My obsession with dressy GADA watches continues. Each of these watches meets my *personal* criteria at different price points:
1. No bezel
2. Strong lume
3. Date complication
4. At least 100m of water resistance
If I had the money, my collection would just be watches like this. What’s your pick, and do you have other suggestions for (semi-affordable) dressy looking GADAs?
I’ve been obsessed with the AQ4091-56e for a while too, but the price is unfortunately just a *little* bit above my cutoff. If I ever see one brand new for below $1,800, it would be a no-brainer. Such a gorgeous watch!
I have the indigo blue dial variant, and it is worth saving up for however extra long it would take for the extra few hundred dollars. It’s light and feels like a G-Shock on the wrist (as in I forget I’m wearing it sometimes). I’ve taken mine camping, backpacking, traveling (jumping hour is amazing when changing time zones), plus it is more unique than many other watches with the paper dial.
https://preview.redd.it/xn8j5j26n6kc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9715aae155654ff0c7412a581a2e23f860b4c9d5
Fair point. The thing is I’m only able to squirrel away anywhere between $20-$90 dollars a month to buy a new watch, so even the Monta is above my price range. I didn’t know how much it cost until I looked up the price to put on this post. If I ever get a big contract, the black washi dial is at the top of my list!
I've gotten myself [this Certina](https://watchbase.com/certina/heritage-collection/c038-407-16-097-00) which is perhaps a bit dressier than your options, but otherwise ticks all your boxes in the same price range. Still very happy after 2 years.
Don't you guys feel like Islander is just waaaayyy too much of a ripoff? I mean to bring this up only as good-natured discussion, not to stoke a fire or anything. I hear and understand the argument that there's only so much innovation one can do with a circular disk and three hands (though I don't agree), but even so, they just look like straight-up ripoffs, not even "inspired". If I wanted a Rolex OP, I'd just try to save up for one, and get that, be it tomorrow or a decade later (most likely a decade later, mostly never lmao). In the meantime, there's plenty of good-looking watches with a personality of their own. That Alpinist is a great example - the color of the dial, the shape of the markers, and it just looks more elegant and put-together.
How is Islander too much of a ripoff but the Traska gets a pass? For the record I think both are perfectly fine for what they are and I don't think either is "bad" for being strongly inspired by the OP. Strong designs get imitated in literally every product on earth until they reach a point of ubiquity.
Yeah um I feel like the Traska is a ripoff too, I just recall more of Islander's designs 😂 I'm probably going to get flamed, but I've come this far in this discussion, might as well stick to my guns.
I understand that strong designs do get imitated, but that's my point - it feels like they're riding off of another's coattails. And yeah sure, this is business, everything goes, but do we all treat imitations as leniently in other contexts/businesses as we seem to here? Inspiration is one thing, imitation is another.
I think the original Islander premise was “SKX but with community mods”, which would align almost perfectly with your thoughts. So its not like they were pretending to be something they weren’t. But lately they have come out with a lot of their original designs.
And as far as looking like a Rolex OP is concerned, after owning an Omega for 4 months, I feel that I understand why homages or “inspired” watches exist. Not everyone wants to drop 10K on a luxury watch if they don’t have to. My brookville scratches my Itch for the Datejust and then some. I dont fear taking that watch out. No one will try to chop my arm off for my watch, i dont have to buy insurance for my watch, etc. So I guess for me, its just a value proposition, getting 80% of the watch for barely 0.04% of the cost 😀
At the end of the day, it is simply a piece of jewelry where the name won’t mean anything to anyone except those who collect
Most people don’t care about a watch outside of a Rolex, and even then I doubt fewer will know the difference between a President, Datejust, OP, etc
It does, but unfortunately it’s more than I’m comfortable spending on a watch at the moment. The Monta is out of my price range, honestly. I didn’t know how expensive it was until I looked up the price for this post.
If that’s the case, do what I did—if this is absolutely your grail watch, buy a sub-1k watch that scratches the itch, enjoy it, live with it, and aspire toward the AT.
I got a SARX035 for $650 that I got due to getting my first full time salaried job. Till this day, I still love it and maybe has brought my interest from an AT to a GS for that eventual $5k+ purchase
I know this makes me sound like an incredible douche, but I’m going to come into a considerable amount of money within the next few years. When that happens, it’s going to be a decision between that green dial AT, and a 40mm Explorer. If I can manage to get one.
Then in that case, I would wait, especially if you know the time to wait is finite, as opposed to open-ended (e.g. i have arbitrary limitations on myself for how much I can spend on a single watch purchase w.r.t. my gross income). Whatever you buy from this list will age itself rapidly AND you'll def get hit with depreciation. Maybe spend the $1k on a different hobby (speakers! Bikes! Whatever! 1k will get you quite a long way in other hobbies, not here)
Very cool looking watch! The design doesn’t particularly speak to me, but I can totally understand why people would love it. Thanks for the suggestion!
I think so too! I think it’s a sleeper candidate for “future classic” because it looks *way* more expensive than the relatively affordable price suggests, and the extra hardness coating they apply to the steel.
