The excessive protrusion of the middle section of the endlinks is a no-go for many, especially for guys with slender wrist. Cronos will do wisely if they copy San Martin's Water ghost in this aspect. I have no doubt it will increase their sales.
To me it's makes a difference, the 2 mil less on the San Martin makes it wear a bit more comfortably. I have a 7" wrist, maybe on a bigger wrist it's less of a difference, but for me when I'm reaching for a subby homage, it's the San Martin for me.
Very honest review. I still prefer the look of the San Martin ‘water ghost’. That said having a PT5000 movement instead of an NH35 is a big plus, I now own a Cronos watch with the PT5000 and it feels like a more premium movement than either the Miyota 9000 and NH35.
I've had one of those for about two months now with the PT50 movement. Can't complain, the watch looks superb and the movement is very accurate. Very elegant watch, not too big nor too small!
Same here. I think a pt5000, a glidelock clasp (or even the new clasp they use on their vintage GMT diver), and smoothing out the sharp corners of the case would make the San Martin perfect. Still prefer it over the cronos
I bought this watch with the PT5000 movement and carbon black dial. It is a beautiful watch. Cronos made a mistake with mine, which I am absolutely grateful that they did. They didn't put a cyclops glass over the date window which brought a huge smile to my face. Without the cyclops, the view of the beautiful carbon dial is unobstructed and in full view. I am very impressed with this watch and enjoy the accuracy of the movement. Nice review. Thanks for sharing
Hi Gary, I ended up picking up San Martin V3 on the last 11.11 sale. Simply because for the NH35 movement that I can service much easier down the road than the PT5000 on Chronos. I asked San Martin to built mine with black dial and green ceramic insert... the result is a stunning one! I can email you the picture if you want to have a look at it. My next purchased will be the one with custom dial come 11.11 sale or any big sale this year.
I’ve actually come around on the date window surround on mine. It’s nice to have a cyclops in the day and the lume on the surround fills in fir the missing marker.
So I'm going with: please Maxi, get rid of this frame around the date cut-out 😫 It's really ungainly to the watch! Otherwise, an absolute stunner! 👌 Another great review, casual style! Cheers Gary!
It sort of makes me a little cross. As you're a Deutschlander Alex you may not know that 'cross' is a word Australians (and I think the Englander?) use to describe a feeling that is stronger than frustration but weaker than anger, yet somehow a combination of both. So as I was saying... The date-window. It makes me a little cross. No matter ʜᴏᴡ ɢᴏᴏᴅ some of the Chinese copy watch makers are, there very often is one extraneous addition to the piece which just kills it. I think it's a cultural thing and tied up to us Westerners love of 'Specs'? Maybe it translates, in the Chinese manner of thought, to 'it's another spec., therefore it must be good? I don't know. I'd love to discuss this with a Chinese national - because they all think the same of course!! 🤣 But at least a Chinese national might be able to explain to me if my theory is right and if not why this is a common theme with Chinese watches? So. I just took up 5 mins of your time to say: Yes. I agree! ...nothing new there! 😶
@@anthonysmith2982 I have presented the whole thing very briefly and you in great detail. You would make a perfect Deutschlander! 😁 (btw, these are sausages 🌭) Plus I've learned the proper meaning of 'cross'.
@@AlexanderB. So I just called you a sausage? 😁 I hope that you're not cross with me. 😶 ...at least I'm in good company - because as we know - the late & great President John F. Kennedy strongly believed 'Ich bin ein Berliner'! 😁
@@cronoswatch8541 Wow! It's absolutely fantastic to have a brand so interested in feedback from the community and so open to making changes. Good for you Cronos. Much respect.
Well in retrospect, not even the high end watches are perfect. So this one is damm good. Your review style 🤔, so much better because it is conversational and not a run of the mill ramble. Keep at it 👍
Just picked one of these up for £139 in the current sale, so I am very interested to see whether any of the issues you raised are still there. I was torn between the latest San Martin and the Cronos, but I liked the fact I could get this with a green bezel and black dial which is a colour combo I really like. Thanks for all your videos and keep up the great work.
Got to say I am a bit disappointed. In terms of value, is it twice the Pagani Design I already have? No. Is it worth the money... meh, I don't think so. Sure enough, the overall quality is better than Pagani but not by much. On arrival the bezel was out of alignment and I tried your technique for twisting the bezel, but that just demonstrated that the bezel itself is out of line. Sadly the markers are not completely aligned. Also the case edges are really sharp, like you could do someone serious damage sharp. And I am not a fan of the bracelet taper, I appreciate that is my preference. On the wrist, there is basically no difference to the Pagani, so based on this I wouldn't spend 2-3 times the money on another Cronos watch.
I really like Cronos, I think they are on to something with quality watches, they are getting recognized by many people for great watches!!! If they made a speedmaster homage a quality one I would definitely buy one!!!
