GINAULT OCEAN ROVER II REVIEW - The Best Ceramic Bezel in the sub $2k Market!?

The Ginault Ocean Rover is a divisive watch, I get it. On one hand a clear homage watch. On the other, unlike just about any other in the marketplace in its' quality of build and attention to detail.
In this review I cover my usage of this watch, including the pre-order, color availability, pricing, build and general thoughts and experiences.

[@billhart]

"Infatuated." I totally get that. I've had my ORII (sand lume/no date) for 6 months or so and if the evidence of watch infatuation is wrist time... guilty as charged. And here's the thing, my others are a Rolex 216570 Exp II (my grail) and a Tudor Black Bay Heritage. Both of which I love. The ORII is on my wrist all the time. I'll put the others on occasionally out of guilt. You nailed all of the features that I love and appreciate daily. I'll add that the accuracy is STELLAR. Also, that bezel action loosens up nicely, so keep moving it. This thing is a gem, and I'm grateful to own it. As they say at Saddleback Leather; "They'll fight over it when you're gone." Indeed.

[@AlexFleck81]

Thanks Bill! Appreciate the comments and understand the wrist time. It's superb.

[@billhart]

@@AlexFleck81 It really is man. At this price, I feel like I cheated, just a little :)

[@jerrycotter2000]

Spoke to John today after seeing this and ordered one. Great review and why pay someone else $1000's more for their marketing budget. Here you pay a fantastic price for the most important thing... the way that it's made and the materials... best in class!

[@lukedef1736]

Fantastic review! Absolutely love this colour combo and so pleased I got to see a different version of the watch before I purchase! Id love to see an update video in a couple months👍🏻

[@AlexFleck81]

Cheers Luke, glad I could help. I'll certainly do a follow up in a couple of months. Thanks and let me know how you get on with the piece if you decide to buy one

[@PPISAFETY]

That's truly a gorgeous watch. I love the effect of the sand color on the date wheel and indices, and the red second hand sets them off perfectly. I've never spent more than $500 USD on a watch before, but this one has me considering it. I'm especially impressed with the amount of testing they do on the watch prior to shipping. Enjoyable review.

[@apostolosgalimanas8274]

Great review! I wear my ocean rover 2 a year now and yes its phenomenal watch!

[@PatrickLino]

Excellent review! I have the same exact ORII model with the ETA movement. After 16 straight days mine is running at a consistent -2.2 seconds a day. Amazing! The five month pre-order was worth the wait!

[@bentlyist]

Hi Patrick, where did you go to pre-order? The Ginault site doesn't have it.

[@douglaspuglas6888]

Stunning, whatever the negative back story is you can't argue that the watch is top quality.

[@JM-rl3nd]

The OR2 is an impressive watch, I just ordered one. Thanks for your informative review.

[@justplainlawr]

you are correct about the wrapping job, they go to great lengths to make sure the watch ships out to you in pristine condition. I've had my OR2 bracelet for just about a year now and put it through a thorough cleaning yesterday, found some plastic wrap still attached to the clasp that I somehow missed.

[@dorningarts]

Man Alex, great review! Just subscribed , looking forward to more

[@AlexFleck81]

Thanks for the sub and kind words!

[@deeno1114]

I have an OR2 no date sand lume arriving this week. I can’t wait the sand lume combined with the ceramic bezel looks killer on this. I had an OR1 for a year and a half and it was outstanding

[@j.adanga9787]

beautiful, I love this combination for the OR2. And that gorgeous diamond flecked gold sand lume, proprietary to Ginault, sets it apart.

[@harryschaffner4644]

Wiling to wait for the blue bezel. Have it on order with the smerf lume. A very nice Steinhart will be stored for my grandson going to college. Very nice review.

[@AlexFleck81]

Good choice! I'm considering it too...

[@voidboy9862]

Great review! As a proud owner of an OR1. I can’t wait to 1 day own this watch as well

[@AlexFleck81]

Right on!

