quality in a timepiece. The C63 Sealander is the brand’s flagship GADA watch, focusing on superior movement at a surprisingly affordable price. It certainly challenges the likes of the Rolex Explorer due to what it offers for a fraction of the cost. 

This GADA watch from Christopher Ward features the brand’s signature “Light Catcher” case. Master craftsmen artfully bring this case to life with a mix of brushed and polished surfaces that invite light to bounce off its facets. This key element is what gives the C63 Sealander its expensive look. The watch comes in a compact 39mm case, but you can opt for an even smaller version with the 36mm option. And with a 150M water resistance, it can take you from the beach to the boardroom without even needing a strap change. The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander even carries a Swiss-made movement and features a micro-adjustable ratchet clasp that extends and shortens with a lever.

The key selling point of this 39mm GADA watch is that it offers all the toughness of a dove watch but underplays it with a modest design and a bezel-free construction. Lastly, it features a GMT function to keep you prompt and punctual wherever you are in the world. 

Hamilton 

Hamilton upholds an impressive reputation for crafting some seriously good GADA watches. What’s more, they combine the brand’s American spirit with Swiss precision. The pinnacle, of course, is the Khaki Field watch—an absolute staple for anyone looking for a non-nonsense, highly functional yet distinctive GADA. 

Hamilton’s field watches played a significant role in the war efforts of both World War I and World War II. And although the brand is famous for its numerous pop culture watches and iconic designs that have appeared on the silver screen, nothing can overshadow its tough, legible military wristwatches. 

Hamilton Khaki Field King Auto

There’s no denying that a massive part of the Khaki Field watch’s DNA is that NATO strap. Available in a range of colors, it captures the look of the frontline military instruments of yesteryear. Saying that, the leather straps look just as good. However, if you prefer pure ruggedness, opt for a model paired with a matching steel bracelet. 

The Khaki Field King Auto is an excellent example of a field watch with all the necessary GADA essentials. Its black dial contrasts beautifully against the luminous white Arabic numeral hour track and inner 24-hour scale. This model comes with an additional day-date feature, which isn’t a mandatory Khaki Field feature. Even so, it ramps up the functionality factor without adding clutter to the dial. 

The Hamilton Khaki Field King Auto features a crown guard integrated into the case, which surrounds the crown with a smooth, flowing form. Add to that a sapphire glass front and a reliable automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve, and you have the perfect GADA field watch for your collection. 

Winding Down

You’d just completed the definitive guide to the best GADA watches and the brands that make them. Each one has what it takes to become the ultimate companion for life’s moments, both ordinary and extraordinary. 

Searching for the perfect GADA watch is a deeply personal journey and depends on your needs in a timepiece. But as long as you know what to look for (legibility and a good, solid build), you can’t go far wrong. Brands like Longines, Christopher Ward, and Hamilton all produce very affordable GADA watches. However, if you want to go all out, there is no shortage of premium models available. The rugged Explorer, dive-ready Aqua Terra, and sporty C63 Selander are all fail-safe options, regardless of their price differences. 

Ultimately, the GADA watch for you is the one that you feel most comfortable and confident wearing. So, now it’s your turn. What’s your favourite go-anywhere, do-anything watch that you couldn’t be without? Which of these watches on this list is on your wish list? 

Share your thoughts and let us know if we’ve missed a watch that thoroughly deserves to be in this guide. Please share your comments below, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter here at The Slender List today.