This watch is definitely a stunner, it has all the right components to make it so. As I see it, this piece is not a tool watch but is a dress watch especially with it's 10mm thickness. Perfect. I have researched many out of reach brands and they mostly have a distinct finish dissimilar to this San Martin. It is about time to have every external component of this watch highly polished to a mirror finish and this will lift this sku to a lofty level. For myself, I don't mind tool watches which are usually considerably thicker and larger overall to be mainly finished with a brushed texture, but not this piece. If I bought one it will soon be highly polished and it will look superb.
the bracelet is the star of the show in my humble opinion. they should have it patented … so that other aliexpress brands can make easy reference to it for later homages😅 … like jubilee oyster president bracelets
I got the blue one for 210 $ because it came to my doorstep without vat or tax… nice discount.I would consider this a real bargain. It needed just some lubrication on the clasp and bracelet but besides that it‘s a beautiful watch other non chinese companies would charge 3 or 4 times the price. The screws worked fine on mine. The dial really shines on this one - quite literally. Even the date wheel is perfectly alligned. Hope it keeps time ad good as it looks.
The bracelet is to short for my 8.7 inch wrist, so I asked them for some extra links. They denied my request and offered me an additional bracelet for 70 Euro . So I decided to buy the Erebus Ascent (Orange Fumé dial).
@WATCHingJames Perhaps San Martin can aim for more interesting Grand Seiko-like dials. But at more affordable prices. That will be much sought after by enthusiasts.
If they did this style of dial in a diver around 36-38mm and in plum for the colour I'd buy it no hesitation. Do you ever find watch companies make watches that are "close" to what you want but as soon as you buy something the exact thing you want comes out a few months later?
@@WATCHingJames definitely also don't know if you'll agree with me or not but I feel this platform (this particular watch) would make for a great base for a GMT model or even as a model with complications down the line, just think of this with a moon phase!
Have ordered the 42mm and eager to see a 21mm lug width on a micro brand at last! Lug, taper and clasp proportions look/sound a bit odd but looks a lot of watch for the money so giving it a go!
They put lot of effort in the watch head. The dial is gorgeous to look at, and I especially like how hands and indices are finished. But actually it's the bracelet I struggle with, to my eye it somewhat looks like an armour. I'd like to see something more airy like a j-style bracelet, ideally with female end links.
@WATCHingJames It finally arrived to the UK today. No duty to pay - only VAT (and handling charge). Can't stop looking at it. Images online don't do it justice. It's truly something special. Attractive and authentic with an original design.
jeez James - not another one I like! I have no body parts left to sell except my wrist....I love that dial, the case is bland but I'm sure its technically superb in terms of finishing. San Martin are morphing into what Lexus became and used to be. This one is on my list, in blue, but I just have to get a black MoP IXDAO Engineer first to scratch that itch and wait for these to come down in price a bit - if they do. edit: and then theres the SN0129 purple GMT on my list too...
Everyone is gushing about this watch but I don’t really get the hype. The dial is a copy of a Straum Arctic and the rest of it is fairly generic, IMO. Yeah, the movement is nice with the slim profile, but other than that I don’t really think it’s much more exciting than anything else San Martin has put out, included the SN0129 which I think looks cooler. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess.
Good spot with dial similarities. I’m also nearly 100% sure that the case is a Tudor Ranger 39 case. San Martin even makes a snowflake 39mm thing with what looks like the same case. Perhaps it’s slightly dimensionally different, but regardless. I find that almost all of San martins “original” designs borrow heavily from other watches. And most reviewers just go with the idea that they’re original without doing much research. It’s not a deal breaker, but still hardly “original”.
This design is a sanity check for SM fanboys. Good polishing? Who cares? Them cloning watches is only one cr1me among many. They lack the knowledge of basic grammar in everything, thia is why they do this.
@@Mr1121628 If you have this mentality, you better be calling out every single swiss watch brand or microbrand from copying one another. Steinhart, Monta, Helm, Zelos, Traska is just copying Rolex. Rolex is just copying Blancpain. Tissot is copying both Rolex and AP. Patek was copying Breuget. Right? Nothing is ever truly original in the watch game. Here's a little secret your favorite "swiss" brand doesn't tell you. The swiss started "copying" french and british watch makers. Dirty little secret. The next dirty little secret is your favorite Swiss brands source parts from China. The Tissot PRX is made mostly in China, or at least the parts are. So are most microbrands. But hey, they get a pass right?
