Ginault Did It Again... the Ginault Silent Service

Today we're checking out the GInault Silent Service, a new diver from the watch brand Ginault who brought us the Rolex Submariner super-homage the Ocean Rover and Ocean Rover 2. This new Silent Service model is distinctly different than their previous watches in that it has a unique design and is not just another Rolex homage.
If you're interested in more information about the watch visit the Ginault website here - ginault.com
This product was provided by the manufacturer for the review, but as always all thoughts, opinions and commentary in this review is my own and is not influenced in any way by the manufacturer or sponsor.
#Ginault #SilentService #OceanRover

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

I own a few RLX/TDR watches, and I can say the quality of Ginault's watches are definitely up there comparing to major Swiss brands. I purchased my first OR2 three years ago and so far the watch is solid and runs within +\-2spd. Last year, I accidentally dropped my watch hard on the floor, the movement had some issue after. John took care of the issue for me under warranty although it was my own fault. That is going above and beyond for his customers!! One thing to note is John spends most of his working hours at the workbench building watches so his email replies could be slower (up to 72hrs and he was upfront about this in the beginning) so don't need to worry. He really stands solidly behind his customers. 👍🏾

[@Jedi391]

I have a no date. I’ve pretty much stopped wearing any other watches. I’m still in awe of the build quality and finishing. I judge things based on the actual product and this just surpassed what I expected.

[@roamy3605]

From people who have bought watches from Ginault (including me) I've heard very few complaints and many great reports about their watches. The quality of the brand is superb. I'm on the bubble about this newest iteration from Ginault but starting to get more interested. As far as Ginault's prior history of possibly being a replica producer back in the day, if true, I'm forgiving them. Just like I've forgiven many friends for being young and dumb back in the day before turning their life around. If this watch or brand doesn't resonate with you there are many other good ones that should. Monta, Oak & Oscar, etc.

[@JustBlueFish]

Well said and thanks for sharing. Thanks for watching and for your thoughts.

[@blackwater2100]

I own this watch down to the cyclops. I love the lume, the accuracy, and the amazing bezel and highly recommend. The dial truly pops!

[@gregentwistle5105]

Once again, great review. Based on your previous reviews of Ginault, and running into a gent on the golf course in FL who had an Ocean Rover II, I placed an order and just received shipping confirmation this morning. About 5 weeks from time of order. I don’t have the watch in hand yet, but I must say the email communication between John and I was very professional and educational about the brand. So far I’m impressed, can’t wait for the watch to arrive.

[@JustBlueFish]

Congrats and Thanks for sharing! I hope you enjoy the new watch!

[@gregentwistle5105]

Sept 2023 update- Received and have been wearing the OR2 for the last 6mo’s and it’s probably the best bang for the buck based on my watch needs. It checks every box that I consider necessary for my daily watch. Accuracy has been +- 1spd, which blows me away. I’ve been so impressed I ordered a Silent Service Traveler, which I just got shipping notification on, so I’m excitedly waiting for the delivery next week. Thanks for all your quality videos and reviews.

[@ccw5886]

I had an ocean rover. It was a beautiful watch in all respects. I gave it to my brother in Law as a present. he loves it so much

[@Ahcelaht]

Since I already have a Steinhart Ocean 39, not sure I could do one of these. Same movement, for 30% the price (just not regulated as nicely, but perfectly accurate enough).

[@carbondragon]

Looks like a great watch. I have an ORII and I like that one. I'm kind of sick of the people who can't let a post about Ginault go by without trying to ruin our fun.

[@markusopel5773]