I recently purchased the San Martin Submariner And sent it back because I did not like that hexagon the way it looked. I thought it ruined the look of the watch. Today I just received the Chronos Submariner. in my humble opinion I think the Chronos blows away the San Martin in almost every aspect. The bezel is incredible. It lined up perfect. The sound is perfect. The movement is much nicer, 8 ticks a second. Pt5000. Mine did ( not ) have the frame around the date dial. So they already listened to the customers and removed it. What a great company. I think the band is even nicer than the San Martin. What a stunning looking watch. So happy I purchased it ☺
Did I miss your thoughts on the bezel action? anyway, another great review! but I have to agree...I have the V1 San Martin and it's just AMAZING. I can't imagine the Tolerances being any better on a bracelet than they are on that V1. And the clasp is so easy to use, yet still secure...I'm not sure how they did it. Stunning watch, which tops the V2 and V3 even IMO.
enjoyed the easy-breezy Gary, nice one, but at this point I'm curious to see which brand comes out with the new 41/21 dimensions, I reckon the slightly wider lug width will suit the case better....my opinion of course
I agree with your comments. I own the black dial version. The end link tolerances are not a big deal - they're tough to see with the naked eye. The box around the date window is a mistake, but not all that noticeable to me in daily use, tbh. The clasp could definitely be better. The tolerances and quality lets the watch down a bit. Mine came close to coming apart. There is a small split pin that hold the hinge together on the underside. It almost came completely loose. Bad QC. I was able to put it back into place pretty easily with my bracelet sizing tools. Since then, it's been a good watch and running well with the PT5000.
I think they really need to sort out the colour on the indices or the hands, the indices have a cream colour whereas the hands are pure white. This is the same issue with the Pepsi GMT and it's the only reason I haven't bought one!
Big improvement over the San Martin to not use a sunburst dial. I don't like the date window in combination with the cyclops but I wonder if one were removing the cyclops then the date window would look better. It is tempting as I don't have a green watch but I have sort of told myself that I was not going to get another sub homage. I have your old Steinhart Ocean 1 39mm and I am quite fond of it. I do have a different Chronos watch and I am impressed with the quality, especially at the price. Good review!
Just bought the v3 version of this in blue with fully lumed bezel - matte finish on the dial, date window frame is gone and the clasp now comes with a glidelock ... all this and costs now less (in the sale) than what it did in this video.
I have the black lumed bezel, PT5000 on order now from the Ali sale. Crazy good price. I hope the watch is as good as the hype. I have the 3000m Cronos. It is utter quality.
Good review sir .I like your channel. The clasp of cronos is like zelos blacktip version or omega speed master and also sunburst effect on dial. You are not mention the pt5000 accuracy on time grapher and bazel action. And also share the pt 5000 accuracy on your wrist after 6 month.
Based on yours and other reviews, I just bought a Cronos L6005 black face, green bezel, PT5000, full lum from Ali. Also, no date window frame. I considered the San Martin, but it uses the same NH35 movement as the Invicta Pro Diver 89280B I have. It's a great movement, but I felt a $247 watch should have a better movement than the watch I paid $65 for.
I already have a sub homage (Steinhart ocean 1) which I'm happy with but I wouldn't mind another in a different colour. This is probably the best option all things considered I think.
I've only watched your specs section and studied the video of the watch rotating around slowly....I have to say having watched loads and loads and loads and loads of videos on these submariner homage watches..this looks the best finished watch of them all..beautiful.
Stunning watch...I love the all brushed bracelet...and the non sunburst dial and the tone of free they've used....what does put me off though is the nasty clasp...what happened there...why oh why use that clasp??? I bought a £60 phylida P.O homage the other day....the clasps on it is fully milled...thick...smooth...well finished and has a divers extension...that clasp is far better than the one used by cronos on this.
Correctly said that the center links are brushed to match the Submariner. the white frame around the date window is no more again in line with the sub. i have an original Rolex sea dweller and this watch quality matches perfectly. i ordered the black one and the SW200 movement stopped so i have sent it back to Maxi and the communication is good. i am waiting to see what happens next when Maxi gets the watch in a couple of days.
Hey, even a genuine Rolex has some disappointing quality issues, believe it or not. If you don't have Rolex money, or not important enough to be allowed to buy one, this Cronos and brands like San Martin and Pagani design are more than adequate.
Hey Gary, great review. Do you still rate the San Martin water ghost over this Cronos if you had to pick one? (I can't remember if you where a v1 or V2 fan of the San Martin)
I filmed a 5 watch comparison series and finished it off by saying the Cronos is the one I would get now that they have made a few changes, no frame around the date window, applied index…
@@ilikewatches thanks for replying Gary , I saw the video I think with the tissel , heimdallr etc 👍👌 so the new updated Cronos beats the V2 San Martin overall fit and finish ? That's interesting indeed and gave me food for thought when I'm making that next purchase ----out the two , the SN019 (which you weren't overly chuffed about ) or the new Cronos ? What's your pick ? Much appreciated
Very nice watch and I’m liking the laid back reviews for a change of pace. Lugyou really has come a long way in producing watches for people with a modest budget. That’s a good thing. After a year of analyzing which brand has the best specs and might be the maker of a perfect homage, I am asking a new question. Which will be the diver watch I take a shine to and wear just because I like it?
Great looking watch. I really, really like the green with no sunburst on the dial and the dial matches the bezel! I would get rid of the white frame of the date window.
I have the Kermit and it is overall a good Watch, the micro-adjustment on the clasp is very good and I like the grooving they have made as it makes adjustment easier and could do with one more adjustment. End links do indeed have a bit of a gap, not a major issue. If the cyclops went I personally would be happy. As to the movement, it is good but not perfect and I would have the Sellita over the PT if it was going to be a long term wearer.
If you're in the market for such watch style, I guess you can't go wrong with the Cronos. I remember you said in one of your reviews that Cronos produced the cases for some Swiss brands, is that the case for San Martin too? I agree on the clasp, it looks cheap to me, I like the frame though because I will remove the cyclops. Excellent review and thoughts. These is the way to make improvements, I understand this watch style is butter and bread... but Cronos do not forget the other ones that prefer inspiration both words are compatible in a watch range.