Hi, We have watched all your works and we think your works are very good, no matter the video shooting technique or the explanation of the video, we like it very much and it is very attractive. We would like you to publish the video for our watch products. We will try our best to meet your requests in terms of commission, etc. We sincerely hope to establish cooperation with you. Looking forward to your reply. Have a good day!
You might have been the first, but unfortunately you didn’t say anything relevant to the video lol. Seems like a waste. Why not include some commentary on what you think of the watch instead of just “FIRST” lol
@@Mr1121628Lighten up Buddy, if James is okay with my comment. why should you have an issue. It’s just a bit of fun. Oh…….hang on……I notice that you didn’t comment on the watch, either! Looks like we are both wasting our talents. 😂. Have a good day.
That doesn’t really make any sense. “Micro” means small and they’re an enormous Chinese conglomerate. They’re basically the opposite of a microbrand. I think they’re great, for sure, but I would just call them a “watch brand”. Just a mainstream, regular ole watch brand.
It’s my understanding, and I could be wrong, that San Martin are a small brand. I’ve watched a number of videos that have been made about them and it shows a small company.
I have 8 sm’s,mostly sub and bb homages,some of them I’ve had for 3 years. They are all still running and I enjoy their eye-catchiness but two of them have developed bezel issues, which are not a big deal but they are not indestructible, and yes I rinse them off with freshwater after they are done in the saltwater 😂
I really have to disagree. It is so cheap for what you are getting. If this had a main stream brand on the dial. Or even a known microbrand logo it would be priced at least twice the amount. However, I understand for a “AliExpress “ brand it certainly feels like a lot.
Buy a Casio then. But one things for sure, this isn’t “too expensive” for what you receive. Maybe it’s out of your budget, but that’s a you problem, not an issue with watch pricing.
@@WATCHingJames Pricing depends on so many parameters that you cannot generalize that microbrands would charge double for a watch like this. Look at the Erebus Ascent. Very similar in a lot of key aspects: watch type, movement, dimensions, lavish dial, quality. Better presentation. Supposedly better customer service. Priced at 450-480 USD (was 100 less during the preorder phase)
This watch is definitely a stunner, it has all the right components to make it so. As I see it, this piece is not a tool watch but is a dress watch especially with it's 10mm thickness. Perfect. I have researched many out of reach brands and they mostly have a distinct finish dissimilar to this San Martin. It is about time to have every external component of this watch highly polished to a mirror finish and this will lift this sku to a lofty level. For myself, I don't mind tool watches which are usually considerably thicker and larger overall to be mainly finished with a brushed texture, but not this piece. If I bought one it will soon be highly polished and it will look superb.
Hmmmm interesting. I had not considered it like that.
Thanks for WATCHing
the bracelet is the star of the show in my humble opinion. they should have it patented … so that other aliexpress brands can make easy reference to it for later homages😅 … like jubilee oyster president bracelets
Hahahahaha. That would be funny
That bracelet is a masterpiece 👌
I got the blue one for 210 $ because it came to my doorstep without vat or tax… nice discount.I would consider this a real bargain.
It needed just some lubrication on the clasp and bracelet but besides that it‘s a beautiful watch other non chinese companies would charge 3 or 4 times the price. The screws worked fine on mine. The dial really shines on this one - quite literally. Even the date wheel is perfectly alligned. Hope it keeps time ad good as it looks.
The bracelet is to short for my 8.7 inch wrist, so I asked them for some extra links. They denied my request and offered me an additional bracelet for 70 Euro . So I decided to buy the Erebus Ascent (Orange Fumé dial).
Really. That surprises me.
The ascent is a fantastic option. One of the best watches I’ve bought this year.
@@WATCHingJames And both watches come from the same factory
Do you think it would fit an 8 inch wrist?
Some people are giants. I usually need to make more holes on a leather or remove many parts of the metal bracelet to get the watch on a 15.50cm wrist.
A fair review, sir. I agree, this is the nicest watch from San Martin so far, especially with the dial.
It feels like a big step up from others I’ve had.
I’m not sure where they go from here however. This one is so good.
@WATCHingJames Perhaps San Martin can aim for more interesting Grand Seiko-like dials. But at more affordable prices. That will be much sought after by enthusiasts.
I just bought 2 San Martin watches for the first time 2 days ago, I resisted to buy this till I see your video and review! WOW I'm gonna get it now!
