A couple of years ago, we reviewed the OCEAN7 G-2
Chronograph, and today we bring you the re-tuned follow-up: the G-2S.
The G-2S is largely similar, but brings a few nice updates and changes
over the original G-2 including a changed dial style and subdial
layout, revised pushers, PVD finishes, and an HeV (helium escape valve) to aid in increasing the water resistance to 1000m (the original G-2 is 200m).
As we covered in our last review, the G-2 series of dive chronographs
are heavy duty tool dive watches with usable features and a unique
design. Let’s look at the features:
- Brushed Steel case.
- Sapphire Crystal with internal AR coating.
- 41mm wide.
- 17mm high.
- Water resistant to 1,000m or 3,300ft (hence the HeV and screw-down pushers).
- 24mm lugs.
- Quartz Chronograph.
- Matching bracelet with deployment clasp.
- Helium escape valve.
- PVD finish.
- Black painted dial with a wider diameter.
- Screw down chronograph pushers.
The
G-2S shows that little changes can have a big impact; the distinctive
carbon fibre dial of the original model has been swapped for a matte
black dial with the OCEAN7 logo moved to the 3 o’clock position.
Running seconds are now shown at 6 o’clock and elapsed minutes and
hours at 12 and 9, respectively. The new dial is slightly larger, cleaner, and feels altogether more focused than the somewhat busy carbon fibre
dial. The original G-2 had a butterfly clasp that was nice but felt out
of place on a tool diver; that clasp has been swapped for a standard
deployment fold-over clasp. The lugs are 24mm wide so the G-2S (and the
G-2) can be easily fitted to a bevy of strap options. I fitted the G-2S
to the rubber strap that normally stays on my LM-2 and was very
happy to find it comfortable and considerably lighter than the
bracelet (if you get an OCEAN7 watch, I highly recommend that you pick up the rubber strap as an
accessory). The size and weight of the G-2S is unchanged, and the watch is still very
large and noticeable with its 17mm height.
The
case has changed slightly as a helium escape valve has been
integrated at 10 o’clock and the chronograph pushers have been changed
from paddle style pushers to more traditional screw down pushers. The
inclusion of an HeV shows that OCEAN7 is positioning the G-2S as a serious full featured tool dive watch. The screw down pushers and HeV allow the watch to boast an impressive 1000m (3300ft) water resistance. I think the new pushers look great; while the screw down style adds a little complexity
to the use of the chronograph, they also improve water resistance.
Perhaps the most noticeable change over
the G-2 is the availability of a PVD finish. It comes in two variations:
only the controls (blacked out bezel, crowns and pushers), or all over
PVD. We opted for the all over PVD on the review model because the
physical size of this watch could use some stealthy styling. The PVD is
thick and carries a medium matte finish; the watch and bracelet look
amazing completely blacked out, and both match the finish of the dial
perfectly.
The OCEAN7
G-2S is evolutionary rather than revolutionary as it is a slightly
more conservative and mature re-working of an already great watch.
Boutique quartz dive chronographs are hard to come by, especially as
tough and well made as the OCEAN7 G-2 series. The G-2S is sold
exclusively through OCEAN7 and retails for between $399-$475 depending on
your choice of PVD options. At this price point, the G-2, and the
G-2S are very attractive choices for buyers looking for a unique, well-built dive chronograph
that looks great, and is backed by a reliable company. The G Series family of watches is almost without peers in its price range as any comparisons would come from much more expensive watches.
We would like to thank Mitch at OCEAN7 for loaning us a review sample
of the G-2S Chronograph.
By James Stacey
