NOT A Rolex Alternative - Ginault Silent Service Review

In today's video we will do a full review of Ginault Silent Service. This diver watch is often mentioned as an alternative to the Rolex Submariner. But I disagree with that comparison. In today's video I'll try to explain why. Enjoy the review:)
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[@tailsneon556]

I have a Silent Service no-date/diver bezel. It's become the watch box favorite. It's absolutely fantastic. I don't consider it a Rolex substitute at all. It's very much it's own thing. The accuracy is also been fantastic. It runs a dead-flat 0s/d on my timegrapher. I was able to get it for the intro price. It's absolutely worth the full price over other watches in this price range and then some.

[@mr.eswatchreviews]

@@tailsneon556 facts agreed 💯

[@mr.eswatchreviews]

@@tailsneon556 facts agreed 💯

[@Ae073001]

I have the SS no date and can say with confidence that this watch is no joke. I've compared it against my Monta diver, Oris, CW, and to me, it's superior in fit and finish to all 3. Monta also pays homage to Rolex in several ways as well. I also compared it to my Tudor BB, Cartier Santos, and Rolex Batman. It compares well to the BB and Santos. I prefer the fit and finish of the SS to the BB. The Santos's ergonomics are better, and the quick release system is great, but the SS polishing, brushing, and dial to me is much better. The fit and finish is also close to the Rolex to me but fall well short with the movement. All in all, the SS is a very, very good watch in its own regard. The supposed shady past is unsubstantiated. They've been transparent about being made in America, but sourcing some parts internationally. Get the watch if you like it and wear what you want to wear.

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

Solid 💪

[@KC-bv9kf]

I have a moderate collection from Casio’s to ALS (70+ currently) spanning 30+years. I had to get one to see for myself. Like you, I reached similar conclusions. I emailed John that if he had included a soft iron cage, then it would be a perfect gada beater. Regardless, the finishing has made it my top 5 dumb reach. Glad to hear a similar take from someone who appreciate a piece for what it is without needing external validation :)

[@mr.eswatchreviews]

@@Ae073001 facts

[@bjoernaltmann]

For that money I would recommend a Squale 1521 COSC. Some heritage there and it does not try to be a Rolex.

[@Vox-Populi]

Great call. I just purchased the Squale 1521 Marina Militare. Not as accurate as the COSC, but it has the "X" factor and I love it so far.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Um, but it does try to be a Rolex. You missed that?

[@Vox-Populi]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 agreed.

[@NCSheriff7]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 wtf? :D I had to look it up and was disappointed. that is just a simple skin diver looking watch like a glashütte, voska, citizen, seiko, oris. designwise their are brands like Steinhart, Monta or Tudor that try to be rolex on a budget. That Squale Modell not at all.

[@RabbitWatchShop]

It’s not just the AR on the crystal - it’s also the grade of crystal Ginault uses that provides the exceptional clarity. I’m conflicted with this watch and the brand. ETA 2824/36 based movements haven’t been reliable for me. I have broken several. It’s best to avoid hand winding. I do not want to spend that much on a watch that uses a 2824 based movement. The other issue I have is that it’s as if the Submariner and Omega big triangle had a baby. I’m not a fan of two classic watch designs being married together. My stance is folks should put that money into a more original watch. If you have $1,800 burning a hole in your pocket, then I’m sure you can have some patience, save some more, and put the funds towards an Omega, Tudor, Longines, and so on. If the Ginault was under a grand, I may consider one. At the current listing price, nah, I’d put those funds to something better.

[@thegorn]

You do you. It's peak arrogance thinking you can tell others what do do with their own money.

[@daleyfamily2179]

@@thegorn Yet here you are telling him the same. LOL "you do you". And were is he wrong in saying save your money? And like he said if you have $1800 burning a hole in your pocket you clearly have discretionary income. Good Lord lol. Hit dog will holler lol.

[@RabbitWatchShop]

@@thegorn my statement is a mere suggestion based on years of experience, not a rule that anyone has to follow, or as you put it, telling “others what to do.”

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

Eta 2824 or SW200 is industry known work horse movements they are solid . Monta OK3 is 2.5k with a Sub homage vibe. Ginault has a better fit and finish at $1.5k, and I can't think of another brand that offers this level of almost Rolex quality at this price. Tudor Is nice but it's also $4.3k not $1.5, I don't know about you but there are a lot of bills and things I could do and pay with that $2.8 price difference.

