Ocean7 G-2 Chronograph Watch Review

After our review the Ocean7 LM-2, we were anxious to get our hands on more from Ocean7. This time, we thought we’d trying something a little different: the Ocean7 G-2 Dive Chronograph. I’ve always been a sucker for dive chronographs like the Seamaster Pro Chrono and the Panerai Luminor 1950 Flyback diver, so I was very pleased when the G-2 showed up at my door.

Let’s start with the specifications on this beast of a diver:

* Brushed Stainless Steel case and five-link bracelet.
* 42mm diameter.
* 17mm thick.
* 4mm thick sapphire crystal (same thickness as the crystal on the Rolex Sea Dweller).
* Water resistant to 660 feet, or 200 meters.
* Swiss quartz movement.
* Carbon fiber dial.
* $449 directly from Ocean7.

The Ocean7 G-2 Chronograph is a professional tool dive watch that brings Ocean7′s design philosophy together with a highly accurate quartz chronograph. From the moment I first pulled the G-2 from its wooden box — actually, from the moment I first lifted the box — one thing became very clear to me: this was no lightweight timepiece. You can forget about every other heavy watch that comes to mind because the Ocean7 G-2 probably has them all beat. It perches proudly, prominently, and massively on your wrist, though it does tend to wear slightly lighter than it feels in your hands.

The Head

This is a no-nonsense watch. The face of the watch is well distributed between dial, bezel, and case, and the watch has a pleasing esthetic balance. The case has high flanks and prominent lugs that show off its brushed finish. The dial hides behind a thick sapphire crystal, and is surrounded by a smooth and very usable dive-time bezel. The carbon fiber dial really pops and gives the watch a sporty appeal, spicing up the dial nicely.

Something that really stands out on the Ocean7 G-2 is the chronograph range. The main second hand counts seconds when the chronograph is running (otherwise, it stays pointing to 12), the 9 o’clock subdial counts minutes (up to 30), and the 6 o’clock subdial counts up to 12 hours. This means I can use it for timing long events (drives up to the cottage, warm-up time for my fish tank) which even many digital chronographs can’t do.

The screwdown crown is knurled, and very smooth for time and date setting. The pushers are similar to the chrono pushers on older Tag Heuer Aquagraph, and are very easy to use. The case and its features exhibit a fit and finish beyond what one would expect from a $450 watch. Of course, case quality is the pride and joy of Ocean7 founder, Mitch Feig.

Bracelet

The bracelet is similar to that of the previously reviewed Ocean7 LM-2. It’s made of heavy brushed stainless steel (not titanium, like the LM-2), and uses screws rather than pins to keep the links together which means if you have a suitably small screwdriver, you can save yourself a trip to the jeweler to get it sized. Our G-2 came with a rubber strap, however I like the stainless steel bracelet enough that I never even considered swapping it out. The silicon would be a good way to lighten the watch a bit, however.

Packaging

The packaging for the G-2 is identical to that of the LM-2 which is impressive considering the fact that the LM-2 is twice the price. It comes in a sturdy black outer box that protects the inner burl-wood style box. It’s straightforward, functional, and a little nicer than expected, which tends to sum up the Ocean7 G-2 itself.

Summary

This is a very nice quartz chronograph which will make a great sport/tool watch, or even a daily wear for those looking for a prominent diver and a highly usable chrono. But note that this watch will never allow itself to be concealed beneath a cuff or a sport coat. It’s big, tall, and proud, and it’s wants the world to know it. However, if you can manage the bulk, it’s well built, reasonably priced, and fits well into the Ocean7 family and their philosophy of offering tough, functional watches and reliable customer service.