If you frequent watch forums and consider yourself something of a watch idiot savant (WIS), you’re likely all too familiar with the term ‘GADA watch’. If you’re an actual functioning member of society and spend your time doing…literally anything else, allow us to explain. A GADA watch is an acronymic term that refers to a ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ watch. It’s a watch that you can wear while doing anything and looks right in any location; somewhat synonymous with the concept of a one watch collection.
Frankly a GADA watch is a somewhat fanciful notion conjured up by desk divers who spend their 9 to 5 indulging in James Bond-esque fantasies of going from boardroom to bar to the bottom of the ocean with a Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster (depending on your choice of Bond; Moore or Craig, pick your poison) strapped around their wrists and a coterie of disproportionately attractive women in hot pursuit.
That said, here at Albert Review, we’re not ones to abruptly dismiss fanciful notions. We indulge them. With that in mind, we can get behind the idea of a GADA watch. At its heart, a GADA watch is one with eminent versatility. As a GADA watch is not a technical term (it came to life on watch forums and blogs), there’s no exact technical definition. However, most sources stipulate the following requirements.
- It must have a water resistance of 100m (or 50m at the minimum) and not be overly fussy or precious
- Stainless steel is typically recommended as the metal of choice, with precious metals advised against
- Should be able to be worn with formal and casual outfits without looking out of place in either setting
- It should have a moderate case size that’s comfortable for everyday wear and unobtrusive when paired with formal outfits. Considering contemporary tastes, the general consensus is 38 to 42mm
- It should be slim enough to slip under a shirt cuff
- While they may have tool watch capabilities, a GADA watch generally shouldn’t have a bezel insert (such as that found on a Rolex Submariner or Tudor Black Bay 58)
However, the concept of a GADA watch is going to look entirely different depending on the person partaking in the going and doing. Someone who spends their mornings looking over legislative documents in an office with a smart casual dress code before clocking off for an afternoon surf will have an entirely different idea of what constitutes a GADA watch to someone who works in a formal office by day and attends cocktail and black tie events by night. And, as with most of the horological discourse that takes place on the dark underbelly of the internet that is online forums, it skews male.
So, in the interest of finding the ultimate GADA watch for every taste, we’ve included classic options as well as styles that cater to a wholly different kind of anywhere and anything.
Herewith, the best GADA watches for every taste.
1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
What makes it a GADA watch? While it looks at home with a suit, its purpose-built origins preclude the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso from being too fussy and allow it to be worn for sportier activities (think a spot of tennis, rather than deep sea diving)
For whom: plays polo, wears polo shirts, reads Keats, leaves you on read
So here’s a watch you won’t find on any other GADA watch list. The OG sports watch that everyone puts in the dress watch category, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso made its debut in 1931 as a purpose-built watch designed to withstand the rigours of polo matches, with its dial able to be flipped (or ‘reversed’) and worn with the caseback upwards to protect against shocks. While the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is an undeniably elegant style, its ability to look equally as good on a metal bracelet as it does on a leather strap allows it to be worn for multivarious occasions. It’s never going to be the most rugged of timepieces, but for those whose daily life errs on the more refined side (and far away from the ocean), the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso just may be the ultimate GADA watch. To keep it practical, opt for the Monoface (with a solid caseback) rather than the Duoface (which features a second dial on the reverse side). While we’ve recommended the Reverso Tribute Monoface here, the Reverso is available in a plethora of sizes and configurations, with something to suit every style (and wrist).
Price: $14,300AUD
Model: Reverso Tribute Monoface
Case diameter: 40.1mm x 24.4mm (other configurations available)
Movement: 822 (manual winding)
Water resistance: 3ATM
Functions: hours, minutes
Power reserve: 42 hours
2. IWC Ingenieur
What makes it a GADA watch? It’s smart, stylish, and rugged — it looks good under a shirt cuff but can also be taken for a surf or swim after clock off
For whom: engineers, duh!
Originally developed in the 1950s for professionals who were exposed to magnetic fields—like doctors, pilots, physicists, and engineers—the IWC Ingenieur was the Schaffhausen manufacture’s first anti-magnetic watch for civilian use. Relaunched in 2023, the IWC Ingenieur is a solid contender for the best GADA watch. Crafted from stainless steel and presented on an integrated bracelet, its 40mm case size (it wears slightly smaller) and relatively slimline proportions mean it’s able to easily slip under a shirt cuff, while its 100 metre water resistance, sturdy construction, and generous power reserve make it a reliable companion for adventure and travel. A little nerdy yet decidedly stylish, the IWC Ingenieur makes for a refreshing break from the deluge of Rolex Explorers and Omega Seamasters typically touted as GADA watches.
