Vote For a Winner: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/finding-my-ultimate-daily-driver-417327

@gugaique

Ай бұрын

Are the OP numbers lumed?

@JLGoldman5

Ай бұрын

Yes

@tygaz3061

Ай бұрын

Totally agree

For me a daily driver needs a date, i can look at it 50 times a day and still forget.

@Mister_Phafanapolis

Ай бұрын

Dare function is an absolutely requirement for a daily or a GADA. Somewhere between windsurfing on the beach and a penthouse business meeting downtown I’m going to need to know the date. WIS have suggested pulling out your phone; might as well _not_ wear a watch then and just check the time on the phone!

@bestboy897

Ай бұрын

It's personal preference tbh I'm fine either way

@loutol2952

Ай бұрын

Date complication is a must for me.

@jh-il5sb

Ай бұрын

i have an older sub no date and although i love the classic lines, i constantly look down to check out the date that isn't there.

@kresimirpleic

Ай бұрын

A date complication is one of the easiest ways to ruin a dial. Personally I always know the date because I have an office job. What I don't know is the exact time - which is why I wear a watch.

As a owner of multiple watches i prefer quickset date over this jump hour setting. I fact i think most do so i dint see it as a weakess

@eyeheartsushi2212

Ай бұрын

The jump hour is something that always stops me from getting an AT.

@ESHANABROOK

Ай бұрын

Yeah, I don't get it either, setting the date is much quicker and easier on the date set version. I am biased with my 38mm Omega AT....

I owned this exact 116000 for approx 5 years. I sold it, and regret it to this day 😔 Insane versatility and flies under the radar

@WatchCrunchOfficial

Ай бұрын

So true

@abwallace1

Ай бұрын

@@WatchCrunchOfficialEnjoy yours and wear it in good health 👍

@Michl2532

Ай бұрын

This exact 116000 would be the only Rolex that I would wear.

@johnreeves6217

Ай бұрын

Could you comment on the wearing experience? Does this watch west bigger than the stated size of 36mm? I wish they did a 39/40mm model

@david12990

Ай бұрын

@@johnreeves6217they do…the previous 39mm Explorer I?

Thanks for the great post on an under-appreciated model. As a fellow 116000 blue owner, I'm with you on the baton hands. I love the Explorer, but have always found the printed Coronet to feel crammed underneath the 12 o'clock triangle. I love how the OP's applied gold Coronet doubles as the marker and, to me, declutters the dial. Also, the case measures at just over 37mm, so it wears a bit larger than the name would suggest.

I own this exact Rolex, and a 38mm white AT on the grey rubber strap, so pretty much exactly both these models. And I love them both equally. I will say, you can make the Rolex bracelet even more perfect. A 36mm OP EasyLink fits the clasp perfectly, and allows you 5mm of on-the-fly adjustment for when you live in the heat like me and your wrist swells. It makes the Rolex literally perfect to wear. I love this model. But the Aqua Terra is amazing too :)

Another vote for the Omega

@WatchCrunchOfficial

Ай бұрын

Pretty watch 👌

Hi Max, I have the AT small seconds 41 and a 40 explorer 1 which are pretty similar to your video here. I have to say that the AT just has more character (dial, hands, more WR, Antimagnetic, and availability ), plus a date feature. Sometimes I feel it's a bit too big for me, and wished I had the 38 At like yours, and a 39 Explorer 1 - But I don't. I got both from the AD, so when they called...you know the story. I have a smaller (36) DJ which is OK because it's dressier watch design (?) so that's why I went bigger with the sports/professional models. They are still pretty good, no doubt. I guess it really depends if you like classic, contemporary style, then Rolex. More character and exciting, then go Omega. I feel the Oyster DJ and AT are better comparisons because of the date function, and over all looks, especially the polished center bracelet. Sometimes being compared to Rolex can be intimidating because of the brand (and the default choice), but the quality, performance and history may be better elsewhere. Again both brands are great, but when Im with the watch enthusiasts/crowd, I wear my Omega. Thanks, and congrats on another great video!

I recently picked up the latest reference of the 36mm explorer and he’s right about the oyster bracelet. I typically am a strap guy, but the oyster bracelet is just so comfortable on the wrist. Similar to this op, it just has such an understated elegance, with a bit of a sporty side. My explorer is my GADA watch.

Love nkuwan the way you show it! You really focus on showing off the watch. I don't think any other KZreadr can show off watches in as much detail as you.

Got the same op for the last 13 years, still running smooth, very comfortable to wear, for people in the know 😊

@whereRbearsTeeth

Ай бұрын

In the know about what??

