Most Rolexes were about $250 to $450 in the early '70s. That's about $1900 to $3400 today. If the market wasn't so hyped, that's what they should really cost, as that's about what they're really worth. But the buyer sets the price, and today's buyers are rabid and insane.
There's some truth in there, but look, how a 70s rolex is build. Sure, their movements were always good, but everything else is trash, even compared to modern day $100 chinese watches. Standards have changes, build quality, tolerances and finishing got lightyears better and that does come with a price.
@@kws4eThen why are vintage Rolex Submariners, GMTs,EXP1 & 2 and Sea dwellers. Extremely sort after and coveted by collectors if they are trash. The fact that many examples survived amazingly well says otherwise.
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Because Rolex (as I already said) is and always was using pretty good movements. Everything else back then was pretty bad compared to modern standards. The build quality was good for the time, but shit have changed.
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 have you ever held a vintage Rolex from the 70s and 80s? I have and the tolerances are abysmal compared to today's standards. Their movements were solid though.
I've had my share of affordable watches under 1k and others in-between. I can say from experience that the Silent Service is a very, very good watch...regardless of price. I've had mine for a little over a month and have compared it to other watches in my current collection. Its far better than my affordable SK5 GMT, Nodus Contrail, or Venicianaco. It's better than my Seiko SPB143 and SPB383 GMT. Its better than my CW 12 and CW Atoll. Its also better than my Oris Aquis. It matches up favorably with my Tudor BB and even though much different, the finishing, to me, is better than my Cartier Santos. Where it does fall short, but not to a large degree, is my Rolex Batman. But at the price, it gets dang close. I highly recommend the Silent Service, it really is a high quality watch. The price may not be affordable but you do get a lot for the money in my opinion.
These watches are just crazy amazing. The bracelet and slide clasp alone put it above most smaller and micro brands. I have both the Silent Service and Ocean Rover and wear them all the time. John, the owner, is also great to deal with. I would not hesitate to throw down money for any watch from Ginualt!
This dial design is a complete swipe from the Omega Seamaster 2254.50. Which, BTW, can be obtained used for a few hundred bucks more than Ginault's MSRP.
Fantastic review Dave, thank you. I own both the Silent Service and the Ocean Rover V2, and i can say that both are simply fantastic watches. BTW, both run about +2-3 sec/day. I say this being able to compare to high end Swiss Made watches in my collection including 2 Omegas (Seamaster & Speedmaster), a Breitling Superocean, and a Rolex Submariner. For the money, Ginault makes an outstanding watch. Regarding Assembled in America, no issues and i applaud Ginault for doing this and for their transparency. As for all the rumors, i have researched and foundd absolutely nothing that can support that allegation. To me this is a dead mute point. Lastly, i like to note that in my dealings with Ginault, John - the Owner, was always very attentive and professional. Bottom line i received world class service. I have nothing but good things to say about Ginault as a customer and highly recommended the brand.
Great review, Dave! I became obsessed with Rolex, particularly the Submariner & GMT Master, when I began collecting watches. Knowing that I would never afford them, I owned copies from Parnis/Bliger, Tisell, and San Martin. Those were decent, but I was becoming more drawn to the original watches in my collection. I fell hard for the Silent Service after seeing a preview image on Facebook. I bought mine almost two years ago, and it has scratched the maxi case Submariner itch for me. I love that it's a true homage (except for the bracelet) and not a direct lookalike. It's for that reason that I wasn't into the Ocean Rover (though it's not quite that, either). In fact, I haven't wanted another dive watch since owing it. I was never put off by Ginault's alleged history. I'm interested to see what else they make!
I've thought about purchasing a Rolex, but with their ridiculous price tag (which far exceeds the annual cost of living increase over the years), I decided against purchasing. I looked at the Ginault years ago when they were selling for around $800 and when you can buy a top of the line microbrand like Zelos for around $500, Ginault simply priced themselves out of the market. Buy a Rolex homage?... sure, but NOT for $1,700 no matter how good the quality is.
I think before the arrival of Ginault we were all programed to think a homage should be no more than $500 and we all expected inferior quality. No one asked why things has to be that way. We just blindly followed. It was that way bc most homage makers ain't real watchmakers. So when Ginault arrived, they really changed the game with their watchmaking capabilities. It's a great watch considering the quality they are hitting at. Just because it's a homage doesn't mean it needs to be inferior in quality. That thinking style is outdated. And for good quality, it's expected you would need to pay more.
Yep, it’s super rough lol. It’s bizarre guys do macro shots of crap watches, but I think a lot of people do not know what they are looking at and feel it must be good if someone macros it 😂
Rolex Subs also have those machining marks. EverydayWatchGuy did a direct comparison of the SS against his own Sub. FF to 9:32 you can see clearly the exact same type of machining marks on the Rolex bezel knurlings. What gives? ruclips.net/video/GnBbYYVwqBA/видео.htmlsi=MpLpl9lmJPfN2rV6
@@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571Indeed we can see vertical machining marks inside the groove but it looks far more regular and well executed, furthermore the rest of the bezel is brushed and the overal appearence looks good to me... I really think that Ginault must improve bezel execution...