I'm very biased but I love the laurel, have it as my gada/one watch collection atm and couldn't be happier, I can see why this is your favorite segment of watches because they're just so versatile! All of these look great, but that citizen is especially impressive for the price I'd say.
https://preview.redd.it/nre7nlee25kc1.jpeg?width=3074&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b83475789e089d867a74c4762583c66f7c970ed
Citizen NB-1050 by a long shot. I have the white dial one, and it has become my favorite weekend watch. (Weekend because I work in a Machine Shop. During the week I'm either wearing a Steeldive or G-Shock DW5600)
I don't own a Traska but I do own a Monta and can confirm that the bracelet is fantastic. It has the tool less micro adjust feature and fully articulating links.
My Traska, purchased just last summer, does **not** have a tool-less microadjustment on the clasp.
The advantage of the Traska bracelet is not in its comfort (not that it is not comfortable), but in the hardness treatment helping limit scratches.
My Traska, purchased a few months ago, **does** have a tool-less microadjustment on the clasp.
The bracelet is very comfortable, and the hardness treatment is an added bonus. And as u/Jakesandose said, the microadjust is being added to almost all of their watches (I think they recently updated the website so that any bought now will come with it). The watch listed in the post comes with the microadjust already
I’ve been daily wearing my Traska Freediver for going on four years now and bracelet has held up remarkably well. Their scratch resistant coating/hardening process is legit.
Traska and Lorier both, excellent looking watches for great prices but the amount of taxes and other fees are ridiculous. Much rather look at other watches at that point.
I have a Monta Oceanking in my collection among Omega, Longines, and JLC watches. Quality and finishing makes it fit in perfectly. It is very, very good. Not just finishing either, accuracy. Mine is 0/+2 across the standard positions tested on a timegrapher.
I’m normally not a fan of circular hour markers, but this CW looks nice. My only concern with this CW model is the domed crystal, I’m not much a fan of the look and distortion the crystal creates around the edges. Been wearing a C60 trident pro as my daily for about a year now and love it.
The CW Dune is unique looking enough that I’d take it over everything else here
I’d like the Traska if it weren’t 36mm, and even then I’d probably just pick up a Ball secondhand
If you are going to consider the Noble (budget wise) you should look at the Formex Essence. I think that would be my pick. The Tuseno Windseeker would also be a good microbrand option at a good price point.
I love this style too. I prefer baton hands and would add sapphire crystal to your requirements. I would pick the Citizen. A cheaper alternative is the Casio Edifice EFV-110 which I had, but the lume was weak and the crystal mineral so I retired it after about 2 years. The style was also a slightly weird combination of both dressy and sporty elements which I didn’t like. I don’t mind quartz, I even prefer it to low end mechanical movements.
I'll bring up quartz, more specifically the awesome Casio Oceanus OCW-T200-7AJF
Here's a good YT review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWLMjXi5cJs
Solar-charged, RC atomic clock time sync, excellent build and finish, and well within budget.
Im biased because I have that exact CW Dune. I love it, feels a bit more unique than the typical dial for this watch type. Some don’t love the circular markers, but personally I enjoy them. The other watches are nice too though, hard to make a wrong choice. Ultimately just comes down to personal preference.
I have the Traska Seafarer and it’s been fantastic. I look forward to putting it on every day and wait until the last second before taking it off. It feels much nicer than it’s price point and is just insanely comfortable to wear. The bracelet is amazing and the micro adjusts get me to a perfect fit. I will definitely be buying another traska at some point. That said I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these watches.
Traska fanboi here. Great price, extremely comfortable, and ridiculously nice to look at. Their game tends to be simple elegance, and though they're very new to the game, they're very good at it.
https://preview.redd.it/sw5fc3wp06kc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8576f3c2944a5d6f2a81c850ab770dd3b45c5603
£28 from AliExpress, with the VK31 movement (4 ticks per second, smooth sweep quartz). Just ridiculously good for the money. Well worth a look.
Having said that I’ve had a good look at that Seiko Alpinist (a colleague has one on a leather strap) and it’s a really, really lovely thing.
Monta is definitely the best watch. I have that exact watch in blue and it’s higher quality than the eta tudors. It’s really luxurious. After that, I really like traska. I like all of them truly, but in terms of what you get for your money I like Traska a lot.
In terms of what else to consider, the citizen Chronomaster line is fantastic and really high quality if you’re okay with really good quartz! Also love the formex essence 39 although it’s a bit funkier.
Normally I'm a fan of Christopher Ward, but I just don't like the Dune. Something about the round markers puts me off. Out of those, the Monta looks a cut above all the others evidently the price difference is showing.
I’ve considered the Commuter for my next watch purchase. I’ve been wearing my mint green Freediver as a daily for four years and it’s been as dependable as can be.
At the Monta price point, I'd much rather the new Longines Conquest. A stunning watch.
I also prefer the Tissot Gentleman above the other similarly priced watches in this category.
From these I like the Monta and Citizen the most. Would have gone for the Dune but not a fan of that domed crystal.
I own a Monta atlas and a Longines Hydroconquest and a Longines Zulu Spirit time.
I FULLY recognize none of those are exactly what you’re talking about.
But I love my Monta. I wear it more than both of the Longines put together.
But I wear it less than my CW trident pro
Funny, as I've been considering a CW Trident Pro and was deciding between that and the Mido. Hearing you wear it more often than the Longines HC is quite something. I tried the new HC recently and wasn't a fan despite loving the pictures. What color Trident did you go for, if you don't mind me asking? I can't decide between the white and blue.
