Finding my Daily Driver: Rolex OP vs. Omega AT

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

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

[@gugaique]

Are the OP numbers lumed?

[@JLGoldman5]

Yes

[@tygaz3061]

Totally agree

[@kanemillard3315]

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

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

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]

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

[@loutol2952]

Date complication is a must for me.

[@jh-il5sb]

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]

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.

[@DannyKaffee]

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.

[@ditmerk]

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]

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

[@ESHANABROOK]

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....

[@stefanpersson240]

Of course it is easier to set the date with a quick-set, but how often do you have to? If you're that type of guy that take a new watch every morning, I understand, but with the jump-hour you don't need to check if it's AM or PM and you can also set the date backwards. It can be a little tricky to set the seconds and minute hand in synch (I am meticulous about that) and with the jump-hour I wait until the right minute and just wind the watch then. Then I set the hour and date. Of course if you travel between time-zones and at day-light saving time changes the 8900 is wonderful.

[@BenGoodbrand]

Another vote for the Omega

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Pretty watch 👌

[@abwallace1]

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]

So true

[@abwallace1]

@@WatchCrunchOfficialEnjoy yours and wear it in good health 👍

[@Michl2532]

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

[@johnreeves6217]

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]

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

[@TheBeastly1113]

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 :)

[@seanpham67]

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]

@@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 $.

[@tpoz48]

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]

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

[@alexbizz]

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]

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]

Holy cow, my dream come true 😍

[@alexbizz]

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

[@80barlo80]

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

[@JLGoldman5]

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).

[@t.k.3387]

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

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

In the know about what??

[@1250GSX]

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

[@JLGoldman5]

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.

[@robynsjp]

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]

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

[@Mac2437]

@@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]

@@claytonmarkin7863which aftermarket bracelet?

[@Czeron01]

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.

[@jerrycooper171]

"Happy hour watch", brilliant! But, AT every time.

[@AgGuy07]

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.

[@RayRay79]

I like the OP for it’s simplicity.

[@PPN462]

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.

[@skicrz]

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.

[@chrisdenning8905]

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.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

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

[@Cga1225]

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!

[@jimf7654]

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!

[@KeepingWatchUK]

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.

[@mrdisco99]

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.

[@137Furon]

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

[@ocb05]

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

[@ryangochuico]

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.

[@YanshienQuisote]

Can’t beat gold polished Roman numerals that sparkle like jewels in the sunlight. Loving the sun ray dial man that pops! amzwatch watches. What a beautiful subtle piece.

[@JamesAlexander14]

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.

[@zillsburyy1]

omega

[@JDizzledum]

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

[@Bornia1982]

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.

[@carlsberg-gs6rl]

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

[@BobbyTable]

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.

[@markdickerson3486]

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]

Same. My AT saffron looks killer

[@markmazur3157]

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

[@bjoran83]

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.👌

[@MariaguadalupeSlick]

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

[@jordankeith1692]

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

[@kubicska]

Between these two: Omega

[@youtubeuser8436]

Omega over Rolex all day!

[@olalekanalo]

For me. Date is a major requirement for a daily driver. So I got omega world timer and Tudor chrono

[@DudeEsq]

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

[@MrWhiterunGuard]

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

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

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]

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

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

@@lsmjake 7 inch

[@loutol2952]

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]

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

[@rxl77]

OP for sure.

[@kubectlgetpo]

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

[@matthewhelm3035]

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

[@Skyler.Santana]

Congratulations on your new OP Sir 🤓👍

[@WatchCrunchOfficial]

Thank you!

[@LiefyDCLXVI]

As an Explorer fan, the OP 100%

[@marcgirard7551]

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!

[@sportsdesigner]

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

[@nartlambaz]

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

[@TyreAlmasri]

Picked up a MAMACOO's watch as my first watch last month and I’m absolutely in love with it. Perfect size, looks elegant, very comfortable. Now my only problem is holding off from buying more watches so quickly!

[@silverpharm0280]

I LOVE my OP 116000. I’m surprised to see a mainstream watch KZbinr 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]

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

[@yusufbest4475]

To me, the OP is the more adult watch 😅

[@alksjda]

Rolex all day

[@ebiedog]

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

[@user-wk6qd7yg1j]

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

[@nigelsfenderbenders176]

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.

[@Ian_CognitoOnIG]

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

[@chrishemming9976]

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 ❤

[@gavinwhite9743]

There’s no bad choice, just personal choice between these two watches.

[@moeharri]

Is the number "50" messed up on the Omega? The "5" looks like it has horrible printing at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="147">2:27</a>.

[@micaljimenez7381]

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..

[@christianaviles2199]

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. :)

[@MadariDaniels]

Thank you for making high quality videos!Love amzwatch ’s watches

[@watchchat]

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

[@DelmarPeet]

Aqua Freaking Terra Baby!

[@marvyeap]

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!

[@frankv7068]

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

[@edouble7843]

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

[@paulgardner6388]

Great review. I really like that unique Rolex.

[@Amar-ls7vc]

personally for me, ive always found that omega is just the better watch and watch brand compared to rolex. rolex is sure the bigger brand but honestly i still see the omega >> rolex. movements, design, dials.

[@umist123]

Rolex everytime....dial, movement, bracelet and residual...Omega consistently failed on the last two parameters...

[@pellecergreggory]

When people are saying #amzwatch is a better option for buying a watch,I very much agree!

[@jrimchoi9867]

After watching this, I got 36 op thanks

[@jeanlefranc3817]

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.

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

I have the exact same OP. Gave up my Omega because of the bracelet.

[@gnarl12]

Omega for me

[@vinayakrawate3428]

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

[@funNactive1]

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.

[@ericmoss8344]

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.

[@cheesychester9647]

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

[@dukes70]

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

[@giangvu7902]

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.

[@mattshaver4672]

+1 omega. Have the 41 and love it

[@scottbertelson352]

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.

[@VMIyanks04]

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!

[@ErichOsten89]

The best daily Driver is the Tissot PRX Quartz with blue dial and it only cost 395 Euro ;)

[@BLR653]

Sorry bro but Explorer 1 is the definitive daily driver. I wear my 124270 about 90% of the time and my Sub feels clunky compared to it.

[@davidr2802]

Traded an Explorer 1 for a JLC Geophysic 1958. Similar specs, pure class and uncommon.

[@fraserp2377]

​@@davidr2802this is a great choice, although I much prefer the 12 and 6 dial

[@frp88k]

Using the explorer 1 40 for my daily driver

[@mimikatz]

I’m OP and Sub. Same feeling about the Sub, feels bulkier and I don’t even wear it as much now. Thinking 124270 or Pelagos39 as the next options

[@BLR653]

@@mimikatz Sub is a cool watch but just can't compete with the 36mm wearing experience which is so effortless!

[@feisty8]

Both Beautiful Pieces But Rolex OP is a clear winner for me :)

[@julienarrijs]

Funny I like the original bracelet of the AT better than the one on the OP :)

[@PaulVerrechia]

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.

[@crjcpa20]

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.

[@drkesrf]

Between these 2, it’s definitely the omega. However, dont sleep on the longines spirit.

[@alexb4100]

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

[@agill2103]

Omega

[@ianforber]

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!

[@Msgt_Slim]

I don't think I'll ever be in a position to own either a Rolex or an Omega as a "daily driver". Both would be aspirational pieces for me.