[@roblumley2755]

This is exactly how I feel about my OR2. I am not wearing mine this morning, but watching your review makes me want to go swap out my stainless steel Apple Watch for my OR2.

[@AlexFleck81]

Rob Lumley thanks Rob! Enjoy the ORII, such an impressive piece

[@watchreviews4k]

Interesting piece. Wear it in good health. Keep up the good work. Regards.

[@WBB1981]

Great review 👍

[@AlexFleck81]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@stevebrayshaw7228]

Good review, I’m expecting the date smurf version any day now. Ordered in November !

[@AlexFleck81]

Great stuff, enjoy it Steve, it's an absolute stunner!

[@Neverokful]

I've seen one in the flesh and it is truly remarkable value for money. The key for me would be to wear it as a watch for a year and then review and see how it holds up.

[@romyv1077]

I ordered right away after watching this video ;-)

[@michaelsuede]

Yeah awesome watch. I agree on the clasp. I would like to see their flower logo applied to the clasp where the Rolex crown would be.

[@rasecsajor3699]

Right on!

[@jayce704]

@@rasecsajor3699 +1

[@calumpatondrone]

Great review!! I have the OR 1 and love it. Was wondering - do you prefer the domed crystal in the first or ar coated flat crystal in the new version?! Looks great!

[@calumpatondrone]

I keep coming back and rewatching your video! Was always a no date guy, but the aged date look on this new OR is just insanely stunning

[@roamy3605]

I've just received mine as well. Blue Smurf with date. The attention to detail is great. Very difficult to say much negative about my Ginault. Maybe a little bit less text (from 4 lines to 3 on the bottom of the dial) and get rid of Kinetic Continuous on the top of the dial. It would still be symmetric. And I agree that having the Ginault logo stamped on the clasp would be a nice touch. I bought this Ginault to scratch the itch of having a Submariner. I already have a Rolex and didn't see a need to own 2 of them, plus I'm not made of money. So, if I were going to go for an obvious homage it had to be the best that I could buy. 15 years ago I did my Invicta>Steinhart thing thinking all homages were pretty much the same. Boy was I wrong. This Ginault Ocean Rover II hits the sweet spot. Looking forward to what Ginault might do next. My guess? Why not a homage to the AP Royal Oak? If they can pull off that engineering feat they might go into the Watches "Hall of Fame".

[@AlexFleck81]

Fantastic! I'm ok with the busy-ness of the dial myself but I do understand it has a little more text than most pieces. The engineering is superb as you said, and having owned Steiny's and other homage watches, albeit half the price and less, of the Ginault, this is certainly one of the top out there, if not the best. I sort of feel it's 'acceptable' to have a homage of the Sub, but the AP is probably not a good idea to go after

[@MrJayManny1]

Hey brother, could you upload or send me pictures of the Smurf? I really want to see the coloring on it

[@roamy3605]

@@MrJayManny1 I'll try to get it posted on the Ginault Watch Club (Facebook) website today by about noon PST.

[@roamy3605]

@@MrJayManny1 OK: That was easy. Posted!

[@MrJayManny1]

@@roamy3605 thanks a bunch!

[@alexsdg3441]

absolutely fantastic watch and probably the best homage for Rolex! but I have experienced the horrible Pip lume melting down and many of bezels are really tough to turn and in most of cases, you have to use 3 fingers to turn (in the case of Aluminum ORII watches). Also it is a shame that Ginault does not honor the warranty once the watch gets transferred to some other owner. Again, A great great watch with few major issues that need to be resolved, quickly.

[@kentde]

Nice review. Love my ORII GSL. Can't wait for the ORII blue bezel I have on order to ship. I have no doubt it will be even more stunning, if that's possible.

[@bentlyist]

Hi Kent, where do you order these watches? Thanks!

[@kentde]

@@bentlyist email [e-mail] and they'll get put you on the ORII waitlist.

