Top 10 San Martin Watches! (And 3 To Avoid....)
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- 1. SN007 V4 017 Style
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-sla017
2. 6200 NH35 Movement Version
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-6200...
3. 'Great Wave' Dial
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-grea...
4. SN051 300 Style
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-300-...
5. 'Explore Climbing' 39mm
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-expl...
6. Bronze 017 Style
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-bronze
7. Original 40.5mm
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-orig...
8. Explore Climbing 36mm
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-expl...
9. BB Retro Style
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-58
10. Cali Dial
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-cali...
11. Tunas
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-tuna
12. GS Style
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-gs-s...
13. Water Ghost Subby
jomw.link/ali-san-martin-wate...
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A specifically shosen list of watches from undoubtedly the best brand on AliExpress. Between $180 and $250 their watches are so much better made than anything else on the market. Prove me wrong. But seriously, fit and finish is amazing for those prices, even if originality is not necessarily on tonight's menu. Over $350 and they don't look quite as appealing, and FFS San Martin, what is with the seventeen attempts at branding? Sort it out next year, please. Cheers, Jody
The ironic thing is, that hexagon logo is actually a killer logo... by far the best of any Chinese watch manufacturer. I can't understand why they haven't ditched the other two logos which look like they have been designed by an eleven year old!!
Coincidentally, I was in church last Sunday, and Father Fortis mentioned that San Martin was the patron-saint of micro brand watches. Learn something new every day....
@Jamie "San Mar-teen".
Lmao
And now you're really nailing it.... watches and synthesisers..that's one cool t shirt! Love it!
I have been trying to stay away from this video of yours....watched it this evening, so many options to chose; tempted with your 'Explore Climbing' 39mm endorsement to replace my recently departed 'Everest'. Great round-up mate great video. Lots of variety and value.
You have got me thinking about the bronze. Great recommendations.
That Black Bay 58 homage is crazy nice. Another great video mate.
$5000 for a Seiko??. Mad money. I know they make an amazing watch, but thats ridiculous. Id go for the San Martin.
As always, I enjoyed your take. In the US, we don't have the same appreciation for Chinese watches. . .but I appreciate your in-depth reviews. And most of us REALLY like your focus on the more affordable end of the market!
To be honest you americans dont appreciate 99% of other countries :-)
Yes, I think Steeldive has nailed the logo thing much better. They designed a thought through logo at startup, and they have stuck with it. To me, that San Martin logo indecisiveness is quite annoying (and unnecessary).
One could say the same thing about Tudor logo, but nobody in their right mind would skip on buying a black bay for $300
San Martin should have gone for a pizza logo, like they had originally in the 1980's. Oh wait, that was San Marco. Never mind they still make superb watches.
@@alamore5084 how about the pizza tho?
I really like San Martin’s approach. Bought the water ghost sub homage with the PT5000 and wear it daily. It feels like the last watch I’ll ever need. I am tempted by their explorer homages though.
Great list. Love these top 10. Helps me guide my choices.
Appreciate your insight.
Thanks for sharing.
San Martin used to be a good, better made alternative of your typical Chinese homages. But with the direction they're going now, I'm really surprised there is even a market for people who will pay $400-$500 for a homage when they could buy something original from an established brand instead and with an actual real warranty.
I think the warranty on these is genuine, but tricky returning to China, I agree. And $500+ is a no from me.
@@JustOneMoreWatch I've had not one but two bad experiences with their warranty. In my case, the warranty card wasn't worth the paper it was printed on. Since then I just assume there is no warranty and take that into account when purchasing.
I have a funny story about Chinese warranty. The only fake I ever bought (and not proud of it today) was a copy on the anniversary Daytona with the burgundy bezel and ice blue dial. A year later I had the watch deep frozen by mistake and since I couldn't take it to a local shop I emailed the seller. He gave me an address in China and despite having said that I had damaged the watch myself, suddenly I received it back in the mail six weeks later, fully functional and no charge! I would highly recommend the guy - if only he sold real brands, lol.