Thank you! I do want that watch now. It looks right, the quality seems to be there. Very much agree on copies and that these guys going extra mile to do original twist on Rolex is more appreciated than is annoying. Even if owner did do fakes - who cares? He does different things now and he does them well. "Made in" controversy seems to be complete nonsense and plagued swiss as well. I rather care how watch is made, rather then where. Great review of a great watch.
I've owned the Silent Service for about a year and if you could get past the 8 week wait, pull the trigger its worth everything being said about it. And I found the Owner John to be reponsive to any inquiries i had. Hamilton khaki SWC Hyper Galaxy Rolex OP Seiko King Samurai Casio MUDMASTER.
I have the Silent Service and I have to say it is fantastic. Very well made and is truly one of the most comfortable watches I own. I don’t have a Monta but I do have a Formex and I think the SS is of higher quality. The lume is amazing and last all night and comfortable to wear thru evening as well. I reviewed every video I could find and EVERYONE praised it highly. One of my best purchases I’ve made!
Love my Silent Service. It really feels special and is top notch for the money. I feel like i'm wearing something of the level of rolex while also knowing i didn't spend unreasonable money on it.
To me , it's massively over priced and just another Homage. If I could free up the money to buy one, I wouldn't. Instead I would put that money towards a ORIS Big Crown Pointer date or a Tudor 1926 white face Opaline dial. Some of the San Martin Homages and even the low priced pagani's do a better homage job in my opinion. I would rate it a $400 $420 USD watch at best. Maybe change the Silent Service to the Silver Service or Secret Service .Unfortunately it is too unappealing to consider.
Great review Dave. Missed seeing your reviews. I'm a $300-$600 watch guy and have wondered what I'm missing in the $1500-$2000 price range. You've helped me understand that. I can't step up to the plate for a Sinn U50. (Yet) But I love my Zelos, Helm, Second Hour, etc. Keep up the great work!
I think it’s a great watch. I personally believe they are approaching it wrong. It’s a great watch on its own. I don’t think they need to sell it as a Submariner alternative. Thanks for the great review!
I only hear good things about the quality of these Ginault watches. I do feel the controversies are kinda a thing of the past. And it's good they are finally being more open. So good on Ginault for course correcting. So far they've only done SubMariner homages. Would be interesting to see them branch out and do say a revised Explorer. I'm seriously considering one.
Nah. They are kinda sus at this price. They didn’t know ‘made in USA’ had rules around it before sticking it on their dial? I’ve read the documents and believe they did in fact produce fakes. Either way: it’s ~$500 off a pre-owned Black Bay. Get that if you want a Submariner alternative
They absolutely used to produce fakes. They also knew they were lying about the made in the u.s.a part. Furthermore just because they say the case is made in the states does not mean it is...they used to work with clone factories in China which has also been proven. You can have all parts made in China and still put hand built in usa just like they are still doing😅
They are overpriced $1700 bucks for essentially $500 in parts. As far as unsubstantiated. Untrue the claims are substantiated and many sites won’t allow Ginault on them because they are scammers.
I have handled many watched in the 300-700 range, and none of them even come close to this level of quality that Ginault is offering. It's a $1700 that can hang almost toe to toe with my RLX and Tudor.
Cmon guys, why pay over 1000 dollar for homage watch ? it should cost less than 500. This ginault still overpriced given the homage looks and not worth it given there are many diver look alike watch out there these days. I think it looks more like copy of older omega seamaster diver than rolex.
I've got an OR 1 when they came out years ago. Built quality is outstanding, especially considering the price of below 1000.- then. It's the closest I could get to a real 5517 Milsub. I don't care if it was built in Switzerland, the USA or China as long as the watch is as good as it is.
In macro there are a few things that have me scratching my head. Text on the date dial looks a bit off as does the machining on the bezel. The brushing on the case is at odds with the bracelet as well.
The brushing looks amazing to me. But perhaps that's because I am in the know. The mid-case has a traditional 5-digit Sub style circular brushing rather than the modern easier to do straight brushing seen on the 6-digit Sub. Ginault did circular brushing just to show off their watchmaking capabilities which I think is great!. The bracelet has straight brushing as always. I have never heard anyone complain about the brushing not matching on a 5-digit Sub 😂 So kinda funny to hear it here. But then beauty is subjective, what looks good to me may not be the case for you.
I ordered a Ginault Ocean Rover II blue bezel ceramic. $1799 USD. it took me 10 weeks from order to delivery. John at Ginault made this watch for me. I found a Rolex Mil Sub for $140,000 USD, i decided on the ocean rover II. This is what A Submariner should cost. I have 4 Tudors and 1 Omega, I love my Ginault Ocean Rover II, it reminds me of a Rolex 5513.
Just recently discovered Ginault and am seriously considering the Secret Service. It's an absolutely gorgeous watch for a great price. I couldn't care less about any past controversies.