[@bentlyist]

@@kentde Hi Kent, thanks for the email tip. I ended up going for an Oris Aquis. (grey market and quick delivery) Have a good one!

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

That is a very good looking watch. I still wish Ginault was more transparent with where exactly they are made. If these are made in America they should provide proof so that once and for all put all doubters to rest. Such a great looking time piece.

[@Jamcam99]

Great review Alex.

[@AlexFleck81]

Thanks so much, Michael! Hope you're well

[@Jamcam99]

You don't happen to have a brother called Shaun by any chance?

[@AlexFleck81]

@@Jamcam99 I do indeed! Are you back in NI!?

[@Jamcam99]

I have been going to F1 races every year with Shaun and Rodney for the last 20 years.

[@AlexFleck81]

@@Jamcam99 I knew your name sounded familiar! Just didn't connect it across the KZbin. haha, small world 😃 - Hope you're well!

[@GoranKlintenheim]

Nice video 👍 I don’t get why I only hear music for the first 4 minutes in this video though 🤷‍♂️

[@ChrisMarshall1978007]

How’s the time keeping after a few weeks ?

[@itamaradio]

That's a legit great watch. I don't care about the "controversy", these dudes can make watches. If they incorporate an independent design maybe they can hit a home run.

[@hogster5935]

I like the OR2. Wish they would build a GMT

[@WatchDanReviews]

So are there exactly 300 made total? Or was this 196 out of 300 made at that time?

[@geronimojunior3095]

I bought the no date one smurf , but I started loving the golden sand lume.... Bad luck

[@markstanton63]

Just ordered one myself ..... thank's for the thorough review ... it helped me make up m mind .... although you have cost me a few quid today lol

[@AlexFleck81]

haha, glad I could help! And sorry about the money lol.

[@markstanton63]

@@AlexFleck81 ...am I looking at about a three month wait for the delivery then? The order confirmation email didn't mention an estimated delivery date at all.

[@folksurvival]

For some reason they're not for sale online anywhere.

[@KingGene]

I did not hear anything about the movement unless I missed it?

[@TheRealAlfredoGallardo]

I just checked the Ginault website and do not see the new models you reference, available for purchase; none of them? Could you please post a link to the watch you purchased and reference in your video? The only models currently available on their site are their older models, with the non-swiss movements. I'm not really interested in those. I'd appreciate your posting a link to the watch you demo in your video. Thank you.

[@AlexFleck81]

You need to email support and get an invite to the new pre orders.

[@stevec2569]

I really like the watch, do you think it would be to small for a 7.25in wrist?

[@AlexFleck81]

I have a 7.25" wrist and find it perfect

[@lowersaxon]

The yellow patina tone, even as background for the date, is not mine. Shiny white is much better. Same for the too big/broad hour hand.

[@eoho8913]

There is no information about ocean rover2 on there website. How did you order your watch?

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

It's exclusive for club members and existing customers. You will have to email Ginault and request to join.

[@gregorywiley9772]

Whats up with the music?

[@GoranKlintenheim]

I owned the Ocean Rover and the one thing that was a huge disappointment and still is on the II, is the fact that there is no branding on the clasp. At this price point I just don’t get it 🤷‍♂️ With the way it looks now it’s a really nice watch with random third party clasp just slapped on and seems like they didn’t even bother branding it. Maybe just a small Ginault rose or something, making the clasp more a part of the watch. Seriously, I’ve had dozens of watches through the years and I’ve never seen one with no branding on the clasp. I know the clasp feels great since it’s basically the exact same as on the Ocean Rover, but it looks cheap with no branding 🤷‍♂️

[@daigoHR98]

That's a really beautiful watch but to me, personally I wouldn't spend that much on an homage, as the point is to get something very good for a little fraction of the real price. This is somehow nearer to Rolex pricing so, if I were to spend that much I think I'd go with something more "original" (there's no original diver in fact) as Oris or Tudor (spending more money). Otherwise it's really a huge quality piece if you are willing to spend the money

[@EastCoastPGS]

That’s my dilemma. I really like this watch but also like the Tudor Pelagos. So it’s like should I spend a few thousand less on this watch which is a beautiful watch, or spend the money on a Tudor which has the heritage

[@paradoxstudios6639]

I wonder if Ginault will ever make a Datejust homage ?