@@DM-rc4yu me to, 0 money for sm from me.
If you can throw $500 for a Chinese watch, chances are you can save another $2000-3000 for a watch if you save longer and get the original
Discovered this channel in the hospital after my first sons birth Feb 7 2018 and still highly entertained every time. Thanks for the dedication and great recommendations
Thanks Austin!!
I am coming to the conclusion my 11-11 budget just isn’t big enough. And these prices come so close to some micros who have unique watches and great branding. The mental tug of war continues. I think I will go grab another coffee, check my lottery tickets and then hunker down on my decisions. This helps a lot! Well done Jody. Merci!
I agree about the prices coming close to some good micro brands. I can’t justify buying a >$250 San Martin when there’s Phoibos, Borealis or even bigger brands like Seiko, Orient, Certina at those prices. Plus the months it takes to ship where I’m at makes it less worth it
The "warranty" being just a garbage piece of paper is a big turn off for me. It cost so much to have these companies honor their warranties that it essentially doubled the initial cost of the watch. Plus homage in these cases is really just straight copies, i don't feel good rewarding that.
Great point. I just got a Vaer for a little over $400USD - def blows all these SM watches away. Also have a Helm Komodo. For homages, love my Pagani Polar Exp II for $135 (from AMZN). And just ordered the Root Beer ($125).
I have bought 2 San martins. One with supposedly a sw200 and the other with a pt5000. Both were faulty when they arrived in that the rotor wasn’t disengaging when they were hand wound. Most likely because both were either dirty or incorrectly lubricated.
The sw200 I bought from wrwatches and they took it back and repaired it which cost me shipping back and VAT and handling on return for a second time. I did fill in the customs forms on return as returning for repair and asked wrwatches to do the same when returning the watch but the courier refused to accept the paperwork and receipts showing I had paid customs fees to them a few weeks earlier and showing I returned the parcel.
They argued with me over it for a while before handing the case onto a debt collector and threatening me with court so I just had to pay.
The pt5000 I bought from San Martin directly and they asked me to video the watch winding showing the rotor turning when the crown was turned so I opened the watch and did so. They then tried to say the rotor turning wildly when the crown was turned is normal and refused to fix it or refund me.
I had a local watch maker look at it but he said it was filthy inside and would require a full service which would have cost me over another £100 and so I just decided to give up on the watch.
What a bummer! Sounds about right considering the origin though.
You got very unlucky… I bought 3 San Martin watches and all 3 are perfect! Sorry to hear about your problems…. I’d be mad af!!!! Cheers mate
Thats why I’m skeptical to buy the BB58 homage. Im hearing more and more horror stories with this PT5000/SW movement. Instead of repurchased the 6200 to go along with the SN020-G Limited 39mm. No issues at all but need to get them regulated to run more accurately. No biggie though!
@@jaycamacho8179 yep. I bought 3 in the last 2 months, all 3 are perfect. If they make anything new that catches my eye, I’ll wait a while before I buy it just to see if any issues. Again.. all 3 of mine are truly flawless, beautiful and very accurate. Maybe I just got lucky? Or maybe is because all 3 of mine have the NH35 movement?… I won’t abandon San Martin yet…. They may get on track, they are relatively new.
@@jasonwho000 which ones did you buy
Thank you for this awesome video and review. Will be ordering a few. 👏
Great list thank you Jody...I already own a few of the watches mention and couldn't agree with your assessment more. 😊👍
Since I had to replace the hands on my San Martin vintage diver (lume degraded on the hands) I went a head and replaced the NH35 with the NH38. This also fixed 2 other problems the watch had. The crown didn't operate correctly, it wouldn't pop out like it should. The last problem was the movement was slightly put of alignment.
On an upside, the NH35 that came out of it, has a black date wheel. I'll definitely be using that movement in another watch.