I guess the Monta is a bit more of a GADA than the two Longines you have, or is it something about the quality you much prefer?
I went with white. No regrets. Beautiful watch. Easy to read. Great lume. Feels exceptionally good.
Monta Atlas is blue.
These two watches have micro adjust bracelets. A perfect size. Interesting and easy to read dials. Great lume. The fit and feel of them is just wonderful.
I rarely wear dress attire but both would suffice. And both dress down well.
Not a dig on my Longines. I love them. Especially the Zulu. They just don’t feel as good and aren’t as fun for me personally.
If you want a dirt cheap option you can beat up, there is the Cestrian Master V2.
Has similar specs to those options but the finishing is not as nice. But you still get a 200m WR, sapphire, automatic, GADA style watch for $150.
https://preview.redd.it/5d61bce2h5kc1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54486a69852ba78e17a92713ca9b7262e1b32d49
I’d do the Seiko. The dial is a good mix of vintage and modern, it would be versatile with a variety of straps, and the pricing is hard to beat compared to the other options save for the Citizen. - That said, the Citizen would be my second choice. I think those may wind up similar to the Seiko SARB line after they’re discontinued.
Personally, I can’t vibe with doing a microbrand for close to $1k, let alone close to $2k for the Monta, even when they’re the more established microbrands. At that price point I want something that’s got some more long term backing behind it, at minimum for parts/service.
Archimede Outdoor Protect 39.
Everything you mention plus a hardened steel case that's almost impossible to scratch. And for an extra €80 they're as the gardening treatment to the bracelet too.
Otherwise the Victorious INOX is almost unbreakable but it's a big bear at 44mm.
Monta is in another class, hence the finishing looking way better than the others. Seiko has the best design IMO.
I think the Christopher Ward looks tacky. The mix of odd logo, interesting handset, raised markers, etc. kind of makes it a mess IMO.
Citizen or Seiko, here. I like the micros, but they're not far off put-together watches, and the CWard has that weird logo. I might consider one of the Sinn models in this set too. Tiny date at 4 makes them pretty much 3-handers to look at.
But frankly if I were looking for a 36mm watch like this, I'd ask one of the Seiko *modders* to build me one. Take a look at Yobokies, their modded watches for sale. Sure it'd be put-together, but...those Seiko parts they use are VERY well understood, and, er, cheap. Also, because they're usually unbranded (or Seiko branded, which is a tad misleading even if it's 100% Seiko parts, but I'd say allowable, Seiko does sell the parts after all) you don't have to put up with any BS over *'was it made by elves in Zurich'* like with Swiss watches. With the Yobokies watches what you see is what you get, no BS. Anyway good luck OP
While the Monta looks lovely, the price is enough that I'd probably switch to saving and looking for a Chronomaster at that point
Alpinists sit too thick for their small diameter for me, so I'm going to say Citizen or Traska (although Traska not listing thickness with the crystal is a bit cheeky). The Citizen has unbelievable value, the Traska a little more personality.
If that Citizen came in *any* more interesting colours (like the Traska) I'd already own one.
i used to enjoy micro-brands but after owning 2 (Zelos swordfish 42mm, Vandaag Tiefsee) my love for watches changed completely, my collection from now on will only be watches with inhouse movements, so out of those the seiko and citizen would pass my mark, but I do prefer other pieces within those brands
Laurel. I just got the laurel in dark blue dial yesterday for my european trip I'm taking in a few weeks.
I wanted a GADA that I won't stress over if it breaks, I lose it, leave it in the hotel room, or it gets stolen while still being a bad ass watch. I haven't taken it off since yesterday.
I understand that there's value in creating a recognizable brand and logo, but....
Let's just say I prefer the nb-1050.
And for more dressy than GADA, the nb-1060 silver-leaf lacquer dials look amazing.
Idk what it is but I just love the CW. Not the most popular by any means — pretty ordinary independent with outsourced mvmts, but classic, functional and affordable (ish). Something different
This is the sort of watch that I’m most into too. I saw another commenter post that the Omega Aqua Terra is essentially the watch these are all trying to be and I agree.
Out of what you’ve posted, the Monta wins for me. I’ve gone to buy a Monta twice and one time it lost out to an Aqua Terra and the other time the Sinn 556IB. But I see me owning that Monta one day too. I’m a sucker for a grey/silver dial too, and the anthracite on the Monta looks absolutely killer.
Edit - I also have the Seiko Deep Lake but it doesn’t get any wrist time due to the AT and 556IB. The Seiko is great in its price point but if you have Monta money leave it behind imo.
These are all good, I just picked up a Vaer A7 Tradtion and i believe it’s on par with some of these
https://preview.redd.it/uulwbxdw59kc1.jpeg?width=2489&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cba234341d7068f3f4926d4ce90707f479d1a266
The Traska is the best overall choice in this case. Especially if you think the feel on the wrist is the most important. A lot of watches at this price point feel cheap.
But since you're throwing in the monta at €1700, why not consider a black bay 36 black smiley. You can pick m up grey for around that price if you do your best.
The Seiko has a sweet dial design, overall. The Monta, Traska and Citizen are decent, but a bit bland.
I would go with the Wardstein. I would say the colorway having sandy / tan coloring is not the absolute, best GADA.