You will not be disappointed it this one. It is incredible.
Mine is getting a lot of wrist time.
@@WATCHingJames I had ordered it and waiting for it to be shipped for a nice price less than $250!! Thanks
If they did this style of dial in a diver around 36-38mm and in plum for the colour I'd buy it no hesitation. Do you ever find watch companies make watches that are "close" to what you want but as soon as you buy something the exact thing you want comes out a few months later?
That can sure happen. There's so much to like in these watches, but I may wait for more dial options.
@@vonkruel I'm glad we're starting to get more purple watches just haven't found the one I love yet you know?
Knowing SM it is likely that there will be lots of different variants of this one in the future
@@WATCHingJames definitely also don't know if you'll agree with me or not but I feel this platform (this particular watch) would make for a great base for a GMT model or even as a model with complications down the line, just think of this with a moon phase!
Months? You mean definitely days
Have ordered the 42mm and eager to see a 21mm lug width on a micro brand at last!
Lug, taper and clasp proportions look/sound a bit odd but looks a lot of watch for the money so giving it a go!
I am loving mine.
It is getting a lot of wrist time
The whole microbrand or not thing is pretty much only a "where does the owner live" thing anyways.
Thanks for WATCHing
They put lot of effort in the watch head. The dial is gorgeous to look at, and I especially like how hands and indices are finished. But actually it's the bracelet I struggle with, to my eye it somewhat looks like an armour. I'd like to see something more airy like a j-style bracelet, ideally with female end links.
Thanks for WATCHing
Perfect dimensions
Thanks for WATCHing
Beautiful watch, definitely worthy of one of your more thorough long reviews 👍
I really love it. Wore it all day today
@WATCHingJames When I consider the watches in your collection, that says a lot!
Very nice dial! Reminds me of a Citizen dial I've seen before. NY0136-52L Different color and less pronounced but equally awesome!
Thanks for WATCHing
What's the thinnest mechanical watch you own?
I thought it was my IWC spitfire. But just measured all my thinner watches and it turns out that it’s the San Martin.
Well. There you go.
Jacques Lemans 405 with an ETA 2824-2. It´s 9,8mm
I will send you a affiliate link for a nail clipper 😉. Great watch and review!
Hahahaha. My wife said the same thing. They have now been clipped.
Great video !
Thank you.
beautiful watch
Thanks for WATCHing
Stunner. Bargain in the sale with coupon codes. This is the second watch you have made me buy you bad bad man.
Hahahahaha. Sorry about that. But you will not regret this purchase. WOW it is impressive
@WATCHingJames It finally arrived to the UK today. No duty to pay - only VAT (and handling charge). Can't stop looking at it. Images online don't do it justice. It's truly something special. Attractive and authentic with an original design.
I bought the same one! Nice taste!
It is incredible. I love it
Would your review change if you didn't get paid by San Martin to review this or keep the watch?
But I don’t get paid. They were nice to give me a $20 discount.
Not complaining. Every dollar saved is a bonus.
jeez James - not another one I like! I have no body parts left to sell except my wrist....I love that dial, the case is bland but I'm sure its technically superb in terms of finishing. San Martin are morphing into what Lexus became and used to be. This one is on my list, in blue, but I just have to get a black MoP IXDAO Engineer first to scratch that itch and wait for these to come down in price a bit - if they do. edit: and then theres the SN0129 purple GMT on my list too...
I’ve had that IXDAO on my list too.
So many watches. So few wrists to put them on 🤔
Needs to be deep laquer black dial
The Erebus ascent would tick that box
Give me a link this watch
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdtePGH
The applied logo, though... 😒They need to improve that.
There does seem to be a divided opinion about the logo.
I personally really like it.
I like the logo. No issue
Three micro adjust positions with no part links does not sound great re fit.
It has been fine for me so far. With the heat where I live at the moment I’ve been using it a lot.
It really is that good
Everyone is gushing about this watch but I don’t really get the hype. The dial is a copy of a Straum Arctic and the rest of it is fairly generic, IMO. Yeah, the movement is nice with the slim profile, but other than that I don’t really think it’s much more exciting than anything else San Martin has put out, included the SN0129 which I think looks cooler. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess.
Thanks for WATCHing
Good spot with dial similarities. I’m also nearly 100% sure that the case is a Tudor Ranger 39 case. San Martin even makes a snowflake 39mm thing with what looks like the same case. Perhaps it’s slightly dimensionally different, but regardless. I find that almost all of San martins “original” designs borrow heavily from other watches. And most reviewers just go with the idea that they’re original without doing much research. It’s not a deal breaker, but still hardly “original”.