@1250GSX

Ай бұрын

@@whereRbearsTeeth They know that most rolex owners are insufferable wankers probably.

In my collection Aqua Terra 2503.80 39 mm blue sunburst, and Milgauss Black. My preferred one : the Aqua Terra. I long for the more recent blue AT small seconds on blue rubber. Perfect for weekend outdoors stuff.

@claytonmarkin7863

Ай бұрын

I have the small seconds, but put it on an aftermarket bracelet. It’s pretty much perfect

@Mac2437

Ай бұрын

@@claytonmarkin7863 Which bracelet ? I just ordered a $50 one on Amazon for my silver 41 Aqua Terra . I refuse to pay $800 for a rubber strap

@eyeheartsushi2212

Ай бұрын

@@claytonmarkin7863which aftermarket bracelet?

Nice video - I have the 41 and the new 38 in the Shades collection in Saffron I love them both, but the new bracelet is absolutely beautiful and a tad bit more comfortable. Not a Rolex fan, so, Omega is my go to...Thanks for always having honest commentary and interesting facts!

@sage9743

Ай бұрын

Same. My AT saffron looks killer

Interestingly the older 38mm aqua terrras have the jumping set hour hand 😉 and 5 hours more power reserve, I own the aqua terra skyfall truly one of the best watches. Bonus is that the bracelet is completely brushed on the older models too

I have the Omega with a white dial. It's my favorite watch. It's worn almost every day. The exceptions being when doing outdoor activities. Although, I wore it one day putting a generator together. That was not a smart move.

@oceantang2324

Ай бұрын

Oh no! Hope it's still in good condition lol

Great video! I love the teak dial on the AT, but I really don't like the polished centre links. Daily driver needs a date, so, I know it's more spendy, but I'd be going datejust with smooth bezel and jubilee bracelet. AT has the co-axial escapement but I think it's much harder to service (find a watchmaker and the length of time you'll be without your watch); Rolex have developed their own oil that helps increase the service interval, which on the 3235 is 10 years, and (at least in my experience) it's easier to find a watchmaker who can service them.

At a recent service on my OP 116000 with blue 369 dial, Rolex swapped out the crystal to one with AR coating. The dial now pops. It's amazingly better.

@JLGoldman5

Ай бұрын

I'm servicing mine soon and was planning on swapping out the hands for the later, thicker OP batons and adding an EasyLink. I'm going to look into swapping the crystal on your rec. Thanks!

@maxma01

Ай бұрын

Holy cow, my dream come true 😍

@alexbizz

Ай бұрын

Hey ​@JLGoldman5 I also had my bezel and crown replaced, a full movement service but didn't have the case or bracelet polished.

@80barlo80

17 күн бұрын

That's the news I was waiting to hear! Game changer!

@JLGoldman5

15 күн бұрын

Fantastic. My local repair shop basically told me that opening the watch right now (even just to swap out the hands) would be criminal with it running at +/- 1 second. So, I ordered the set of thicker hands myself to hold onto until that eventual, future service. I did, however, source and add an EasyLink. I couldn't be happier with that upgrade (especially with temps heating up).

Two greats! Both have a different character. I have an OP and Exp 1 so I normally lean that way but that AT on the rubber is 🔥! 12.2 thick isn’t horrible but it could be thinner for an everyday watch

Great looking watch. Congratulations.

Great video! Been considering the OP a lot recently to replace my modern explorer. Have you tried putting the OP on a strap? My main bugbear with modern Rolex is that the do not make it easy to put after market straps on as there is not enough space between the spring bar and the case. It’s one of the reasons I’m tempted to part ways with my modern explorer.

I have the Omega Aqua Terra 38 blue teak dial and the Oyster Perpetual 36. I don’t get the criticism on the bracelet. In my opinion the AT is so comfortable to wear. I really like the 3 link bracelet with the butterfly clasp and no microadjustment, because I found a pretty good fit even when my wrist swells and the butterfly clasp feels more secure than the clasp on my Oyster. I don’t use the microadjustment on none of my watches anyway. They always have to fit right away with some play for the wrist expanding and what I also like about the omega butterfly clasp is that is not taking to much space on the underside of your wrist and flows pretty well. No one is talking about AP and Patek not having microadjustment at a way higher price point. I do also like that the bracelet doesn’t tapering. The AT is solid built quality, specs wise better movement and the design of the dial is much more interesting to look at, but I have to admit that the Oyster Perpetual bracelet is really comfortable to wear. In the end they are both great watches and comparable with a slightly more edge for Omega imo. If I only had to choose one watch for the rest of my life I would choose the Aqua Terra allday anyday over my Oyster, Speedy and BlackBay 54.

