I hope you guys enjoy the review. In retrospect I have already thought of several things I missed covering, like the rehaut engraving on the Rolex vs. the lack there of on the Ginault and the dial printing and branding - among other things. I was trying to keep this video well under an hour though and some things slipped past me. Also, I know people will ask for it, and I'm sorry, I forgot the wrist shot - actually I filmed it and forgot to cut it into the video (doh!).

I recently got the OR2 cermaic GS lume. Absolutely infatuated with the watch. Everyone who has held one can attest to the sublime quality of this timepiece. I think it's ironic that Ginault have taken all the best design cues from a Sub added a dash of their own spices and created a watch I think actually looks better than the original. Honestly, for me this watch has ended my lust for the next watch, it will be on my wrist for the rest of my days :)

Always loved the Rolex Submariner but once they got past $5000 (which is still too much money) but at today's prices at almost 10k thats crazy for a dive watch

Great Review: One of the best! The most important words you used was diminishing return as you go up in the value of different watches. Everyone seems to want a number; (8 times more expensive vs only 2 times more the quality). I don't think you can honestly put in numbers and I'm sure you were only using them as examples. Rolex and all luxury brands are overpriced if looking strictly at inflation guides. A new Rolex Sub w/date in 1988 was around $1500 and the inflation rate of the dollar from 1988-2018 was X 2.11. So a new 2018 Rolex Sub would cost $3,200 if only inflation is used. This is sort of interesting as $3,200 is about 2 X the cost of a new Ginault. So what am I getting at? I have no idea. But I do own a Ginault!

I have the Ginault myself and honestly I wouldn’t change it for a Rolex. I have had it for 1 year now, and still like the Ginault a lot

Considering there is a 7,000 dollar difference in price, and the quality is "realistically and reasonably close" for the Ginault, I have been convinced by your near perfect review. I can now say that the Ginault is doable for me, whereas the Rolex is not. If you have a bundle of money in your bank account you're probably going to buy the international icon of dive watches. However, if you're a regular guy working a regular job that doesn't pay a lot of scratch, that Ginault is a great buy. My favorite part of that watch is the nicely muted matte finish to the bezel. Solid, well-presented review. Keep them coming.

So I've been contemplating a Ginault for some time now, and this video pushed me over the edge to get one. I play guitar, and the best analogy I can come up with is that I can't afford a Martin (American made), but Eastman (Chinese made) makes an homage guitar to the Martin D-18 (basically the Rolex Submariner of guitars) that lives up to the Martin in many ways. Is it a Martin? No. But it's a great guitar in its own right at a fraction of the price. In fact, there are a few things that the Eastman offers that Martin does not (Adirondack top, engraved headstock), which it sounds like is the case for Ginault too (mil-spec hands, smaller lugs). At first I kept comparing the Eastman to a Martin, but then I started really appreciating it for what it is, a very high quality guitar that plays and sounds extraordinary. I'm excited to order and own what sounds like a very high quality watch and hope to enjoy it as much as I enjoy my guitar. Thanks for the review.

Kudos to a very informative review, one of the best out there and certainly very honest and educated, too. I like how basically every detail is discussed, explained and integrated into the final vision.

Amazing, both watches were perfectly synchronized.

7:33 The brushed finish on the case is consistent with the previous 16610 generation Rolex Sub.

Thanks for your “time”. Enjoyed learning all the minutiae. I’m a sucker for detail.

Great job! I own the Ocean Rover and just love it. I feel I have a high quality watch that will last for a long time. Most of the differences you mention require a magnifying glass to see. If you are thinking about getting a high quality dive watch without spending $8k+.. this is a great choice.

23:35 I'm personally a sucker for red second hands, it makes the watch look more vintage, way to go Ginault! Also, the engraved rehaut on the Sub could be done in a more elegant way, my opinion. The magnifier is definitely better on the Sub, though.

Great video as usual. And for most people, they might be more likely to use it outdoors/salt water environments when the Rolex might be at home in the safe...

Excellent review! I bought the no date 181070 GLSN model a year ago and I love it. I didn’t experience any problem with the articulation of the links of the bracelet: they don’t stuck and the articulation is smooth. The clasp has no resistance to open as well. Anyway comparing Ginault to Rolex is really difficult. In my opinion most of the owners of a Rolex didn’t buy a watch, they bought the brand whatever the watch looks like. In these terms the more expensive the watch..... the better the status.