Price: $17,300AUD
Model: Ingenieur
Case diameter: 40mm
Movement: 32111 (automatic)
Water resistance: 10ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 120 hours
3. Cartier Tank
What makes it a GADA watch? Its sartorial versatility and compliment magnet status
For whom: the guys, the gays, the girls! A Cartier Tank looks good on everyone
Let’s face it, the majority of us don’t have a James Bond-esque itinerary that entails engaging in hand-to-hand combat or going scuba diving after a black tie function. For most, sartorial versatility is actually what determines a GADA watch; i.e. the watch’s ability to pair with outfits across a variety of dress codes. The Cartier Tank is equally at home peeking out from under a velvet suit at a cocktail party or holding court on a bare arm at a black tie gala as it is hanging out with jeans and a chore coat on a weekend away. Its versatility and wide range of styles and configurations (think different metal options, case sizes, and quartz, manual, or automatic movements) means there’s a Cartier Tank for everyone. Those who want a true set-and-forget watch can opt for—gasp!—a quartz Tank, while gold and rose gold options suit those whose taste leans more classic. And don’t listen to those who flog the ‘bigger is better’ mentality; it doesn’t ring true for the Tank. Just look at Muhammad Ali.
Price: $21,200AUD
Model: Tank Louis Cartier
Case diameter: 33.7mm x 25.5mm (other configurations available)
Movement: quartz
Water resistance: 3ATM
Functions: hours, minutes
4. Longines Conquest
What makes it a GADA watch? Restrained design language, elegant details, a robust build, and solid technical specs make this a GADA watch in the truest sense. The affordable price point doesn’t hurt either
For whom: white collar workers who file their tax returns at four o’clock, hit the waves at five o’clock, and head to a cocktail party at seven o’clock — this timepiece really can go anywhere and do anything
Longines has been putting out some retro-modern bangers lately. A GADA watch in its truest sense, the Longines Conquest proves timepieces with colourful dials can indeed be versatile, balancing classic aesthetics with sporty prowess. Crafted from stainless steel and featuring a relatively slim profile, it’s both refined and robust, with a water resistance of 100 metres. Its domed bezel and sunray dial keep things elevated, making for a timepiece that traverses dress codes and social milieu with ease. The Longines Conquest is available in 34, 38, and 41mm case sizes, each with an automatic movement (we’d recommend the former two—depending on wrist size—to stay within classic GADA proportions).
Price: from $3425AUD
Model: Conquest
Case diameter: 34mm, 38mm, 41mm
Movement: L888
Water resistance: 10ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 72 hours
5. Rolex Datejust
What makes it a GADA watch? It’s dressy and undeniably stylish yet can take a splash
For whom: Renaissance men and women, recovering explorers
Ha! You thought this would be an Explorer, didn’t you? While the Rolex Explorer can literally go anywhere and do anything, we’d wager the Datejust is the better GADA watch overall — for those not engaged in daily manual labour, at least. For our desk divers and concrete jungle explorers, the Rolex Datejust is an all-occasion timepiece, looking at home in any setting. Resistant to magnetic forces and water resistant to 100 metres, it’s more than capable of going (almost) anywhere and doing anything; it just looks more refined while doing so. Opting for a fluted bezel ups the dressy factor while a domed bezel reads a little more subdued. For a GADA watch, we’d recommend sticking with stainless steel and a size that doesn’t dominate the wrist (likely 31mm or 36mm, depending on wrist size).
Price: from $11,200AUD
Model: Datejust 31 or 36
Case diameter: 31mm; 36mm
Movement: 2236 (Datejust 31, automatic); 3235 (Datejust 36, automatic)
Water resistance: 10ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 55 hours (Datejust 31); 70 hours (Datejust 36)
6. Grand Seiko SBGH347
What makes it a GADA watch? Modest proportions and an elegant dial coupled with solid water resistance
For whom: the artiste or creative who wants something that’s simultaneously understated and statement-making
With their elegant dial finishes and durable yet streamlined construction, several Grand Seiko watches are solid GADA watch contenders. We’re partial to the Japanese watch brand’s heritage collection, with the Grand Seiko SBGH347 boasting one of the most beautiful dials we’ve seen of late; with the intricate pattern recalling a frozen waterfall on Mount Iwate, which is visible from the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. Pair that with a heritage-inspired case design (and proportions) with 100 metres of water resistance, an in-house high-beat automatic movement and you have an artistic take on a GADA watch.
