Great review, my Seiko SUP square dress watch has 23mm straps and it’s almost impossible to get replacements - even on Ali express they advertise them but they can never seem to deliver them 🤷♂️
It's the type of watch if I saw it on Ali I would probably just scroll past but in this review you can see all the extra details. Really nice! Good review 👍 I like the smaller size. You could hang your coat off them crowns
I know what you mean. There's a lot of little details that you don't notice straight away isn't there? 😆 The crowns are pretty large. Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks mate, Great review as ever. I bought the Steeldive big version nearly 2 years ago and love it. The big version works well for me as I have a 7 1/2” wrist. Just love the legibility and aesthetic. I agree about the logo, both the San Martin and the Steeldive versions should have dropped their usual logos for these watches as I feel particularly with mine that it spoils the look. Keep up the good work 👍🏼
@@zackbetterton489laco & stowa offer sterile dials aswell, they don't look cheap + I think it would probably look better as most would think it's an original piece.
Both watches look really nice, and I don't think that big boy looks overly large on your wrist. I'm very interested in getting one of these. I have a seven inch wrist as well so I'm really pleased that I now know the larger watch won't look like a dinner plate on me. Great review.
I know right, there's so much detail on the dial that you don't really notice until you get it outside in natural light. I'm glad you like the macro and outdoor shots.
Wow! Beautiful watch. San Martin is really creating some fantastic watches. They really are a class act. Great watch! My girlfriend even liked the watch. Well, except the stitching on the the strap. 😅😂🤣 Great review. Cheers!
Yeah they really are. Just tell your girlfriend that she can swap out the strap easily... As long as it's the 40mm version that is 😉 Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
Ooo nice tasty watch. Buckle looks like it's well thought out. The overall vibe I'm taking away is modded pocket watch.. I'm thinking out of the box there possibly
I do think this is pretty nice, the first one is way too massive but the smaller is perfect, that crown though, that would take some getting used to. Dial is really nice, wish the bezel was brushed though, impressed with the lume too. Solid offering. Glad you're back and feeling better mate.
Quite like this pilot with an old timey feel with the numerals and handset. Bonus (for me) is the no date. That style onion crown isn't to my liking. My favorite is the one on the Laco Basic. But, just one dude's like/dislike. 23 is an odd. I have seen Orient and Victorinox with 21, but 23 is a new one. Glad to have you back.
San Martin continues to churn out the models. I love this, it gives me a trench watch vibe with the lugs reminiscent of the soldered-on lugs from the first wrist watches. I have SM type b with YN55 and it is very accurate, quiet and smooth. I wouldn't pay extra for another movement. Nice review, nice watch. I hope I can resist buying one.
Both watches are very nice, whilst the bigger one certainly ist more in keeping with pilots watches but the smaller one just comes in a more wearable size, so I'd prefer the smaller one. Nice comparison mate!
Very cool looking watches! Awesome review! I have a Victorinox GMT field watch with that weird 23mm lug width. Fortunately, Barton watch straps makes a few in that 23mm size. And using a 22mm nato at times doesn’t look so bad.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Those odd size straps are very annoying indeed. I think I got a few 23mm size also from Cheapest Nato Straps. Waited for a sale to get a good price since those straps will only go to one watch.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR 7ish inch wrist. My g shock 2300 was my daily wear for 20+ years. Then I been into watches for 2 years now. Always like a bigger watch.
Nice review James. Both watches are very nice and well made. For my 6.75in wrist the smaller one is the way to go. SM certainly continues to produce brilliant watches which in my opinion can easily compete against many microbrands. Well done mate. Be well 👍
Cheers mate. Yeah the 40mm is definitely the way to go for your wrist size. I've been saying that about San Martin for a while now. In my opinion they are pushing some of the big brands too.
I just ordered the 40mm version. I have a largish wrist at just over 7.5 inches and wanted the larger size, but I couldn't buy it considering the ridiculous 23mm lug width. San Martin should have just gone with a 24 or 22mm lug width.
I think they defiantly have the Flieger watch type A style to them, I don't know if they do the Flieger watch type B pilot watch. But personally I would prefer the B type.
I have received my big pilot today. I have a large wrist, so the size of the case seems ok for me. But not the strap. It is like 2-3 cm too short, and now I have to find it a long 23mm replacement strap or bracelet. Or wear it on 22mm bracelet similar how I wear 21mm lug watches on 20mm bracelets.. But the watch is nice :) More interesting than ww2 fliegers, at least to me.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR If it is a metal bracelet with links I usually ask the seller to provide some more, otherwise I search for replacement. But yeah, almost for each and every watch I order I need to solve this.