[@AyBi_Studio]

Boring watch..I hope they won't and stick divers

[@peteraprile360]

Is it just me and my computer but is the Ginault web site hard to navigate and less than intuitive?

[@mcstarling07]

It used to be more straightforward. They were releasing these version 2's as a preorder so it wasnt available on the site. Then the pandemic hit and lockdowns, so they kept with the preorder (fulfilling phase two now). I'm sure once they get caught up the site will be updated. Theres also an original design in the works.

[@justplainlawr]

pre-ceramic style case means non-Maxi case

[@bruh_oly1370]

Would that be 5 digit style case ( 11610), thinner lugs and profile than the new six digit beefed up sub?

[@bentlyist]

Great review, that watch looks amazing but it seems like Ginault is out of business. (based on Facebook page latest post 2 years ago and company website not up to date. Is there a new Ginault company operating with different web addresses and where do you purchase these? Thanks!

[@randymarsh3677]

Hey i just ordered one last month. They are still doing the presale. Just email the address on their website and they will contact you with the info

[@Jedi391]

Just ordered one, they’re still in business.

[@pauljackson6593]

I had the ocean rover 1 and didn’t think the quality was that good, mainly the bracelet which on the clasp was poor. I sold it as not happy. Ps ginault said bracelet made in China.

[@karolkimszal7974]

😊

[@jayce704]

Do you still think that the ceramic insert is so awesome?

[@AlexFleck81]

100%. Just got in an OR I and comparing the ceramic back to the aluminum is chalk and cheese. The ceramic is quite exquisite.

[@jayce704]

@@AlexFleck81 Gotha but I was asking about the ceramic bezel issue. Does your ceramic bezel is fine?

[@james..8802]

Please post more dad

[@GoranKlintenheim]

And one last thing, the whole Ginault-controversy has nothing to do with the watch being a homage. It’s the fact that the guy behind the company is a former replica Rolex producer and that the brand is built with money earned from illegal business...

[@Jedi391]

People really need to let things go……

[@GoranKlintenheim]

@@Jedi391 Why?

[@Jedi391]

@@GoranKlintenheim It shows poor character. As if you depend on pointing out the flaws in others in order to make yourself feel righteous…..it’s hard to respect people like that, they’re the type that thrives on Twitter. Let’s say everything all the Ginault obsessives say is true……we should celebrate that the guy is moving in a legit direction. What’s the point in trying to tear him back down? Push him back to counterfeiting? That’s ridiculous and shows low moral character. All Karen’s are not female.

[@GoranKlintenheim]

@@Jedi391 I’m not the one trying to sell my product to you 😂 You can think whatever you want about me but I’m not selling you anything. Ginault on the other hand is. Fine if you don’t care where the money came from that built the company, but some people do. Has nothing to do with poor character. Some people just care more about the legality of a business then others. Some people stopped buying clothes from H&M when they found out that the clothes were produced by children in China, some people don’t care. Me personally, I care mostly about the honesty of a company and the ability to show acknowledgment of the past. It would be better if Ginault embraced their past, said something about it being wrong and that they’re on a different path now, than just being quiet about it and hope it will be forgotten. It won’t. I’m not a fanboy so I see it clearly and can call bullshit when it’s actually bullshit. Not admitting something and saying that you did something wrong and that you won’t do it again, means that you’re not sorry at all and that you haven’t improved as a person at all. Don’t you usually want some kind of apology from someone who’s done something illegal? I’m this case they didn’t get any punishment from the government and by law, but they could still admit the wrongdoings and say they’re on a different path now. That would earn my respect way more than the silence they’re going with now… With that said, I owned the Ocean Rover and I’m looking at ordering the OR2. Great watches, just not a transparent and honest company 🤷‍♂️

[@jonathanobrien1058]

Pre-ceramic lugs means the slimmer lugs from the 16xxx submariner rather than the fatter lugs from the 116xxx submariner. much nicer IMHO

[@thomasschakow6465]

The only audio I hear is music.