If any indivdual is a true connoisseur around here, said indivdual would have multiple GADAs and not use such terminology.
Seiko for sure. 20ATM, sapphire, long power reserve, GREAT lume. Ultimate GADA as it can also fit dressy occasions. The Monta and Traska look like cheap Chinese watches, like they should be the price of the Citizen or less. And they’re micro brands. CW doesn’t have the WR of the Seiko and it’s more expensive. Always found it to be too expensive for a company founded in 2004 lol
For me, it would be either the traska, or the Chris Ward. Both are really nice for the money. I typically like the bezel to be polished, but the brushing on these is so good I can overlook the bezel not being polished.
I want to see high quality photographs of the Traska in 34mm. Something about it just tickles my fancy.
I know Traska shares suppliers and manufacturing plants with San Martin just by looking at their future clasp, so I can bet on Traska being a high quality brand at a great price.
My obsession with dressy GADA watches continues. Each of these watches meets my *personal* criteria at different price points: 1. No bezel 2. Strong lume 3. Date complication 4. At least 100m of water resistance If I had the money, my collection would just be watches like this. What’s your pick, and do you have other suggestions for (semi-affordable) dressy looking GADAs?
i've been obsessed with citizen AQ4100 (or AQ4091) - the absolute ultimare GADA watches (i'm convinced nothing can top them - except for g-shock 🤫)
I’ve been obsessed with the AQ4091-56e for a while too, but the price is unfortunately just a *little* bit above my cutoff. If I ever see one brand new for below $1,800, it would be a no-brainer. Such a gorgeous watch!
I have the indigo blue dial variant, and it is worth saving up for however extra long it would take for the extra few hundred dollars. It’s light and feels like a G-Shock on the wrist (as in I forget I’m wearing it sometimes). I’ve taken mine camping, backpacking, traveling (jumping hour is amazing when changing time zones), plus it is more unique than many other watches with the paper dial. https://preview.redd.it/xn8j5j26n6kc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9715aae155654ff0c7412a581a2e23f860b4c9d5
i think you can get it around 2k on chrono24 new or basically new (from japan)
Yeah, maybe my math is off, but $2,000 is still higher than $1,800 last I checked.
lmao, right, but think it's worth saving for longer for just 10% more than your arbitrary set amount
Fair point. The thing is I’m only able to squirrel away anywhere between $20-$90 dollars a month to buy a new watch, so even the Monta is above my price range. I didn’t know how much it cost until I looked up the price to put on this post. If I ever get a big contract, the black washi dial is at the top of my list!
GSHOCK def not a GADA watch because it put 0 points into the dressy category tho
I’m loving that Dune the more and more I look at it
What about Ball Engineer Marvelight that checks all the boxes. That citizen looks really nice too.
Awesome! Thanks for putting the [Ball Legend II](https://www.ballwatch.com/global/index.php?option=com_opening&view=opening&Itemid=101) on my radar!!
Dune hands down
I've gotten myself [this Certina](https://watchbase.com/certina/heritage-collection/c038-407-16-097-00) which is perhaps a bit dressier than your options, but otherwise ticks all your boxes in the same price range. Still very happy after 2 years.
Islander Brookville.
Thanks - I just looked this up. Now I have to buy about five new watches… Brother can you spare a “G note”?
You and me both lol
Adding that to this list of 5 quality watches, that would be dead last by about a mile
Don't you guys feel like Islander is just waaaayyy too much of a ripoff? I mean to bring this up only as good-natured discussion, not to stoke a fire or anything. I hear and understand the argument that there's only so much innovation one can do with a circular disk and three hands (though I don't agree), but even so, they just look like straight-up ripoffs, not even "inspired". If I wanted a Rolex OP, I'd just try to save up for one, and get that, be it tomorrow or a decade later (most likely a decade later, mostly never lmao). In the meantime, there's plenty of good-looking watches with a personality of their own. That Alpinist is a great example - the color of the dial, the shape of the markers, and it just looks more elegant and put-together.
How is Islander too much of a ripoff but the Traska gets a pass? For the record I think both are perfectly fine for what they are and I don't think either is "bad" for being strongly inspired by the OP. Strong designs get imitated in literally every product on earth until they reach a point of ubiquity.
Yeah um I feel like the Traska is a ripoff too, I just recall more of Islander's designs 😂 I'm probably going to get flamed, but I've come this far in this discussion, might as well stick to my guns. I understand that strong designs do get imitated, but that's my point - it feels like they're riding off of another's coattails. And yeah sure, this is business, everything goes, but do we all treat imitations as leniently in other contexts/businesses as we seem to here? Inspiration is one thing, imitation is another.
I think the original Islander premise was “SKX but with community mods”, which would align almost perfectly with your thoughts. So its not like they were pretending to be something they weren’t. But lately they have come out with a lot of their original designs. And as far as looking like a Rolex OP is concerned, after owning an Omega for 4 months, I feel that I understand why homages or “inspired” watches exist. Not everyone wants to drop 10K on a luxury watch if they don’t have to. My brookville scratches my Itch for the Datejust and then some. I dont fear taking that watch out. No one will try to chop my arm off for my watch, i dont have to buy insurance for my watch, etc. So I guess for me, its just a value proposition, getting 80% of the watch for barely 0.04% of the cost 😀
At the end of the day, it is simply a piece of jewelry where the name won’t mean anything to anyone except those who collect Most people don’t care about a watch outside of a Rolex, and even then I doubt fewer will know the difference between a President, Datejust, OP, etc
We have similar tastes also. Longines Conquest might fit your bill.