Good looking watch. The dial reminds me of the Steeldive quartz with the exception of the tarmac dial. Speaking of which have you seen the Chrono with the dial which is taken from the Nurburgring track, literally the tarmac! Looks a bit like this one.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR I'll have a look for it and send it to you. They took a core from the track and cut thin discs from which they made the dial . Like I mentioned it looks quite similar to this San Martin dial. Pretty cool if you're into motorsports.
The case polishing is a bit too shiny for me, I prefer my military style watches to be a little more subdued. The large crown doesn't look too bad, but I imagine it would be gouging the back of my hand a lot.
Well yes, it shows the difference between tool watch and toy watch. The 40mm one looks too small with the Fliegerband... it should be 42 to fit The big one has the right proportions
Hey up, James. You seen what's happened with Escapement Time? Looks like they've either gone bust or AliX has suspended their store for some reason. And yes the big lad suits your wrist. But 23mm lug width? C'mon SM, you're better than that.
Yeah I don't know what's going on there. The last time I spoke to them they said they were taking a little break... But I didn't expect it to be this long though. It's surprisingly wearable isn't it? But that lug width might put people off though.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR 'Taking a little break'? When they were putting out cracking watches at a good price that were selling easily? That's probably the crappest business model I've ever heard of!
@@the_once-and-future_king. It is a really odd time to decide to do it. Perhaps they were getting a bit overwhelmed, as I'm sure I remember them telling me it was a one man operation a while back.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR X to doubt on the one-man operation (call me cynical, if you wish). I can't really see AliX being home to an artisan watch maker, at least not at those prices.
Not an onion crown but rather a massive garlic!!! 🧄🧅😂😂 Pilot's or not, plain dials look big, a 44.5 is massive. Wonder how it suits you James, i'm as surprised as you are mate... PS Feeling better (after another flu...???) mate? Hope you're fine, cheers.
😆😆 I think a lot of people might be surprised. That's why I thought it would be useful to make this comparison video, instead of just a straight review. I'm almost back to 100% now, just trying to shift this cough now. It's a stubborn bugger.
Great review, my Seiko SUP square dress watch has 23mm straps and it’s almost impossible to get replacements - even on Ali express they advertise them but they can never seem to deliver them 🤷♂️
Thanks. Yeah I don't know why they do it 🤔
Love the Zenith pilot look, really classic and instantly recognisable! Great review 👏
Same here. Cheers mate 👍
It's the type of watch if I saw it on Ali I would probably just scroll past but in this review you can see all the extra details. Really nice! Good review 👍 I like the smaller size. You could hang your coat off them crowns
I know what you mean. There's a lot of little details that you don't notice straight away isn't there?
😆 The crowns are pretty large.
Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks mate, Great review as ever. I bought the Steeldive big version nearly 2 years ago and love it. The big version works well for me as I have a 7 1/2” wrist. Just love the legibility and aesthetic. I agree about the logo, both the San Martin and the Steeldive versions should have dropped their usual logos for these watches as I feel particularly with mine that it spoils the look. Keep up the good work 👍🏼
Thanks mate, I'm glad you liked it. I don't mind the San Martin logo, but I can see why the Steeldive one would be a bit odd on a pilot watch.
Wait so I’m thinking about buying one of these would and they offer a sterile dial should I go with that or do you think it would look cheap?
@@zackbetterton489laco & stowa offer sterile dials aswell, they don't look cheap + I think it would probably look better as most would think it's an original piece.
Both watches look really nice, and I don't think that big boy looks overly large on your wrist. I'm very interested in getting one of these. I have a seven inch wrist as well so I'm really pleased that I now know the larger watch won't look like a dinner plate on me. Great review.
It's surprisingly wearable isn't it? Thanks for watching.
That brown dial really pops in the sun. I really do like your macro and outside shots. Really nice.
I know right, there's so much detail on the dial that you don't really notice until you get it outside in natural light.
I'm glad you like the macro and outdoor shots.
I like the cylindrical shape of the case and the lugs do give it a retro look. Even with a 7’ wrist I’d prefer to the have the smaller one.
They've done a really job haven't they?
Wow! Beautiful watch. San Martin is really creating some fantastic watches. They really are a class act. Great watch!
My girlfriend even liked the watch. Well, except the stitching on the the strap. 😅😂🤣
Great review.
Cheers!
Yeah they really are.
Just tell your girlfriend that she can swap out the strap easily... As long as it's the 40mm version that is 😉
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
Ooo nice tasty watch. Buckle looks like it's well thought out. The overall vibe I'm taking away is modded pocket watch.. I'm thinking out of the box there possibly
They're really nicely done aren't they? It does have pocket watch vibes now you mention it.
I do think this is pretty nice, the first one is way too massive but the smaller is perfect, that crown though, that would take some getting used to. Dial is really nice, wish the bezel was brushed though, impressed with the lume too. Solid offering. Glad you're back and feeling better mate.