I have 3 San Martin watches. I have 2 of their pilot watches, one with a titanium case, one with the bronze case, both are great watches. I also have the SN029-g-v2 that I won from them for liking, subscribing, and commenting on the San Martin video that introduced the watch. All three watches are excellent.
That bb58 homage in blue is on top of my list. Such a beauty. Best value dressy/sporty diver around by far.
It's an excellent watch I'd recommend everyone, and I'm saying that even tho it doesn't get much of my wrist time.
I grudge paying over 400 gbp for a Chinese watch with questionable QC and warranty. I think I’d rather save the extra 2000 gbp for an actual bb58 with the MT5402 movement safe in the knowledge if I have any problems I am legally covered and can get it repaired without having to pay for tracked shipping to China and taxes again on return.
I don't understand the currency you count in, but the SM is around 10% of a black bay retail price. That gap is more than enough for me. Also, is not a blatant copy, more a close homage.
@Just One More Watch great content as always Jody! Well timed too... And from one techno geek to another, love the t-shirt 🤗
I have the BB58 homage with Selita movement & also V3 Water Ghost with NH35, both are fantastically made. I have not seen the Cronos version, it looks like an even closer homage with the glide lock. For the money they are all a steal. I cannot imagine being inclined to spend the money of a new car on a Rolex or Tudor just for the back history of the brand, the San Martin watches tick all boxes for me. Love the reviews as always.
Yep. The Swiss just want more money on top for their heritage.
@@denisalg1171 what I am saying is the Swatch brands you talked about re not any better than San Martin in quality, that is what makes them excellent value. Certina, Tissot there is nothing special about them to warrant their prices, all you get is a brand name & you pay for it. Any Seiko watch under $500 is crap, you get hardlex & a crap bracelet, usually misaligned etc, poor poor poor. San Martin, Cronos & a lot of these Chinese brands are far better value.
I have the SN017 V3 which i think is fantastic! Tempted by the cronos one as you said thats even better ( appreciate the better movement) …Im def getting the SN08 in blue. Love it! Great review!
I actually had the Cronos in my cart. Then I heard how long the extended lug to lug was and decided to go with the SN017. I hate extremely long lug to lug
I have never heard of this watch brand. Thanks for sharing, I'll have to take a closer look now. In red I find the pretty cool. Have a great Sunday!
:-O
I'd like to add a Great Wave dial to my ever growing collection. There's so many choices, including one from Addiesdive - and the two watches I bought from them are phenomenal bargains. I'd like to see a battle of the Waves video.
Great vid Jody! A lot of confirmation bias with the fans of this brand. Nice to see someone say that there are better alternatives for some models. My microbrand snobbery has prevented me from getting any San Martin but there are a few I’d definitely buy.
Great video as always Jody! Could you do a review of the pagani design 1963 homage? I personally really like the look of those older explorer 2 references but the steinhart homage is sadly a bit out of my budget...
Nifty video, as always. When I saw that you were addressing 13 San Martin's in this chapter, I had hope that you would finally get to the Datejust homage, but, sadly, still no joy. I know that you really like the Pagani version, but given that San Martin watch bands have such terrific quality, I wondered whether they justified the over $100 price difference. Perhaps, some day, the San Martin and/or Cronos datejust homages will catch your critical eye. Your fans eagerly await your reviews. Until then, Happy Holidays, and have a great summer!
I agree with you on the 39 mm explorer homage. It's weird, I bought one on a whim and it quickly became my daily. I guess simpler is better.
💯Agree. I modded an extra Seiko SRPE to give it some explorer vibes and it's hard to put on anything else now, though I am still very fond of my other pieces.
Great work again. Not sure on the seiko tuna thoughts though. I had a solar seiko 497. Good light weight, solar is great but no sapphire, no ceramic bezel, bezel doesn't line up nor lumed. Bought a steeldive tuna instead. More imposing and solid all round without the faults mentioned. I would say the San Martin will be even better. A real seiko marine master is 6 times more expensive too
I'm excited to see your review of the sn031/cali dial
Good review. I oft wonders why zero youtube watch presenters mention the fantastic SN006-G. Such a nice watch.