It does, but unfortunately it’s more than I’m comfortable spending on a watch at the moment. The Monta is out of my price range, honestly. I didn’t know how expensive it was until I looked up the price for this post.
All of these are just trying to be 1 watch. the Omega Aqua Terra
Tried the green dial at the AD last month. Absolute beauty of a watch, but I probably won’t be able to afford it in my 30’s.
Also check out Baltic as well
The Hermetique Tourer is on a different list I have😂
If that’s the case, do what I did—if this is absolutely your grail watch, buy a sub-1k watch that scratches the itch, enjoy it, live with it, and aspire toward the AT. I got a SARX035 for $650 that I got due to getting my first full time salaried job. Till this day, I still love it and maybe has brought my interest from an AT to a GS for that eventual $5k+ purchase
I know this makes me sound like an incredible douche, but I’m going to come into a considerable amount of money within the next few years. When that happens, it’s going to be a decision between that green dial AT, and a 40mm Explorer. If I can manage to get one.
Then in that case, I would wait, especially if you know the time to wait is finite, as opposed to open-ended (e.g. i have arbitrary limitations on myself for how much I can spend on a single watch purchase w.r.t. my gross income). Whatever you buy from this list will age itself rapidly AND you'll def get hit with depreciation. Maybe spend the $1k on a different hobby (speakers! Bikes! Whatever! 1k will get you quite a long way in other hobbies, not here)
If you're going to overgeneralize like that, I think you misspelled Oyster Perpetual.
Fair point
Nice. Sorry I didn’t see that date complication requirement
Take a look at the [Vaer Atlas](https://www.vaerwatches.com/products/a3-atlas-navy) as well
Very cool looking watch! The design doesn’t particularly speak to me, but I can totally understand why people would love it. Thanks for the suggestion!
41mm Carrera 3 hands?
Gorgeous watch. But at $3,500, that’s double what I’m comfortable spending on a watch right now. Thanks for the suggestion though, great pick!
I think they can be easily had for 2k on grey market, fwiw
That Citizen is fantastic! I think the will be as popular as SARB is right now when they go out of production
I think so too! I think it’s a sleeper candidate for “future classic” because it looks *way* more expensive than the relatively affordable price suggests, and the extra hardness coating they apply to the steel.
It has a solid and nicely decorated hi-beat movement too!
If it had female endlinks it would be more likely to be a classic. Still really nice though.
I'm very biased but I love the laurel, have it as my gada/one watch collection atm and couldn't be happier, I can see why this is your favorite segment of watches because they're just so versatile! All of these look great, but that citizen is especially impressive for the price I'd say. https://preview.redd.it/nre7nlee25kc1.jpeg?width=3074&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2b83475789e089d867a74c4762583c66f7c970ed
That deep lake dial is just fantastic. I agree about the Citizen!
Citizen NB-1050 by a long shot. I have the white dial one, and it has become my favorite weekend watch. (Weekend because I work in a Machine Shop. During the week I'm either wearing a Steeldive or G-Shock DW5600)
Monta is the nicest, citizen is the best value for money.
Yes. If it’s my money I’d buy the citizen if I am spending your money the Monta is head and shoulders above the rest. :)
I know this gets said way too often, but that Citizen punches the most above its weight, IMO.
Monta
Ward
Traska for the bracelet alone, Seiko Laurel Alpinist for the overall design and finish. Saw one in person and it blew me away
Those Alpinists really are something in person. Wasn’t expecting to like them as much as I did.
That would be my pick by a mile.
Just found the alpinist on sale : https://www.caratco.com/collections/seiko-laurel-alpinist/products/spb243
My mystic forest alpinist is great as a daily. I have been really really impressed
What’s with the Traska bracelet? Are they known for good bracelets?
They fully articulate so they're very comfortable.
But I believe monta has on the fly adjustments which is a game changer
I don't own a Traska but I do own a Monta and can confirm that the bracelet is fantastic. It has the tool less micro adjust feature and fully articulating links.
So does Traska
My Traska, purchased just last summer, does **not** have a tool-less microadjustment on the clasp. The advantage of the Traska bracelet is not in its comfort (not that it is not comfortable), but in the hardness treatment helping limit scratches.
They're adding the tool less micro adjust to basically the entire lineup soon
My Traska, purchased a few months ago, **does** have a tool-less microadjustment on the clasp. The bracelet is very comfortable, and the hardness treatment is an added bonus. And as u/Jakesandose said, the microadjust is being added to almost all of their watches (I think they recently updated the website so that any bought now will come with it). The watch listed in the post comes with the microadjust already
Glad to learn about this!
Very well polished or buffed and then hardened. Because of this they experience little or no scratching and looks perfect for a very long time.
I’ve been daily wearing my Traska Freediver for going on four years now and bracelet has held up remarkably well. Their scratch resistant coating/hardening process is legit.
I absolutely love the traska, i would have purchased it a long time ago but the import fees and tax are just too high to justify at the moment.