@seanpham67

Ай бұрын

@@Bu-22 Exactly. Good to know I’m not the only one thinking that way about the micro adjustment dealbreaker. Let’s not forget that AP and Patek also don’t offer any micro adjustment in their watches for over 50.000 $.

Good job Max, thank you.

Great review. I really like that unique Rolex.

Is the number "50" messed up on the Omega? The "5" looks like it has horrible printing at 2:27.

Both look great but the rolex looks perfect in size on you! Great versatility in style also. But always go with your own gut feeling in the end.👌

Lovely piece. The blue ‘Explorer’. Tbh if I had smaller wrists id consider one, but for me 36mm is just tiny. Even my latest 40mm Explorer wears modestly.

I love both! I think both would be perfect in my collection for different reasons. I think although similar in being a GADA watch, I find the OP a bit more refined and the AT more fun. They are both on my list for some day!

Nice analysis. I think you summed it up by saying the AT is the sportier option, and the more conservative, classic look goes to the OP. Personally, I prefer the AT, and especially love the interesting dial, rubber strap and stitching….a great overall look!

mamacoo You are so well-informed about luxury watches. You've obviously done your due diligence and the comparison to the US is very informative...because of course, I live in New York. thank you very much

The Omega AT on the rubber strap is so comfortable. I also have the bracelet and will change it out on the rare occasions I want to dress up the watch.

Thank you so much nkuwan for taking us shopping🛍…my wish list just got longer

I'd say the Rolex barely edges out the Omega AT since the OP case is a tad thinner and that bracelet is near impossible to beat. I'll argue one of the best mixes of these two styles is my daily: DJ 36 blue motif dial on oyster. Sporty side with the bracelet and dial pattern, but also pulls off the conservative/dressy look with the fluted bezel, stick markers, and smaller case. Max-you made the right decision twice, no loser between these two. Blue is a fantastic choice for a daily (a bit of bias but that's what we're here for) Cheers! Next point of order is to join watchcrunch since this is long-winded...

My take on these two superlative watches....the Rolex O.P. is Martha's Vineyard. While the Omega A.T. is The Hamptons.

Had both, sold both and the OP was the only one I re bought back (and then sold again 😂) you're right with your conclusion, the OP you really do put on and then it slinks onto the background... I find the AT is a bit confusing, as it's too nautical for an all day watch and I felt it was too shiny and nice to go in the sea, so a go nowhere watch! My daily is the TGV x Islander Rangemaster which ticks all boxes for under £500 ❤

MaMaCoo You are so well-informed about luxury watches. You've obviously done your due diligence and the comparison to the US is very informative...because of course, I live in New York. thank you very much

Great review and filming! Aquaterra all day for me even though the particular OP you have here is a great embodiment of Rolex. If only Rolex kept to that more restrained way more!

Great video about two awesome watches.

Both great choices. I have a white AquaTerra, love it, with a nato strap instead of the bracelet (which shows fingerprints too easily).

Great video! I absolutely love my Domino's silver dial 116000 so of course that one would get my vote!

Never heard about this OP, interesting, thanks

Hands down the OP 36 in blue! Plus the Rolex brushed bracelet is on a class of its own. It’s the perfect daily driver in my opinion. I am also waiting for a call from my AD for a blue OP 36. enjoy yours!

I also prefer a date complication for my daily. I have two dailies that are a similar comp to the watches shown in this video. I have a white dial smp300 and a GS sbga467 (spring drive). If I have to chose btwn the two it’d be the smp300 because of the lume. Lume and date are big for me

My vote would be for the Omega. Rolex thefts are still a thing and I do not want to get shanked for a watch.

I actuall refer the 8800. The quickset date is more useful and the time zone function is a common failure point on the 8900. Also the 8800 is smaller so the case doesn't need to be too chunky.

That blue dialed OP looks great on your wrist! Both are great choices and I'd choose the blue OP ... if only it was in 40/41mm for my 8" wrist. Plus the bracelet on the AT is a no-go for me w/the clasp it's offered on.

While I possibly save for a 36mm Explorer, wearing my stunning Smiths PRS-29A. Love that little manual wind watch

I’d go for the Seamaster all the way. You can go into an Omega boutique and buy it over the counter, whereas Rolex will say you are privileged to part with your hard earned and now you will wait for your purchase. Have a nice day.

This was my first rolex and I love it. So damn sleek and simple

On the OP, on the 6 side, how many links are permanent on the link?

The Aqua Terra if I'm going for that GADA watch

Congratulations on your new OP Sir 🤓👍

@WatchCrunchOfficial

Ай бұрын

Thank you!