[@RabbitWatchShop]

@@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571 noob

[@mr.eswatchreviews]

Ginault watches are fantastic and are my personal favorites as I own 5 3 ocean Rover 2 and both versions of the silent service yes I even prefer these over my Rolex and when the ad called me I chose a datejust over the Submariner because I did not feel like I needed the Submariner anymore

[@WilliamN-gn6rr]

As an owner of the Ocean Rover 2, I agree that quality is amazing for the price. I'm Looking forward to purchasing the Silent Service soon.

[@jankay8569]

Nice fake rolex bro

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

@@jankay8569 I bet you don't have the balls to say that to anyone in person bc you are a sad lil creep hiding behind your keyboard drooling over other ppls joy and achievement

[@WilliamN-gn6rr]

@@jankay8569 I'm assuming you don't own any subs based on your comment..

[@nedflanders3769]

I have an SS and it is higher quality than my Sea-Dweller 126600.

[@lliameasterbrook6634]

I have owned a Ginault Ocean River ll for about two years now and it’s fantastic. They make a very good product for the price. Great review!

[@tizombie]

Nice to see a new review. I love the Sunday weekly reviews, but appreciate your reviews too. Nice job!

[@24hourstime]

Thank you for the kind words:)

[@petiger6646]

Excellent review. I agree it's not an alternative to a Submariner. I have a 16613 which is now 35 years old, and as it's been service a few times, still looks like new and wears well, and when I wind it, it feels really nice and smooth. I also have a Seiko SPB143 which is much cheaper than the Silent Service. It also wears well, and has it's own history, something the Ginault doesn't have. Personally for the price of a Silent Service I would buy a pre-used Black Bay.

[@24hourstime]

Thank you! Seems like you have quite a solid collection of watches my friend:)

[@petiger6646]

@@24hourstime Maybe you could review my collection sometime?

[@peterlandbo2726]

2003 Submariner 14060m two liner. One of the last Rolex toolwatches. Can't be beat.

[@martinkaplan1805]

I like my Silent Service (with the cyclops date) a lot. It gives me the look and feel I had always wanted with a Sub without the cost (and the weird baggage that's attached to Roles). It wears well, the quality is great, the movement is accurate enough for me (within COSC), the readability under all conditions is phenomenal, it "goes" with most everything I wear, and most importantly my wife - a harsh critic - thinks its a handsome watch. So I agree with your critique with one important exception - for me, it's the perfect Sub alternative!

[@KenFritz-j8u]

This is a nice review of the Ginault Silent Service. I know how much time it takes to put a video like this together and it was done very well. I believe you are correct, the silent service is not a good homage to the submariner, but the ocean rover did that job. The silent service is a watch unto itself. And yes, this is not a Rolex, but it is also about $10,000 cheaper. I have the date, no cyclops, version on my wrist right now, and it’s worth every penny I spent on it. As nice as the Rolex is, I don’t think I could say the same thing about that. As far as the “backstory“ about the brand, after years of people, talking about it, nobody has ever produced proof of anything. So until somebody proves maleficence, it’s no more than gossip. The actual watch produced is exceptional for the price. And isn’t that what we are looking for? Thanks again for a great job on your review. I look forward to seeing more.

[@chriswalls6667]

I ordered the no date several weeks ago, i didn’t feel it was a Rolex homage, my Steinhart OVM has more of that vibe. Can’t wait to wear it, it will take its place next to my Breitling Super Ocean.

[@matthewfriend6672]

I have ordered an Ocean Rover2, and is on its way! Very excited about it, but got to wait out the build process.lol. But I’m very pleased with this look and craftsmanship.😃👍👍✌️✌️

[@WrongTimeWatch]

I had one, and i just recently sold it. I have a current generation Rolex Submariner and I prefer to wear it instead.

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

Eta 2824 or SW200 is industry known work horse movement they are solid . Monta OK3 is 2.5k with a Sub homage vibe. Ginault has a better fit and finish at $1.5k, and I can't think of another brand that offers this level of almost Rolex quality at this price. Tudor Is nice but it's also $4.3k not $1.5, I don't know about you but there are a lot of bills and things I could do and pay with

[@jjlad5037]

Better than the Sub in every respect! But I would prefer a smaller crown.

[@z06cowboy72]

For me, the only alternative to the Submariner is the Seadweller...but this is a nice watch that has similar looks to the two Rolex divers.

[@cedarcanoe]

I own a Ginault prototype from 4-5 years ago. It is the best watch I own period (I own about 45-40 watches including several Rolexes, Omegas etc)

[@maitrehg]

Sure, better than an Omega 🤡

[@ryanfritz8903]

The quality and finishing of the Silent Service is up there with Tudor, Omega, and yes even Rolex. This feels very similar to 6 digit subs. It is more svelte than my Tudor and Omegas on wrist. Won’t find a better watch for this price. Quality of this could easily be 5k +.