Are those Spyderco's hanging on your coffee cup? Awesome knives! Love the watch, still trying to decide what my first Ali express watch will be. Cronos, San Martin, contemplating a few, so many choices
picked the one with the pt5000..got a free strap whn i mentioned your channel...i would say quality is lil lower thn san martins version of this watch but the dial is better of the cronos..great review..!!
I have the black dial version of this. I opted for the SW200 action and am well pleased with it. Later this year I may order either the green dial or the GMT (Pepsi). Keep up the good work.
Great review Gary ( as always). No doubt that Cronos is making some incredible watches, and I'm sure future ones will be even better. Thank you again. Cheers
Great watch, great review, great reviewer😉😃going to pull the trigger on the “Kermit” ( cermit). About the date frame, on some foto’s they don’t have a frame Cronos also mentioned on their Instagram (16 November) page they produced dials without the frame. Thanks for the excellent review , like the new style👍🇧🇪
I hate cyclops with a passion, I know they can be removed, but I don't want to spend out on a watch to have to do that work, so every watch with one fitted is an instant no from me. And agree on that date window border, doesn't work at all. I don't like the cronos font either, logo on its own would be far better. As far as perfect watches go at that price range, San Martin did it with the 6200 for me. San Martin, if you read this, make a black sub homage with no cyclops and using the same script text as the 6200 for the brand name, use a bucket load of bgw9 on the hands, indices and bezel insert, and take my money!
You can get a blowtorch from Amazon for 5 quid (IIRC), use it over the cyclops and Voilà - it should pop out in a couple of seconds. If you want to see how easily it's done, check out Dan's channel at "watch me with watches".
Help! I have a great bronze Cronos which has a locked-up bezel. I cannot get any help from Cronos. You have a contact I could try or do you know how to remove the bezel? Thanks
That frame around the date window puts me off. It just looks weird. I'd have liked to see a glidelock style clasp too. As for the misaligned cyclops... That's something that really annoys me. I had the same issue on my Steeldive Submariner homage. Except it was far worse. So I ended up removing it.
The tolerances are also a little loose on the end-links on my two-tone San Martin. Not to talk about the faulty Crown action. But I still think San Martin makes a little bit better homage than Cronos. I don't like the white date window, needs a logo on the clasp. Loose the brand name on the dial and stick to the Cronos logo. Put Cronos on the caseback in some way. But the case and brushing looks amazing on this! Nice green color and i do love the PT5000 movement! Great review Gary.
I also experience a faulty crown action on my Water Ghost. I think that the problem lies not in the thread itself, but in the crown being misaligned and thus rubbing against one of the crown guards.
I bought San Martin sub v3. Every single edge of case, bracelet and crown is as sharp as hell. Wearing it is just uncomfortable. Will sell it no matter the specs and great look. All the watches from AliExpress have some quality issues. They're fantastic on pictures and have great specs on paper but there is always a but.
@@trogpo think my "stem" is short. it turns the dato just a lil bit when unscrewing it fully. And my quick adjust function is lost. But in all i got 5 san martin, and this my first "faulty" watch. i got a lil refund and they send me a new stem with crown. I think they do a good job at delivering value for money.
@@kasperpetersen6856 Thanks, Kasper. Do note that what you are describing is in fact the "gambling routine" that plagues the Ali Express buying experience. Most of the watches arrive with such defects that are extremely annoying, yet are not severe enough to force the seller to replace the watch. Refund is nice, and San Martin's costumer service is great, but the fact remain that I will still have an misaligned bezel and a faulty crown action.
I'll be ordering the Cronos now. The fact that it has the PT5000 movement and they got rid of the date window edged it out over the San Martin. I'll also be getting their Seamaster homage. For reasons.
Some parts they can obtain from independent sellers, like the plastic packaging. They don't make every single component, just some of them. It's like car manufacturers, NSK make steering racks and they sell them to all car makers.
@@ilikewatches Haha the one that i am saving for is a watch that is a follow up with a new brand name of a marvellous watch which is made with a limited edition of 100 pieces 😉 And what i saw of that watch is just great. 👍
Thank you for another great review Gary. I am wondering about is whether Chronos is going to make a no-date version of this watch? - It solves the cyclops and date border issues. - and I prefer a no-date. Also, the links aren't working for me.
Of all my many watches the only one I had a problem with is the one with the Sellita SW200 movement. The watch just would quit working. It is a Deep Blue Juggernaut IV. I sent it back under warrantee and it has worked ever since but I find it humorous the Swiss movement was the one that crapped out.
I really like that the green is matte and same hue in both the dial and the bezel. This is a real problem most of the times, since most bezels don't even come close to match the dial or vice-versa if you prefer. I wish more companies did that. But, as it seems, they have many issues to fix before this watch becomes great value. And please Cronos, just leave your logo on the dial. That Cronos text is generic as hell. Better than the first one, but i'd still prefer if it wasn't there at all...
Gary, I really like where Cronos is going. They are offering well made watches in the mid to high end of the affordable watch range. I love that they offer movement choices. I don't care about lume much, I just pull out my phone. So the choices in lume don't matter to me. I believe these companies are missing an opportunity. Please make a NO DATE version in various colours. Also, from Marc at Long Island Watches, states that 12 hour bezels are his most popular modifications. The watch I would buy in a heartbeat at these prices to replace my $65 Invicta Pro Diver 30092 with a sunburst blue dial is a rich blue no date sub homage with a 12 hour bezel to match the blue dial. The blue would be the rich blue from the solid white gold Rolex GMT rather than the bright blue of the Smurf. Oh, and a sweaty day extension please. I would also buy a red dial version. Cheers mate, keep up the great work.
