Are GPO and GECO the same binoculars?

This interesting question was sent to me yesterday:

I’m looking at buying some Geco 10x32 with ED glass. I have been told they are just a rebranded GPO from the seller in New Zealand.

Do you know if this is true? I have searched heaps all over the internet and can’t find anything. Thanks, Dusty

GPO PASSION ED 10x32 Binoculars vs GECO 10x32 Binoculars

Hi Dusty, thanks for the question.

To be honest, I had never heard of GECO binoculars before now, so the first thing I did was have a quick search and yes, I have to say that apart from the logos and the bridge color, the GECO 10x32 Binoculars look very much like the GPO PASSION ED 10x32 Binoculars.

Indeed the whole GECO binocular range looks very similar, and in some cases identical to that of GPO (German Precision Optics).

So let us see if we can’t find out.

The next action I took was to ask the BinoWizard (BBR’s new AI expert) :

BBR: Hey BinoWizard, I’m looking at buying some Geco 10x32 with ED glass. I have been told they have just rebranded GPO binoculars, Do you know if this is true?

BinoWizard BBR's AI-Binocular Expert
BinoWizard: I couldn’t find any information that confirms Geco 10x32 binoculars are rebranded GPO binoculars. I don't have access to information on specific retailers or local markets. 
However, I can tell you that Geco and GPO (German Precision Optics) are two different companies that manufacture binoculars and other optics. 
It's possible that the Geco 10x32 with ED glass are similar in design or construction to a GPO model, but without more information, it's difficult to say for sure. If you have any doubts about the authenticity or quality of the binoculars, I would recommend doing some more research or consulting with a local optics expert before making a purchase.

The BinoWizard is still pretty new to the job, so I tried again, being a little more specific:

Are GECO 10x32 Binoculars and GPO PASSION ED 10×32 Binoculars the same?

BinoWizard BBR's AI-Binocular Expert
BinoWizard: It's unlikely that the GECO 10x32 Binoculars and the GPO PASSION ED 10×32 Binoculars are exactly the same, as they are produced by different companies and are likely to have differences in their design, construction, and optical performance. 

That being said, it's possible that they share some similarities in terms of their specifications, such as their magnification, objective lens size, and use of ED glass for improved color accuracy and contrast. However, other factors such as the quality of the glass, coatings, build materials, and overall design can greatly affect the performance and quality of a pair of binoculars. 

It's always a good idea to read reviews and compare multiple models before making a purchase to ensure you get the best binoculars for your needs and budget.

Good advice, but not super helpful in answering our question!

I have also done some research of my own, but as of yet I am not able to find out anymore, however, all is not lost:

Go to the Source:

I have a good relationship with GPO and so my next step was to reach out to them and this is where we found our answer:

Answer

GPO had an OEM business in the past to create and supply GECO-branded sports optics to the RUAG Group.

So, yes, GECO binoculars were created by GPO and the specs are more or less the same for both brands.

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At least the „GPO Passion HD“ and „Geco Gold“ binoculars are the same products having identical specs.
Geco (Gustav Genschow & Co.) actually is an ammunition brand of RUAG Ammotec. They do not manufacture optics but distributed the GPO designed binoculars under this branding.
RUAG Ammotec has been sold to Beretta Holding in 2022. Now their name is RWS-Technology. Location is always Fürth in Germany.

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