Beautiful watch. If you want to spend that much for a very good homage . If you want to spend much much less for the same movement and 98 % of the quality , buy a steinhart ocean one ceramic black. For less than 600 $ 😅.
I own a few steiny and they are not 98% the quality of what Ginault is doing, I am sorry they are just not. Ginault's quality is close to Rolex, which is leagues above steiny and squale and all those.
I have the Ocean One Ceramic and I don't see a big difference between it and the Ginault besides the cyclops and the bracelet. I popped my cyclops off, so really it's just the bracelet for me. Hard to justify a 1200$ price difference for just a bracelet, no? Especially when the bracelet is listed at below 300$ on the ginault website.
@@TopSecretVid That’s not what I said though. Most Rolexes will always be worth retail in the used market whereas most other brands will never be worth more than half that. Buy this or a Seiko if you can afford that - or a buy a Rolex if money is precious!
Love my Ginault Ocean Rover!!! ***side note the very first Ocean Rovers actually stated “made in America” which is really what caused the controversy. Since then that has been changed to “built in America” and why on earth is that a bad thing??
Er....... I will wait 5 years and pay $10k thanks very much 😂 An Omega Planet Ocean (which it resembles more and is hugely discountable) would be a much better option ; )
I have a Ginault ss and it’s a fantastic watch. I got it at the early price, which was closer to a grand. The finishing on this watch is outstanding and easily on the level of my Sea-Dweller 126600. It’s also the most comfortable watch I own. The dial is amazing, the lume is next level. The people poo-poo’ing this watch have not experienced it, and are simply wrong.
And when reviewers say “it’s almost Rolex quality” I’m like - so where does Rolex pull away? The answer is they don’t know and can’t say, because it’s actually every bit as good as Rolex if not better. But Rolex has such a mystique that no reviewer goes full 100% objective and challenges it….or more to the point - these cheap watch channels actually have never spent much time with a modern Rolex and don’t pit them side by side, so it’s all guesswork / conjecture.
The owner of this company IS: The former company TC WATCHES. I know I own three of them from him. He would only source the finest quality replica parts. This is true my friend, , all the data supporting this IS substantiated. Nice watch though.
I get more seamaster vibes than submariner. Other than the oyster bracelet, which is an obvious Rolex “homage”, what else is quintessentially Rolex? No crown guards, bezel font is omega, totally different dial, hand set not from any modern Rolex. I just don’t see sub. Fine looking watch, just not a sub.
Let's say the quality for the price is there; my problem is that if something goes wrong, say you crack the bezel after 10 years, are there going to be replacement parts available? Probably not. I really do love that bracelet though. Is this the most affordable watch with a bracelet of this quality? Do I really need to spend 3x the price of a Steinhart just to get a better quality bracelet?
I actually don’t understand the ‘controversy’ - wouldn’t going straight be the ultimate outcome/aka the American way 🤔 makes no sense. The homage outrage too makes no sense… this is every bit a true to the sense homage watch. Takes bits and pieces from various models and even maybe multiple brands and puts it together to make the ultimate collectors homage watch. I can attest to their quality and customer service, having made a very minor warranty claim, which was sorted straight away. Happy owner (Ocean Rover ii) here. Great review BTW 👍🙂
From what I can see in the video, the crispness of the date numerals is ever so slightly better on the Rolex. Beyond that, I’d say that you’re not getting a better watch in the Rolex, other than in movement. And in a world where everyone has a smartphone with atomic-clock level accuracy, a few seconds a day doesn’t mean shit. The finishing on the Ginault is every bit as good as Rolex, and I have compared them side by side.
if you want the same level of quality and functionality of Rolex there a lot of alternatives. You do not however get the name and all that goes with it. So if you want Rolex then the only alternative is Rolex. Remember that if you want Rolex and you buy something else then every time you look at it is not what you want to see. Many lesser priced watches do the same job but if it doesn't have the name it's not a Rolex. Only Rolex is Rolex. The NAME has NO SUBSTITUTE.
I like the watch but the bezel finishing looked horrid on that close up. Probably should’ve sourced that from China too. It looked worse than San Martin
Alternatively, and hear me out here, just buy the cheap aliexpress watch but voluntarily pay 10x more than it is actually worth after voluntarily waiting 5 years. To get the full roly experience though, make sure the watch is inaccurate, costs an arm and a leg to service and (cream on the cake) arrange to be threatened and robbed once you leave the house wearing the overpriced, inaccurate watch that you waited 5 years to own..... Alternatively, once your overpriced, inaccurate watch arrives after the 5 year wait put it in a safe and never wear it for fear of being robbed.
Great review. I recently purchased (2 weeks ago) the Ocean Rover 2. Can't wait. Seriously considering the Silent Service later this year but leaning more towards the Silent Service Traveler over this one reviewed (SS Diver) but we'll see. As for the "controversy" I felt the same way as you commented. Overall didn't bother me. Again, great review and thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work!
Great review Dave. I've been looking these for a while now, I think they look great. The dial and handset is very much like my Seamaster Pro 2254.50 and that's a good thing.