The 8800 movement is not a downgrade. I own both. The jumping hour hand is a neat little party trick but the quick set date is MUCH more useful. And the power reserve difference is irrelevant.

I was looking to get the aqua terra for a daily but still felt it was a bit too much money for a daily for my budget. Got the new Longines conquest instead, 72h power reserve, AR coating both sides of the crystal, gorgeous bracelet and an amazing blue dial that comes alive in the sun. Super happy with it especially for sub 2k

My choice for best daily wear would be the 36mm Datejust smooth bezel on oyster bracelet best colour for me would be the silver dial aka THE SILVER BULIT 😊. For daily I want a date.

@lsmjake

Ай бұрын

Would you mind sharing your wrist size? Can't decide between the 36mm, 38mm AT or an older explorer 39mm.

@canadianwatchmonkey3992

Ай бұрын

@@lsmjake 7 inch

@loutol2952

Ай бұрын

Lovely configuration. Simply can't use it as a daily driver in the UK........you may not have your hand by the end of the first day.

@davidr2802

Ай бұрын

@@loutol2952 In the whoie UK, everywhere? all 94,000 square miles?

Having own both pieces, OP41 Silver Dial, Gold hour markers. AT 41 Green Dial and AT White Dial (kinda silver) 38 with rubber strap. AT without a doubt. Sold the OP. Not a fan of the oyster bracelet, but went well a Rubber B strap. To each its own, both are great pieces. May return to the OP 39. Kinda through with 40+ dial sizes.

I’ve been eying this model up for the past 6 months I think it almost perfect! My main issue is a wish it was 39/40mm! I currently have the 39mm OP but this dial is perfect imo, I’ve always loved the explorer but there is something about the blue dial Anyone know if this model wears larger than the 36mm that’s stated? 🤞🏻

I feel like everyone who thinks that a jumping hour is an upgrade compared to a quick set date has never owned a watch with jumping hour hand. It really is the other way around in my opinion. I have an explorer 2 and I hate setting that watch. On top of that, jump hour mechanisms like to break... especially on Omegas.

If I really need to choose, I would pick Rolex if it is available. Otherwise it would be a Seiko.

I like the OP for it’s simplicity.

Aquaterra looks better for me. I prefer having a quickset date over a jump hour function but thats also because i dont travel much and since my watches are on rotation, it's easier to change dates when its that watch's turn for the day.

I have both but my Omega AT is a first generation and I had the baton hands changed for Mercs on the OP. The OP is the best simple watch ever made period. The first generation AT is, for me, just breathtakingly elegant and graceful. It’s very hard to compare them because they were not designed to achieve the same form, yet both are near perfect in their design and function. I think they are equally amazing.

This OP having 20mm lugs makes a huge difference. I tried it then tried the 36mm explorer, and found it flimsy, almost feminine, could not put my finger on the reason. It was the 19mm lug. I love the size of the 38mm AT, since the watch is all dial, is looks like a 40mm, whereas the AT41 looks a tad big for this same reason. But the AT38 has 19mm lugs, and the (excellent) rubber strap looks skinny on my arms. For comparison, the aquanaut has 21mm lugs, and looks and wears phenomenal. Just some tiny details watch people obsess about, but for that reason I like the OP, even though the AT on rubber is gorgeous as well.

I vote Omega, and I would also add that they have some nice alternate in house straps e.g. the mesh, which fits the theme of the watch nicely

Tough call. I think they’re both perfect daily drivers…both are versatile.

This is like a perfect pair of GADA watches. I really prefer the OP with it's baton hands combined with the Explorer 3,6,9, markers . It is more unique and interesting than the current iteration with just baton markers which can feel slightly anonymous until you notice the Crown. But in a way that's why I overall like the Aqua Terra more. I like that it has more going on without necessarily going overboard. The AT's design stands on it's own a little better. The Rolex is somewhat anonymous until you realize it's a Rolex. Don't get me wrong a Rolex is a Rolex for a reason so I'm sure that bracelet is brilliant and the build quality impeccable. But the Omega is in the same ballpark but more interesting to look at, as well. But both are absolutely great GADA one watch "collection" options. But if I'm only getting one I'm going with the Omega. But if you're a member of Watch Crunch probably hard to just get one. :)

Nice , look like a Blu explorer 36 :) I didn’t that this watch existed

Looks like the Air Kings from the early 2000, gorgeous.

Rolex Explorer 39mm with that fantastic matt-black dial - all day for me.

I have both watches and they are both great watches. While the bracelet on the Rolex OP is very well made, I never got it to fit my wrist perfectly, but that's just my wrist. The Omega is not as classic looking, but very solidly made and feels tougher. Definitely a hard choice, and you can't go wrong with either one.

