Ginault Ocean Rover Review - New Versions of the Ultimate Mil-Sub Homage

[@ajaxforever5473]

I own a Ginault Ocean Rover and all blahblah and homage bullshit aside, all i can say is that this is by far the best finished, with the best accuracy and with the best comfort of all timepieces i have ever owned in this price range. Hands down! Period! If one has the money to spend, just pull the trigger. It is a fantastic timepiece. There, i said it

[@rarjr1122a]

AjaxForever i

[@elportogrande]

I have pondered buying this brand for a while and after reading your reply, I have decided to jump in and get one. Thanks for making my mind up for me......I hope!

[@carolinasmoke5047]

AjaxForever: no argument here. Seems to be a solid well built time piece. Congrats.

[@oliverpaul6021]

Absolutely right, love mine, daily on my wrist...

[@cedarcanoe]

I have a collection of approx. 30 watches, and since I own a Ginault (no date, yellow sand lume) I have been waering it everyday. The best of all is that it has tremendous build quality and the movement is accurate to +0.3 seconds a day. I suggest the haters didn't want to know that.

[@brewer9565]

Armand, your reviews are consistently excellent and the level of details and quality of information is superlative. One small add that I think we viewers would find helpful concerns the bracelets and whether the links are secured via screws or pins, and if pins, are theses standard or pin and collar a la some Seikos. Keep up the excellent work - love your channel.

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+brewer9565: Thank you very much for the kind words, they are very much appreciated. The links of these bracelets are secured with screws and a screw driver for these is provided with each watch to ensure that the screws are not burred by the use of an incorrect screwdriver.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Have always loved this style of watch but was never willing to spend 7 grand for one. Now you can get fantastic quality for the style I like with finally a great bracelet also.

[@mrsrhardy]

OCEAN-ROVER $1,299. Still prefer a steinhart watche at about half the cost. But as always a good review & the glidelock is nice on any watch & id like to see more like this

[@Mark-sd7fc]

@@Ferien7 I own both and I don’t see what your saying to be correct? The ONLY thing I see better with the ginault is the clasp and only the clasp! The bracelets are the same.

[@neilus0]

Another great video. just goes to show that you really can make a quality watch without the ridiculous Rolex price tag. Of course some will say Rolex is so superior, because they have spend a large chunk of their hard earned cash on a watch that is really worth about $1000. if only we could see past the brand and marketing......

[@kierenmoore3236]

Consistently great reviews/backstories, Armand! Keep up the great work! :)

[@james.shafiei]

I really like this watch, especially the bracelet and clasp. One criticism I have though is of the bezel. If the choice of aluminum was really to stay in keeping with the original milsub, then it should definitely be fully indexed too. Having minute markings only to 15 really detracts from the military feel for me personally.

[@kylestewart4444]

I can’t wait to receive mine. I decided to go with the black bezel, no date, blue lume version.

[@alexsdg3441]

i used to own two ginault. I have to admit that fit & finish of Ginault is top class. Everything about it just shines like no other Rolex homage watches....except the movement and customer service from Ginault. They claim that the movement is a clone of ETA, but I strongly believe that it is made in China. (also my watch maker said the same thing and he couldn't even give me guarantee of regulating it). After few month later, my two watches weren't accurate anymore, so I sent them out for service, but after 3 month, John returned them back to me saying that they have repaired them. BUT THEY DIDN'T. the two watches were exactly same as before, one going 25 sec fast and one going 20 sec slower per day. So, when I asked John to send me some sort of report saying they have regulated it, but at that moment, he just stopped communicating with me. Since there is no phone # for Ginault, i can not even call.... So I was so angry at them that I just sold them in ebay and bought Monta Oceanking. If Ginault claims that they have one of the best Rolex homage watches and stand behind their watches, they should have repaired my watches and also at least provide phone # in their website for customer service. Great looking watch, but that is where it ends. China movement with awful service.

[@johncook7286]

Excellent review Armand, thanks!

[@WatchRob]

Armand, great review as always.

[@dustytriumph]

Fantastic review. I'd really like to see a ceramic bezel, at least as an option. If they can offer a blue and gold bezel that breaks with tradition, why not ceramic? I'd also like drilled thru lugs. (and yes minimize the type, lots of unnecessary there) I have a Borealis Estoril 300 which is a homage to a 1966 Omega Seamaster 300 that I love. Beautifully finished case. It has a beautifully mirror polished handset that is quite similar with it's gentle central dome. Price was ok. I'm intrigued by this Ginault. There may be one in my future. It's more than I'd like to spend but from reviews it appears to offer more over similar offerings.

