Finding my Daily Driver: Rolex OP vs. Omega AT
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ค. 2024
- Rolex prices have stabilized, and I'm buying! In today's video I put my new 116000 Oyster Perpetual up against thet 38mm Aqua terra to see which makes the best daily driver.
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Vote For a Winner: www.watchcrunch.com/Max/posts/finding-my-ultimate-daily-driver-417327
Are the OP numbers lumed?
Yes
Totally agree
For me a daily driver needs a date, i can look at it 50 times a day and still forget.
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!
It's personal preference tbh I'm fine either way
Date complication is a must for me.
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.
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.
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 :)
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
The jump hour is something that always stops me from getting an AT.
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
So true
@@WatchCrunchOfficialEnjoy yours and wear it in good health 👍
This exact 116000 would be the only Rolex that I would wear.
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
@@johnreeves6217they do…the previous 39mm Explorer I?
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!
Another vote for the Omega
Pretty watch 👌
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.
Is the number "50" messed up on the Omega? The "5" looks like it has horrible printing at 2:27.
Got the same op for the last 13 years, still running smooth, very comfortable to wear, for people in the know 😊
In the know about what??
@@whereRbearsTeeth They know that most rolex owners are insufferable wankers probably.
Love nkuwan the way you show it! You really focus on showing off the watch. I don't think any other TH-camr can show off watches in as much detail as you.
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.
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!
Same. My AT saffron looks killer
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.
I have the small seconds, but put it on an aftermarket bracelet. It’s pretty much perfect
@@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
@@claytonmarkin7863which aftermarket bracelet?
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.
Oh no! Hope it's still in good condition lol
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.
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!
Holy cow, my dream come true 😍
Hey @JLGoldman5 I also had my bezel and crown replaced, a full movement service but didn't have the case or bracelet polished.
That's the news I was waiting to hear! Game changer!
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).
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
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.
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.
On the OP, on the 6 side, how many links are permanent on the link?
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.
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 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.
@@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 $.
Great review. I really like that unique Rolex.
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
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.👌
Good job Max, thank you.
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!
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).
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
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!
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 ❤
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.
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.
Never heard about this OP, interesting, thanks
While I possibly save for a 36mm Explorer, wearing my stunning Smiths PRS-29A. Love that little manual wind watch
Looks like the Air Kings from the early 2000, gorgeous.
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’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? 🤞🏻
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.
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
This was my first rolex and I love it. So damn sleek and simple
Thank you so much nkuwan for taking us shopping🛍…my wish list just got longer
Congratulations on your new OP Sir 🤓👍
Thank you!
The Aqua Terra if I'm going for that GADA watch
Nice , look like a Blu explorer 36 :) I didn’t that this watch existed
Tough call. I think they’re both perfect daily drivers…both are versatile.
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
Great video! I absolutely love my Domino's silver dial 116000 so of course that one would get my vote!
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.
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.
Would you mind sharing your wrist size? Can't decide between the 36mm, 38mm AT or an older explorer 39mm.
@@lsmjake 7 inch
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.
@@loutol2952 In the whoie UK, everywhere? all 94,000 square miles?
I have the exact same OP. Gave up my Omega because of the bracelet.
I like the OP for it’s simplicity.
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
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 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.
If I really need to choose, I would pick Rolex if it is available. Otherwise it would be a Seiko.
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. :)
wonder if anyone sells after market crystals with ar for rolex
My perfect GADA…Rolex Explorer 124270. Everything I need, nothing I don’t. And it looks so cool dressed up or dressed down. 😎
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.
Rolex Explorer 39mm with that fantastic matt-black dial - all day for me.
The AT in 38,5 mm from 2015 , blue bas the jumping hours gmt like .. (James Bond choice as well)😊
It’s the AT for me, although I agree the steel bracelet is subpar.
I like the Rolex OP more myself. Great choice.
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 do wanna size down down the AT a bit, 36 is just right on the spot
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 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.
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!
Dang didn’t know about this OP
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.
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.
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.
My vote would be for the Omega. Rolex thefts are still a thing and I do not want to get shanked for a watch.
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.
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.
The Aqua Terra should be the daily, I honestly don't know what the OP is for if you already have an AT.
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 wish more watches had time zone hour adjustment
The Omega AT in the video is the 41mm not the 38mm version. I have that exact watch on the blue rubber strap. It’s amazingly comfortable and wears like a much smaller watch, but is definitely 41mm.
I have footage of both
At 2:14 you say “here in its 38mm form” while showing you wearing the 41.
@@IIDave but the 41 would have a blue seconds hand, wouldn't it? This is not the case in the video
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.
Maybe try out the Omega Railmaster instead 🤔
For me. Date is a major requirement for a daily driver. So I got omega world timer and Tudor chrono
116000 get my vote. Love the symmetry and the 3,6,9 dial makes it sporty.
Rolex Datejust smooth bezel, oyster, handles the comment section issue with having a date function.
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.
That's the best OP I've seen ♥️
Aqua terra is a much beautiful watch in my opinion...
omega
After watching this, I got 36 op thanks
I prefer Omega overall but in this case Rolex is cleaner. Not a fan of the shark tooth indices on the omega
the last gen AT with the date at 6. no way.
Fantastic video, Max. I have a 2018 op36 in black, and what made me fall in love with the double batons is the double beveling on every side of the white gold. You can’t even get this finishing on the OP41. Whatever you think of the design of the batons, the craftsmanship (to me) is exceptional.
Nice! It's definitely grown on me 👌