I‘d like to weigh in on the Hommage I‘d like to weigh in on the Hommage issue. The term, often intentionally, I think, is used far too loosely. In the true sense, a Hommage IMO is a watch that honors a long out of production and hardly available watch by bringing it back in a modern form with updated technical and some own style features. That is a good and morally defensible thing, I would argue. Which is different from a watch that calls itself Hommage but is nothing but an inexpensive copy of a popular model, that brings nothing of its own to the table, and derived its entire appeal from being a lookalike at a cheap price. Here I am firmly in the disapproval camp that has no love for that. What about the Ginault? To begin with, borrowing some isolated design element is not a Hommage. For example, the Rolex Milspec of old was not a Hommage to the Omega seamaster just because it used its hands. The Silent Service, while incorporating a case design similar to a Sub without crownguards, and a dial design that seems derived from a vintage Seamaster, to my eye is a much improved design over the Seamaster that by virtue of its outstanding aesthetics stands on its own feet, with a bezel entirely its own. Add to that the superb logo design which adds to the quality of the watch by virtue of its beauty and execution (as opposed to copy watches where the entire appeal is the copied design, and the logo a boring add-on). So no, the Silent Service is neither a copy nor a Hommage in any sense of the word but a great watch in its own right. What about the OR and OR2 from Ginault? The similarity to the 5 digit Subs is undeniable. Yet, I would argue, many of the models are not primarily a copy. The no date OR model with golden sand lume IMO is a true and deserving Hommage to the Rolex Milspec. The golden sand lume OR model with blue bezel and golden bezel numbers adds design features that no Rolex had. The bezels of the OR2 do heavily borrow from that of the current Rolex Seadweller, yet by combining it with a Sub case, having that highly appealing own logo design and, which applies to all Ginault models, adding another quality of its own, namely offering superb materials and finishing qualities at a very good price, these watches have convinced me based on their own merit. IMO, Ginault offers what Rolex offered 50 years ago: superior quality/price ratio with a highly appealing design, overall creating a package that stands on its own feet. I am a fan. issue. The term, often intentionally, I think, is used far too loosely. In the true sense, a Hommage IMO is a watch that honors a long out of production and hardly available watch by bringing it back in a modern form with updated technical and some own style features. That is a good and morally defensible thing, I would argue. Which is different from a watch that calls itself Hommage but is nothing but an inexpensive copy of a popular model, that brings nothing of its own to the table, and derived its entire appeal from being a lookalike at a cheap price. Here I am firmly in the disapproval camp that has no love for that. What about the Ginault? To begin with, borrowing some isolated design element is not a Hommage. For example, the Rolex Milspec of old was not a Hommage to the Omega seamaster just because it used its hands. The Silent Service, while incorporating a case design similar to a Sub without crownguards, and a dial design that seems derived from a vintage Seamaster, to my eye is a much improved design over the Seamaster that by virtue of its outstanding aesthetics stands on its own feet, with a bezel entirely its own. Add to that the superb logo design which adds to the quality of the watch by virtue of its beauty and execution (as opposed to copy watches where the entire appeal is the copied design, and the logo a boring add-on). So no, the Silent Service is neither a copy nor a Hommage in any sense of the word but a great watch in its own right. What about the OR and OR2 from Ginault? The similarity to the 5 digit Subs is undeniable. Yet, I would argue, many of the models are not primarily a copy. The no date OR model with golden sand lume IMO is a true and deserving Hommage to the Rolex Milspec. The golden sand lume OR model with blue bezel and golden bezel numbers adds design features that no Rolex had. The bezels of the OR2 do heavily borrow from that of the current Rolex Seadweller, yet by combining it with a Sub case, having that highly appealing own logo design and, which applies to all Ginault models, adding another quality of its own, namely offering superb materials and finishing qualities at a very good price, these watches have convinced me based on their own merit. IMO, Ginault offers what Rolex offered 50 years ago: superior quality/price ratio with a highly appealing design, overall creating a package that stands on its own feet. I am a fan.

[@eggsII]

That hoo hah about where it’s made is funny. I own many watches that say, “Swiss made” on the dial. The majority of the parts aren’t sourced from Switzerland. They’re sourced from Asia. It really is the watch world’s dirty little secret…

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah, that's true. Lots of "Swiss watches" are hardly swiss and the manufactures are not transparent about that in the least.

[@MichaelG1986]

I miss their older watches that looked more like the older Sub. I regret not getting one back in the day. For whatever reasons, they've stepped back from producing those.

[@JustBlueFish]

I was under the impression they were still producing the Ocean Rover, which I imagine is the one you are talking about.

[@MichaelG1986]

@@JustBlueFish They've discontinued the original aluminum bezel OR. It looks like they still produce the OR II with a ceramic bezel. It's sort of "neither fish nor fowl" watch that has the older Rolex Sub's dimensions but with the ceramic bezel. It looks like a nice watch, but I preferred the Al bezel one which was close to the older Subs.

