i love my ginault or2. i would LOVE if they would come out with some more models. a gmt? an dressier explorer type? I LOVE GINAULT.

Most Rolexes were about $250 to $450 in the early '70s. That's about $1900 to $3400 today. If the market wasn't so hyped, that's what they should really cost, as that's about what they're really worth. But the buyer sets the price, and today's buyers are rabid and insane.

Fantastic review Dave, thank you. I own both the Silent Service and the Ocean Rover V2, and i can say that both are simply fantastic watches. BTW, both run about +2-3 sec/day. I say this being able to compare to high end Swiss Made watches in my collection including 2 Omegas (Seamaster & Speedmaster), a Breitling Superocean, and a Rolex Submariner. For the money, Ginault makes an outstanding watch. Regarding Assembled in America, no issues and i applaud Ginault for doing this and for their transparency. As for all the rumors, i have researched and foundd absolutely nothing that can support that allegation. To me this is a dead mute point. Lastly, i like to note that in my dealings with Ginault, John - the Owner, was always very attentive and professional. Bottom line i received world class service. I have nothing but good things to say about Ginault as a customer and highly recommended the brand.

I've had my share of affordable watches under 1k and others in-between. I can say from experience that the Silent Service is a very, very good watch...regardless of price. I've had mine for a little over a month and have compared it to other watches in my current collection. Its far better than my affordable SK5 GMT, Nodus Contrail, or Venicianaco. It's better than my Seiko SPB143 and SPB383 GMT. Its better than my CW 12 and CW Atoll. Its also better than my Oris Aquis. It matches up favorably with my Tudor BB and even though much different, the finishing, to me, is better than my Cartier Santos. Where it does fall short, but not to a large degree, is my Rolex Batman. But at the price, it gets dang close. I highly recommend the Silent Service, it really is a high quality watch. The price may not be affordable but you do get a lot for the money in my opinion.

I own one and it is absolutely lovely, so impressed with the quality and the way it was delivered was very special.

Great review, Dave! I became obsessed with Rolex, particularly the Submariner & GMT Master, when I began collecting watches. Knowing that I would never afford them, I owned copies from Parnis/Bliger, Tisell, and San Martin. Those were decent, but I was becoming more drawn to the original watches in my collection. I fell hard for the Silent Service after seeing a preview image on Facebook. I bought mine almost two years ago, and it has scratched the maxi case Submariner itch for me. I love that it's a true homage (except for the bracelet) and not a direct lookalike. It's for that reason that I wasn't into the Ocean Rover (though it's not quite that, either). In fact, I haven't wanted another dive watch since owing it. I was never put off by Ginault's alleged history. I'm interested to see what else they make!

This dial design is a complete swipe from the Omega Seamaster 2254.50. Which, BTW, can be obtained used for a few hundred bucks more than Ginault's MSRP.

These watches are just crazy amazing. The bracelet and slide clasp alone put it above most smaller and micro brands. I have both the Silent Service and Ocean Rover and wear them all the time. John, the owner, is also great to deal with. I would not hesitate to throw down money for any watch from Ginualt!

Ginault's quality is great. The clarity of the crystal is amazing making the hands and dial really pop. Very comfortable to wear too.

I have the Silent Service and I have to say it is fantastic. Very well made and is truly one of the most comfortable watches I own. I don’t have a Monta but I do have a Formex and I think the SS is of higher quality. The lume is amazing and last all night and comfortable to wear thru evening as well. I reviewed every video I could find and EVERYONE praised it highly. One of my best purchases I’ve made!

Great review Dave. Missed seeing your reviews. I'm a $300-$600 watch guy and have wondered what I'm missing in the $1500-$2000 price range. You've helped me understand that. I can't step up to the plate for a Sinn U50. (Yet) But I love my Zelos, Helm, Second Hour, etc. Keep up the great work!

I quite like this, but I'd have expected a bit more crisp text on the date numbers, shown @ 12:25 considering the price.

Great review Dave. I've got both the OR2 and the Silent Service and love them both. Quality is superb and up there with Monta and Formex.

Anyone else notice the grooves/machining marks on that bezel?

Love my Silent Service. It really feels special and is top notch for the money. I feel like i'm wearing something of the level of rolex while also knowing i didn't spend unreasonable money on it.

I think it’s a great watch. I personally believe they are approaching it wrong. It’s a great watch on its own. I don’t think they need to sell it as a Submariner alternative. Thanks for the great review!

Great review Dave. I would definitely consider purchasing one if I want another diver. Thank you for featuring.

The Ocean Rover II is one of my favorite watches in the rotation. Great watch!

