Learn Everything About GADA Watches: The Ultimate Guide

Honestly, what comes to your mind first when you hear the word GADA? Well, whatever that may be, put an end to it. Defined by 'Go Anywhere, Do Anything', a GADA watch is a fun concept. Recently, you might have heard a lot about the versatility of GADA watches and how they're becoming increasingly popular among collectors and enthusiasts.

So, here we aim to explore everything about this new thing in watch collecting.

What Is A GADA Watch?

The meaning of GADA is as interesting as it sounds. It is defined as 'Go Anywhere Do Anything'. It refers to versatile luxury watches that are not limited to one style. They are actually a lot more practical and, thus, more interesting.

A GADA watch will pair with the majority of your wardrobe and be sturdy enough to accompany you in your everyday life. Whether it's for office, travel, leisure, pool, gym or anything else in between, a true GADA watch is never out of place or fashion!

In short, it's that 'one' watch you reach out for every day, regardless of the occasion.

How To Choose Your GADA Watch?

Did you think any watch could qualify as a GADA? Apparently not! Below is a list of all the parameters a watch must tick off the list to be referred to as a GADA watch.

• A case size between 38mm and 42mm.
• Weight should not be too thick or heavy for long-wearing comfort.
• Metal bracelet or strap with a lug width of 20mm.
• Devoid of complications.
• Dial colour should be neutral – white, black, beige, silver, blue and grey.
• Non-precious metal case in steel or titanium.
• Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
• Properly lumed for high legibility.
• Water resistance of at least 100 metres.
• If budget is a consideration, research affordable yet sturdy options.

However, these are all technical qualifications. The true beauty of a GADA watch lies in its adaptability. It should resonate with the wearer's style, preferences and specific lifestyle.

For instance, if you spend a lot of time flying in different time zones, a GMT watch is a solid GADA watch for you. Similarly, if you spend a lot of time dressing up for formal events, a durable dress watch may be just right for you.

If you ask us, an everyday watch with neutral dial colours that complement most of your outfits would be most practical. Classic designs with round cases and clean, simple bezels work best. But again, it's all up to you.

What Is 'NOT' A GADA Watch?

Regardless of your lifestyle, a GADA watch should never be too precious, too complicated, or too fussy to wear. Instead, it should be low-maintenance, easy, and not require much thought. Just set and forget!

It should not be uncomfortable on the wrist or an easy target for theft. It should be the watch that you wear without a second thought, confident in its durability, reliability, and style.

The best GADA watch is the one that you wear the most but think about the least.

Significance of GADA Watches In Modern Watchmaking

GADA watches are more than mere timekeepers. They embrace the spirit of adventure along with the finesse required for a professional setup.

Qualities that make GADA watches so pivotal are:

• Versatility: A good GADA watch will easily transition from outdoor expeditions to the business boardroom without missing a beat.
• Style: GADA watches feature a timeless design that complements both formal suits and casual attire equally well.
• Durability: Designed for durability, these watches are tough enough to withstand the rigours of daily life. Whether it's a hike up the hill or a splash by the pool, these watches can withstand it all, thanks to the premium materials and water resistance of most GADA watches.  
• Comfort: These watches are designed with the wearer's comfort in mind and are usually light and easy to wear.
• Accurate: GADA watches are built with high-precision movement, ensuring accurate time no matter where you go and what you do. You can completely rely on their precision. For added information, automatic watches are better GADAs than manually wound ones due to their practicality. However, there are a few high-end manually-winding watches that work as fantastic GADAs, too.  

5 Best Luxury GADA Watches To Consider Buying

Now that you know what a GADA watch is, let's take a look at some of the most popular GADA watches available on the market.

1. Tag Heuer Carrera Date, Ref. WBN2110.BA0639

With great style, the 39mm Tag Heuer Carrera Date Ref. WBN2110.BA0639 shows striking luxury, ready for on-the-go wearers. Calibre 5, an automatic movement visible through the sapphire case back, confidently powers the watch. It operates the date display at 6 o'clock. The stainless steel bracelet is adept with folding clasp push buttons, which is even more ergonomic and comfortable on the wrist.

While this Tag Heuer Carrera Date is a sports wristwatch, it is also very elegant. If the technical side of this watch is impressive, Tag Heuer did an impressive job with the aesthetics as well. The black azurage dial is adorned with luminescent rhodium-plated hands, markers, and the Tag Heuer logo. This watch's legibility is always great, especially with the bolder hands and refined indices.

Another interesting thing is its price. This ideal entry-level Tag Heuer is priced at £2850, and you can well consider it an investment. It's a trendy and fashionable timepiece perfect for everyday wear.