I love San Martin, they are well made, not original but very good looking watches and the lume is always excelent
Good timing ... looking to pick up my first San Martin in the sale. 👍
Thanks for the reviews, really useful . The sng031 with the Cali dial looks a lot like the Arctic tool watch co. One from last week. Really like SM, but the logos. Either offer one and be done, or variety like on the 36mmExp.
I grabbed a titanium Flieger from them a few months back and it's excellent value for money.
Jody what have you done? Was trying to forget about watches this side of Christmas then you reminded me of the unimatic copy.
I just received the 36 mm today. I got the PT5000. I really like it so far but I do wonder why you recommend the SW for this one if it's a daily wearer. I loved the video, great as always.
I'm surprised you didn't mention their take on the Datejust. I bought mine with a pt5000 and customized dial and it is the best finished watch in my collection.
I picked up that "cali pilot watch", it's pretty good, a super-simple basic beater, but looks good and feels solid af.
Good video just what I needed. But would have liked to see the SN086/MM300 on there for your thoughts.
Liked your comment on the Seamaster 300; I'm fixin' to get one in blue in a couple of weeks. Agree that San Martin needs to nail down their logo; something like a name title with some sort of logo shape above the name(similar to Omega's,for instance). Not crazy about their sn051-g2 which puts their hexagon on the hour hand and loses the 3-6-9-12 explorer numerals,creating a very dull dial. They even change the pointed sword hands for dull-looking syringe type hands. Once thing I wish the sn-051g had was a PT-5000 movement instead of a Seiko NH-35; the PT-5000 is a 4hz movement operating at 28,800 bph while the nh35 is a 3hz movement operating at 21, 600 bph.
Love the "Cali" in black and gold - same colors as the old California state license plates.
These are amazing, but at these prices i would rather go for an Orient or Signum watch.
Update: I now have a Signum and Orient. I love them but I am now aiming for a San Martin! After my grail lol
Thanks for another fun video Jodie and Hellooo !
I just bought the California dial in grey, since I was looking for something a little different, and a vintage Rolex bubbleback California dial is well out of my price range. I look forward to watching your review of said watch.
Be great to see a comparison video between the two 39mm and 37mm explorer homages.
I’m on the fence with which one to get or go for neither and wait for a Smith Everest to be available.
I find your channel super! Your watch reviews are really great. Could you please make a of the Captain Willard? Which Captain Willard homage is the best?
Hey Dirk. I'd look at the Steeldive or Addiesdive. I reviewed the Steeldive but they are both the same. Buy black, not blue or green. Cheers!
Whow this 36mm Explorer wih the Sellita is a stunner.
Hi! I loved your video, very comprehensive and neutral. Just one question. Beyond the brand, when comparing the Seiko monster and the SM homage, isn't the SM better built? For example: brushed finishing, domed and coated sapphire crystal. In other words, if you were to choose only based on quality, which one would to go for? Thanks a lot and congratulations for your content!!🎉
You need to buy one and compare for yourself. SM are better made than anything under $500 in my opinion. They have a new gmt out that is just ridiculously well finished for about $300
Best shirt I've seen you wear, Jody!!
This is one of the few Aliexpress companies that I've fallen in love with. Their quality looks excellent and I think I'm going to pull the trigger on one soon.
The best. End of.