The aluminum bezel is the only knock against the ginault. That watch is damn near flawless. With that said, there’s a reason companies pay homage to the Rolex. It is one of the greatest watches ever constructed.

What an outstanding comparison between these two watches; thank you for putting it together. I have an Ocean Rover myself and I took a look at my bracelet; I don't have the grittiness that yours does. Mine is very loose and articulates very nicely.

Guy really well done. Imho this is an important impressive review as the mil sub is a historically important piece that almost no one can ever have - nor will ever be reissued or worn . Therefore this piece is as legitimate and necessary as Govbergs Gevril Paul Newman - beautiful rendition. We admire what these pieces represent and imo its important to be able to see and enjoy them in a top quality production timepiece. Thanks Guy. 👍.

Great video, own a few Rolex watches and have had a few more over the past 25 years. Bought the Ginault because I got a great discount and really wanted to check out the quality. In the end I really enjoy my Ginault OR and feel the quality is excellent and after more than a year the timekeeping is still very accurate! Again, Great video.

Nice review. I wish you had the ginault OR with the blue lume to compare. I think the off white background on the date is to match the sand lume. Also is the tightness on the bracelet (and clasp) due to the ginault being new and not broken into?

Good review. The Ginault being half the quality of a Rolex Sub and 1/8the price? That makes the Ginault a SERIOUS WINNER in my opinion.

Your brilliant, candid, opening comments about diminishing returns, earned you my respect and a new subscriber. Keep up the good work.

I know that I may get bashed for this but, I own BOTH, and I wear the Ginault FAR more. The Ginault is just fantastic, if they improved the bezel insert with ceramic & lume and just a bit better finishing. it would really bump it up. Great video and Great watches!!!

Guy did you mention any differences in the chapter ring? Please do keep up the good work! Outstanding review!!! How does the Ginault stack up vs a Steinhart? THX and take care

Informative review guy,thank you. I don't understand why a company would make an homage from another company. It's a lesser of a copy and you'll always be reminded of it for me. Thanks again

I'd be curious to know Ginaults thoughts about making improvements to the watch based on this review. For me, a ceramic or sapphire glass bezel and improved bracelet/clasp would seal the deal.

I bought my Submariner in 1975 when first entering the Air Force. It's all beat-up but going strong. I have taken it to a jeweler in San Diego every five years for service and they keep saying that they would be willing to purchase it. I would have no qualms buying one of these Genaults so not to feel anxious about wearing it daily.

Very fair comparison Guy. I like the way you synchronise the times of the compared watches.

I really wish you had compared the OR1 with an actual 5 digit sub. The quality looks much more on par to Rolex’s older models.

I’m actually one of the people who really likes, possibly even prefers the super case. I’m a huge fan of the Ocean Rover but I might like it even more if it did have slightly thicker lugs. Either way, it’s an incredible watch.

Does anyone know how to get a hold of Ginault for a warranty issue?

will you be able to review the OR 2 that does have a ceramic insert?

Great video! This is just what I was looking for. Thanks!

The Ginault has a much nicer case

Does the Sub have the glide lock? I couldn't live without it now that I have it. I use it a couple times of day. I also love the gold sand and red combo.

Question to ask you this Ginault ocean rover or Seiko Marine master? I want to purchase one of them. Which one?

I wish you could have put those 2 movements on a timegrapher to see what results you find.

Own both a 114060 and an 116600 which in my opinion is the best seadweller out of the various versions. I also own a Ginault OR1 and I have to say I love it. It’s the sub that I always wished Rolex would make. You’re also nitpicking to find differences in outer build quality. I see people talking about the brushed finishing on the bracelet etc….I honestly don’t see it. Maybe different…but neither better or worse. Bezel action on my seadweller is outstanding though and neither my sub or ginault bezels compare.

Excellent review. (Nb I bought the no date ginault at the outset with considerably discounted price, with black bezel and where the red 2nd hand works rather better in my view)

I understand it will be impossible to keep the polished center links perfect, but they sure look great at this point!

Great review! While somewhat controversial among watch enthusiasts, would you do a detailed review of a Stuhrling Tourbillon watch? I own one and personally find it to be remarkable quality. People are skeptical of any tourbillon watch under $10k, be it not totally unfounded, though I think sometimes unfair. I would appreciate it! Thanks!