[@JustBlueFish]

@@MichaelG1986 ahhh, ok that makes sense. I would guess if you emailed they were do an ORII with aluminum bezel insert tho - if I had to guess.

[@davidhill3939]

I asked for and got a green aluminum bezel on my ORII. Be sure to ask for what you want.

[@EricSloferwatchreviews]

Wonderful watch, I just don't know how they get around a stained history

[@JustBlueFish]

Some people will hold the past against them, some won't care. I think in the end, most people tend to forget or stop caring.

[@amgolfer3591]

I am new to this brand. What exactly are you talking about regarding a stained history?

[@realslicedbread]

@@amgolfer3591 I think they used to be one of the top Chinese fake Rolex manufacturers (or at least one of the guys involved in the company is). Like their fakes were world class but at a fraction of the price of a real Rolex. I think they moved on to becoming Ginault and making "homage" Submariners at that high level of quality.

[@K.J.H_]

IWC dont seem too hampered from supplying the Nazi's nor Ford Motor Company for helping them build tanks... scandal will eventually drown in the news cycle.

[@jodysilvia2]

I did a pre order silent service and it's fantastic. I owned the ocean rover 2 and I prefer the silent service.

[@gncrrr]

Nice review Guy and great to see you back on YT. Cheers!

[@JustBlueFish]

More to come!

[@tp8382]

I have the Traveler bezel version with the date but no cyclopes, It's my 2nd favorite watch right behind my Omega sapphire sandwich Speedmaster #1 by far.. I also own the new Tudor Black Bay Maroon Bezel but I find myself wearing my Ginault more.....

[@mr.eswatchreviews]

I actually own both versions traveler and diver The travelers no date the divers Date and cyclops both are absolutely exquisite and I highly recommend them

[@HamishCarpenter]

Will this work on 6.5” wrist? Thank you

[@mr.eswatchreviews]

@@HamishCarpenter yes

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

I own one-it’s a great watch!😎

[@JustBlueFish]

Awesome, enjoy it!

[@brandontran4180]

This watch looks like they took the dial, hands and bezel from the Mil-Spec Omega Seamaster 300, slapped it on a Rolex Submariner case with a Cyclops lens and gave it the Rolex Oyster bracelet. Definitely an interesting frankenwatch design

[@Kiwigd]

I totally agree..

[@nick-just]

Great to have another video from you, hope you’re well Guy.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks, you too! I'm hanging in there, and have several videos I'm working on. Stay tuned!

[@ivankerr3570]

Great review and very nice. However, it looks like a Omega Dial.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah, I can see that, but to be fair most dive watch dials are fairly derivative of something.

[@syedsaadwasti]

Hi there Guy …. I wanted to check if you have any idea if it is anti magnetic?

[@JustBlueFish]

To the same degree that any watch with a Selitta based movement is. I forget their antimagnetic specs off hand I'd have to look them up. I don't think it's super highly antimagnetic though.

[@markshaw5661]

Sort of a vintage Seamaster vibe to me, but I don't think that's a bad thing.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah, I can see that. Not that I mind it I think it looks good and most dive watches kinda look derivative of something else in one way or another.

[@ChromeMan04]

Another Rolex homage…..lovely.

[@craig2100]

Great job, and I appreciate the share. These offer a decent value

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching Craig, and thanks for the comments!

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Some other reviews will hate on homage brands like San Martin but gush about this watch. I don’t get it.

[@jdukenski]

Really nice video! Would you be able to comment on how the quality of this compares to a comparable Monta?

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Jay. I think it compares well to the Monta watches I've had for review, maybe even a little better if I'm being honest. The fit and finish on Ginault watches is just a touch more crispy than anything else in the similar price - if that makes sense. Sharper edges, crisper lines, smoother brushing... But Monta is top notch as well.

[@FadeToBlack2181]

I have never owned a Monta but I will say the 2 ORII's I have are just about the same build quality of my Sub 41. I honestly feel at times I paid 10x the price to have Rolex on the dial and the in house 70hr movement. They are that well built and finished.

[@jdukenski]

@@JustBlueFish Thanks for the detailed response!