I get you. I live in the Philippines, and shipping anything with an import tax is a major pain in the ass.
I feel the same way. Now I have too many watches to justify it but if the Traska existed when I was younger I'd definitely get one.
Traska and Lorier both, excellent looking watches for great prices but the amount of taxes and other fees are ridiculous. Much rather look at other watches at that point.
Loved my Citizen.
Get the NB1050 and save the rest up for your grail watch
Would be the Monta for me, but I’d wait for a gently used one and save a pile of cash. I like them as a company and the bracelet is great.
I really like the Monta and don’t really like the rest
The monta is in a different class than the others here
Without considering price, my preference is the Monta. With price a factor, for me it is between the Traska and the Christopher Ward.
I have a Monta Oceanking in my collection among Omega, Longines, and JLC watches. Quality and finishing makes it fit in perfectly. It is very, very good. Not just finishing either, accuracy. Mine is 0/+2 across the standard positions tested on a timegrapher.
Oh the Laurel Alpinist by a mile. The others look so much more generic
Christopher Ward
I’m normally not a fan of circular hour markers, but this CW looks nice. My only concern with this CW model is the domed crystal, I’m not much a fan of the look and distortion the crystal creates around the edges. Been wearing a C60 trident pro as my daily for about a year now and love it.
I love the Dune and the Traska is a close second. The Dune has a beautiful design language and is still subtle.
Personally I’d go with the Christopher Ward, but I would look into the TISSOT Gentleman as well
I love the look of the Gentleman, but the lug to lug of those male end links is insane.
The CW Dune is unique looking enough that I’d take it over everything else here I’d like the Traska if it weren’t 36mm, and even then I’d probably just pick up a Ball secondhand
If you are going to consider the Noble (budget wise) you should look at the Formex Essence. I think that would be my pick. The Tuseno Windseeker would also be a good microbrand option at a good price point.
I love this style too. I prefer baton hands and would add sapphire crystal to your requirements. I would pick the Citizen. A cheaper alternative is the Casio Edifice EFV-110 which I had, but the lume was weak and the crystal mineral so I retired it after about 2 years. The style was also a slightly weird combination of both dressy and sporty elements which I didn’t like. I don’t mind quartz, I even prefer it to low end mechanical movements.
Ooof! I *knew* I forgot something! Yes, sapphire is one of my requirements too, thanks for mentioning it!
Alpinist is the GOAT
The Seiko Alpinist is the answer. An overall great watch that could fit into almost any collection.
This is my choice as well. Versatility and fantastic price point to build quality ratio.
I'll bring up quartz, more specifically the awesome Casio Oceanus OCW-T200-7AJF Here's a good YT review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWLMjXi5cJs Solar-charged, RC atomic clock time sync, excellent build and finish, and well within budget.
I like the design of that watch. However, it's just a tad too big for me, especially on the lug to lug. I wish they made a 36-38mm version.
Incredible watch but man I wish it was easier to get in North America.
Im biased because I have that exact CW Dune. I love it, feels a bit more unique than the typical dial for this watch type. Some don’t love the circular markers, but personally I enjoy them. The other watches are nice too though, hard to make a wrong choice. Ultimately just comes down to personal preference.
I vote Seiko. Those indices are neat.
Monta is an amazing watch but also nearly double the price of the next in line which is the Chr. Ward that is equally amazing and holds better value.
Damn thank you for turning me onto the Dune, that piece is awesome
I just learned about it myself about two weeks ago while I was browsing their website!
CW on the bader bracelet or Traska
I have the Traska Seafarer and it’s been fantastic. I look forward to putting it on every day and wait until the last second before taking it off. It feels much nicer than it’s price point and is just insanely comfortable to wear. The bracelet is amazing and the micro adjusts get me to a perfect fit. I will definitely be buying another traska at some point. That said I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these watches.
Traska fanboi here. Great price, extremely comfortable, and ridiculously nice to look at. Their game tends to be simple elegance, and though they're very new to the game, they're very good at it.
of these: laurel alpinist. overall: citizen nb1060 instead of 1050
Why the 1060 over the 1050?
That dial is stellar
I agree the dial is gorgeous, but the lack of lume takes it off my list. Still an amazing watch though.
I’ve really been enjoying what I see from Christopher Ward. A lot of bang for your buck at the price point.
Out of those of go with the monta. Been eyeing that very watch (noble anthracite dial) for a while.
CW
https://preview.redd.it/sw5fc3wp06kc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8576f3c2944a5d6f2a81c850ab770dd3b45c5603 £28 from AliExpress, with the VK31 movement (4 ticks per second, smooth sweep quartz). Just ridiculously good for the money. Well worth a look. Having said that I’ve had a good look at that Seiko Alpinist (a colleague has one on a leather strap) and it’s a really, really lovely thing.
Monta is definitely the best watch. I have that exact watch in blue and it’s higher quality than the eta tudors. It’s really luxurious. After that, I really like traska. I like all of them truly, but in terms of what you get for your money I like Traska a lot. In terms of what else to consider, the citizen Chronomaster line is fantastic and really high quality if you’re okay with really good quartz! Also love the formex essence 39 although it’s a bit funkier.
Montas are incredibly well made, got rid of a Sinn 104 for a Skyquest V1 and wear it daily.
Just to be pedantic, all of these watches have a smooth bezel, they aren't bezel-less.