[@pauljackson6593]

Just bought the bgw9 no date version tonight on the strength of yours and various other reviews.I look forward to receiving in two weeks time. And doing my own review. Keep up the excellent reviews which I really enjoy.

[@suryamp12]

whats your opinion on it? Give us an update

[@kierenmoore3236]

Link to your review, please? Hope you're enjoying it! Thanks

[@rockon21ful]

Armand, some guy named Richard Berlin is using your video! I just watched the first minute and could tell it was your video! BTW the original Ocean Rover fits right into my collection as a Mil Sub TOO, if I didn't mention that the first time I commented on your video!

[@blasien1]

Appreciate the review, an interesting if controversial brand. As to the colored bezel insert, I find it appealing in the same way as Tudor Black Bay uses them. Gives them a distinct character apart from the strong aesthetic of a sub.

[@lonewolf30531]

Great video review. Love this watch for what it stands for. A affordable well built diver watch.

[@Jacklewis1026]

Great review as always. I agree so many people love to bash homage..I own a Steinhart ocean one and a Genault Ocean rover. Do I like Homage?.Not really, but I do love both these watch’s as great time pieces. I like the way they both look feel and keep Time. Enjoy them in my collection . I don’t compare them I enjoy them. By the way I own a Rolex submariner as well.

[@douglaswilliams774]

I am waiting for my OR Blue\Gold bezel Gold Sand Lume date with cyclops date magnification and I can’t wait ! Bought the non magnified version first as show cased here. Absolutely fantastic watch. I also own a Ceramic Rolex Submariner as does my Father as does my Brother and we are all stunned by the high quality of the Ginault Ocean Rover. It’s a nicer looking Watch than the fatter lugged Submariner. Please Ginault put a logo on the clasp that would be a touch of class. Price wise it’s cheap, I’d say too cheap. I also own a Christopher Ward and Ginault could easily warranty the OR for five years in my opinion. There is such a blatant grotesque snob and uneducated ignorance factor that is indemic within the watch world. For heavens sake Rolex only relatively recently became a 100% in house producer. Yes the design is all taken from a Submariner and improved.....a high quality amalgamation of all that was good with the Submariner development over time. I shall do a review of my latest custom made by my request from Ginault Ocean Rover. Good review, thank you.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Good comment! Link to your review, please?

[@Ro-nc2ed]

After spending 22yrs in the military I can appreciate a well built watch and I can see purchasing this time piece but just like most soldiers, being able to go somewhere and actually seeing, touching and handling the watch, like getting a feel for your weapon before one must actually pulled the trigger makes a big difference.

[@pibblesnbits]

Your weapon of choice looks like it would be sharks with laser beams on their heads.

[@mgmmaze]

I was a Marine got out 8* years ago. I still beat up watches jist by lifestyle. I have read about Rolex making it through Vietnam fairly unscathed so if this watch is a clone of that kind of reliability I'm all for it

[@nobletype]

Hi Armand, in your opinion, would you take a domed crystal with no AR, or a flat crystal with AR on a Ginault?

[@teemu3370]

I like this more than the Rolex version as it does not have the mercedes hand

[@23727bgk]

I really enjoy the Ginault that I have because it does not use Mercedes hands, has far more attractive case lug proportions and uses sand lume. Its build quality and accuracy is as good as it gets. I hope they continue to expand the line

[@TopSecretVid]

can’t decide ...on which one to get. kinda like the blue/gold bezel

[@Kushal.Poddar]

An intriguing review.

[@kirbyparkwest4392]

Great review and I do like the milsub version. However I'll stick with my eta Tudor 79220N.

[@BryanPike]

Thank you! Top marks on the comparison.

[@jamesmcnary4939]

I love that they do a date version without the cyclops.

[@craig2100]

Love this brand. Wish they had better Gauze protection

[@topcopy98]

Armand, you know they are now making limited edition versions on a bespoke basis. What is your opinion of these? Thanks.