It’s the AT for me, although I agree the steel bracelet is subpar.

I've got that OP & had my watchmaker put Submariner (Mercedes) hands on it so it looks like a blue Explorer with a crown @ 12 rather than a triangle.

I have the latest 36mm Explorer and it is (only just) a better GADA watch than my blue dial 38mm AT. I can wear the Explorer with a suit and when out hiking. The AT is better with a suit but, while it’s more than up to the challenge, just looks odd to me when I wear it with walking gear. That said, I don’t use either for hiking; I use my Planet Ocean which would otherwise sit in a box unworn!

Don't know why you prefer the Rolex OP bracelet of that vintage over the Aqua Terra. Own the DateJust of that era and the newer Omega AT. The earlier Rolex bracelet rattles, looks and feels tinny, even cheap. I've never liked it since the catch actually loosened over time and need adjustment. I also have the Omega AT 41 mm. Don't know if bracelet is different than the smaller version but Lugs are 20 mm, the taper and solid feel of the bracelet matches the price point of the watch better, though I've never tried a rubber strap. Since both have date complication in my case, it's a wash.

Love the Rolex, but here’s the things for me: I wanted the 3-6-9 in the new movement on blue, so was either the new Explorer or the new OP. I love the blue but was not an option on new with the 3-6-9 but the rounded bezel of the OP is not to my taste, so I’d still pick the Explorer even if OP still had a 3-6-9. But the blue is beautiful.

My perfect GADA…Rolex Explorer 124270. Everything I need, nothing I don’t. And it looks so cool dressed up or dressed down. 😎

omega

The AT in 38,5 mm from 2015 , blue bas the jumping hours gmt like .. (James Bond choice as well)😊

The Aqua Terra should be the daily, I honestly don't know what the OP is for if you already have an AT.

I like the Rolex OP more myself. Great choice.

If I had to choose between these 2, AT all day. The lack of date is a deal breaker for me if it is supposed to be a GADA watch, so a Rolex OP is a big no. Same issue with an Airking, an Explorer, a Millgauss or a no date Subs.

OP for sure.

A date is a MUST for me for a daily driver, so the Omega it will be. I bought aTudor black bay 36 a year ago and hardly use it beause of the lack of date. Love the watch but miss the date everytime i put it on. ☹

I do wanna size down down the AT a bit, 36 is just right on the spot

I love my blue Aqua Terra GMT in 43mm. Not a fan of that basket weave strap. I put mine on a matching blue sailcloth strap with deployant from Artem Straps.

Rolex Datejust smooth bezel, oyster, handles the comment section issue with having a date function.

Rolex all day

116000 get my vote. Love the symmetry and the 3,6,9 dial makes it sporty.

Aqua terra is a much beautiful watch in my opinion...

I prefer Omega overall but in this case Rolex is cleaner. Not a fan of the shark tooth indices on the omega

wonder if anyone sells after market crystals with ar for rolex

Dang didn’t know about this OP

Wearing my Aqua Terra right now. Awesome watch. Bracelet sucks though.

Having owned a 214270 for two years, I confirm this Explorer dial Oyster Perpetual, remaining true to its OP essence, is a better daily driver. Where as the current Explorer doesn’t have much connection to the 1016, bar for the name. If (as I do now), you no longer fancy forking out thousands and thousands of Euros on any timepiece, consider the Traska Commuter. A proper modern tribute to the Rolex OP.

Was very close to buying this OP but ended up with an even more uncommon "Harley Davidson" model.

Both are nice and elegant,but for me the rolex perpetual is more perfect in his simple and eficient design,the watch most perfect we can imagine..

Aqua Freaking Terra Baby!

I have tried both. The oyster bracelet is so comfortable. I think the OP is,simply perfect. I don't need a date. That is why my Fitbit and phone are for. Rolex for me.

I LOVE my OP 116000. I’m surprised to see a mainstream watch KZreadr showcase this. I thought it was going to come and go with little fanfare. I think it wears bigger than a 36mm which is a plus. I love the 3 6 9 dial layout which goes excellent with the deep blue sunray dial. It melts on my wrist. I think it also came in a silver dial. But the blue is by far the best IMO.

@JLGoldman5

Ай бұрын

FWIW, it does wear bigger than a 36mm and it actually IS bigger (it clocks in at just over 37mm).

Maybe try out the Omega Railmaster instead 🤔

The 116000 BLASO ruined watch collecting for me. It was the most comfortable, best designed watch I ever owned. I had it for about three years before selling it off. Talk about sellers remorse. Haha