Great review. I recently purchased (2 weeks ago) the Ocean Rover 2. Can't wait. Seriously considering the Silent Service later this year but leaning more towards the Silent Service Traveler over this one reviewed (SS Diver) but we'll see. As for the "controversy" I felt the same way as you commented. Overall didn't bother me. Again, great review and thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work!

I only hear good things about the quality of these Ginault watches. I do feel the controversies are kinda a thing of the past. And it's good they are finally being more open. So good on Ginault for course correcting. So far they've only done SubMariner homages. Would be interesting to see them branch out and do say a revised Explorer. I'm seriously considering one.

Just recently discovered Ginault and am seriously considering the Secret Service. It's an absolutely gorgeous watch for a great price. I couldn't care less about any past controversies.

I own the Ginault Ocean Rover 2 and it’s spectacularly built. Mine keeps -2 seconds per day every day. It’s a great watch for the price.

Love my Ginault Ocean Rover!!! ***side note the very first Ocean Rovers actually stated “made in America” which is really what caused the controversy. Since then that has been changed to “built in America” and why on earth is that a bad thing??

Great review Dave. I've been looking these for a while now, I think they look great. The dial and handset is very much like my Seamaster Pro 2254.50 and that's a good thing.

In macro there are a few things that have me scratching my head. Text on the date dial looks a bit off as does the machining on the bezel. The brushing on the case is at odds with the bracelet as well.

I've thought about purchasing a Rolex, but with their ridiculous price tag (which far exceeds the annual cost of living increase over the years), I decided against purchasing. I looked at the Ginault years ago when they were selling for around $800 and when you can buy a top of the line microbrand like Zelos for around $500, Ginault simply priced themselves out of the market. Buy a Rolex homage?... sure, but NOT for $1,700 no matter how good the quality is.

They need a GMT. Already have a bidirectional bezel and they use Sellita movement so should be a natural progression to at least a caller GMT.

Very balanced review of the Silent Service. Thanks for the great video, Dave!

I saw a picture there from Shane’s channel. I’d recognize that holster anywhere.

I've got an OR 1 when they came out years ago. Built quality is outstanding, especially considering the price of below 1000.- then. It's the closest I could get to a real 5517 Milsub. I don't care if it was built in Switzerland, the USA or China as long as the watch is as good as it is.

I’ve looked at these several times. I cannot think of one thing I dislike about it…

Excellent review. I’ve had my SS for a year now. Extremely accurate at +1 SPD. Love the sword hands and applied markers. Very thin 12.1mm case. I have previously owned a submariner date and currently own a ceramic GMT Master II, (2) Tudor chronos amongst other time pieces. With that said, my SS remains active in my rotation. Highly recommended to those seeking Rolex sports watch quality at a reasonable price. I have also owned Steinhart and San Martin. Both good, but not on the same level as Ginault.

I ordered a Ginault Ocean Rover II blue bezel ceramic. $1799 USD. it took me 10 weeks from order to delivery. John at Ginault made this watch for me. I found a Rolex Mil Sub for $140,000 USD, i decided on the ocean rover II. This is what A Submariner should cost. I have 4 Tudors and 1 Omega, I love my Ginault Ocean Rover II, it reminds me of a Rolex 5513.

The machining marks on the bezel are a 100% NO GO for me.

I enjoyed the review and exposure to a brand i did not know. One thing I really appreciated is the customization possible. Specifically, the option of a twelve hour bezel. A simple and effective dual time solution. I wish more brands offered the same option.

I've owned the Silent Service for about a year and if you could get past the 8 week wait, pull the trigger its worth everything being said about it. And I found the Owner John to be reponsive to any inquiries i had. Hamilton khaki SWC Hyper Galaxy Rolex OP Seiko King Samurai Casio MUDMASTER.

This is a nice homage. Not a fake clomage w a different logo. I'd love one of these.

If the Seamaster and Submariner had a baby

I can appreciate the fact that they are very much up front about their products I really think that they should put out a super vintage model then I'll be more than happy to pull the trigger Thanks for sharing as always my friend Be well 👍

Great review David, I would have No problem purchasing this Watch from Ginault! Loved your feedback. Matt😃👍🙏

Is the bezel ball baring like Rolex & TUDOR. Or is it your normal click spring bezel?

Terrific review, as always! Unfortunately, I was unable to purchase this "out of stock" watch on their website. I'll stick with my better value Steinhart and San Martin versions.

For what it's worth - their webpage has lots of big glossy pictures but doesn't have any corporate info - not even a physical address.

Certina DS Action Diver is a better Submariner alternative.