Price: $9900AUD
Model: SBGH347
Case diameter: 37mm
Movement: 9S85 (automatic)
Water resistance: 10ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 55 hours
7. Omega Seamaster Railmaster
What makes it a GADA watch? It’s bookish and practical while still being aesthetically pleasing — its subdued appearance mightn’t catch the eyes of the masses, but those in the know always respect the Railmaster
For whom: scientists and that guy at the office who always says he’s too busy to attend Christmas parties and birthday lunches
Ah, the thinking (wo)man’s Seamaster. Bypass the ever popular Seamaster Diver 300M in favour of the Seamaster Railmaster. The 38mm case size of the 1957 Trilogy edition of the Omega Seamaster Railmaster is perfectly proportioned to suit GADA watch requirements, while its slightly intellectual origins (the anti-magnetic timepiece was designed for railway workers, scientists, and other professions that worked near electromagnetic fields — basically Omega’s version of the IWC Ingenieur) lend it a point of difference. The subdued dial boasts vintage appeal thanks to the faded ‘tropical’ approach, but remains highly legible and functional. It’s only water resistant to 60 metres though, so a better GADA watch for those who don’t often take to water.
Price: $12,500AUD
Model: Seamaster Railmaster Trilogy 1957 (ref. 220.10.38.20.01.002)
Case diameter: 38mm
Movement: Omega 8806 (automatic)
Water resistance: 6ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds
Power reserve: 55 hours
8. Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor
What makes it a GADA watch? Its platinum construction flies under the radar and is only recognisable to the discerning eye (stealth wealth alert!) while its solid water resistance means it’s fit for multivarious activities
For whom: sartorially inclined undercover oil magnates and trust fund babies
Its ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ criteria means that typical contenders for the best GADA watch tend to err on the more rugged side. While we’ve broken that mold though inclusions like the Cartier Tank and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso which are well suited to those whose ‘anywhere’ and ‘anything’ sit on the more refined (and drier) end of the spectrum, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor may perhaps be the platonic ideal of a luxurious GADA watch. Crafted from platinum, it’s almost as strong as stainless steel and has an understated appearance with only those in the know recognising it as a precious metal. With 100 metres of water resistance, the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Micro-Rotor is well equipped to take a splash while its micro-rotor movement allows for ultra-slim proportions that effortlessly slip under a shirt cuff. More stealth wealth details can be seen in the white gold rhodium-plated indices and hour and minute hands, while the tonal sandblasted dial and fluted bezel prove the devil really is in the details.
Price: approx. $150,000AUD ($85,000CHF)
Model: Tonda PF Micro-Rotor
Case diameter: 40mm
Movement: PF703 (automatic)
Water resistance: 10ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, date
Power reserve: 48 hours
9. Sinn 556 I
What makes it a GADA watch? A crowd-favourite, the Sinn 556i is the archetypal GADA watch and stays true to the term’s original criteria
For whom: the everyman who seeks the approval of every man
Any post on a watch forum or Reddit asking for the best GADA watch will invariably garner at least three Sinn 556 I recommendations. And it’s not hard to see why. The German watch brand’s entry-level timepiece is reasonably priced, durably constructed, and boasts a 200 metre water resistance, with its clean design sitting within the tool watch category without looking out of place in more formal occasions. A watch that looks better in the metal than in stock photos, the Sinn 556i is presented on a H-link bracelet and ergonomically wraps around most wrist sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit during more strenuous activities.
Price: $2225AUD
Model: 556 I
Case diameter: 38.5
Movement: Sellita SW200-1 (automatic)
Water resistance: 20ATM
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 38 hours
Enjoyed this article? Why not check out some of our other horological coverage.
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- No Bones About It; These Are The Best Skeletonised Watches
- These Unconventional & Asymmetrical Watches Think Outside The Circle
- The Best Dress Watches For Men Are Both Classic & Unconventional
- A GMT Is The Ideal Watch For Two-Timers
- The Best Watches Under $1000 You Can Buy In 2024
Words by T. Angel