If you are doing a Sub homage you really must have a glide lock style of bracelet, I prefer this half way house clasp to the San Martin one. When are you going to do some more pressure testing though Gary?
Awesome review Garry...!!! What are your thoughts on the new heimdallr nttd sea ghost I plan to pick it up from their offical website for $219 any advise..??
It baffles me why these companies don’t use a clasp that has on the fly adjustment. I even saw today a $300 Citizen watch that had it. How are you supposed to wear a bracelet with no ability to loosen it off a little during the second half of the day. Until I buy a watch that I like that has that type of bracelet clasp the bracelets come off and a strap or nato goes on. Certina also have a quick adjust though that’s a more pricey watch.
Your reviews are getting better all the time 👍, I'm tired of homage watches especially with Mercedes hands just looks fake , I'm watching this wearing my Exciton great little watch 👌
I don’t get why Cronos and San Martin don’t use Superluminova instead of BGW9. Just charge $5-$10 extra if needed. I think most people would gladly pay it for great lume
I can wait until they remove the white boarder around the date. That is not a look I would pay north of $200 for. Nice watch other than that though. I have my low cost option in the Loreo green, so I can wait for one I would buy in the upper price range for me. As for the video style, I like more close ups of the watch, as that is what I want to see the looks of. I also think you tend to see a more rushed presentation of the information. Always good to change things up though. In the end, I like it when people choose the style they are comfortable with for presentation, as that always comes through well in the videos.
They produce very decent price watches at price . Although the movement in the gmt is not impressive at all time keeping is all over the place .. Agree the build quality is good .l
I said it before and I will say it again - the protruding centre end-links set this watch (or any watch for that matter) closer to Pagani Design than to San Martin (or Ginault and ROWLEEEECS). Not to mention the clasp and date frame. It is essentially a Pagani Design with a slightly better case finishing and lume (I know, bezel action, bracelet articulation yada yada; the point is that visually it is essentially a Pagani Design for 3 to 4 times the price). Edit/Final notes: I would "sacrifice" (although the NH35 would last longer than PT5000 due to the beat rate) for a *MUCH* better overall product execution.
So nearly perfect looks fantastic! The things wrong with it really are negligible and in daily use you’d not notice. I think the San Martin marginally looks better but that movement may just swing it Cronos’s way! Great review Gary love the easy style!!👍🏻👍🏻
If the Chinese can crank out this high quality of a watch, a clone of the Rolex Sub, for just under $300. one has to wonder how much the cost for Rolex to crank out theirs???
San Martin is still the only company that can make the end links correctly for sub homages
Look at the Cronos just released, looks like it’s fixed pretty much everything.
The excessive protrusion of the middle section of the endlinks is a no-go for many, especially for guys with slender wrist. Cronos will do wisely if they copy San Martin's Water ghost in this aspect. I have no doubt it will increase their sales.
Really not that big of a difference. I think a lot of people just repeat what they hear and not actually go by how it feels on their wrist.
To me it's makes a difference, the 2 mil less on the San Martin makes it wear a bit more comfortably. I have a 7" wrist, maybe on a bigger wrist it's less of a difference, but for me when I'm reaching for a subby homage, it's the San Martin for me.
@@derekhicks8250 Thanks, Derek. And the difference is in fact 3.5mm.
@@trogpo I agree with you, that middle end link is way too long, San Martin is much cleaner looking.
@@GM-ii8gs And, in fact, the SM end-link is completely faithful in design and dimensions to Rolex's...
Hi Gary, Maxi also provides this watch without the window frame. You just have to ask him nicely and leave it as a remark when ordering the watch 😉
Yes, correct. we will change the pictures soon
Very honest review. I still prefer the look of the San Martin ‘water ghost’. That said having a PT5000 movement instead of an NH35 is a big plus, I now own a Cronos watch with the PT5000 and it feels like a more premium movement than either the Miyota 9000 and NH35.
I've had one of those for about two months now with the PT50 movement. Can't complain, the watch looks superb and the movement is very accurate. Very elegant watch, not too big nor too small!
Thanks for your support.
Thanks for the review. I’m glad I settled on the San Martin version though. I just wish the San Martin had a pt5000 in it.
Same here. I think a pt5000, a glidelock clasp (or even the new clasp they use on their vintage GMT diver), and smoothing out the sharp corners of the case would make the San Martin perfect. Still prefer it over the cronos
I bought this watch with the PT5000 movement and carbon black dial. It is a beautiful watch. Cronos made a mistake with mine, which I am absolutely grateful that they did. They didn't put a cyclops glass over the date window which brought a huge smile to my face. Without the cyclops, the view of the beautiful carbon dial is unobstructed and in full view. I am very impressed with this watch and enjoy the accuracy of the movement. Nice review. Thanks for sharing
Hi Gary, I ended up picking up San Martin V3 on the last 11.11 sale. Simply because for the NH35 movement that I can service much easier down the road than the PT5000 on Chronos. I asked San Martin to built mine with black dial and green ceramic insert... the result is a stunning one! I can email you the picture if you want to have a look at it. My next purchased will be the one with custom dial come 11.11 sale or any big sale this year.
I’ve actually come around on the date window surround on mine. It’s nice to have a cyclops in the day and the lume on the surround fills in fir the missing marker.
So I'm going with: please Maxi, get rid of this frame around the date cut-out 😫 It's really ungainly to the watch! Otherwise, an absolute stunner! 👌 Another great review, casual style! Cheers Gary!