[@mariosiaven2965]

Armand great review now have you have a chance to lay your hands on the CWard c-8 5 day power reserve (kind of casual/field watch black dial) it looks marvelous with that in house double barrel hand wound movement that's more fitting to a much more expensive piece? or at least seen it on the web whats your take on it?

[@patcookbb1423]

great watches with real value for money ,and good review

[@RondelayAOK]

I'm amazed at the depth of the market for lookalike Rolexes.

[@danielfernandez5721]

RondelayAOK Same here. I wonder how people that wear an homage feel when asked by people if their watch is what thier watch is pretending to be.

[@fredhal8681]

This divide between consumers often intrigues me. Why do homages polarise collectors so much. I feel people in your group have more than a fair point but you must realise you're wrong about a few things. Most buyers of homages do often own eclectic collections including original designs. We sometimes buy cheaper homages because the prices attract us and we get the looks (sometimes better looking eg this example but that's subjective) while preserving more expensive pieces from wear and tear. We usually don't care how someone else thinks about our watch and we're not pretending it's something else either. So your question is redundant for most buyers of homage watches. Why can't collectors just leave each other alone? It seems like snobs always like yapping away when they see homages while homage buyers are just minding their own business. What pleasure you derive from telling others off reveals a lot about the kind of man you are. It's actually rather pathetic.

[@tailoredwatchstraps4782]

RondelayAOK patent ran out

[@inlandwatchreviews5745]

I just bought one of these used. they are holding their value very well. I belive this will become my number 1 watch, I will be selling my tudor BB 41. Ginualt has the most bang for my buck, sorry rolex we have a problem here.

[@hksigman]

The Steinhart OVM is just as well made and is Swiss with a genuine ETA 2824-2 for less than half the price.

[@KevG1962]

there's no denying the quality and attention to detail, but to me purchasing one wouldn't make sense whereas a Steinhart OVM would...

[@douglaswilliams774]

KevG1962 Steinhart watches are what a Lamborghini tractor is to a car. Horrific Strap and a pancake Case. Just Horrid.

[@joe12524]

Hi everyone I'm considering purchasing the Squale 1545 heritage watch. But after seeing the Ginault watches I'm in two minds about the Squale. First issue is the cost (Ginault being the more expensive of the two) and the second being the robustness of the watches in question--I need a daily wearer. Any thoughts on this. Thanks👍🏻

[@kierenmoore3236]

I don't like Squale, but that's just a personal taste thing. I really like the look of these Ginaults; just hope the quality proves to be as good as it appears, in the longer term ... ???

[@Neverokful]

You can definitely see the quality, homage and pricing aside, my only concern however would be the bezel, crown and movement long term. I think these would start to show the potential lack of r&d and quality. Just a hunch folks.

[@roamy3605]

There seem to be a lot of great features to this watch. I've heard the complaints about Rolex homages and to be frank I'm tired of it. My first "real watch" was an homage; Steinhart. Great watch for the money, but there were some issues with it. Nothing that bad but they wear large due to the flat lugs that didn't fit my wrist very well. Went onto Omegas, Sinns, and Rolex. I currently own a new version Explorer II Polar and love it. So would I buy a Ginault? I just might. Why? Size seems perfect, lugs will fit better. Enamel dial. Come on, this is a great feature! Overall case quality seems to be very very high. The bracelet may be one of the best for this price point. Now let's talk Movement. This may be the most controversial. What is it really? It may be a Chinese clone of the ETA and here is what I'll say about it. If it were just a clone bought by Ginault and just slapped in the case it would be a no brainer. I wouldn't even think about buying this watch. But if the movements are brought in and then thoroughly gone through to insure quality and then COSC qualified over many weeks then I believe you have really good movement immaterial of it's origins. This seems to be the case with the Ginault. Having said all this I may wait and see what else comes out of the Ginault shop. I do like the submariner design but it's not my favorite by far. But an Explorer I homage would be right up my alley!

[@dillonkoch72]

Roamy Wonder iv talked with a rep from ginault and I didn't really get a straight answer from him about the movements. if they were swiss design or what kind or anything like that. just that they sourced all the parts for the watch. the bracelet comes from the middle east and everything else is sourced except for the dial. and a few other small things.

[@elisangelaregina2210]

Yep, does it really need 7 lines of text, the Pelagos has 8. Check out The Cabot Watch Company Royal Navy Diver Automatic which has an uncluttered dial.