This design is a sanity check for SM fanboys. Good polishing? Who cares? Them cloning watches is only one cr1me among many. They lack the knowledge of basic grammar in everything, thia is why they do this.
@@Mr1121628 If you have this mentality, you better be calling out every single swiss watch brand or microbrand from copying one another. Steinhart, Monta, Helm, Zelos, Traska is just copying Rolex. Rolex is just copying Blancpain. Tissot is copying both Rolex and AP. Patek was copying Breuget. Right?
Nothing is ever truly original in the watch game.
Here's a little secret your favorite "swiss" brand doesn't tell you. The swiss started "copying" french and british watch makers. Dirty little secret. The next dirty little secret is your favorite Swiss brands source parts from China. The Tissot PRX is made mostly in China, or at least the parts are. So are most microbrands. But hey, they get a pass right?
To be fair, I struggle to find any watch in recent times that is truly 'original' in design.
Great video as always but you could really use them fingernails getting trimmed
Hahahahaha. My wife said the same thing. All trimmed now.
Hi,
We have watched all your works and we think your works are very good, no matter the video shooting technique or the explanation of the video, we like it very much and it is very attractive.
We would like you to publish the video for our watch products. We will try our best to meet your requests in terms of commission, etc. We sincerely hope to establish cooperation with you.
Looking forward to your reply.
Have a good day!
Hello, if you could please send me an email. Watchingjames@gmail.com Thank you
@@WATCHingJames Okay, I'll send you more info. I apologize for replying to you so late. I am very happy about your reply, thanks.
Chinese are sending out done good $$$😂
Thanks for WATCHing
Maybe I should stop watching your channel! You made me weak the second time in a row! Just joking :-) amazing content as always. Thanks!
Hahahahaha. I do the same thing. My collection size keeps spiraling out of control
First to comment!
Brilliant. Thanks for WATCHing
You might have been the first, but unfortunately you didn’t say anything relevant to the video lol. Seems like a waste. Why not include some commentary on what you think of the watch instead of just “FIRST” lol
@@Mr1121628Lighten up Buddy, if James is okay with my comment. why should you have an issue. It’s just a bit of fun.
Oh…….hang on……I notice that you didn’t comment on the watch, either! Looks like we are both wasting our talents. 😂.
Have a good day.
I have a million jokes about how bad this wallpaper or shoe sole dial is
Thanks for WATCHing
That doesn’t really make any sense. “Micro” means small and they’re an enormous Chinese conglomerate. They’re basically the opposite of a microbrand. I think they’re great, for sure, but I would just call them a “watch brand”. Just a mainstream, regular ole watch brand.
It’s my understanding, and I could be wrong, that San Martin are a small brand.
I’ve watched a number of videos that have been made about them and it shows a small company.
It´s still small. Compare it with Casio, Seiko, Jacques Lemans, Rolex, ...... They build millions of watches per year.
They are the opposite of great
Conglomerate? Where?
I have 8 sm’s,mostly sub and bb homages,some of them I’ve had for 3 years. They are all still running and I enjoy their eye-catchiness but two of them have developed bezel issues, which are not a big deal but they are not indestructible, and yes I rinse them off with freshwater after they are done in the saltwater 😂
too expensive
11.11. is close
I really have to disagree. It is so cheap for what you are getting.
If this had a main stream brand on the dial. Or even a known microbrand logo it would be priced at least twice the amount.
However, I understand for a “AliExpress “ brand it certainly feels like a lot.
Buy a Casio then. But one things for sure, this isn’t “too expensive” for what you receive. Maybe it’s out of your budget, but that’s a you problem, not an issue with watch pricing.
@@WATCHingJames Pricing depends on so many parameters that you cannot generalize that microbrands would charge double for a watch like this. Look at the Erebus Ascent. Very similar in a lot of key aspects: watch type, movement, dimensions, lavish dial, quality. Better presentation. Supposedly better customer service. Priced at 450-480 USD (was 100 less during the preorder phase)
I'd honestly puke seeing this in person. Good God, no one EVER wears Sen Mertens where I live, cause my city isn't tasteless.
Thanks for WATCHing
I did not like this design at all. The case shape is awkward, Dial is not great.
Thanks for WATCHing