It sort of makes me a little cross. As you're a Deutschlander Alex you may not know that 'cross' is a word Australians (and I think the Englander?) use to describe a feeling that is stronger than frustration but weaker than anger, yet somehow a combination of both.
So as I was saying...
The date-window. It makes me a little cross.
No matter ʜᴏᴡ ɢᴏᴏᴅ some of the Chinese copy watch makers are, there very often is one extraneous addition to the piece which just kills it.
I think it's a cultural thing and tied up to us Westerners love of 'Specs'? Maybe it translates, in the Chinese manner of thought, to 'it's another spec., therefore it must be good?
I don't know. I'd love to discuss this with a Chinese national - because they all think the same of course!! 🤣
But at least a Chinese national might be able to explain to me if my theory is right and if not why this is a common theme with Chinese watches?
So. I just took up 5 mins of your time to say: Yes. I agree!
...nothing new there! 😶
@@anthonysmith2982 I have presented the whole thing very briefly and you in great detail. You would make a perfect Deutschlander! 😁 (btw, these are sausages 🌭) Plus I've learned the proper meaning of 'cross'.
@@AlexanderB.
So I just called you a sausage?
😁
I hope that you're not cross with me. 😶
...at least I'm in good company - because as we know - the late & great President John F. Kennedy strongly believed 'Ich bin ein Berliner'! 😁
We already did some dials are without the white date frame.
@@cronoswatch8541
Wow!
It's absolutely fantastic to have a brand so interested in feedback from the community and so open to making changes.
Good for you Cronos.
Much respect.
Well in retrospect, not even the high end watches are perfect. So this one is damm good. Your review style 🤔, so much better because it is conversational and not a run of the mill ramble. Keep at it 👍
Just picked one of these up for £139 in the current sale, so I am very interested to see whether any of the issues you raised are still there. I was torn between the latest San Martin and the Cronos, but I liked the fact I could get this with a green bezel and black dial which is a colour combo I really like. Thanks for all your videos and keep up the great work.
Got to say I am a bit disappointed. In terms of value, is it twice the Pagani Design I already have? No. Is it worth the money... meh, I don't think so. Sure enough, the overall quality is better than Pagani but not by much. On arrival the bezel was out of alignment and I tried your technique for twisting the bezel, but that just demonstrated that the bezel itself is out of line. Sadly the markers are not completely aligned. Also the case edges are really sharp, like you could do someone serious damage sharp. And I am not a fan of the bracelet taper, I appreciate that is my preference. On the wrist, there is basically no difference to the Pagani, so based on this I wouldn't spend 2-3 times the money on another Cronos watch.
That Dateframe is an absolute deal breaker in my opinion 😉 but nice Makros etc.
I really like Cronos, I think they are on to something with quality watches, they are getting recognized by many people for great watches!!! If they made a speedmaster homage a quality one I would definitely buy one!!!
I recently purchased the San Martin Submariner And sent it back because I did not like that hexagon the way it looked. I thought it ruined the look of the watch. Today I just received the Chronos Submariner. in my humble opinion I think the Chronos blows away the San Martin in almost every aspect. The bezel is incredible. It lined up perfect. The sound is perfect. The movement is much nicer, 8 ticks a second. Pt5000. Mine did ( not ) have the frame around the date dial. So they already listened to the customers and removed it. What a great company. I think the band is even nicer than the San Martin. What a stunning looking watch. So happy I purchased it ☺
Did I miss your thoughts on the bezel action?
anyway, another great review! but I have to agree...I have the V1 San Martin and it's just AMAZING. I can't imagine the Tolerances being any better on a bracelet than they are on that V1. And the clasp is so easy to use, yet still secure...I'm not sure how they did it. Stunning watch, which tops the V2 and V3 even IMO.
enjoyed the easy-breezy Gary, nice one, but at this point I'm curious to see which brand comes out with the new 41/21 dimensions, I reckon the slightly wider lug width will suit the case better....my opinion of course
I agree with your comments. I own the black dial version. The end link tolerances are not a big deal - they're tough to see with the naked eye. The box around the date window is a mistake, but not all that noticeable to me in daily use, tbh. The clasp could definitely be better. The tolerances and quality lets the watch down a bit. Mine came close to coming apart. There is a small split pin that hold the hinge together on the underside. It almost came completely loose. Bad QC. I was able to put it back into place pretty easily with my bracelet sizing tools. Since then, it's been a good watch and running well with the PT5000.
Absolutely fixed they listened to you 😂 great video, love mine Iv just recently received.
I think they really need to sort out the colour on the indices or the hands, the indices have a cream colour whereas the hands are pure white. This is the same issue with the Pepsi GMT and it's the only reason I haven't bought one!
Big improvement over the San Martin to not use a sunburst dial. I don't like the date window in combination with the cyclops but I wonder if one were removing the cyclops then the date window would look better. It is tempting as I don't have a green watch but I have sort of told myself that I was not going to get another sub homage. I have your old Steinhart Ocean 1 39mm and I am quite fond of it. I do have a different Chronos watch and I am impressed with the quality, especially at the price. Good review!
With the reflection of the watch on your ceiling I thought your ghosts were back for a second 👻
Just bought the v3 version of this in blue with fully lumed bezel - matte finish on the dial, date window frame is gone and the clasp now comes with a glidelock ... all this and costs now less (in the sale) than what it did in this video.
I have the black lumed bezel, PT5000 on order now from the Ali sale. Crazy good price. I hope the watch is as good as the hype. I have the 3000m Cronos. It is utter quality.
