The Ultimate Watch: Versatility

[AquaPak]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, and I am certain most forum regulars think about this often: Is there such a thing as the ultimate watch?

I'm talking about versatility, more than anything else.

Is there a watch that is rugged (and functional) enough to wear while trekking or diving, comfortable enough to be a daily wearer (office and home), dressy enough to be worn while out on the town or at a formal occasion, and timeless (no pun) enough to be worn over many years and through multiple fashion changes?

Rolex Submariner seems to fit that bill. Any others that come to mind?

[WnS]

My grail and all purpose watch. But I disagree with the word rugged, expensive mechanical watches are not intended for rough activities. Rugged watches are usually quartz with a tough case.

[geoffbot]

Speedy Pro

[JarrodS]

Speedy pro is versatile in terms of its looks, but I wouldn't swim with it.

The new Omega Aqua Terra 8500 can do it all.

[novedl]

The breitling chrono superocean....just about as near to perfect as a watch could be.
At home on rubber, stainless steel, or as presented in this web image photo; truly a beach to boardroom watch.

[LosTresGatos]

I agree with Jarrod's line of thinking - it has to be water resistant enough for diving, but also understated enough for formal wear. In that regard, Grand Seiko really shines. The only downside is the 100M water rating compared to 150-200M for a real diver. I'd be willing to trade that in for the extra versatility however since I think the lack of rotating bezel makes it look better with a suit.



Note I like the Aqua Terra as well (I recommended a white dial version in another thread), but in terms of 1 watch versatility I give the nod to the GS' less gimmicky dial and minute hand design

[Janne]

Any watch can be used in any situations, except that the most extreme watches can not be used in the most extreme situations!

OK?

[Michael the Psycho]

SMP quartz:

Rugged? quartz diver 300m
Comfortable? one of the best bracelets available
Dressy? good enough for Bond and Prince Williams
Timeless? the design's quite classic

I believe it's a more interesting alternative to the Sub or Sub C (unless you go for the blue Sub C, which is white gold and $25k+)

[JarrodS]

Note I like the Aqua Terra as well (I recommended a white dial version in another thread), but in terms of 1 watch versatility I give the nod to the GS' less gimmicky dial and minute hand design

I agree with most of what you said, but the lack of lume on this GS makes it less versatile and more dressy.

[AquaPak]

I've never liked the look of a Breitling (just my own opinion) for some reason, but you bring up a good point: there are certain watches that do well with diverse bracelets/straps and others that only do one well. Rolex Sub seems mostly to do well with metal/ss. I like that some of the Omegas (PO, SMP, AT) do well with rubber, leather and steel.