I am probably an exception to the rule, but I would be into this because I have been a Navy submariner for the last 29 years. I had thought about getting a Rolex at 30 years, but the cost is excessive, and having never owned one, I would never be able to get one from a dealer.
I enjoy your channel and content very much. I think you missed the mark by comparing it to the Tolex. They have made a watch that, like most every dive watch on the market, is inspired by Rolex, but they've made something of their own creation.
Excellent review. I’ve had my SS for a year now. Extremely accurate at +1 SPD. Love the sword hands and applied markers. Very thin 12.1mm case. I have previously owned a submariner date and currently own a ceramic GMT Master II, (2) Tudor chronos amongst other time pieces. With that said, my SS remains active in my rotation. Highly recommended to those seeking Rolex sports watch quality at a reasonable price. I have also owned Steinhart and San Martin. Both good, but not on the same level as Ginault.
@@BetamaxBabe To sell more watches, Monta made the Oceanking v3 more similar to the Submariner. The quality is incredible. But the Ginault is not very far and it costs less. The bezel action of the Ginault is better.
Sounds to me like it is actually a bit of a pity that their philosophy is based on another brand. If they delivered this quality in something more creative and not so tied to ideas determined by an idolised brand, I could be really interested.
ppl forget that the value of RLX is in the brand at least as much as it is in quality its worth exactly as much as it trades for if you dont like it, buy a ginault or an omega or an san martin
Most Rolexes were about $250 to $450 in the early '70s. That's about $1900 to $3400 today. If the market wasn't so hyped, that's what they should really cost, as that's about what they're really worth. But the buyer sets the price, and today's buyers are rabid and insane.
🎯
There's some truth in there, but look, how a 70s rolex is build. Sure, their movements were always good, but everything else is trash, even compared to modern day $100 chinese watches.
Standards have changes, build quality, tolerances and finishing got lightyears better and that does come with a price.
@@kws4eThen why are vintage Rolex Submariners, GMTs,EXP1 & 2 and Sea dwellers. Extremely sort after and coveted by collectors if they are trash. The fact that many examples survived amazingly well says otherwise.
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 Because Rolex (as I already said) is and always was using pretty good movements. Everything else back then was pretty bad compared to modern standards. The build quality was good for the time, but shit have changed.
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 have you ever held a vintage Rolex from the 70s and 80s? I have and the tolerances are abysmal compared to today's standards. Their movements were solid though.
i love my ginault or2. i would LOVE if they would come out with some more models. a gmt? an dressier explorer type? I LOVE GINAULT.
I've had my share of affordable watches under 1k and others in-between. I can say from experience that the Silent Service is a very, very good watch...regardless of price. I've had mine for a little over a month and have compared it to other watches in my current collection.
Its far better than my affordable SK5 GMT, Nodus Contrail, or Venicianaco.
It's better than my Seiko SPB143 and SPB383 GMT. Its better than my CW 12 and CW Atoll. Its also better than my Oris Aquis. It matches up favorably with my Tudor BB and even though much different, the finishing, to me, is better than my Cartier Santos. Where it does fall short, but not to a large degree, is my Rolex Batman. But at the price, it gets dang close. I highly recommend the Silent Service, it really is a high quality watch. The price may not be affordable but you do get a lot for the money in my opinion.
These watches are just crazy amazing. The bracelet and slide clasp alone put it above most smaller and micro brands. I have both the Silent Service and Ocean Rover and wear them all the time. John, the owner, is also great to deal with. I would not hesitate to throw down money for any watch from Ginualt!
This dial design is a complete swipe from the Omega Seamaster 2254.50. Which, BTW, can be obtained used for a few hundred bucks more than Ginault's MSRP.
thank you
Fantastic review Dave, thank you. I own both the Silent Service and the Ocean Rover V2, and i can say that both are simply fantastic watches. BTW, both run about +2-3 sec/day. I say this being able to compare to high end Swiss Made watches in my collection including 2 Omegas (Seamaster & Speedmaster), a Breitling Superocean, and a Rolex Submariner. For the money, Ginault makes an outstanding watch. Regarding Assembled in America, no issues and i applaud Ginault for doing this and for their transparency. As for all the rumors, i have researched and foundd absolutely nothing that can support that allegation. To me this is a dead mute point. Lastly, i like to note that in my dealings with Ginault, John - the Owner, was always very attentive and professional. Bottom line i received world class service. I have nothing but good things to say about Ginault as a customer and highly recommended the brand.
Which do you like wearing more--Silent Spring or Ocean Rover V2? Why did you get both? Is the difference only the dial?
@doobeedoo2 I bought both because not only the dials are very different, but the cases also have significant differences.
I own one and it is absolutely lovely, so impressed with the quality and the way it was delivered was very special.