I like how you changed the title. That date window was the main complaint.
Finally a watch without polished centre links on the bracelet.
This is a great looking watch for sure. All in all considered, I'd still go with the San Martin. Great review Gary.
It's a straight copy of one of the best looking watches. It must be great looking.
Good review sir .I like your channel. The clasp of cronos is like zelos blacktip version or omega speed master and also sunburst effect on dial. You are not mention the pt5000 accuracy on time grapher and bazel action. And also share the pt 5000 accuracy on your wrist after 6 month.
Finally, a decent San Martin homage. :)
I wish they offered it with Milsub hands as well.... Great review :)
Based on yours and other reviews, I just bought a Cronos L6005 black face, green bezel, PT5000, full lum from Ali. Also, no date window frame. I considered the San Martin, but it uses the same NH35 movement as the Invicta Pro Diver 89280B I have. It's a great movement, but I felt a $247 watch should have a better movement than the watch I paid $65 for.
I already have a sub homage (Steinhart ocean 1) which I'm happy with but I wouldn't mind another in a different colour. This is probably the best option all things considered I think.
Or a different colour of Steinhart.
I've only watched your specs section and studied the video of the watch rotating around slowly....I have to say having watched loads and loads and loads and loads of videos on these submariner homage watches..this looks the best finished watch of them all..beautiful.
Ps. I'm watching the rest of it now! I was just struck by how good it looks!
Stunning watch...I love the all brushed bracelet...and the non sunburst dial and the tone of free they've used....what does put me off though is the nasty clasp...what happened there...why oh why use that clasp??? I bought a £60 phylida P.O homage the other day....the clasps on it is fully milled...thick...smooth...well finished and has a divers extension...that clasp is far better than the one used by cronos on this.
Spot on and fair review Gary. Very credible. I prefer a review like this that is so candid.
Great looking watch man. The green one does pop. Keep Rocking those Watches Gary 🤟🏻
I ordered one of these (with a personalised dial) thanks to your review, Gary! Cheers.
Correctly said that the center links are brushed to match the Submariner. the white frame around the date window is no more again in line with the sub. i have an original Rolex sea dweller and this watch quality matches perfectly. i ordered the black one and the SW200 movement stopped so i have sent it back to Maxi and the communication is good. i am waiting to see what happens next when Maxi gets the watch in a couple of days.
Hey, even a genuine Rolex has some disappointing quality issues, believe it or not.
If you don't have Rolex money, or not important enough to be allowed to buy one, this Cronos and brands like San Martin and Pagani design are more than adequate.
I really like the blue SW200 movement the best, nice video Gary👍
Probably the most critical positive review I've ever watched.
Hey Gary, great review. Do you still rate the San Martin water ghost over this Cronos if you had to pick one? (I can't remember if you where a v1 or V2 fan of the San Martin)
I filmed a 5 watch comparison series and finished it off by saying the Cronos is the one I would get now that they have made a few changes, no frame around the date window, applied index…
@@ilikewatches thanks for replying Gary , I saw the video I think with the tissel , heimdallr etc 👍👌 so the new updated Cronos beats the V2 San Martin overall fit and finish ? That's interesting indeed and gave me food for thought when I'm making that next purchase ----out the two , the SN019 (which you weren't overly chuffed about ) or the new Cronos ? What's your pick ? Much appreciated
Great watch. And like this video review style better than previous. Cheers.
Very nice watch and I’m liking the laid back reviews for a change of pace. Lugyou really has come a long way in producing watches for people with a modest budget. That’s a good thing.
After a year of analyzing which brand has the best specs and might be the maker of a perfect homage, I am asking a new question. Which will be the diver watch I take a shine to and wear just because I like it?
Great looking watch. I really, really like the green with no sunburst on the dial and the dial matches the bezel! I would get rid of the white frame of the date window.
Already have the version without date frame
I have the Kermit and it is overall a good Watch, the micro-adjustment on the clasp is very good and I like the grooving they have made as it makes adjustment easier and could do with one more adjustment.
End links do indeed have a bit of a gap, not a major issue.
If the cyclops went I personally would be happy.
As to the movement, it is good but not perfect and I would have the Sellita over the PT if it was going to be a long term wearer.
In my personal opinion, refinement of the clasp and the addition of a sunburst dial would make this just that much better. Looking forward to a V2.
any word on v2? thanks
If you're in the market for such watch style, I guess you can't go wrong with the Cronos. I remember you said in one of your reviews that Cronos produced the cases for some Swiss brands, is that the case for San Martin too? I agree on the clasp, it looks cheap to me, I like the frame though because I will remove the cyclops. Excellent review and thoughts. These is the way to make improvements, I understand this watch style is butter and bread... but Cronos do not forget the other ones that prefer inspiration both words are compatible in a watch range.
Are those Spyderco's hanging on your coffee cup? Awesome knives! Love the watch, still trying to decide what my first Ali express watch will be. Cronos, San Martin, contemplating a few, so many choices
Yup! Watch me compare the San Martin and Cronos soon....that should help you
I am debating which watch also!
picked the one with the pt5000..got a free strap whn i mentioned your channel...i would say quality is lil lower thn san martins version of this watch but the dial is better of the cronos..great review..!!
Is the braclet on this nicer than Tisell or San Martin? Which has the finest braclet?
I have the black dial version of this. I opted for the SW200 action and am well pleased with it. Later this year I may order either the green dial or the GMT (Pepsi). Keep up the good work.