The traveller no date version looks best, but not available.

I enjoy your channel and content very much. I think you missed the mark by comparing it to the Tolex. They have made a watch that, like most every dive watch on the market, is inspired by Rolex, but they've made something of their own creation.

I dithered on buying a Ginault for two years. After my well supported request for a Submariner date languished for 4 years (and I mean I built a “relationship” with my AD, bought Rolex and Tudor models to build a purchase history). I went through with a purchase of a Ginault Ocean Rover 2. I was treated like royalty. All of my customizations were executed precisely. I even requested a specific timing (+3 seconds per day) and got exactly what I requested. This OR2 has a place of honor in my collection that includes Tudor, Omega, JLC, and Cartier. It’s a fantastic watch that punches WELL above its weight. These folks are a dream to deal with. If the Silent Service is even CLOSE to the Ocean Rover in quality.. it’s a strong buy. Don’t wait.. you won’t be disappointed. Great review Dave and I applaud you for taking it on. And as for the controversy about where parts or sourced.. ask Omega why some of their replacement parts have made in China tags on the bags. “Swiss Made” is another heavily regulated label.. and it’s essentially meaningless.

I do not like the way the bracelet connects to the watch head. The light angles are off.

Thank you! I do want that watch now. It looks right, the quality seems to be there. Very much agree on copies and that these guys going extra mile to do original twist on Rolex is more appreciated than is annoying. Even if owner did do fakes - who cares? He does different things now and he does them well. "Made in" controversy seems to be complete nonsense and plagued swiss as well. I rather care how watch is made, rather then where. Great review of a great watch.

I have a Ginault ss and it’s a fantastic watch. I got it at the early price, which was closer to a grand. The finishing on this watch is outstanding and easily on the level of my Sea-Dweller 126600. It’s also the most comfortable watch I own. The dial is amazing, the lume is next level. The people poo-poo’ing this watch have not experienced it, and are simply wrong.

Dave Nice review as always. Thanks for addressing the controversy. That’s the sole reason why I haven’t bought one. Maybe I should give them the benefit of the doubt

I’d buy it.

Definitely needs a black date wheel located at 6:00 for the win👌

The watch looks amazing. For me, I would like to see how it compares to Squale 1545 20 atmos and Steinhart, both have lower costs, are inspired by the Submariner, and have amazing quality.

How long will it take to get this watch once order placed? They need 6 weeks to test the movement alone

I love that watch, have considered it a few times. However i think the power reserve should be around 60 hrs, even if that means the price goes up a bit.

Let's say the quality for the price is there; my problem is that if something goes wrong, say you crack the bezel after 10 years, are there going to be replacement parts available? Probably not. I really do love that bracelet though. Is this the most affordable watch with a bracelet of this quality? Do I really need to spend 3x the price of a Steinhart just to get a better quality bracelet?

Your T-shirt is awesome!❤️

Hi Dave, from switzerland😊

Those are some pretty gnarly looking machining marks/blemishes on the bezel.

OG Seamaster dial and Planet Ocean bezel combined with Submariner case and bracelet. That’s a winner!

This one looks great. Why does no one talks about Seiko as a much cheaper (and probably more reliable) alternative?

Please review Genault Ocean Rover 2. The quality and looks are spectacular!

I am probably an exception to the rule, but I would be into this because I have been a Navy submariner for the last 29 years. I had thought about getting a Rolex at 30 years, but the cost is excessive, and having never owned one, I would never be able to get one from a dealer.

This is a homage of the Omega 2254.50 - cracking watch

Surely they could have fitted some more text on that dial?

excellent review and the comparison segment with rolex references was pretty great

I have an original Ocean Rover in my collection and it's hands down the best dive watch I own. I'm really tired of the Rolex hand set and indice design, despite its immense popularity. The only objective advantage I see in the Submariner is its power reserve. I'm surprised you didn't mention the roughness of the date wheel printing on the Silent Service. I will go to with the Silent Service no date sometime soon. Incredible watch!

I think I prefer the new version of the Monta Oceanking to Ginault. It's a little more refined for a few dollars more.

the glue of the cyclops can be seen at 11:45, does that mean it's not adhered properly?

Appreciate your review, Dave. One point on your narration: the Elabore-grade Sellita is not the most accurate out of the factory. The most accurate out of the factory is the chronometer-grade movement. Ginault really seems to be leaning heavily into marketing to cover areas where they cut cost corners. That “chronometer” language on the dial is based solely on one’s trust in the people at Ginault. Rolex (and other brands) pay for chronometer certification. Ginault is looking to cut those costs through in-house effort. It’s fine, but for me it’s a turn off.