[@smibru]

Armand, please give me the model number of the watch with the blue lume. I'm on the website but it is not being shown, is it a limited model?

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+smibru: Thank you for the comment, I'm afraid that the blue lume model has not yet been released to the public as it is a test model made in small quantities to gauge whether the public actually wants this model to be made. I would recommend that you email Ginault as they would put this into general production if their are potential buyers.

[@smibru]

@ Armand, Thanks for the information, I'm really like this watch and will email them soon! By the way, outstanding video, keep up the great work!

[@smibru]

Just ordered mine, can't wait to receive it!

[@SunsetSheen]

For a much much cheaper version of a similar looking watch, go for an Orient Mako USA ii ($287 after 30% off coupon). Excellent diver for the money.

[@flow2tech]

SunsetSheen except its not even close in finishing or build quality

[@Kima1936]

+Armand The Watch Guy Between the Ginault Ocean Rover or the new Steinhart Ocean Titanium 500 GMT Premium, which one would you choose?

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Jonathan Johansson: Thank you for the question. I would choose the Ocean Rover any time of the week (having owned both) as the build quality is far superior (as well as the customer service) with the Ginault. This is seen especially in the details. By contrast, the Steinhart has proportions which are slightly too large for me to enjoy as it sits too flat on the wrist and catches of cuffs.

[@Kima1936]

Armand The Watch Guy Thanks! Now what if were the Tudor BB36 or the ocean rover instead, which would you choose? I do realise that they are at different price points, but I think it may be an interesting dilemma all the same.

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Jonathan Johansson: Hmm, that's a very hard question. What I can say though is that the finishing on Tudors is slightly finer than the Ocean Rover though the Ocean Rover has a more durable finish and wears bumps and scratches better. Similarly, it is undeniable that the OR offers more features for the money and has a more accurate movement though the BB36 has a greater history and is probably more versatile.

[@jannovotny9630]

Personally I don't have a problem with homages. It simply follows basic human nature; that something popular or successful gets copied. Would I buy one? No. I'm not big Sub fan, don't like the amount of text on the dial, I would like the bezel to be ceramic and don't really enjoy divers that much.

[@alnadaf]

Better than mkii?

[@dannyt6160]

Armand, you're my favorite watch youtuber, but please stop giving oxygen to this counterfeiter. Ginault is a sham company and goes against everything who talk about in your other videos.

[@brianyee3096]

Interested to see his response to a counterfeiter now trying to go legit with his previous counterfeit operation. Lack of honesty in marketing . This is made in China

[@davelee9791]

A very good review ...and I'm glad there is no cyclops...

[@barn_ninny]

On the homage issue, I'm generally not a fan. But both used and new Rolexes are so grossly overvalued these days, and stainless steel sports models essentially impossible to buy new, I'm open to a well made homage. When the original is effectively no longer for sale, even a collector with scruples against homages is forced to alternatives.

[@nerychristian]

Where can I buy this watch?

[@fatboab2181]

i'm always interested what amount of money would be an individual's limit or cut-off on what they would spend on an homage? i'm not arguing these aren't finely made but for roughly the same cost you could have a sinn, oris or a whole slew of fine watches. if it was 500 quid then fair enough, but for me these are a bit too much.

[@paulbrady8107]

Fat Boab I would rather have a sinn absolutely.

[@kierenmoore3236]

A Sinn WHAT, though? Assuming you want a diver (mil-sub type, moreover), at or around this kind of money. U1 / UX / T2 cost a bit more, if I'm not mistaken - and as impressive as their stats are, aren't really what I'd call attractive ... All else aside, these Ginaults are nice looking watches (though I like the mil-sub look, obviously). Cheers

[@axelfoley1768]

It needs to have a ceramic dial! Otherwise l'll buy the Steinhart for 1/2 the price with a ceramic dial. Blue Ocean One Premium with 2892-A2 Elabore

[@yourdata2478]

I still like it even though its a look-alike, the blue is nice. But?

[@georgehiphopforever]

Rolexault 😁😁.Seiko for ever.

[@johnholkham2420]

Hi I have references to a uk agent in a watch forum, does anyone know if there is a uk agent.

[@terrybrigden7605]

Great watch though.

[@davesimpson2805]

Is it just me or does the '40' on the Blue Bezel look a bit wonky???

[@LaughingLion4Ever]

Nice looking timepiece, no doubt; however I cant help but consider it a glorified Orient Ray II at five times the price. Sorry.