Great review, Dave! I became obsessed with Rolex, particularly the Submariner & GMT Master, when I began collecting watches. Knowing that I would never afford them, I owned copies from Parnis/Bliger, Tisell, and San Martin. Those were decent, but I was becoming more drawn to the original watches in my collection. I fell hard for the Silent Service after seeing a preview image on Facebook. I bought mine almost two years ago, and it has scratched the maxi case Submariner itch for me. I love that it's a true homage (except for the bracelet) and not a direct lookalike. It's for that reason that I wasn't into the Ocean Rover (though it's not quite that, either). In fact, I haven't wanted another dive watch since owing it. I was never put off by Ginault's alleged history. I'm interested to see what else they make!
I've thought about purchasing a Rolex, but with their ridiculous price tag (which far exceeds the annual cost of living increase over the years), I decided against purchasing. I looked at the Ginault years ago when they were selling for around $800 and when you can buy a top of the line microbrand like Zelos for around $500, Ginault simply priced themselves out of the market. Buy a Rolex homage?... sure, but NOT for $1,700 no matter how good the quality is.
I think before the arrival of Ginault we were all programed to think a homage should be no more than $500 and we all expected inferior quality. No one asked why things has to be that way. We just blindly followed. It was that way bc most homage makers ain't real watchmakers. So when Ginault arrived, they really changed the game with their watchmaking capabilities. It's a great watch considering the quality they are hitting at. Just because it's a homage doesn't mean it needs to be inferior in quality. That thinking style is outdated. And for good quality, it's expected you would need to pay more.
Made by Rolex enthusiasts as in people who made and sold Rolex super clones. Haha what a way to put it.
I quite like this, but I'd have expected a bit more crisp text on the date numbers, shown @ 12:25 considering the price.
Anyone else notice the grooves/machining marks on that bezel?
I did.
Me too 😢
Yep, it’s super rough lol.
It’s bizarre guys do macro shots of crap watches, but I think a lot of people do not know what they are looking at and feel it must be good if someone macros it 😂
The machining marks on the bezel are a 100% NO GO for me.
The bracelet machining and tone doesn't match the case either. That bezel machining definitely looks awful.
Rolex Subs also have those machining marks. EverydayWatchGuy did a direct comparison of the SS against his own Sub. FF to 9:32 you can see clearly the exact same type of machining marks on the Rolex bezel knurlings. What gives?
ruclips.net/video/GnBbYYVwqBA/видео.htmlsi=MpLpl9lmJPfN2rV6
@@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571Indeed we can see vertical machining marks inside the groove but it looks far more regular and well executed, furthermore the rest of the bezel is brushed and the overal appearence looks good to me...
I really think that Ginault must improve bezel execution...
Don’t macro a Turd. It will just look S***
I’ve looked at these several times. I cannot think of one thing I dislike about it…
Thank you! I do want that watch now. It looks right, the quality seems to be there. Very much agree on copies and that these guys going extra mile to do original twist on Rolex is more appreciated than is annoying. Even if owner did do fakes - who cares? He does different things now and he does them well. "Made in" controversy seems to be complete nonsense and plagued swiss as well. I rather care how watch is made, rather then where. Great review of a great watch.
I've owned the Silent Service for about a year and if you could get past the 8 week wait, pull the trigger its worth everything being said about it. And I found the Owner John to be reponsive to any inquiries i had.
Hamilton khaki
SWC Hyper Galaxy
Rolex OP
Seiko King Samurai
Casio MUDMASTER.
Ginault's quality is great. The clarity of the crystal is amazing making the hands and dial really pop. Very comfortable to wear too.
Did you not see the side of the bezel?
If the Seamaster and Submariner had a baby
I've seen this compared to the Seamaster 2254.50, but I think the Silent Service looks better.
I have the Silent Service and I have to say it is fantastic. Very well made and is truly one of the most comfortable watches I own. I don’t have a Monta but I do have a Formex and I think the SS is of higher quality. The lume is amazing and last all night and comfortable to wear thru evening as well. I reviewed every video I could find and EVERYONE praised it highly. One of my best purchases I’ve made!
Yeah higher than Formex. Have an ocean rover and a reef gmt.
Out of curiosity which Formex model are you comparing it to?
Love my Silent Service. It really feels special and is top notch for the money. I feel like i'm wearing something of the level of rolex while also knowing i didn't spend unreasonable money on it.
The traveller no date version looks best, but not available.
Certina DS Action Diver is a better Submariner alternative.
I think you are right. 1/2 the price too.
Way better. You get a reputable Swiss brand with history and diver heritage.
Love mines!
That's funny I also made a comment recommending the Certina DS Action diver 38mm for this price range, then i scrolled down and saw yours lol
@@jinglemyberries866 I'm still very happy with my Certina after one year of owning it
I had one and it is great, but I found it to be too small, which also made it seem a little thick, I think.
To me , it's massively over priced and just another Homage. If I could free up the money to buy one, I wouldn't. Instead I would put that money towards a ORIS Big Crown Pointer date or a Tudor 1926 white face Opaline dial. Some of the San Martin Homages and even the low priced pagani's do a better homage job in my opinion. I would rate it a $400 $420 USD watch at best. Maybe change the Silent Service to the Silver Service or Secret Service .Unfortunately it is too unappealing to consider.
