The watch world is often about superlatives – thinnest, biggest, smallest, most expensive, most complicated. It’s to be expected, after all, luxury watches have long symbolised opulence, craftsmanship and tradition. But many enthusiasts and collectors are looking for something different. They’re looking for a different kind of superlative – the perfect watch for daily wear, a timepiece that’s as comfortable in the office as it is on the beach. The ideal daily watch balances comfort, versatility and durability. It should signal your interest in horology, without forcing you to carry your life savings on your wrist.
We examine four contenders for the title. These models cater to seasoned collectors and first-time buyers, offering enduring design and practicality, as well as exceptional craftsmanship.
For versatility and value: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a go-to choice for those seeking understated sophistication. With its 41mm case, distinctive teak-patterned dial, and 150-metre water resistance, it balances presence and comfort with ease. The Master Chronometer certification ensures precision and its anti-magnetic properties make it ideal for everyday challenges, from office electronics to outdoor adventures.
Whether paired with a tailored suit or casual weekend attire, the Aqua Terra’s versatility shines. It’s an all-rounder, blending technical excellence with subtle luxury – perfect for someone who wants refinement without ostentation. Starting at an accessible price point for a luxury watch, it’s a gateway into the world of high horology.
For bold innovation: Oris Big Crown ProPilot X Calibre 400
The Oris Big Crown ProPilot X isn’t for the faint-hearted. Its bold, industrial design, lightweight titanium case and open-worked dial create a contemporary aesthetic that sets it apart from the more traditional options on offer. Powered by the in-house Calibre 400 movement with a five-day power reserve, this timepiece is as practical as it is innovative.
With anti-magnetic properties, robust construction and a 10-year warranty, the Oris Big Crown Propilot X Calibre 400 is built for resilience. The striking timepiece appeals to adventurous spirits who value cutting-edge engineering and bold style over classic conformity. It’s certainly a daily watch that sparks conversation, ideal for anyone who fancies themselves a bit of an outdoorsman.
For heritage and design: Rolex GMT-Master II
Few watches are as instantly recognisable as the Rolex GMT-Master II. Affectionately nicknamed “Pepsi” due to its blue and red Cerachrom bezel, it has become a staple for those dressing for success. Originally designed as a tool for pilots, its dual-time functionality remains practical for global travellers. Crafted in a 40mm Oystersteel case, the GMT-Master II is as durable as it is elegant. The Jubilee bracelet ensures comfort for daily wear, while its robust design makes it suitable for everything from business meetings to being beachside.
However, the GMT’s scarcity adds an extra layer of allure. With demand far exceeding supply, owning one is as much a testament to patience and connections as it is to taste. For those lucky enough to secure one, it’s the epitome of a luxurious and versatile daily.
For understated luxury: Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A
The Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167A is outside the realm of the daily price wise, but its sturdiness in the face of daily life is what gets this timepiece a spot in this list. While Patek is synonymous with haute horology, the Aquanaut’s sporty aesthetic ensures it remains modern and practical.
With features such as 120-metre water resistance, durable construction, and the automatic Calibre 324 S C movement, this timepiece blends form and function like few others. Exclusivity is both a strength and a challenge for the Aquanaut. Its premium price and limited availability position it as aspirational, but for those who can justify the investment, this piece offers bragging rights to those in the know.
The verdict
So what’s the final verdict? That’s completely up to you. In cities such as London, where subtlety often speaks louder than extravagance, timepieces from understated brands such as Omega excel by offering quiet confidence.
In vibrant – and safer – places, including Dubai, watches from brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe feel more at home, showcasing a more refined and expressive sense of the finer things in life. Ultimately, the best daily watch reflects the wearer’s personality and lifestyle. It’s a tool, a statement and a companion, elevating everyday moments.
For the discerning enthusiast, the real joy lies in finding that perfect balance – and in the world of horology, few rewards are greater than wearing a timepiece that feels as indispensable as the hours it keeps.
How Alia's experiment will help humans get to Mars
Alia’s winning experiment examined how genes might change under the stresses caused by being in space, such as cosmic radiation and microgravity.
Her samples were placed in a machine on board the International Space Station. called a miniPCR thermal cycler, which can copy DNA multiple times.
After the samples were examined on return to Earth, scientists were able to successfully detect changes caused by being in space in the way DNA transmits instructions through proteins and other molecules in living organisms.
Although Alia’s samples were taken from nematode worms, the results have much bigger long term applications, especially for human space flight and long term missions, such as to Mars.
It also means that the first DNA experiments using human genomes can now be carried out on the ISS.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:
Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Game is on BeIN Sports
Results
United States beat UAE by three wickets
United States beat Scotland by 35 runs
UAE v Scotland – no result
United States beat UAE by 98 runs
Scotland beat United States by four wickets
Fixtures
Sunday, 10am, ICC Academy, Dubai - UAE v Scotland
Admission is free
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
England's lowest Test innings
- 45 v Australia in Sydney, January 28, 1887
- 46 v West Indies in Port of Spain, March 25, 1994
- 51 v West Indies in Kingston, February 4, 2009
- 52 v Australia at The Oval, August 14, 1948
- 53 v Australia at Lord's, July 16, 1888
- 58 v New Zealand in Auckland, March 22, 2018
Scores
New Zealand 266 for 9 in 50 overs
Pakistan 219 all out in 47.2 overs
New Zealand win by 47 runs
Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
The Orwell Prize for Political Writing
Twelve books were longlisted for The Orwell Prize for Political Writing. The non-fiction works cover various themes from education, gender bias, and the environment to surveillance and political power. Some of the books that made it to the non-fiction longlist include:
- Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the Road to War by Tim Bouverie
- Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me by Kate Clanchy
- Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez
- Follow Me, Akhi: The Online World of British Muslims by Hussein Kesvani
- Guest House for Young Widows: Among the Women of ISIS by Azadeh Moaveni