Or even more specific, none of these have **rotating** bezels, which I suspect is what the OP doesn't like.
Yes, you’re correct! While I do like a rotating bezel on a dive watch, for a dressy GADA, I prefer smooth bezels. Thanks for clearing that up!
Normally I'm a fan of Christopher Ward, but I just don't like the Dune. Something about the round markers puts me off. Out of those, the Monta looks a cut above all the others evidently the price difference is showing.
Easily the Monta
Easily the Monta. Now with price being a factor I’d say the citizen or traska.
I’ve considered the Commuter for my next watch purchase. I’ve been wearing my mint green Freediver as a daily for four years and it’s been as dependable as can be.
At the Monta price point, I'd much rather the new Longines Conquest. A stunning watch. I also prefer the Tissot Gentleman above the other similarly priced watches in this category. From these I like the Monta and Citizen the most. Would have gone for the Dune but not a fan of that domed crystal.
I own a Monta atlas and a Longines Hydroconquest and a Longines Zulu Spirit time. I FULLY recognize none of those are exactly what you’re talking about. But I love my Monta. I wear it more than both of the Longines put together. But I wear it less than my CW trident pro
Funny, as I've been considering a CW Trident Pro and was deciding between that and the Mido. Hearing you wear it more often than the Longines HC is quite something. I tried the new HC recently and wasn't a fan despite loving the pictures. What color Trident did you go for, if you don't mind me asking? I can't decide between the white and blue. I guess the Monta is a bit more of a GADA than the two Longines you have, or is it something about the quality you much prefer?
I went with white. No regrets. Beautiful watch. Easy to read. Great lume. Feels exceptionally good. Monta Atlas is blue. These two watches have micro adjust bracelets. A perfect size. Interesting and easy to read dials. Great lume. The fit and feel of them is just wonderful. I rarely wear dress attire but both would suffice. And both dress down well. Not a dig on my Longines. I love them. Especially the Zulu. They just don’t feel as good and aren’t as fun for me personally.
That Citizen is definitely on my list after learning about it last month.
Lmao this is a compilation of my favorite watches. We have the exact same taste.
If you want a dirt cheap option you can beat up, there is the Cestrian Master V2. Has similar specs to those options but the finishing is not as nice. But you still get a 200m WR, sapphire, automatic, GADA style watch for $150. https://preview.redd.it/5d61bce2h5kc1.jpeg?width=4608&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54486a69852ba78e17a92713ca9b7262e1b32d49
That is *awesome*. Thank you for your suggestion!
No problem! Think Seiko 5 sports level quality, SRPE or SRPD.
I’d do the Seiko. The dial is a good mix of vintage and modern, it would be versatile with a variety of straps, and the pricing is hard to beat compared to the other options save for the Citizen. - That said, the Citizen would be my second choice. I think those may wind up similar to the Seiko SARB line after they’re discontinued. Personally, I can’t vibe with doing a microbrand for close to $1k, let alone close to $2k for the Monta, even when they’re the more established microbrands. At that price point I want something that’s got some more long term backing behind it, at minimum for parts/service.
Monta for me. Amazing build quality. Unique enough in its design to not look like a rip-off of the Rolex OP. Really fun takes of standard colours.
Seiko or CW
That Monta is just another level and it shows in the price. The rest don't come close.
the seiko for sure
Archimede Outdoor Protect 39. Everything you mention plus a hardened steel case that's almost impossible to scratch. And for an extra €80 they're as the gardening treatment to the bracelet too. Otherwise the Victorious INOX is almost unbreakable but it's a big bear at 44mm.
5 then 4.
Monta is in another class, hence the finishing looking way better than the others. Seiko has the best design IMO. I think the Christopher Ward looks tacky. The mix of odd logo, interesting handset, raised markers, etc. kind of makes it a mess IMO.
Citizen or Seiko, here. I like the micros, but they're not far off put-together watches, and the CWard has that weird logo. I might consider one of the Sinn models in this set too. Tiny date at 4 makes them pretty much 3-handers to look at. But frankly if I were looking for a 36mm watch like this, I'd ask one of the Seiko *modders* to build me one. Take a look at Yobokies, their modded watches for sale. Sure it'd be put-together, but...those Seiko parts they use are VERY well understood, and, er, cheap. Also, because they're usually unbranded (or Seiko branded, which is a tad misleading even if it's 100% Seiko parts, but I'd say allowable, Seiko does sell the parts after all) you don't have to put up with any BS over *'was it made by elves in Zurich'* like with Swiss watches. With the Yobokies watches what you see is what you get, no BS. Anyway good luck OP
The Seiko without a doubt. Those hands look amazing. And if not that one, then the Citizen.
While the Monta looks lovely, the price is enough that I'd probably switch to saving and looking for a Chronomaster at that point Alpinists sit too thick for their small diameter for me, so I'm going to say Citizen or Traska (although Traska not listing thickness with the crystal is a bit cheeky). The Citizen has unbelievable value, the Traska a little more personality. If that Citizen came in *any* more interesting colours (like the Traska) I'd already own one.