[@j111dja12]

Five times the price and ten times the build quality of an Orient Ray II.

[@johnathanblack9405]

Edited for figuring out I am an idiot :)

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Johnathan Black: I certainly can understand your concerns but, allow me to assure you, these watches are ISO 6425 rated as stated on their website. Also, I have been using their watches underwater for several months and I can report no water or moisture ingress.

[@johnathanblack9405]

If they go about ISO certifying the watch, they should put "Diver" on it in the future. (just an idea)

[@kjakan79]

TC👍🏻

[@IntellectualKetchup]

I am astonished at the praise a ROLEX clone can get when it changes the name on the dial. The hard-working clone producers will never get this type of recognition. Kudos to the Rolex clone builder who started this GINAULT brand. I personally would love to pay $1500 for a Rolex clone that is this quality. I have owned several Rolex watches. After learning so much about watchmaking and Rolex clones, I would rather keep my money for use on my Datsun Roadster restoration, and buy a high-end clone.

[@KamiKazeProductionz]

Is anyone else put off by the brand name?

[@antonioraffa123]

I thought it was an established Swiss house manufacturer that I'd missed so I think that they've been quite clever in selecting the sophisticated name. I don't feel cheated though because they've backed it up with very good watches in the same class.

[@gandrew5363]

French name, but hand built in America. What? And America consists of North, Central and South America. I know people typically understand America to just be the USA but this little infraction bothered me. The watch could certainly do away with the HAND BUILT IN AMERICA but

[@terrybrigden7605]

Homage to a steinhart?

[@paulbrady8107]

Armand when these watches are priced low they are call fakes and copies or knock offs,but when they are priced like these ones very expensively they are called homage watches, they are for all intents and purposes copies of a classic design and pricey one at that regardless of fit and finish.they are for the wanna be of the world,personally I would rather have a seiko monster,better horologically and price plus it's original.👍

[@paulbrady8107]

ajt222 very true

[@pskarts20]

Paul Brady I like the monster but I find it looks alot like the Omega Seamaster. You see Ray Donovan wearing it all the time.

[@paulbrady8107]

Panagiotis Skartsilas monster looks like seamaster. ..??

[@pskarts20]

Paul Brady Yeah the face looks like the omega 2265.50. face and markers look alike with some changes obviously like the 12 o'clock is a little different and the besel isn't stainless steel. If you squint they look alike.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Squint - really, REALLY hard ... !!!!!!!! ;P

[@fredhal8681]

This is at "best", assembled in the US. All components must be manufactured in China. There is no chance anything to this level of quality and finish can be made in the USA for under $3k or $4k.

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+Fred Hal: I can understand you point, however, I have corresponded with Ginault about this very matter as I was also skeptical at first. However, it has been confirmed that, other than the springs from Switzerland, the rest of the watch is machined entirely in the US.

[@davelee9791]

Fred Hal itinerary

[@fredhal8681]

I would still be quite skeptical. Considering the language used on the dial and in the paperwork (I bought one too), I would not put it past them that it's entirely Chinese. Not that it's a problem. Would be nice if they were honest about the origins. I'm sure many would have more confidence in the company if they were honest or supplied proof of US manufacturing. I just can't imagine it being economical making all components in US for this price. It's barely doable in China.

[@fredhal8681]

I must also say that it seems to have fantastic quality on the surface at least. Some have pulled it apart to check the bezel mechanism and innards. Apart from a relatively unknown and unproven movement (finer finishes and materials used, not design), this is still a fun watch. Good looking too.

[@gianpakasa]

Fred Hal i agree and i recon that most of KZbin "guru" of watches ( and not only) are talking about this Chinese watch, so, i think, is the clasdic aggressive Chinese approach. Armand here, is loosing his face...and so, many others...

[@ivankerr3570]

Hand assembled in America not American made . Cheap imported Chinese clone movement the entire watch is a con and ridicously overpriced.

[@myvenusinuranus]

who else is tired of all the mil sub homage watches?

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

only you seem to be.

[@JT-sv8il]

you

[@kjakan79]

Never

[@daleschmidt7157]

I can't explain it, but the sub-homage watches have been my favorite style of watches for five decades. I even like the Rolex Submariner Style Homage watches, like the SS Yacht Masters. It's one of my favorites.