[@maitrehg]

This is a decent watch at best. A far cry from the quality of an Omega.

[@daleyfamily2179]

Yeah sorry its not on the level of Tudor, Omega or Rolex. Its always people with knock offs who say oh its better than X watch, then follow up with I own X watch so I know. Really better that a Rolex or Tudor? Sorry no one is buying that.

[@ryanfritz8903]

@@daleyfamily2179 movement wise, no. Finishing wise and build quality, it’s just as good. Get one and compare yourself or look at other reviews comparing Ginault to these brands

[@ryanfritz8903]

@@daleyfamily2179 movement wise, no. Everything else is pretty comparable. Buy one and see for yourself.

[@peacelove4994]

​@@daleyfamily2179Why do I read that many Rolex owners who also own Ginault saying it's as good (besides the difference in movements) they rave about the quality and craftsmanship of the metal works. They rave about how the Ginault feels absolutely premium in person. They post pictures of their Rolex side by side to their Ginault. So do you have ownership of these watches to be making claims like this? I really want to know.

[@MichaelAguila]

I agree with removing the cyclops. I think it would also look a little better if the numbers on the bezel were whiter and stood out more. I'm not getting one but it definitely looks nice.

[@BAF605]

For me the controversy regarding this brand has not gone away. I think it had to do with the "Hand Built in America" stuff. Since I live in Europe that wouldn't attract me anyway but I think there are better choices at this price elsewhere. It looks OK but has a mish mash of Omega/Rolex vibes.

[@kevinhernandez1984]

Actually the controversy was that the apparent owner 'John' use to make replicas ( which is illegal ) and even now when you want to find the owners of the Ginault brand, who operates it etc, there are no interviews, no videos of the folks, etc....

[@BAF605]

@@kevinhernandez1984 There's that too. I do recall that some of the first watches produced had "Made in America" on publicity material if not on the dials. Maybe I'm mis-remembering. However you cut it it still smells a bit off to me. Thanks for your reply.

[@thegorn]

@@kevinhernandez1984 Some people like to live private lives. Not everyone has to be in the public eye like Mawk from Long Island Watches

[@BAF605]

@@thegorn Fake Rolex manufacturers do for sure. 😂

[@kevinhernandez1984]

@@thegorn or maybe being a criminal is a driver to keeping out of the public eye ? Who knows ….

[@andyperez343]

I always get more of an Omega Seamaster 2254.50 vibe from the Silent Service

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

Yeah it has that MoD style dial ❤ and it's lovely

[@maitrehg]

Not my cup of tea. I much prefer a Seiko SPB143 to this rip-off. The goofy text on the dial destroys what little credibility the brand has.

[@AJB1702]

Agreed.

[@underachievingwatchcollect1878]

I own the Silent Service-great watch, no regrets.

[@TheMutchlerchad]

I owned one, but I wasn't impressed with the accuracy. Then, when I contacted customer service, I got a bunch of attitude. I've heard a lot of people with experiences to the contrary, but I sure was not impressed. Ultimately, I sold the watch for a big loss. It wasn't a terrible watch, it's just that I don't think it was worth the price I had to pay.

[@alexsdg3441]

Currently (since OR2), Ginault has been making some great watches and improving little by little. However, it seems like they are still in the back ground of micro brands, very much of back ground. Good & distinctive micro brands at that price range, such as AnOrdain, Baltic, Monta, C.Ward are pushing thru and pushing out of small micro brand worlds, Ginault is still stuck in their own world with some of their own followers. I believe that Ginault has the technology, know-how & skills to make it as good as Monta and C.Ward, but it just seems like they are still afraid to come out of their shell. It is a pity, in my opinion.

[@keithburford8589]

Spot on with your views on alternatives. You see this all the time on youtube , great alternative this that or the other. Grinds my gears to be honest, if you heart is set on a Subbie or AP etc etc you save up for it. If its out of your price range then look at pieces within your budget. There is no alternative to the real deal. I wish reviewers would be honest about this instead of click baiting the video title and then banging on about their 'alternative' so as to line their wallets. Everything is attainable with hard work and saving up, dont fall for the Alternative crap as you will be wearing something that your heart wasn't set on , disappointment will always follow. Great video title and presentation as always.

[@daleyfamily2179]

WORD!!!!