I own one. Fantastic watch.

Love my Ginault SS! Great value!

Nah. They are kinda sus at this price. They didn’t know ‘made in USA’ had rules around it before sticking it on their dial? I’ve read the documents and believe they did in fact produce fakes. Either way: it’s ~$500 off a pre-owned Black Bay. Get that if you want a Submariner alternative

I chose this over a BB58.

John built me a silent service last year. It has been fantastic and is my daily wear.

It looks amazing.

Great review, well said. Watch looks great, but priced out of my league. I hope they do well, nice to have some semblance of US made watch in the market.

It would be perfect without the ugly magnifying window . Great episode by the way 😊

Made by Rolex enthusiasts as in people who made and sold Rolex super clones. Haha what a way to put it.

Contrary to your opinion, I can’t see many details that would differentiate the design of this watch from a Submariner. I would definitely save up for a used Rolex. This is way too expensive for a Rolex copy - or “homage” as you call it. In addition, there seems to be quality issues. The bezel is not aligned with the dial markers, there’s a problem with the finish and I suspect the magnifier is offset. Ginault should have done a bit more effort to fill out that dial completely. I would recommend The Declaration of Independence in its entirety.

That's not a current model Rolex at 13:40 ; ) You seem to have purposely made the Rolex look grey too lol.

In this price range I would look at the Certina DS Action Diver 38mm

Handsome watch. I like it! Great review, btw.👍🏼👍🏼

The price has doubled in 7 years and the “Silent Service” lettering has to go. Reminds me of the Monta Oceanking for $700 less

Beautiful watch. If you want to spend that much for a very good homage . If you want to spend much much less for the same movement and 98 % of the quality , buy a steinhart ocean one ceramic black. For less than 600 $ 😅.

Great video, but should the sellita movement be regulated properly in the factory instead of spending 6 weeks to get the movement right waste of time wnd money.

ppl forget that the value of RLX is in the brand at least as much as it is in quality its worth exactly as much as it trades for if you dont like it, buy a ginault or an omega or an san martin

Christopher Ward, enough said. Saving for one.

From what I can see in the video, the crispness of the date numerals is ever so slightly better on the Rolex. Beyond that, I’d say that you’re not getting a better watch in the Rolex, other than in movement. And in a world where everyone has a smartphone with atomic-clock level accuracy, a few seconds a day doesn’t mean shit. The finishing on the Ginault is every bit as good as Rolex, and I have compared them side by side.

A mix of Omega Seamaster and Rolex Submariner according to me. Finding design cues from the pre co-axial 2254.50 Seamaster. Sword hour hand, Polygon hour marker at twelve. Cyclops definitely Rolex Submariner. Great watch!

I almost feel like all that talent is sort of wasted on a watch that’s trying to look like a Rolex when they could use this amazing talent they have to really make something original and unique. You can get a Rolex like watch just about anywhere. Also, I could be wrong, but I believe Sellita does make a cosc grade movement that is more premium than the elaborate grade.

I did heard some crazy rumours about Ginault. One was, whoever made the case/the head of the watch started out as a boutique gunmaker or something because at the time America didn't have the machining expertise in their watchmakers.

Buy a steinhart and pocket the difference

Nice watch. They're generous folks too!

I actually don’t understand the ‘controversy’ - wouldn’t going straight be the ultimate outcome/aka the American way 🤔 makes no sense. The homage outrage too makes no sense… this is every bit a true to the sense homage watch. Takes bits and pieces from various models and even maybe multiple brands and puts it together to make the ultimate collectors homage watch. I can attest to their quality and customer service, having made a very minor warranty claim, which was sorted straight away. Happy owner (Ocean Rover ii) here. Great review BTW 👍🙂

How long you've been live in japan ?

Gorgeous watch, however, the integration of the end links with the case is unacceptable at this price point. Also you can see machining marks on the bezel. San Martin and Baltany pull off those two things much better, at a fraction of the price of the Ginault. 🥴👍

What a fantastic looking watch

“Rolex Alternative”…I don’t know how I feel about that. In one sense nothing is a Rolex alternative because nothing else gets that name on the distal, and it’s all about the brand. In another, any watch that has an even vaguely similar look qualifies, and people will find something that fits whatever budget they have. Nothing is a Rolex alternative, everything is a Rolex alternative. The Ginault is pretty and well made, but the dial text is a bit ridiculous and would put me off. Also, Seiko may have something to say about the use of the term Kinetic. I don’t really get buying a Rolex fan club’s Rolex homage either. I want something with its own identity at that price. Good review!