Richard Le Grand OceanFarer-Hands on Review

Today we will be taking a closer look at Richard Le Grand’s OceanFarer. The OceanFarer is available in three different options: matte black, polar white, and ocean blue. If you are searching for a classic-looking microbrand watch that offers excellent value for money, continue reading.

The Case

As mentioned earlier, if you have been a watch enthusiast for a while, you might find the Richard Le Grand OceanFarer to be familiar, and in my opinion, that is not a negative attribute. While it does share similarities with one of their other timepieces, this particular watch exudes a sense of refinement. It features a superb flat link bracelet and, surprisingly, measures only 11.5mm in thickness (excluding the domed sapphire). The case is primarily brushed, displaying an appealing grain, especially for a watch priced just under $400. Additionally, the top sides of the case boast elegant polished chamfers. 

Although the lugs are not drilled, swapping out the bracelet or strap is a straightforward process. Even if you don’t have the necessary tools, fret not, as RLG has thoughtfully included them. They have also provided tools for removing the bracelet’s pins and collars, but I will delve into that further shortly. The coin edge bezel, which is easy to grip, adds a bold touch and feels exceptionally sturdy, just like the screw-down crown. Furthermore, the bezel insert is made of sapphire and, naturally, it is luminous.

The Dial

When examining the dial, it becomes apparent that it closely resembles its predecessor. This decision strikes me as peculiar since it’s challenging to differentiate between the two models at a glance or even upon closer examination. Perhaps RLG is unconcerned about customers owning multiple watches from their collection, or maybe they simply have a fondness for the 12-3-6-9 layout. Nevertheless, the dial maintains a clean and uncluttered appearance. The applied numbers and indices proudly stand out against the dial, boasting an attractive chrome look. It’s worth noting that there is no date feature, likely due to the utilization of the Miyota 9039 movement in both this piece and the upcoming Odyssea model, which further emphasizes their striking similarity. 

One notable aspect is the off-white color of the lume paint used, which deviates from the typical stark white found on the blue dial variant of this watch, though it is not reminiscent of old radium or vintage lume. Resting atop the dial is a domed sapphire crystal, which, peculiarly, produces a considerable amount of reflection. Although it doesn’t obstruct the visibility of the dial, one can often catch glimpses of themselves or their surroundings reflected in the crystal of this Richard Le Grand Oceanfarer. Despite the presence of an inner anti-reflective coating, the matte black dial fails to mitigate this issue entirely. Although not evident in the provided photos or video due to photographic techniques, the reflection is somewhat bothersome. Considering the matte dial, one would assume it wouldn’t pose a problem. Nonetheless, I still believe this timepiece would benefit from a sunburst dial, as the matte dial, upon closer inspection, appears somewhat lackluster and doesn’t quite complement the well-crafted chrome-outlined markers.

The Bracelet

The bracelet of the Richard Le Grand OceanFarer is sturdy and retains the pin and collar mechanism, although it’s not my personal preference. Nevertheless, it provides excellent security. The bracelet itself is a remarkable departure from the original RLG piece I previously reviewed, and I must say it brings me great delight to wear it. The links are smooth and flat, effortlessly embracing my 7 1/2-inch wrist. By the way, I highly recommend watching the accompanying video as it vividly demonstrates how the bracelet seamlessly cascades from the end link without any kinks or tangles. It truly is a sight to behold. As for the clasp, it may not be extraordinary, but it surpasses the standard catalog clasps. It features several micro-adjustment holes and offers a reliable and secure closure.

The Caseback

One aspect of the Richard Le Grand OceanFarer that particularly appeals to me is its solid case back. I have a weakness for intricately stamped case backs, and this one is truly impressive. Although we’ve encountered similar designs in the past, with diving helmets, anchors, and waves adorning them, I find myself captivated by this particular rendition. In comparison, I would much rather gaze at this solid case back than a plain Miyota movement displayed through an exhibition case back. Additionally, the watch boasts a water resistance of 200 meters, and even for timepieces like this, I prefer having solid backs on dive watches.

The luminous material used in this watch is BGW9. However, upon careful examination, it is evident that the numbers and indices on the dial have substantial borders, leaving limited space for the application of lume. The same applies to the hands. Consequently, while the lume won’t dazzle you, it should provide visibility in the dark for a few hours. Nonetheless, don’t expect it to remain intensely bright beyond a few minutes after charging.

Final Notes

Do I consider this watch to be superior to the one I previously reviewed? Absolutely. Is the Richard Le Grand OceanFarer highly influenced by other models? Yes. Does the brand have another model that could easily be mistaken for this one? Indeed. Nonetheless, I still believe this watch offers good value for the money. Granted, the market is saturated, and there are numerous similar-looking watches, perhaps from more recognizable brands. However, I cannot disregard this watch solely on that basis. 

I appreciate its dial layout, the high-beat Miyota movement without a date complication, and the bracelet, which not only looks appealing but also provides a comfortable fit on the wrist. Moreover, it is not excessively bulky, allowing for versatile wear in various situations. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that other watches outshine this one in terms of anti-reflective coatings and lume performance. As always, it’s best to conduct thorough research and comparisons before investing your hard-earned money.