Sorry, but I prefer the Rolex and I would be prepared to save up and wait.
"Chronometer", there is a reason why the test were conducted in an observatory. Just reduce the BS in the specs marketing and show more honesty.
Expensive San Martin?🤣 nobody will pay that kind of money to a “ non brand “
If you'd done your due dilligence you would find out for sure that Ginault are about as straight as the bottom row of your teeth
Great review Dave. Missed seeing your reviews. I'm a $300-$600 watch guy and have wondered what I'm missing in the $1500-$2000 price range. You've helped me understand that. I can't step up to the plate for a Sinn U50. (Yet) But I love my Zelos, Helm, Second Hour, etc. Keep up the great work!
The text on the dial is ridiculous. It's not even just the amount, it also reads so badly, at this price point it's a joke
I think it’s a great watch. I personally believe they are approaching it wrong. It’s a great watch on its own. I don’t think they need to sell it as a Submariner alternative. Thanks for the great review!
It's totally a watch on its own. I don't think this is just for the Sub enthusiasts only.
@@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571 Agreed. It's a great design on it's own. The dial actually feels closer to an Omega Planet Ocean.
I only hear good things about the quality of these Ginault watches. I do feel the controversies are kinda a thing of the past. And it's good they are finally being more open. So good on Ginault for course correcting.
So far they've only done SubMariner homages. Would be interesting to see them branch out and do say a revised Explorer.
I'm seriously considering one.
Nah. They are kinda sus at this price. They didn’t know ‘made in USA’ had rules around it before sticking it on their dial? I’ve read the documents and believe they did in fact produce fakes.
Either way: it’s ~$500 off a pre-owned Black Bay. Get that if you want a Submariner alternative
They absolutely used to produce fakes. They also knew they were lying about the made in the u.s.a part. Furthermore just because they say the case is made in the states does not mean it is...they used to work with clone factories in China which has also been proven. You can have all parts made in China and still put hand built in usa just like they are still doing😅
Great review Dave. I've got both the OR2 and the Silent Service and love them both. Quality is superb and up there with Monta and Formex.
Looks like a Namoki- mod with an AliX bracelet. Not my thing personaly.
They are overpriced $1700 bucks for essentially $500 in parts. As far as unsubstantiated. Untrue the claims are substantiated and many sites won’t allow Ginault on them because they are scammers.
I have handled many watched in the 300-700 range, and none of them even come close to this level of quality that Ginault is offering. It's a $1700 that can hang almost toe to toe with my RLX and Tudor.
Cmon guys, why pay over 1000 dollar for homage watch ? it should cost less than 500. This ginault still overpriced given the homage looks and not worth it given there are many diver look alike watch out there these days. I think it looks more like copy of older omega seamaster diver than rolex.
Yes, a blended homage
I've got an OR 1 when they came out years ago. Built quality is outstanding, especially considering the price of below 1000.- then.
It's the closest I could get to a real 5517 Milsub. I don't care if it was built in Switzerland, the USA or China as long as the watch is as good as it is.
They need a GMT. Already have a bidirectional bezel and they use Sellita movement so should be a natural progression to at least a caller GMT.
Hi Dave, from switzerland😊
Still too expensive but very beautiful 🥲
In macro there are a few things that have me scratching my head. Text on the date dial looks a bit off as does the machining on the bezel. The brushing on the case is at odds with the bracelet as well.
Yeah I was surprised that Dave didn't mention the brushing on case vs bracelet. It looks worse than many modern Seikos in its mismatch.
The brushing looks amazing to me. But perhaps that's because I am in the know. The mid-case has a traditional 5-digit Sub style circular brushing rather than the modern easier to do straight brushing seen on the 6-digit Sub. Ginault did circular brushing just to show off their watchmaking capabilities which I think is great!. The bracelet has straight brushing as always. I have never heard anyone complain about the brushing not matching on a 5-digit Sub 😂 So kinda funny to hear it here. But then beauty is subjective, what looks good to me may not be the case for you.
Looks like a 250$ watch. Nothing special about it, nothing more than your standard Orient.
It has a Sellita SW200-1 elabore movement; that is a significant step up from your average $250 watch or Orient. But agree its not worth $1700.
I ordered a Ginault Ocean Rover II blue bezel ceramic. $1799 USD. it took me 10 weeks from order to delivery. John at Ginault made this watch for me. I found a Rolex Mil Sub for $140,000 USD, i decided on the ocean rover II. This is what A Submariner should cost. I have 4 Tudors and 1 Omega, I love my Ginault Ocean Rover II, it reminds me of a Rolex 5513.
John Li Tsung?
Just recently discovered Ginault and am seriously considering the Secret Service. It's an absolutely gorgeous watch for a great price. I couldn't care less about any past controversies.
Very balanced review of the Silent Service. Thanks for the great video, Dave!
I saw a picture there from Shane’s channel. I’d recognize that holster anywhere.