[@24hourstime]

Thank you for your kind comment:)

[@Leftystrat]

Good bracelet but after sales service? Warranty claims? Ok if you live in the states

[@appleratpipe]

Ginault has THE BEST watches for under 1500-2000. By far.

[@alexsdg3441]

wow... knowing you, you are super late to the party, ha ha. I believe this watch came out bit more than 2 years ago? anyway, thanks for the review.

[@24hourstime]

haha I know! I like to take my time:)

[@roamy3605]

Hey Oleg: I think there have been enough reviews and positive feedback from buyers that we should be able to put to rest the idea that Ginault isn't trustworthy. The product should and does speak for itself! If someone wants a great looking dive watch it would very difficult to find one better, for the money, than a Ginault. If someone is looking for heritage and prestige then this is not the watch for them. I personally never looked at Ginault as a true homage to Rolex. Rolex quit making sword hand no crown guard watches when, early 1960's? I don't even think I knew what a Mil-spec Rolex was until people started using the term to describe Ginault's Ocean Rovers. And this Silent Service seems even further away from a Rolex than the Ocean Rover.

[@roamy3605]

@@Pler1978 If you can't buy a Rolex and don't believe in Ginault then your best bet is to buy the Omega or Breitling. I've spent countless hours researching what I could about the owner of Ginault. I know the controversies very well and I'm OK with people supporting Ginault. I've owned 5 Rolex's and 2 Ginaults. I know longer own any of these watches and may never own a Rolex again. But I might go for a Ginault in the future.

[@winc06]

I have not paid attention to Genault for a while, but originally the story was that their watch was based on Rolex model that was discontinued and thus was not an homage that would compete with Rolex. So, alternative to a Rolex was not a thing any more than it was for all the Seiko dive watches in existence. Getting "the look" is not the same as "an altenative".

[@denis888red]

"Hey, is that a Rolex Submariner you've got there? Oh, err, wait, hold up one second... It's a what, you say? A Ginaut? What's that then? A what? A Rolex 'alternative' you say? Errr. Blimey. Mmm... Ok. I see..." Now that, if you ask me, is not a conversation to be having when having just splashed out 1800 bucks. Oodles and oodles of nice stuff at that price point and as we all know 😁

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

I actually had a very similar conversation on a flight to Boston. Bro next to me thought my OR2 was a Rolex Sub, we started chatting, I told him all I know about the watch and the brand, he was fascinated,and he checked out my OR2 and was thoroughly impressed by the quality. Weeks later he told me he ordered one since he didn't want to wait for the Sub anymore. We still keep in touch til this day. The conversation you head in your head, is just your imagination for someone who isn't secure enough and needs the brand name to make him cool 😂

[@kevorknourian5442]

You use to have one and you sold it few years ago you liked it

[@24hourstime]

I had the Ocean Rover. The other model from them. I think this one is better.

[@LesterLovesWatches]

I was tempted to get one of the super-clones from about 10-15 years ago, before the arrival of all your AliXpress stuff. But now $1800 is just too much.

[@erikknudsen2971]

Great watch but can't past their history. This is a blended homage. I think it has elements from both Rolex and Omega. I think I'd rather get a used 2254.50 (Peter Blake) than the Silent Service.

[@MrZanzibar123]

Looks like a nice homage.

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

If heritage and marketing don't blow your hair back, this is a heck of a watch for the money.

[@mrdisco99]

Use of the word "chronometer" without independent certification along with big claims about American production with zero transparency keeps me suspicious about this brand.

[@Emaratilfy]

No surprises here. The owner has a shady past involving replica Rolex.

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

I own a few Ginault, and they are all running very accurately, the one I am wearing right now is about +2 for the past 3 days. Although the movement isn't COSC certified, but they are in house regulated by the watchmaker himself. He tests the movements after casing too. In my email correspondence with him he said he makes sure each piece leaving his workbench has to meet the COSC standard. So to me it definitely deserves that precision chronometer moniker on the dial, and like I said I own a few Ginault timepieces to speak from experience, and I am not the only one. In terms of transparency, he was also very clear about where parts were made more so than any other brands I have delt with. Have you any experience otherwise? If not, why drop false info when you don't know or didn't explore yourself to make sure? Or you are just monkey see monkey do 😅

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

I own a few Ginault timepieces, and they are all running accurately. The one on wrist now is +2 for the past 3 days. In my communication with John he regulates each movement within cosc standard, and another round after casing, to ensure each watch leaving his workbench performs well. I am not the only one reporting this level of accuracy. There is a FB group started by Ginault customers and you read amazing accuracy reports almost daily from different members there. So to me the precision chronometer on the dial is well deserved, I personally think they would be doing themselves a disservice not writing it on the dial when it's true. In terms of transparency, the owner is very clear about the origins of the parts. You should really do some research or at least reach out to verify the false info spewed by the trolls before making a false comment, don't wanna be monkey see monkey do do we? 😅

[@peacelove4994]

I am doing my research on this brand and many owners reported amazing accuracy, and from what I read the watchmaker make sure the watch leaves his workbench at cosc level performance.

