Go Anywhere, Do Anything Watches Worth Your $1,000 (or Less)
If there can be only one…
A good GADA watch can do more than just go to the office (image: RZE).
If you don’t know what a GADA watch is, you missed the title of this article. Go Anywhere, Do Anything is a term used in horological circles for what is, essentially, a one-watch collection. For those who choose to either spend money on things other than multiple timepieces or whittle down a current collection, a GADA watch has to be many things and still hold up well under many types of use. While a good GADA watch won’t replace a fitness watch or smartwatch, it has the ability to cover almost all of the important bases: the office, vacation, boys’ night out, a day at the beach, dinner dates, you name it.
So, what should you look for in a watch that can just about do it all? Here are our criteria:
A diameter of close to 40mm and thickness of under 12mm
A round case with minimal ornamentation
Stainless steel or titanium case and bracelet for a more neutral look that’s more versatile than gold, black, or bronze
A black, dark grey, white, or dark blue dial that can go with most outfits
Simple hands and indices/markers that can look both dressy and sporty
Citizen “Tsuyosa” Automatic
316L Stainless steel | 40mm diameter| 50m water resistance | Integrated bracelet
Released in 2023, the Citizen Tsuyosa (Japanese for “strength”) is one of the most affordable automatic timepieces with an integrated bracelet. It’s fully automatic thanks to the Citizen Caliber 8210 movement housed in a right-sized 40mm case that tapers right into a three-link bracelet with brushed outer links and polished center links. The sunray dial comes in seven colors, and the baton hands and markers make it a breeze to read. Although we’re not as keen on the inclusion of a Cyclops date window, it is easy on old eyes like ours. The watch is topped off by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and 50 meters of water resistance. The Tsyuosa can easily play the dress and casual/sport game with equal aplomb. Plus, it costs a pittance for what you get.
RZE Resolute Pro
Coated Grade 2 titanium | 40mm diameter |100m water resistance | Microadjust Clasp
Every single one of RZE’s watches is meticulously crafted from super-strong, super-light Grade 2 titanium, and the brand goes an extra step to harden the surface with a proprietary process known as UltraHex Anti-Scratch technology, which makes their watches look better for longer. The Resolute Pro is its latest model, and it’s equal parts sporty and refined. The 40mm case has beveling for character, a gloss black dial adds polish, and the absence of a date gives the Resolute Pro a clean look. It also gets bright Super LumiNova, AR-coated sapphire glass, and an on-the-fly micro-adjustable hardened titanium clasp. You’ll want to wear the Resolute Pro everywhere, and it can take it.
Seiko Presage SPB167
316L Stainless steel | 39mm diameter | 100m water resistance | Aitetsu textured dIal
This is the first model introduced in the Presage Sharp Edged Series. The deep blue textured “Aitetsu” dial is so named for its “indigo iron” look that adds depth and style beyond the asking price. The dial has applied indices, beveled and lumed sword hands, and a chapter ring. The 39.3mm stainless steel case gets coated for additional protection, and the AR-coated sapphire crystal provides a clear view. Timekeeping duties are provided by Seiko’s automatic Caliber 6R35 with manual wind capability and 80 hours of power reserve. You can view the movement’s action through the display back, and the SPB167 gets mated to a tapered three-link bracelet. The fact that it looks like a much pricier Grand Seiko is the icing on the cake.
Ball Fireman Enterprise
316L Stainless steel | 40mm diameter | 100m water resistance | Tritium lume
Released in 2023, the Citizen Tsuyosa (Japanese for “strength”) is one of the most affordable automatic timepieces with an integrated bracelet. It’s fully automatic thanks to the Citizen Caliber 8210 movement housed in a right-sized 40mm case that tapers right into a three-link bracelet with brushed outer links and polished center links. The sunray dial comes in seven colors, and the baton hands and markers make it a breeze to read. Although we’re not as keen on the inclusion of a cyclops date window, it is easy on old eyes like ours. The watch is topped off by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and 50 meters of water resistance. The Tsyuosa can easily play the dress and casual/sport game with equal aplomb. Plus, it costs a pittance for what you get.
Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium
316L Stainless steel | 40mm diameter | 100m water resistance | Sapphire display back
The Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium isn’t a brand new model, but it doesn’t need to be to get the attention it deserves. For quite a bit less than a grand, the Silicium offers a ton, including an an automatic movement based on venerable Swiss ETA-2824, but here it gets a whopping 80 hours of power reserve. The movement also boasts a silicon hairspring which improves performance and is typically found in much pricier watches. The case and bracelet have polished and brushed surfaces, a combo that dresses up and down quite well. The semi-gloss dark blue dial with applied indices and a silver-framed date window notches up the sophistication. Sapphire glass on the front and back are further evidence that you’re getting quite a bit for your money.
Vaer A5 Atlas USA Automatic 40mm
316L Stainless steel | 40mm diameter | 100m water resistance | Quick release bracelet
California-based microbrand Vaer might not be able to call themselves a microbrand if their success keeps skyrocketing. The best GADA watch from Vaer is its A5 Atlas in 40mm diamater with the companion stainless steel bracelet. The case, itself, is a mere 10.4mm thick, so it’s wearable with just about any long-sleeve shirt. The dark blue dial is peppered with lumed applied indices and also gets decorated with a chapter ring, a red second hand, and a 6 o’clock date window. The crown screws down to support the 100m water resistance, and there’s a single domed sapphire cyrstal with anti-reflective coating. It also boasts a reliable Miyota 9015 automatic movement, Super LumiNova on the hands and markers, and a 2-year mfr warranty. It’s also fully assembled in the USA>
Casio Edifice EFB108D-1AV
316L Stainless Steel | 45mm diameter | 100m water resistance | Integrated bracelet
This is the GADA watch you get when you’re on a budget, don’t want to spend much on a watch, or both. The Edifice line isn’t automatic like the rest of our selections, nor does it have a solid-link stainless steel bracelet. But it still belies its bargain price thanks to a handsome dial, scratch-resistant sapphire glass, and an stamped steel integrated bracelet. It also has a date window and a contrasting red second hand. It’s a bit on the large side at 45mm in diameter, but it more than makes up for it with the slimmest profile of any watch in this set. The super-accurate quartz movement is powered by a 3-year battery, so changes aren’t frequent. No one will guess that you paid far less than $200 for this attractive timepiece.
Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Automatic 39mm
316L Stainless Steel | 39mm diameter | 150m water resistance | Elaboré finished movement
Christopher Ward is one of the most underappreciated watch brands. They consistently pack in features and materials many premium brands use. Case in point, the stunning white-dialed 39mm Sealander C63 Automatic has a high-end Elaboré finished Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with a double-flag rotor that peeks through the sapphire display back of the brushed and polished stainless steel case. The pristine lacquered dial gets some modest orange detailing, and the trident second hand is a fancy touch. The illustrious list of features also includes anti-shock properties and a micro-adjustable bracelet.