[@jdukenski]

@@FadeToBlack2181 Wow! Need to see a Ginault in the metal.

[@Fidelio3rdEye]

What is accrosst???

[@Leftystrat]

Question for me would be after sales service and warranty issues. Then you will know if the brand is legit

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah that's a good point, and very important. I've always had good communication with the brand, but being a KZbin channel there's no way of knowing if I'm getting special attention. Would be good to hear other customer experiences.

[@ATIWatchReviews]

Stunning, love the red

[@navboi12]

It's essentially a mil spec Omega Seamaster 300 homage. So not original, but it looks well built.

[@bani_niba]

The Military Seamaster design is one of the most beautiful (in my opinion). It would be even better if the case had lyre lugs. The slab-sided cases are not my favorite.

[@evh4611]

The bezel does not line up perfectly i see. I had a Ginault Rover and it was fantastic

[@JustBlueFish]

I just had it off a click. It lines up good.

[@Andrew-ec9ir]

Very nice review. Do you still have the watch?

[@themightysquid]

Now it looks more like an Orient homage.

[@xavieralonzoparedes]

Very nice.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@scottsj4625]

I like the handset on the Ocean Rover better. I like Mercedes's hands. I can't really judge this kind of watch without it on the wrist.

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks for watching Scott, nice to see ya.

[@scottsj4625]

@@JustBlueFish Nice to see you make another video. I might be in error, I thought the ocean rover had Mercedes hands but when I looked on the used market for one, they are similar to the new model. Did you have to buy the Ginault silent service, or is it on loan? I heard a few years back they gave KZbinrs a huge discount to buy them but still not cheap. Thank you and I hope you are doing well.

[@TopSecretVid]

Love my Ocean Rover…

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

How does Ginault compare to Christopher Ward in build quality? I consider the CW line the bench mark for mid to entry level luxury watches.

[@gncrrr]

I have the CW C60 on rubber and the Silent Service no date. Quality of Cases are both Excellent with a big edge to the SS Bezel action. Smooth as silk.

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

WatchDan did a 3 way review with the Silent Service, Monta, and CW. Ginault comes on top kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKO1aaRvd52joNE

[@JustBlueFish]

I’ve seen a few CW watches, I think Ginault wins in fit and finish by a fair margin.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

@@JustBlueFish I’ll need to take a closer look at the Ginault line then. Thanks

[@daveLin104]

Hi guy you say its far better quality than your spb143, but what has more charm and what would your prefer to own ?

[@JustBlueFish]

I’d be happy to own either but which do I like the look and aesthetic on more? The Seiko. The 62Mas is one of my all time fav designs and it’s just a special watch for that reason. But in terms of quality it’s really not close, the Seiko is wildly overpriced and a really poor value for money.

[@TinBin-Craig]

nice watch really like it.... cheers

[@JustBlueFish]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching.

[@erikknudsen2971]

Last year I put down a deposit for Silent Service as a present for myself for taking a new job and moving from Virginia to Colorado. About a week after putting down the deposit, I cancelled the order as I could not go through with the purchase after I read about the rather murky past. Let me state that this is an amazing watch - I absolutely love the look. It's a nod to some old(er) omegas and I really love the flat ceramic bezel insert and hand set. It is expensive and Guy produced a great video comparing a bunch of submariner homages (the Ocean Rover was part of the line up). For the money, I would probably go with a Davosa or Steinhart if one desires a well built homage as those watches are about half the cost of the Ginault, but have similar specifications. Great job, as always, Guy!

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks Erik I appreciate it! Hope you're well.

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

"Kenetic Continuous"?

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah, that's not the best tag line is it?

[@butts4653]

the problem with the ocean rover and the claim that it's a good value, is that it's simply a superrep that they took and then just rebranded it. The superreps are typically in the $600-700 range these days with the cloned movements, so why would you spend MORE for for the Ginault when you can experience the same quality in the superreps for nearly half the price?

[@austinzizzi1142]

Now making omega homages

[@HarryUnchained]

I don’t think it’s a good value watch. It is basically a franken watch with parts mostly from China using Swiss made movement. A sub homage with pt5000 is like $250 on AliExpress and the overall quality is probably close to this watch. Just add another $100 or so for a Selitta movement.