Beautiful watch. If you want to spend that much for a very good homage . If you want to spend much much less for the same movement and 98 % of the quality , buy a steinhart ocean one ceramic black. For less than 600 $ 😅.
I own a few steiny and they are not 98% the quality of what Ginault is doing, I am sorry they are just not. Ginault's quality is close to Rolex, which is leagues above steiny and squale and all those.
Certina DS Diver
I have the Ocean One Ceramic and I don't see a big difference between it and the Ginault besides the cyclops and the bracelet. I popped my cyclops off, so really it's just the bracelet for me.
Hard to justify a 1200$ price difference for just a bracelet, no? Especially when the bracelet is listed at below 300$ on the ginault website.
Buy a steinhart and pocket the difference
Buy a Rolex and watch it at least keep up with inflation!
@@anonimushbosh😂😂😂😂….Rolex only worth it at retail and even that is a stretch.
@@TopSecretVid That’s not what I said though. Most Rolexes will always be worth retail in the used market whereas most other brands will never be worth more than half that. Buy this or a Seiko if you can afford that - or a buy a Rolex if money is precious!
Handmade in America?, where?, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia?
Love my Ginault Ocean Rover!!!
***side note the very first Ocean Rovers actually stated “made in America” which is really what caused the controversy. Since then that has been changed to “built in America” and why on earth is that a bad thing??
This is a homage of the Omega 2254.50 - cracking watch
For what it's worth - their webpage has lots of big glossy pictures but doesn't have any corporate info - not even a physical address.
No Warranty!
I own a few Halios and MKii, both legit microbrands, both without putting their actual addresses on the website either.
Yes. There's a warranty. @RootRoot-dp2em
Er....... I will wait 5 years and pay $10k thanks very much 😂
An Omega Planet Ocean (which it resembles more and is hugely discountable) would be a much better option ; )
I have a Ginault ss and it’s a fantastic watch. I got it at the early price, which was closer to a grand. The finishing on this watch is outstanding and easily on the level of my Sea-Dweller 126600. It’s also the most comfortable watch I own. The dial is amazing, the lume is next level. The people poo-poo’ing this watch have not experienced it, and are simply wrong.
And when reviewers say “it’s almost Rolex quality” I’m like - so where does Rolex pull away? The answer is they don’t know and can’t say, because it’s actually every bit as good as Rolex if not better. But Rolex has such a mystique that no reviewer goes full 100% objective and challenges it….or more to the point - these cheap watch channels actually have never spent much time with a modern Rolex and don’t pit them side by side, so it’s all guesswork / conjecture.
My SS is definitely one of my favorite watches to wear ... the right amount of attention.
The owner of this company IS: The former company TC WATCHES. I know I own three of them from him. He would only source the finest quality replica parts. This is true my friend, , all the data supporting this IS substantiated. Nice watch though.
Great review David, I would have No problem purchasing this Watch from Ginault! Loved your feedback. Matt😃👍🙏
Great watch, l love it ❤
I get more seamaster vibes than submariner. Other than the oyster bracelet, which is an obvious Rolex “homage”, what else is quintessentially Rolex? No crown guards, bezel font is omega, totally different dial, hand set not from any modern Rolex. I just don’t see sub. Fine looking watch, just not a sub.
Let's say the quality for the price is there; my problem is that if something goes wrong, say you crack the bezel after 10 years, are there going to be replacement parts available? Probably not.
I really do love that bracelet though. Is this the most affordable watch with a bracelet of this quality? Do I really need to spend 3x the price of a Steinhart just to get a better quality bracelet?
I’d buy it.
I actually don’t understand the ‘controversy’ - wouldn’t going straight be the ultimate outcome/aka the American way 🤔 makes no sense. The homage outrage too makes no sense… this is every bit a true to the sense homage watch. Takes bits and pieces from various models and even maybe multiple brands and puts it together to make the ultimate collectors homage watch.
I can attest to their quality and customer service, having made a very minor warranty claim, which was sorted straight away. Happy owner (Ocean Rover ii) here.
Great review BTW 👍🙂
I do not like the way the bracelet connects to the watch head. The light angles are off.
From what I can see in the video, the crispness of the date numerals is ever so slightly better on the Rolex. Beyond that, I’d say that you’re not getting a better watch in the Rolex, other than in movement. And in a world where everyone has a smartphone with atomic-clock level accuracy, a few seconds a day doesn’t mean shit. The finishing on the Ginault is every bit as good as Rolex, and I have compared them side by side.
if you want the same level of quality and functionality of Rolex there a lot of alternatives. You do not however get the name and all that goes with it. So if you want Rolex then the only alternative is Rolex. Remember that if you want Rolex and you buy something else then every time you look at it is not what you want to see. Many lesser priced watches do the same job but if it doesn't have the name it's not a Rolex. Only Rolex is Rolex. The NAME has NO SUBSTITUTE.
Overpriced for a micro brand. Rather just get a Longines or Seiko prospex for that money.