2. Tudor Black Bay 36 Ref. M79640-0001

To start with, the Tudor Black Bay 36 Ref. M79640-0001 wears incredibly well on the wrist. This 36mm Black Bay 36 is a luxury GADA in stainless steel, perfectly comfortable on both male and female wrists. Thanks to the slopy bezel, it will easily slide under the cuff. Driven by Calibre MT5400 and offering a power reserve of 70 hours and water resistance of 100 metres, this really is a watch for everyday occasions.

What enhances the elegance tenfold is the chunky yet dressy jubilee bracelet with the Tudor 'T-Fit' folding clasp and safety catch. It has a really playful under-the-light anthracite dial that sometimes appears brown and sometimes black, which is really mysterious. As the date is removed, the watch becomes much more casual. On top of this dark dial are gilt accents on the hands and minute track, all giving it a nice vintage vibe.

Priced at £3360, this versatile Tudor Black Bay 36 Ref. M79640-0001 perfectly matches the definition of a luxury GADA.  

3. Cartier Santos De Cartier ‘Large’ Ref.  WSSA0018

The Santos is one of the most popular Cartier collections and claims the title of being the first wristwatch ever produced for men. The Cartier Santos De Cartier 'Large' Ref.  WSSA0018 is one of the best offerings from the brand, featuring a reasonable 39.8mm stainless steel case and a noticeably slimmer profile. This stylish everyday timepiece is perfect for wearers who prefer function and style.

This watch has a more curved case shape that sits perfectly on the wrist and offers enough wrist presence. It has a silver opaline dial with Cartier's signature steel sword-shaped hands, a water resistance of up to 100 metres, and employs Calibre 1847 MC. It has a faceted synthetic spinel and a steel bracelet with a 'SmarttLink' adjustment system. While some of you might despair with the 10m water resistance, honestly, we spend most of our time in situations where 10m is sufficient.

The Cartier Santos is a legendary watch with timeless appeal and enduring appeal. What makes it even more enticing is that it is currently available for £7,400 on the brand's official website.

4. Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200

Did you think it to be an Explorer? While the Rolex Explorer would have been an excellent GADA, we decided to go for something dressy - the Rolex Datejust. The Datejust has an illustrious history, and several things have made the Rolex Datejust so popular.

Enter the Rolex Oystersteel Datejust 36 Ref. 126200 - a stylish and efficient Rolex with a power reserve of 70 hours and water resistance of 100 metres. We don't really need to say it, but a Rolex watch is objectively excellent. The level of precision, the fit, the finishing, everything is brilliant, and you just enjoy wearing the watches.

You can easily take your Datejust 126200 from the ocean to the boardroom, and it'll look just fine. Coming in a subtle 36mm stainless steel case with a smooth bezel, this timepiece is for the user who doesn't quite like the flashy look. The silver dial has a highly legible Chromalight display, ensuring easy readability in all situations. Of course, this Rolex has thee, which is COSC-certified 3235 Calibre for high-level accuracy. It is presented on a beautiful stainless steel Oyster bracelet, ensuring a comfortable fit.

Whether dressing up or wearing it casually, the Datejust 36 is a statement of refined taste that will always stay in style. The Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200 is available for £6450.

5. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.10.38.20.03.00

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.10.38.20.03.00 with a 41mm stainless steel case is almost perfect and should be considered a great candidate for everyday wear. Movement-wise, it is powered with the Omega Calibre 8800, which is one of the best offerings in this range. It's built to withstand 15,000 gauss and offers an accuracy rating of 0/+5 seconds per day. Apart from that, it has some very interesting specifications with water resistance of up to 150 metres and a power reserve of 55 hours. The 150 metres is plenty for any sort of real-life use and abuse.

Speaking of elegance, the dark blue dial is absolutely gorgeous. It has a nice sun-brushed finishing and is distinguished by a horizontal 'teak' pattern, adding to its luxurious appearance. There's also a small date display at 6 o'clock. The dial connects to the case through a polished and brushed steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp. With all these specs, this Omega is one of the more technically capable choices, priced at £5900.

This is a watch you can wear with anything and yet turn heads. It is cohesive, functional, and one of the best value buys with undeniable allure and prestige.

Make A GADA Choice! 

Selecting the perfect GADA is a personal journey. Whether you spend incessantly or invest cautiously, the key to picking your GADA watch is all about what you need from it. Forget the notion that trend fits all. No! Your GADA depends on your taste, budget and wrist, of course.

Also, your taste for the perfect GADA isn't limited to the above list. It can be any model from any brand. What is important is that you know what to expect from it, which will then make it a true GADA watch.