[@BadeniaFilme]

So a Sub with a Seamaster 300 MoD Dial. Alright. Still nothing I would call distinctive.

[@JustBlueFish]

To be fair almost all divers are derivative of something to one degree or another.

[@BadeniaFilme]

@@JustBlueFish Fair. But if I didn't knew about the quality in these watches, (the sticky story with possible links to even more illegal stuff), I would have guessed this is an AliExpress-parts watch. Basic SM300 Dial with a basic crownless Sub case

[@isrstrategies]

I ordered this watch but like an idiot I didn’t do enough research and now I’m finding out that this fucking company and this guy and the quality of this watch including the movement could be a scam so now you know what I’m thinking of just walking away with my walking away from my deposit and putting that money towards another brand of watch that I know is legitimate and not a scam

[@johnmuthan286]

The OR2 was much better

[@JustBlueFish]

I like them both, but I think I prefer the OR slightly more if I had to pick a favorite.

[@Phyxsius_85]

Who cares if it was made in America or on Jupiter, as long as the quality is good and the price is realistic. It's stupid to even bother with such things!

[@peterlandbo2726]

Did what? Make another Rolex copy? I have to laugh.

[@grantmorriss2557]

Great video. Great watch. Awful brand, with a criminal owner (TC/Tsung Chi) who hides behind an alias, and who used to make counterfeit watches.

[@yourmastersenemy]

Frankenstein using super cloned surplus parts...

[@leomore]

The very first editions were the best because they combined the very best of vintage, neo vintage and contemporary sub references. Now to me it’s pretty ugly, especially those bold lugs and the ceramic insert ruin it all.

[@JustBlueFish]

I like those old ones a lot, for sure, but this being a bit more modern is nice as well.

[@leomore]

@@JustBlueFish of course, many people tend to prefer ceramic inserts and a more squared case nowadays. I just love the 5 digit golden proportions tho.

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

I personally love the way the Silent Service looks ❤

[@MarcelitoRecords]

They should have started with this one, for me they are cursed anyway

[@JustBlueFish]

I like the Mil-Sub vintage inspired version they started with, but this more modern take on a diver is nice.

[@mmadchef808]

Hard pass…..price is waaaay to high. In that price range I would buy the latest Formex diver.

[@JustBlueFish]

Can't say I've experienced any Formex watches, how are they?

[@mmadchef808]

@@JustBlueFish You have to check out their newest releases. COSC movement, SW300, interchangeable bezels, thin, on the fly adjustment. Price is around 1600-1800 USD. I think you will be very impressed.

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

Unique design??? No, now they’ve copied the Orient Kamasu!!! Pretty much a copy of the Kamasu.

[@gncrrr]

Nope. Perhaps the indices on the dial but the SS are more pronounced. bezel different, crown different, no crown guards, date different, no date different. Yes the bracelet is Asian and Rolexesque but totally different from the Orient.

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

@@gncrrr Those are minor details overall. The look is totally Kamasu. I completely disagree with your "nope."

[@gncrrr]

@@MikeSmith-er1qs your “minor details” suggest that it’s NOT a “ copy” of the orient. Your words. I just agree to disagree.

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

This type of dial design actually belongs to the MoD, they first commissioned Omega to make it in the 60s and then moved on to having other brands like CWC make them. Orient was just copying this exact dial design concept as well, Mike. Everything else on the SS is different. The bezel is unique, the crown is unique, the mid-case is Rolex-esque but not the lugs and shaping were improved. The bracelet is an exact copy of the oyster style bracelet. Orient Kamasu doesn't compare to the Silent Service in terms of the build quality either. Ginault is being compared to the likes of Rolex and Tudor....so.....I doubt Ginault even looked at the Kamasu 😮 yub truth hurts

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

@@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571 Now that you've steered me to the old MoD Omega's, I will agree with you that Ginault is copying their homework. Either way, it's just essentially a copy. The Orient however, may have a similar look as the MoD watches, but it has enough of it's own design language to seperate it. I would say the old MoD watches "influenced" or "inspired" the Orient, but it's not a copy. The Ginault however, is a straight up copy of the MoD watches so no design credit there.

[@yourmastersenemy]

Frankenstein using super cloned surplus parts...