Well, I guess you have to say SOMETHING positive when you get a $1800 watch for free
I own the Ginault Ocean Rover 2 and it’s spectacularly built. Mine keeps -2 seconds per day every day. It’s a great watch for the price.
I like the watch but the bezel finishing looked horrid on that close up. Probably should’ve sourced that from China too. It looked worse than San Martin
The Ocean Rover II is one of my favorite watches in the rotation. Great watch!
Alternatively, and hear me out here, just buy the cheap aliexpress watch but voluntarily pay 10x more than it is actually worth after voluntarily waiting 5 years.
To get the full roly experience though, make sure the watch is inaccurate, costs an arm and a leg to service and (cream on the cake) arrange to be threatened and robbed once you leave the house wearing the overpriced, inaccurate watch that you waited 5 years to own.....
Alternatively, once your overpriced, inaccurate watch arrives after the 5 year wait put it in a safe and never wear it for fear of being robbed.
Great review. I recently purchased (2 weeks ago) the Ocean Rover 2. Can't wait. Seriously considering the Silent Service later this year but leaning more towards the Silent Service Traveler over this one reviewed (SS Diver) but we'll see. As for the "controversy" I felt the same way as you commented. Overall didn't bother me. Again, great review and thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work!
Rolex homage?? It reminds me more of the Orient divers layout hands dial etc. oh shame about the red lettering! More originality Giunault!!!!
Great review Dave. I've been looking these for a while now, I think they look great. The dial and handset is very much like my Seamaster Pro 2254.50 and that's a good thing.
Weren’t they making fake Rolex’s haven’t though about them in awhile but I remember it being a real mess on Reddit and the watch forums…
No I would not get a Ginault Silent Service, I'd get the Ocean Rover II because I'm a sucker for milsubs
I am probably an exception to the rule, but I would be into this because I have been a Navy submariner for the last 29 years. I had thought about getting a Rolex at 30 years, but the cost is excessive, and having never owned one, I would never be able to get one from a dealer.
It would be perfect without the ugly magnifying window . Great episode by the way 😊
I enjoy your channel and content very much. I think you missed the mark by comparing it to the Tolex. They have made a watch that, like most every dive watch on the market, is inspired by Rolex, but they've made something of their own creation.
Please review Genault Ocean Rover 2. The quality and looks are spectacular!
This one looks great. Why does no one talks about Seiko as a much cheaper (and probably more reliable) alternative?
Excellent review. I’ve had my SS for a year now. Extremely accurate at +1 SPD. Love the sword hands and applied markers. Very thin 12.1mm case. I have previously owned a submariner date and currently own a ceramic GMT Master II, (2) Tudor chronos amongst other time pieces. With that said, my SS remains active in my rotation. Highly recommended to those seeking Rolex sports watch quality at a reasonable price. I have also owned Steinhart and San Martin. Both good, but not on the same level as Ginault.
So great to see how the Bolivian watch industry is doing so good. Made in "América"...
In this price range I would look at the Certina DS Action Diver 38mm
The price has doubled in 7 years and the “Silent Service” lettering has to go. Reminds me of the Monta Oceanking for $700 less
Exactly. Not to mention similar wording like "assembled in America" is fairly common among American-based microbrands.
@@BetamaxBabeit became fairly common bc Ginault started the wave. Before Ginault no other micro thought about US assembly besides Weise
The Monta is better.
@@maitrehg If I didn't have the SS, I'd save up for a Monta. I like the updates they've made to the current generation.
@@BetamaxBabe To sell more watches, Monta made the Oceanking v3 more similar to the Submariner. The quality is incredible. But the Ginault is not very far and it costs less. The bezel action of the Ginault is better.
Why is everything compared to Rolex just buy a watch you like and wear it until it’s time to buy a new one.
I think I prefer the new version of the Monta Oceanking to Ginault. It's a little more refined for a few dollars more.
Oof! Lost me at only 7 seconds in with "Ali Express"...
Someone that pays you $1700 clearly influences your review lol
The Yanks are a funny bunch. They play semantics to suit their game. Pretty simple.
Handsome watch. I like it! Great review, btw.👍🏼👍🏼
Genault; Rolex fanboys building a Rolex. Who knew? 🤔😉
Surely they could have fitted some more text on that dial?
I might pay $425 for it. For the money they're asking? Forget about it.
Sounds to me like it is actually a bit of a pity that their philosophy is based on another brand. If they delivered this quality in something more creative and not so tied to ideas determined by an idolised brand, I could be really interested.
That watch will never be worth 1700.. so many options with name and heritage attached at that price point…
ppl forget that the value of RLX is in the brand at least as much as it is in quality
its worth exactly as much as it trades for
if you dont like it, buy a ginault or an omega or an san martin
That's not a current model Rolex at 13:40 ; )
You seem to have purposely made the Rolex look grey too lol.
If you cant afford a Rolex Sub than don't waste money on an off brand. Get a San Martin Sub homage.
Those are some pretty gnarly looking machining marks/blemishes on the bezel.
Did I see a vintage Hitachi tuner in the background?