ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- My name is Mr. Chao and welcome to Chao Time. I’m back with another review of a homage maker, this time a more upscale, but also kind of shady brand, Ginault. This is their Ocean Rover, which is basically their only model. They have another model now with a ceramic bezel, but this is the one I have.
The way I review watches is to objectively score them against a rubric in the categories of case and bracelet, dial, movement, and more subjectively in the area of brand, history, and prestige to get a total score. I then take the score and apply a value multiplier to get a value score. Then, I rank the two scores against all the other watches I have reviewed up to that point.
After the review, I give a completely subjective opinion based on my experience, emotions, sentimental ties, its character, how I’m feeling that day; the way that I believe most of us consider watches we consider buying.
Montell Fish - Can’t Get Enough chll.to/c362a265
I purchased a OR2 Cermaic Date back in Feb. All I can say is wow! It is hands down the best Sub Homage out there. I love the fact that it takes all the best Rolex design elements from different watches and puts it all together in the Ginault OR. The craftsmanship is awesome, the timekeeping is accurate, the Bezel action is superb. It actually blows away watches I own which cost more. Just shows what can be achieved at this price point without the crazy markups. At the end of the day the reality is, you pay 8 x more for the brand status and image. From a purely watch point of view, the only thing the Rolex does better is the in house movement.
You do get a lot of watch for the money with these. That was the appeal to me as well when I got it. Thanks!
@Yusuf Best I agree but still doesn't justify 8x more in price. The higher price is for the brand status all day everyday.
@Yusuf Best I can't really compare to San Martin, as I have never owned. I can however compare to Steinhart. Steinhart is $500 roughly for a 300m Swiss Made Diver with ETA 2824 movement. It is a very nice watch for the money no doubt, however hand in hand the Ginault blows it away. The finishing on the Ginault is miles better in everyway. The action and quality of the Bezel, the polishing and brushing, the very tight tolerance of the end links and watch, the quality of the Dial and Indecies, the cyclops and magnification, the superior Bracelet and clasp. I have a Rolex explorer 1 and a Longines diver, the Ginault holds its own no sweat.
@@tennistron588 I agree with you 100%. I own 2 of the ORII's, a black and blue bezel and a Sub 41 no date. The ORII is easily on par 95% of the subs fit and finish. I may even dare to say I like the overall look of my ORII's better. Easily the best value for money in my entire collection.
I find the story to actually be appealing. The mystery also adds to the story for me and probably contributed to me ordering one yesterday. Remember, Rolex itself (in my opinion) was founded in a shady way and I believe continues shady business practices to this day.
Great perspective! I'm not that familiar with Rolex's history, but I do believe they are currently shady. Did you get the ocean rover 2?
@@ChaoTime101 I did.
Watching this reminds me how far Ginault have come and evolved their watch with the Ocean Rover 2
I know they changed their bezel and movement. Is there anything else I'm missing? I haven't looked deeply into that watch.
I just ordered mine and had no problems with John answering my emails . He went out of his way to make sure the watch I was ordering was the correct model. Anyone who has owned one has nothing but good things to say about the quality regardless of any so called controversy.
Nice! I've wanted to see the new model in person. Congrats on the purchase!
I don’t like the date window wheel with the black mate finish and white numerals. It’s a little touch of Rolex Sea Dweller character with the flat crystal minus a Cyclops magnification. I’d personally prefer a cyclops and a white date wheel with a black painted numerals for better contrast. Other than that…. I think it’s definitely a nice looking sport watch that seems to be of decent quality.
I haven't seen that many sea dwellers and haven't considered that. It is a decent quality though for the price.
@@ChaoTime101 …..Yea, I’m keeping this review in my archives as I quite like the vintage appeal and blue bezel contras. This might be my next time piece I purchase. Not too pricey and great for an all purpose wearing daily. I currently own two Rolex’s…..a Sea Dweller 16600 2004 vintage and a GMT Master……two tone ….Root Beer 2020.
I like this watch, I wish they'd change just one more thing that they have changed to separate themselves more from being a straight up copy..
Me too. For example, the print doesn't have to be so similar. The logo could be applied. It doesn't even have to be a big change.
@@ChaoTime101 Hmmm I was thinking something that stands out more when glancing at someone wrist but I can see your reasoning. Good points none the less. Enjoy ya vids!
@@minchrono24lover27 Like some different color combos or something? Or something to really make it stand out like a crazy bezel.
I had a Ginault it’s a nice watch but overpriced, I never bonded with it, I like my Steinhart much better, the only thing better about the Ginault was the bracelet, it was very nice
Indeed, much nicer bracelet. I also had a hard time with it. I've moved on since.
Where can I buy a Ginault for 750? The prices on Ebay are all +1000$....
I use watchuseek, some local Facebook forums, and watchrecon. I bought mine for a bit under $700 and have seen them at that price in the last 6 months. Good luck!
@@ChaoTime101 I already have two Ginaults. Best watch I ever had. I have had Tag Heuers, Omega Seamasters and Seiko's. But the ORII with the Eta movement is so solid and accurate !
@@maartenkuit4404 I really wanted to try the OR2, but didn't come across any for sale in my price range. Maybe next time!
Prices will only start to go up since the watches production has recently come to stop. Not sure if they will make the ORII again in the future but apparenly Ginault is now focusing on their new project to be released.
I think it's funny you mention Nth, when the same "article" accusing Ginault of wrongdoing, also names the owner of Nth as a silent partner in Ginault.
Interesting! I don't remember that, although it a while ago that I read it. I'll have to go back and look at it. Thanks for the heads up!
I bought one of the first ones made back in 2017 . And with all the controversy and the fact that it was a replica / copy of a Rolex I sold it. I had comments oh it’s a “Folex” etc. I just felt fake in myself. I tried to get in touch with Ginault several times and did not answer my emails. When did month or so later made excuses about receiving emails . Very poor customer service. I notice also all the big watch channels have taken down their reviews. Great review by the way .. I agree with what you say.
I've had the same experience trying to get in touch with them. I think most of the other channel's reviews were made before the expose was written, so perhaps those creators took down the video because it didn't adequately represent the brand anymore. I wish they would just address the issue and make their story one of redemption or a decision about morality.