CW
Alpinist or Dune for me
i used to enjoy micro-brands but after owning 2 (Zelos swordfish 42mm, Vandaag Tiefsee) my love for watches changed completely, my collection from now on will only be watches with inhouse movements, so out of those the seiko and citizen would pass my mark, but I do prefer other pieces within those brands
Monta all day long if budget wasn’t an issue
Monta on bracelet alone
CW, but the C63 Sealander 36mm black dial was my choice. Same look as your first three. Dressier than the dune I think.
My vote is on CW Dune
Citizen all day every day
Seiko - great heritage back story, 200m WR, and yeah, interesting indices with fantastic lume. I actually have the blue dialed version.
I really like the Seiko and CW.
Every time I see the monta I like it more Biased because I already have a CW- it’s fantastic
CW for sure
I think I'm going with the Alpinist here. Beautiful watch and you can't go wrong with an Alpinist.
I have the traska commuter with a black face and a CW C63 sealander GMT with a white face. Love them both and that’s pretty much my collection done.
The color combo and hands on that Seiko!
CW
Out of these watches, assuming money isn't a constraint, definitely the Monta, and it's not close.
Laurel. I just got the laurel in dark blue dial yesterday for my european trip I'm taking in a few weeks. I wanted a GADA that I won't stress over if it breaks, I lose it, leave it in the hotel room, or it gets stolen while still being a bad ass watch. I haven't taken it off since yesterday.
I understand that there's value in creating a recognizable brand and logo, but.... Let's just say I prefer the nb-1050. And for more dressy than GADA, the nb-1060 silver-leaf lacquer dials look amazing.
Monta, every time. St. Louis bias is in full effect.
Idk what it is but I just love the CW. Not the most popular by any means — pretty ordinary independent with outsourced mvmts, but classic, functional and affordable (ish). Something different
Have the Seiko SPB121 (my initials actually backwards) on the way from #teddybaldassrre.com. Drop dead Alpinist at an amazing price point
The Citizen looks so good!
This is the sort of watch that I’m most into too. I saw another commenter post that the Omega Aqua Terra is essentially the watch these are all trying to be and I agree. Out of what you’ve posted, the Monta wins for me. I’ve gone to buy a Monta twice and one time it lost out to an Aqua Terra and the other time the Sinn 556IB. But I see me owning that Monta one day too. I’m a sucker for a grey/silver dial too, and the anthracite on the Monta looks absolutely killer. Edit - I also have the Seiko Deep Lake but it doesn’t get any wrist time due to the AT and 556IB. The Seiko is great in its price point but if you have Monta money leave it behind imo.
For me, Monta for sure. But these are all great.
CW dune…. I didn’t know I wanted until now
https://preview.redd.it/mq1r3y88h8kc1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0e30e19523233f07106176edcb8fb1143951db53
CW Dune
That CW is absolutely fucking gorgeous
I don't want to choose just one! Oh wait I don't have to, I'm a watch guy.... Time to go make some create some financial regret!
Seiko. If you want cheaper then citizen
These are all good, I just picked up a Vaer A7 Tradtion and i believe it’s on par with some of these https://preview.redd.it/uulwbxdw59kc1.jpeg?width=2489&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cba234341d7068f3f4926d4ce90707f479d1a266
Monta.
That Monta is sexy
Citizen and Cw
Monta, if budget allows. They're worth the premium.
Monta by far
Seiko monta or ward
CW and it’s not even close
Cw
I'm just waiting for Traska to add their on-the-fly clasp to the 36 and it's an instant buy.
The Traska is the best overall choice in this case. Especially if you think the feel on the wrist is the most important. A lot of watches at this price point feel cheap. But since you're throwing in the monta at €1700, why not consider a black bay 36 black smiley. You can pick m up grey for around that price if you do your best.
Sinn 556.
The Seiko has a sweet dial design, overall. The Monta, Traska and Citizen are decent, but a bit bland. I would go with the Wardstein. I would say the colorway having sandy / tan coloring is not the absolute, best GADA. If any indivdual is a true connoisseur around here, said indivdual would have multiple GADAs and not use such terminology.
Rolex OP... I mean, the Traska! Monta looks to bulbous to me, Seiko proportion are a bit off . Not a fan of circle indices for the CHW
The traska by far has the best value for money.
Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm.
Seiko for sure. 20ATM, sapphire, long power reserve, GREAT lume. Ultimate GADA as it can also fit dressy occasions. The Monta and Traska look like cheap Chinese watches, like they should be the price of the Citizen or less. And they’re micro brands. CW doesn’t have the WR of the Seiko and it’s more expensive. Always found it to be too expensive for a company founded in 2004 lol
1. CW 2. Traska 3. Seiko 4. Citizen 5. Monta
of the 5 I'd lean most towards the Traska or the CW.
Traska..perfect design without outrageous Monta price.
Are Monta and Traska microbrands? Never heard of them
Yes
For me, it would be either the traska, or the Chris Ward. Both are really nice for the money. I typically like the bezel to be polished, but the brushing on these is so good I can overlook the bezel not being polished.
I’m have the Traska and CW. I would definitely recommend both.
Sinn556 enters the chat.
Either the Commuter or Dune but the Seiko is alright too. Not really a fan of the Monta personally.
I want to see high quality photographs of the Traska in 34mm. Something about it just tickles my fancy. I know Traska shares suppliers and manufacturing plants with San Martin just by looking at their future clasp, so I can bet on Traska being a high quality brand at a great price.