The first San Martin watch I bought was the 38mm Vintage diver and it is fantastic for the $220 that I paid, so I decided to buy the other two that I had my eye on, the 39mm Vintage Explorer, a total gem… you are correct, it wears so nice. I also bought the SN051-G Vintage Omega, all three are very beautiful and Flawless timepieces. I agree, San Martin needs to go with one logo, I personally like the cursive San Martin, I don’t like the hexagon logo at all , but I can live with the hexagon logo on the clasps, for the price. I personally wouldn’t buy a San Martin for more then $300 dollar price range. Unless , 1, they stick with one logo throughout and the logo I like. 2, finish the bottom of the watches a little smoother, they aren’t sharp, just sharper then I like. 3, a movement that doesn’t have a date function, no ghost space, I love the NH35A, with a date, it’s a workhorse, like maybe a PT 5000 or better. However, the $200 to $300 range, San Martin are basically perfect. I without hesitation recommend San Martin watches. I just subbed. Thanks for the video,
Love the Roland t-shirt 🙌
Love this intro…. Hard not to break out into a dance.
That „Mini Turtle“-y one is such a tempting watch. Very nice 70s vibes to it, especially with that bracelet style.
Regarding the logo: I would never go with that „written style“ version on some of the vintage ones - not my taste at all (similar fonts usage holds me off of the Sinn 104 with their „Automatik).
They should go with the Hexagon and be done with it.
Interesting take! The Sinn 104 “Atomatik” text, however is splendid. That text is integral.
Hi Jody, what do you think of the DJ40 homage? I think its pretty good looking.
A unbrandend Flieger for 100 dollars and the 62mas in grey full options for 175 dollars before Covid. Covid made me rethink the whole Chinese watch experience.
I see the shirt and I love your taste in music
I have the 6200 retro diver which is one of my favourites. I don't really like homages but considering the cost of the original it's based on I think there's a strong case for this watch.
Greetings from Mexico!! Are there any plans to have the SN051 reviewed? (Seamaster look a likey)
All good choices Jody. They should use the same font as Seiko. I think it would be a perfect fit. Especially as most of their watches are Seiko homages. What do you think.
Epic manufacturing quality from this mob. 👌👌
Where did you get the bracelet for the 62MAS? I bought it on the rubber strap. I contacted SM, and they said that they don’t sell the bracelets separately.
Cheers,
Dan
I've ordered the sterile dial new 'Sinn Martin' SN022-G, It was a decent discount so I pulled the trigger.
Great picks! I want to buy a gshock from aliexpress but the sellers don't answer my questions and Idk if it is safe, any advice please?
Love the Roland t-shirt
Great video as always Jody, can you or anyone here speak to the quality and durability of a pt5000. Chinese movements concern me but perhaps that’s unfounded
Jody, what is your experience with QC issues with San Martin? Wondering what the risk is buying and shipping overseas…
Love your shirt. Never knew you were into electronic music.
Tell me more
I have been looking at Sub homages and was between the San Martin and the Cronos . Thank you for helping me with my decision. Great reviews!
I have the V3 SN017 San Martin. I think its brilliant…but if the cronos is even better. Wow!
I keep hearing about it having sharp edges and not being comfortable.
@@haydenmoore7482 I can only give my view. Very comfy and hadnt really noticed the sharpness till the reviews. I guess it is slightly but not an issue for me.
I really really wanted the cronos sub homage, but I always questioned why it looked so big on people's wrist. The extended lug to to lug is too big, and makes it wear too big for me. I have the SN017, and it wears great. It is a little sharp, but it doesn't irritate my skin or anything
@@tirrelldaveport3671 same here. Really wears great!
I have the SN045 on the way... Just need to try out that bracelet and watch style.
I love the bracelet on the mini turtle. What is that style of bracelet called?
I've got the green 62 bronze mas and it's the only watch ive got that people compliment me on!
Thanks for the great breakdown Jodi. Any chance of a link to the glidelock "homage" bracelet you show in your review of the Maen Greenwich from a couple weeks ago? I had the same experience with a Cronos bracelet that now lives on another watch, but the one I got was from before they added the ratcheting mechanism.
Hey Brian, that was actually from a Ginault Ocean Rover and costs far too much for me to recommend it. They must surely have got it from a Chinese supplier though. If you find a good one, send me an email!