Great review Gary ( as always). No doubt that Cronos is making some incredible watches, and I'm sure future ones will be even better. Thank you again. Cheers
I like the Style of the Video more than the structured Style 😄
Cronos also introduce homage of aqua terra caliber 8900 with all brushed clasp and clasp is like speed master. With 40mm and 47 lug
Great watch, great review, great reviewer😉😃going to pull the trigger on the “Kermit” ( cermit). About the date frame, on some foto’s they don’t have a frame Cronos also mentioned on their Instagram (16 November) page they produced dials without the frame. Thanks for the excellent review , like the new style👍🇧🇪
Ask for it without the frame.....apparently that is an option....
@@ilikewatches
Will do, thanks for the answer🇧🇪
i got the green/green pt5000 on the 11.11 sale. solid watch for the money. if they come out with a version 2, i hope they add a red dial version
I hate cyclops with a passion, I know they can be removed, but I don't want to spend out on a watch to have to do that work, so every watch with one fitted is an instant no from me. And agree on that date window border, doesn't work at all. I don't like the cronos font either, logo on its own would be far better. As far as perfect watches go at that price range, San Martin did it with the 6200 for me. San Martin, if you read this, make a black sub homage with no cyclops and using the same script text as the 6200 for the brand name, use a bucket load of bgw9 on the hands, indices and bezel insert, and take my money!
You can get a blowtorch from Amazon for 5 quid (IIRC), use it over the cyclops and Voilà - it should pop out in a couple of seconds. If you want to see how easily it's done, check out Dan's channel at "watch me with watches".
@@vamheredur413 I've done it before with my pagani design, I'd just prefer to not have to do it by choice
A must have is a glide lock style of bracelet if you are making a Sub homage end of.
Great job, still got My only watch My SM V1, thanks to You man! Perfect watch!
Yup, it is an incredible watch! Glad you grabbed one while you could!
Help! I have a great bronze Cronos which has a locked-up bezel. I cannot get any help from Cronos. You have a contact I could try or do you know how to remove the bezel? Thanks
You can improve yourself by changing the insert.
Aliexpress has BGW9 lumed inserts
for 40mm sub-style watches.
I put one on my Tisell.
I think having the date window framed is unnecessary with a cyclops and detracts from the look of the dial.
That frame around the date window puts me off. It just looks weird. I'd have liked to see a glidelock style clasp too. As for the misaligned cyclops... That's something that really annoys me. I had the same issue on my Steeldive Submariner homage. Except it was far worse. So I ended up removing it.
Wow i love that green color 💚👍
The tolerances are also a little loose on the end-links on my two-tone San Martin. Not to talk about the faulty Crown action. But I still think San Martin makes a little bit better homage than Cronos. I don't like the white date window, needs a logo on the clasp. Loose the brand name on the dial and stick to the Cronos logo. Put Cronos on the caseback in some way. But the case and brushing looks amazing on this! Nice green color and i do love the PT5000 movement! Great review Gary.
I also experience a faulty crown action on my Water Ghost. I think that the problem lies not in the thread itself, but in the crown being misaligned and thus rubbing against one of the crown guards.
I bought San Martin sub v3. Every single edge of case, bracelet and crown is as sharp as hell. Wearing it is just uncomfortable. Will sell it no matter the specs and great look. All the watches from AliExpress have some quality issues. They're fantastic on pictures and have great specs on paper but there is always a but.
@@Ktrb I feel the same. Totally fed up. I am not planing any Ali Express purches in the forseen future.
@@trogpo think my "stem" is short. it turns the dato just a lil bit when unscrewing it fully. And my quick adjust function is lost. But in all i got 5 san martin, and this my first "faulty" watch. i got a lil refund and they send me a new stem with crown. I think they do a good job at delivering value for money.
@@kasperpetersen6856 Thanks, Kasper. Do note that what you are describing is in fact the "gambling routine" that plagues the Ali Express buying experience. Most of the watches arrive with such defects that are extremely annoying, yet are not severe enough to force the seller to replace the watch. Refund is nice, and San Martin's costumer service is great, but the fact remain that I will still have an misaligned bezel and a faulty crown action.
I'll be ordering the Cronos now. The fact that it has the PT5000 movement and they got rid of the date window edged it out over the San Martin. I'll also be getting their Seamaster homage. For reasons.
Awesome, thanks for using my links and supporting the channel!
So if you ask them to use a clasp from another brand does that imply they’re all either the same factory or same family of brands?
Some parts they can obtain from independent sellers, like the plastic packaging. They don't make every single component, just some of them. It's like car manufacturers, NSK make steering racks and they sell them to all car makers.
Nice one Gary. but i am saving for a special watch now 😜👍😉
Good for you! Which one?
@@ilikewatches Haha the one that i am saving for is a watch that is a follow up with a new brand name of a marvellous watch which is made with a limited edition of 100 pieces 😉 And what i saw of that watch is just great. 👍
Thank you for another great review Gary. I am wondering about is whether Chronos is going to make a no-date version of this watch? - It solves the cyclops and date border issues. - and I prefer a no-date.
Also, the links aren't working for me.
That's odd, I just tries all four links and they worked for me?
@@ilikewatches They are working for me now...maybe the site was down?
Yeah... I like that green
Of all my many watches the only one I had a problem with is the one with the Sellita SW200 movement. The watch just would quit working. It is a Deep Blue Juggernaut IV. I sent it back under warrantee and it has worked ever since but I find it humorous the Swiss movement was the one that crapped out.