[@lowersaxon]

I’ve saved up for the real thing.

[@Jedi391]

Excellent, just over $100 a month saving and you’re there in a year.

[@pauljackson6593]

Can I ask for Rolex to be put on the dial ?Then it would be a true “caddell “

[@Jedi391]

Oh boy you’re one of those……

[@Alycat1157]

Can't hear a word you're saying bud, the music drowns you out

[@AlexFleck81]

Unfortunately that was KZbin, who decided that the original track was copyright protected after 1 yr, and posted some cacophony over the top 🤦‍♂️

[@ivankerr3570]

Love it when the fanboys react .lol

[@AlexFleck81]

I think people get pissed off with clearly uneducated perspectives, that's all 🤷‍😉

[@kentde]

Yes, Ivan you're Terrible.

[@Troy211]

That music is horrible! It sounds like 3 different songs being played at once!

[@AlexFleck81]

You can blame KZbin for that, they overlaid it

[@pauljackson6593]

Strap is Chinese made . And watch box is plastic

[@Jedi391]

Made in China or America or Switzerland…….regardless it’s incredibly high quality.

[@ivankerr3570]

A lot of money for a watch assembled in USA with a Chinese cloned eta movement. Just a fake Rolex without the Rolex on the dial. Have a look at. Davosa bezel just as good at half the price. You are very easily pleased. And that’s surprises me for a guy from N, Ireland. Having said this you are obviously not really familiar with quality time pieces as you keep referring to Tag and Tag isn’t a quality brand. It’s low tier Swiss brand .

[@holokron1337]

It's a real ETA or Selita movement inside unlike the previous version :D

[@AlexFleck81]

As far as I'm aware Ivan, the movement is an ETA 2824-2. With the quality on this watch, I don't care where it's "made", frankly. It's better built than many watches at twice the (retail) price

[@AlexFleck81]

Incorrect Ivan. I referred to Tag because many are in the same ballpark price-wise, I didn't once say Tag was a "high tier" or even a good Swiss Brand. I personally think TAG are incredibly overpriced and poorly built, I've owned 6-7 over time (did you not hear my comment about the Tag having the worst clasp I'd ever seen?). At that price point though (you can get a Carerra or Aquaracer for $1000-1500) the Ginault is far superior in terms of build quality. I suggest you hold one in your hand before commenting so definitively.

[@WBB1981]

ivan kerr it is a genuine Swiss eta Ivan. You haven’t held a Ginault ocean rover in hand I gather? I say that because if you had, you would be nothing but blown away by it’s quality. I own two Davosas and they really don’t compare. I also own a Seadweller 4000 (2014) and my Ginault may not be quite up to par with that but it is certainly on par with my tudor black bays and I’d rate it higher with regards to finishing, bezel action and overall feel than my breitling super ocean heritage 2 (42mm). Regardless of whether it’s a straight up copy of a Rolex (which it is), it’s quality can’t be denied. 5 digit case with maxi dial, ceramic bezel, sword hands and glidelock bracelet.....if Rolex made that combo I’d be all over it. I don’t give a toss about its background, I only care that it’s a quality product that punches well above its weight. I’d say you are a bit of a watch snob. You should buy one, then try and play it down like you just have....guarantee you won’t be able to. I bought one of the first ocean rovers out of sheer curiosity due to the drama on the watchuseek forum that this watch caused, I could not believe the quality when I received it and I really didn’t want to like it.

[@AlexFleck81]

@@WBB1981 Great perspective Mike, appreciate the comment and I agree on all points. You Gotta hold one of these and wear it to appreciate the subtle details and build quality.