Hey Jodsters thanks...ps why do you say San Martan as opposed to San Mar-Tin? Is it an Aussie thing, Brand thing or Scottish thing? Just curious.
I can't wait for a full review of that seamaster 300 homage review. That looks like it could be a killer.
I just received mine 5 days ago…. And it’s perfect! I own many watches, 3 of them are San Martin, and the seamaster is just so beautiful, especially in person. The hands…. The finishing…. The looks…. It became my new favorite real quick. If you like the way it looks in pictures…. Then you will love it in person, buy it… you won’t regret it.
I really like the San Martin 62 mas but a bit hesitant to pull the trigger with its 50mm lug to lug
San Martin make the best watches.. am a fan... cheers....
Great job!
SM did a sort of Nautilus homage, the SN0076G, which was something of a misfire. The bezel was circular, and the end links were oversized and caused the watch to sit weird on wrist.
Nice shirt! Didn't know you were a fan of electronic music haha
Love the bronze. Not a huge diver fan but I was to buy one that would be it. Love the explorer looks, just not a fan of metal bracelets. I wonder if it would look good on a rally strap....
Hi Sir... I set my eyes on the frozen Margarita with the leather strap. Both are beautiful. I enjoy your videos. Your friend virgilio mejia. Costa Rica Central America
I sometimes think about getting a San Martin, just can't bring myself to do it though!!
Great video as usual but where can someone find a Seiko Tuna for around the same price as the SM homage, the SBBN031 is like 2500-3000K? Just wondering what you meant about that comment, maybe I’m missing something. Cheers.
The great wave dial and the bb58 are my two favorites.
I’m not a fan of the San Martin logo in script/cursive. I prefer their hex logo.
What are those watch winders behind you? Are those the ones you can "snap" together?
Im eyeing on the titanium type-a flieger from SM. thought you gonna give a shot :(
I have the Seamaster 300 in for review and it's fantastic! I do however wish the same as you, they need to nail that logo and brand
HEY NICE £50 CONTRIBUTION TO JAMES (AND THE ANIMALS). YOU’RE BOTH AWESOME
Well, I'm wearing a San Martin right now, that's not listed here. Its the bronze casing Pilot watch in green (mark xi style), and PT5000 movement. I got it couple of years ago and it's way under £100 when I purchased it. Gone up in price now...
What watch is in your intro? The one you use for your jomw channel picture?
San Martin Seamater Heritage Homage or the Cronos one? Which one is better, Jody?
I’m not going to lie, I hit the like button before I finish the video.
Great video but even better t-shirt
I have an Sn 031 with the California dial, it is a well finished piece but as flat as an ironing board consequently on a compact watch the lugs stand proud from my wrist. I like to wear it but 😕
Don't have a San Martin yet and didn't think I would get one actually. I do have a few homage watches (all Chinese) but they are outnumbered by about five to one by genuine brand watches and just one microbrand. Out of todays episode I actually want one of those but it is one of the three to avoid 😧.
12. GS Style. I'm going to get it anyway because it's a twentieth the price of the real thing (which I could afford) but then wouldn't enjoy wearing because of its value. The new blue dial version. Any of my homages, I really enjoy wearing. If they fail eventually I'll decide to replace the movement, or not. I don't seem to buy many things that fail within the warranty time frame anyway so don't put much importance in any warranty when it is only a few hundred dollars. As long as the homage doesn't actually get mistaken for the real thing I am happy enough.
Most people don't notice what watch you are wearing. It's more you are either wearing a watch or you are not.
That "Mario Bros" S/$ logo on the crown is simply nasty. San Martin, please let me know when you figure out your logos and I'll think about buying one of your watches. Great one J.
🔥👍🔥Jody rocking the Roland t-shirt, very nice. Are you a musician as well as a top-tier YT horologist?! 🥂
A genuine GD *Renaissance Man*
Edit: Great review & insights, too (as usual)