That green colour 🤤🔥👌, absolutely agree, no sunburst is way better
I really like that the green is matte and same hue in both the dial and the bezel. This is a real problem most of the times, since most bezels don't even come close to match the dial or vice-versa if you prefer. I wish more companies did that. But, as it seems, they have many issues to fix before this watch becomes great value. And please Cronos, just leave your logo on the dial. That Cronos text is generic as hell. Better than the first one, but i'd still prefer if it wasn't there at all...
Gary, I really like where Cronos is going. They are offering well made watches in the mid to high end of the affordable watch range. I love that they offer movement choices. I don't care about lume much, I just pull out my phone. So the choices in lume don't matter to me. I believe these companies are missing an opportunity. Please make a NO DATE version in various colours. Also, from Marc at Long Island Watches, states that 12 hour bezels are his most popular modifications. The watch I would buy in a heartbeat at these prices to replace my $65 Invicta Pro Diver 30092 with a sunburst blue dial is a rich blue no date sub homage with a 12 hour bezel to match the blue dial. The blue would be the rich blue from the solid white gold Rolex GMT rather than the bright blue of the Smurf. Oh, and a sweaty day extension please. I would also buy a red dial version. Cheers mate, keep up the great work.
Lol you have 87 things in your cart. I know the feeling 😁
If you are doing a Sub homage you really must have a glide lock style of bracelet, I prefer this half way house clasp to the San Martin one. When are you going to do some more pressure testing though Gary?
Awesome review Garry...!!! What are your thoughts on the new heimdallr nttd sea ghost I plan to pick it up from their offical website for $219 any advise..??
I haven't had a great experience with Heimdallr so far so not a fan but I hope to get the monster in soon....The Phylida is worth considering....
@@ilikewatches thanks for the reply Garry ...I tried to get a phylida but AliExpress is not delivering any products to India at the moment..!!
Sunburst dial on the green one is a must imho!
Hi Gary, I’m leaning towards green vs blue in full lume. Can you help me decide? :)
The green is the best green subby homage I have seen…beautiful olive green bezel and colour matching dial…and fully lumed is a must!
@@ilikewatches thanks Gary! Adding to cart now and waiting for the sale. Green it is :)
Apart from the movement, nothing close to the San Martin Water Ghost.
I think Sanmartin still better quality wise, what do you think?
I'll know after the comparison is filmed
It baffles me why these companies don’t use a clasp that has on the fly adjustment. I even saw today a $300 Citizen watch that had it. How are you supposed to wear a bracelet with no ability to loosen it off a little during the second half of the day. Until I buy a watch that I like that has that type of bracelet clasp the bracelets come off and a strap or nato goes on. Certina also have a quick adjust though that’s a more pricey watch.
Your reviews are getting better all the time 👍, I'm tired of homage watches especially with Mercedes hands just looks fake , I'm watching this wearing my Exciton great little watch 👌
Your certificate will be sent soon.
@@ilikewatches Thank you 🙏
I don’t get why Cronos and San Martin don’t use Superluminova instead of BGW9. Just charge $5-$10 extra if needed. I think most people would gladly pay it for great lume
I thought the lume was great? have you seen somewhere where it's bad?
I’m not a fan of the framed date window with a cyclops magnifier, should have one or the other
If you get the watch now it is without the frame. Just got mine today and boy is it perfect. Stunning looking
I can wait until they remove the white boarder around the date. That is not a look I would pay north of $200 for. Nice watch other than that though. I have my low cost option in the Loreo green, so I can wait for one I would buy in the upper price range for me.
As for the video style, I like more close ups of the watch, as that is what I want to see the looks of. I also think you tend to see a more rushed presentation of the information. Always good to change things up though. In the end, I like it when people choose the style they are comfortable with for presentation, as that always comes through well in the videos.
If they could make the applied indices white, no framed date window, and the end links like the San Martin, it would be perfect
Fantastic my friend....great looking watchez
Thanks for another great review
They produce very decent price watches at price . Although the movement in the gmt is not impressive at all time keeping is all over the place .. Agree the build quality is good .l
Looks like San Martin brought back Subby version 1 clasp on the new Date Just 👍hopefully bring it back all round
it'd be awesome if you asked them to do a vintage sub homage
I said it before and I will say it again - the protruding centre end-links set this watch (or any watch for that matter) closer to Pagani Design than to San Martin (or Ginault and ROWLEEEECS). Not to mention the clasp and date frame. It is essentially a Pagani Design with a slightly better case finishing and lume (I know, bezel action, bracelet articulation yada yada; the point is that visually it is essentially a Pagani Design for 3 to 4 times the price).
Edit/Final notes: I would "sacrifice" (although the NH35 would last longer than PT5000 due to the beat rate) for a *MUCH* better overall product execution.
So nearly perfect looks fantastic! The things wrong with it really are negligible and in daily use you’d not notice. I think the San Martin marginally looks better but that movement may just swing it Cronos’s way! Great review Gary love the easy style!!👍🏻👍🏻
Hahaha, it's funny, but cronos uses 5 minutes of your video on the gmt version. I'm not sure if that's intentional or not.
Great hommage, but like a few other guys/gals, the dateframe and cyclops are a no go for me. Soo close. And why the hairbrush in the cup?
NICE green my fav as well cheers
I will wait For a version 2
What brand/model are you wearing sir ? :-)
If the Chinese can crank out this high quality of a watch, a clone of the Rolex Sub, for just under $300. one has to wonder how much the cost for Rolex to crank out theirs???
back in the day they sold the steel explorers for like 900 bucks
Another great video keep up the good work
Beautiful watch