Absolutely spot on measured review. Own both and the ginault works perfectly for me in the work environment As I don’t particularly like wearing a Rolex to the office the ginault proves a perfect companion. I also don’t mind if there are scratches and scuffs along the way and in many ways the dirty dial configuration lends itself to a very worn look.its a watch that has purpose and works well in my collection so feel that it will be with me for the duration. I don’t know that I would have paid full retail for it ,but at the price purchased I’m more than happy..

You should have done this with a 5digit rolex

Great review. It would have been interesting to see a 5 digit reference sub next to the Ginault.

Outstanding review, which takes time - 43:15 in fact. Thank you!

I think that you have represented both watches perfectly.

Have you ever put the Ginault on your Timegrapher? I'd like to see what that looks like as it is supposed to be a chronometer and that should show up on the Timegrapher. Thanks for the review.

Thanks for the review. Would you take this over a Oris Aquis?

904 and 316 stainless steel both have their pros and cons. It would depend on what they're being used for if you wanted to say one was better than the other. 904 will tarnish less but scratches more easily because it's softer. 316 on the other hand won't keep as great a shine but it's stronger and harder to scratch. And you wouldn't be able to tell the difference without an NDT. So I'd say if it's purely a dress watch then go for the 904 and the 316 is better for the everyday/work watch. And even though it may be rolex's own formula, 904 is 904 the composition of it must be within a certain tolerance in order for it to be 904 SS. But with that they can truly say everything is in-house.

Great video, as always.. Got my replacement Steinhart Titanium 500 GMT Premium in finally - GMT hand working well - will send it along soon!

Have the Ginault's water ratings been tested?

Its a wrap, well done, your reviews are a pleasure to....watch:-). really consider getting a Ginault, it seems to be good bang per buck. Have a nice weekend.

Excellent review my friend. Would you say the Ginault is 70% as good or 80% as good as the Rolex? Have you reviewed the Monta watches? Only they and Ginault...nobody else has the 1000-2000 microbrand price segment locked tight. A comparo is in order!

I have both the Sub and the new OR II. The OR is an excellent watch. The sub is sublime. but hey, not a million miles apart. Very good value

@this level of craftsmanship of the Ginault I would rather prefer to see their own designs rather than imitating other people’s!

I've had an OR1 for several years, and it's an outstanding watch.

lol I love how you are critical with the rolex. you're like the only reviewer who does that.

I just came across an article about Rolex using sub contractors for their Cases Could this be true?

Just discovered your channel and you are quite impressive on how thorough you are. I would have gotten the Ginault by now but not having a sapphire or ceramic bezel insert is a big no! I would love to see you get a hold of a watch from the Orange Watch Company. There quality even seems better than Ginault but much looser on the Rolex design.

Very detailed comparison - thank you. Sorry for the Ginault fanboys, but you should buy the real thing or if you are on a budget get a Tisell Marine Diver. The looks of the Tisell is closer to the Submariner and the quality is very close to the Ocean Rover - for under 200$. If you had the chance to hold both the Ginault and the Tisell in your hands you can tell.

Nail on the head with your comments of the bezel insert on the Ginault...

I have a OR1. It’s keeps +1 a day for the last 2 years. I also own a 16140 submariner. I have to say. It’s close. Really close.

Great job Guy...well done.

This new model is cool but I think I’ll wait for a nice preowned example at $900. Ginaults seem to depreciate there pretty consistently

Superb analysis justbluefishGuy!

Can you use the ginault as a dress watch

Let's compare these on the timegrapher and also on the wrist when it comes to accurate time keeping. Then let's see how they're both doing 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years later.

I have my eye on a Monta Oceanking, wondering how it stacks up to the Rolex.

you should have compared the Ginaut VS the sub 16610 not the subc 116610

How about reviewing the OR2 black bezel cyclobs with your Sub. Seems like they are even more similar.

The Ginault is much nicer than the Rolex.

Excellent review, that Ginault is a lot better quality then i was expecting but would i spend the money on it? probably not, if you really want a Sub you get a Rolex Sub.

Такие крутые часы👍 спасибо за сравнение!