[@Ae073001]

Zero transparency? Every review of this watch says different. The comments I've heard when researching this watch were that the owner was nothing but transparent with how the watch was made. In addition, nothing has ever been proven regarding their supposed shady past. So if there's no proof and the reviewers state they have been more than transparent, why hold on to that narrative?

[@Emaratilfy]

The watch is nicely built but with the shady past and the lack of transparency from this brand, I would put my money elsewhere - e.g. Monta. The standard SW200-1 is also way too mediocre to put in a $1500-1800 watch.

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

I spoke to the owner before buying, he was very transparent. Have you spoken to the owner and felt he wasn't transparent? If so, can you back up with copy of email to prove? I own a few Monta, great watches but fit and finish wise Ginault is a tad bit better and a few hundred cheaper. So Ginault is absolutely worth the money if you like the design.

[@user-pe1wu4vi5w]

Rolex is not everyday watch.a watch put in closet 😂 G does👍

[@magstheonlyone]

Great watch, just get rid of all that unnecessary text

[@peterlandbo2726]

I laugh loudly at all you Rolex haters salivating over a Rolex COPY😂😂

[@kyledriscollmusic]

way too much text, but looks good otherwise

[@piotrszmidel]

Pretty good reputation?When sending free watches to reviewers for sure🤣

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

Ah ha! The Ginault troll again, sure enough leaving false comments in every Ginault video, havnt you been schooled enough in the league of microbrand forum by more knowledgeable members for making false untrue statements?

[@reezevlog]

i would have prefer a dateless dial…cleaner look..but just wish it doesnt have a paragraph of infos on the dial, like the Subs…

[@JB-qt8eh]

I am poor 😢

[@Emaratilfy]

This dial is anything except "silent". Too much writing.

[@thegorn]

Rolex out there lying about all the "firsts" it supposed to have - they never stopped the flow of BS that started with dodgy Hans W - yet people complaining about Ginault credibility? Give me a break.

[@daleyfamily2179]

Man someone is really butt hurt over their watch buy. lol

[@SenerS10]

If they lower their prices under 1000 USD, they can sell a lot of watches.

[@jonirwin7316]

They are selling a ton of watches now.

[@24hourstime]

You're probably right. But I wouldn't want them to sacrifice any of the quality to lower the price.

[@rickzamora1]

I own this watch, when I unboxed it I was so impressed I ordered a second one. I wore it so much I decided to sell most of my sixty watch collection and I put the money in my investment account.

[@daleyfamily2179]

OK lol. Sold all those invicta's did ya. lol

[@rickzamora1]

@@daleyfamily2179 Ok lol. No invictas. Nothing wrong with invictas they sell millions of dollars worth of watches. How many have you sold?

[@jonirwin7316]

I own two Ginault watches. The "history" that people like to talk about is without merit because there is no evidence to support their claims. I researched for 8 months before making my purchases. I have a third coming.

[@piotrszmidel]

Hahaha yeah,for sure🤣🤣🤣

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

@@piotrszmidel wow you troll so much you basically hunt down and shame anyone who owns a Ginault online. 😂

[@piotrszmidel]

@@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571 Yeah,for sure🤣🤣🤣

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

@@piotrszmidel why do you do that? No respect for others? Is that what eastern Europeans are like due to the Soviet rule and culture?

[@piotrszmidel]

@@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571 No respect for the criminals,indeed

[@thegorn]

It's a high-quality sports dive watch, and if you buy it instead of a Rolex, then it's a Rolex alternative (presumably a Submariner). KZbinrs tying themselves up in knots with flawed logic.

[@floydmorrison2025]

100%!!! Spot on!! I couldn't have said it better myself! This video feels like it time-travelled here from 2015 or something!! What dive watch from the last 50 years doesn't have Rolex/Omega DNA coursing thru it's veins?? I own a Silent Service and it's a fantastic watch!

[@Timetrends-n5t]

Awful watch, thanks.

[@diefenbachfravert]

MaMaCoo watches are great and affordable！