Obviously it's easier to compare when you have both things you're comparing and you're not going from memory. And obviously the ORII 4 years later is even closer than the OR 1. And that isn't even accounting for the Silent Service. That said, the very fine comparisons you are making here are an awful slight thing to hang $9K on, and that is at the unattainable retail price. It's awfully difficult to justify the higher money unless you REALLY want to. That is how I think of it. I'll note that my ORII glide lock is a little smoother than that, maybe still not the equal of Rolex but way better than one I had on a Parnis.

I have never been a huge fan of the Sub and always thought to myself it is a nice watch but I would never pay 8k for one. I guess a large part of that is the fact there are so many watches that look just like it. Well in this case you can see the Ginault gives you pretty much the same watch for a fraction of the cost. And beyond the thicker lugs and the name of Rolex, the Ginsault really gives you the same thing for the most part. In this case the Ginault wins this if we are considering it a vs as per cost to quality.

Yeah but... are the 9’s the same? No 9 is better than a Rolex 9. Seriously, fantastic review. I wish Ginault would do away with the red seconds hand as well.

Excellent review. Love that Rolex Sub.. The Ginault is nice but i'd go for a used Rolex before purchasing a OR

Please review Ocean Rover 2 my friend. Look forward to your take

The brush pattern on lugs and width are 5513.

17:15 why they don't use a matte finish on the ceramic bezel at Rolex is a mystery to me. Maybe it's just not possible, I wouldn't know. On the other hand, the platinum-filled markings are a real winner with the Sub. Other than that, the older style aluminum bezel has more charm.

Most people's thought process: "The Rolex is the significantly more expensive watch, so it must be better in every category just because..., and therefore the winner. The Ginualt does something different from rolex, and because the Ginault is cheaper, it must be the less impressive design." *However, to me, the ceramic bezel and AR cyclops alone are worth the extra 7 grand. If ginault did those, then I might consider them.

Very interesting report. Rolex shows to be highly overpriced. Rolex Submariner used to be a tool watch. I own a 1680 Sub from 1976 I got from my dad. Its price was US $507. Prices have gone insanely high. I use Phoibos homages (automatic and quartz) for dayly beaters. Realy good price value options. Thank you for real profesional job!!

Didnt Rolex rename 904L steel to Oyster Steel?

I dont get it .Can see the point of a $20 sub knock off but of you can make a watch that good make your own .

I'm not comfortable spending that much on an homage watch. I'd rather get an original design for $1k+. I do have to give it to Ginault, the quality, fit and finish is worth the money they are charging. Another thing I don't like on the Ginault is the faux petina on its lume. But, if someone gave me a Ginault, I'd gladly accept and add it to my collection. 🙂

you should have compared the 16610 to the ginault.

Nice review

Hmmm.. Binge watching older (and newer) watch videos and having a couple of beers. Life is good in quarantine.

Doesn’t the five digit sbubmariner have an aluminum bezel?

I’ve been looking forward to this video. I think Ginault picked the right channel to get an in depth comparative review. I don’t doubt the quality of the Ginault and the marginal differences to the Rolex... however IMHO you could substitute the word homage for copy. Personally, I prefer originality. I mean come on “Kinetic Continuous Date” - “Oyster perpetual Date” .. and would have liked it if Ginault took styling queues from Roland here and there but not to the point of the exact font, the same brush and polish edges, same writing on the dial etc.. 50 years from now the Ginault will still be an imitation of something else unlike the Rolex.

I consider 904L an inferior metal compared to 316L for a daily wear watch.

Great job..have a great day.

Ironically, it would be more likely that the Rolex clasp gets accidentally hooked open by, say, a stray thread, while this wouldn't be an issue for the Ginault! :)

I have a rolex Air King 34 MM, the clasp on the Ginault is better than my Rolex. OK I am sold on this watch, sorry Tudor this is $2000 less than a black bay. I have my rolley I guess I will call this my Ginnie

Disclosure was good but missing a key fact. Ginault offers a steep discount for KZfaq reviews comparing the real deal or another homage. It is possible and likely the reviewer profited.

The Ginault is awesome, it's a shame that both had to write the complete bible on the dial.

Good video, I like your video comparing it to the steinhart ocean 1 where the looks are identical. For Some reason this Ginault has knock off replica look. I’m sure it’s a well made watch for its high price. But Something just looks off if your trying to compare it to the looks of the sub compare to the steinhart ocean 1

The dials look brown on my monitor. I thought they were black?

Do you know if the bracelets are interchangeable? haha

If we could see the inside of both watches you would see a world of difference