I thought that too until I tried it on. It actually wears quite well though.
Cheers mate. I'm glad to be back.
Quite like this pilot with an old timey feel with the numerals and handset. Bonus (for me) is the no date.
That style onion crown isn't to my liking. My favorite is the one on the Laco Basic. But, just one dude's like/dislike.
23 is an odd. I have seen Orient and Victorinox with 21, but 23 is a new one. Glad to have you back.
They've done a really good with it haven't they? Although the 23mm on the larger one, is a bit annoying.
Thanks, I'm glad to be back.
San Martin continues to churn out the models. I love this, it gives me a trench watch vibe with the lugs reminiscent of the soldered-on lugs from the first wrist watches. I have SM type b with YN55 and it is very accurate, quiet and smooth. I wouldn't pay extra for another movement. Nice review, nice watch. I hope I can resist buying one.
Yeah I can see why it gives you those vibes.
If you don't manage to resist buying one, don't forget to use my affiliate link 😉
Both watches are very nice, whilst the bigger one certainly ist more in keeping with pilots watches but the smaller one just comes in a more wearable size, so I'd prefer the smaller one. Nice comparison mate!
I think most people will probably agree with you there. Cheers mate.
I have also a 7inch wrist and I thought also it would weird to wear the bigger one but after seeing it on your wrist I kinda like it actually a lot.
It's really surprising isn't it?
Very cool looking watches! Awesome review! I have a Victorinox GMT field watch with that weird 23mm lug width. Fortunately, Barton watch straps makes a few in that 23mm size. And using a 22mm nato at times doesn’t look so bad.
Thank you very much. I'm glad you liked the watches and the review.
Yeah it's a bit annoying, but at least you can get straps in the size though.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Those odd size straps are very annoying indeed. I think I got a few 23mm size also from Cheapest Nato Straps. Waited for a sale to get a good price since those straps will only go to one watch.
40 for me and u have an 8 inch wrist, think the 40 suits yours better as well. Regards might have one of these with pt 5000.
If you do end up getting one please consider using my affiliate link.
I've ran across Citizen & Vostok-Europe's with 23's so far . Does that YN55A click while winding ?
Ah ok. I really don't know why brands do it though.
No the movement doesn't click whilst winding.
What great watches. Thank you. I need to see better and you done that. Thank you
Thank you very much. They really are great watches. Are you tempted to get one then?
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR bigger
@@drebarthelotte5712 Do you have a larger wrist then?
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR 7ish inch wrist. My g shock 2300 was my daily wear for 20+ years. Then I been into watches for 2 years now. Always like a bigger watch.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR yes but san martin keep making newer watches and I can't keep up 😁
Nice review James. Both watches are very nice and well made. For my 6.75in wrist the smaller one is the way to go. SM certainly continues to produce brilliant watches which in my opinion can easily compete against many microbrands. Well done mate. Be well 👍
Cheers mate. Yeah the 40mm is definitely the way to go for your wrist size.
I've been saying that about San Martin for a while now. In my opinion they are pushing some of the big brands too.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Thank you James, I completely agree with you. Have a good day. Hope you're feeling better mate.
@@felo6035 You too mate.
I just ordered the 40mm version. I have a largish wrist at just over 7.5 inches and wanted the larger size, but I couldn't buy it considering the ridiculous 23mm lug width. San Martin should have just gone with a 24 or 22mm lug width.
That was a bit of an odd design choice, you're right.
Getting close to 10k now!
Yeah we're getting there gradually.
I think they defiantly have the Flieger watch type A style to them, I don't know if they do the Flieger watch type B pilot watch. But personally I would prefer the B type.
I don't think I've seen a Type B from them, but I'm sure they probably do one.
I have received my big pilot today. I have a large wrist, so the size of the case seems ok for me. But not the strap. It is like 2-3 cm too short, and now I have to find it a long 23mm replacement strap or bracelet. Or wear it on 22mm bracelet similar how I wear 21mm lug watches on 20mm bracelets.. But the watch is nice :) More interesting than ww2 fliegers, at least to me.
And if you're wondering, the mismatched lug is less obvious if you use rolex type spring bars. You can get them on ali.
That's unfortunate. What size wrist do you have?
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR 9 inches / 23 cm last I measured :)
@@rimas.kalpokas Ah ok. I was gonna say, I wear it on the second whole I think. You must struggle to get straps that fit a lot I'm guessing?
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR If it is a metal bracelet with links I usually ask the seller to provide some more, otherwise I search for replacement. But yeah, almost for each and every watch I order I need to solve this.
The smaller one wins hands down.
The larger one doesn't look too bad though does it?
Good looking watch. The dial reminds me of the Steeldive quartz with the exception of the tarmac dial. Speaking of which have you seen the Chrono with the dial which is taken from the Nurburgring track, literally the tarmac! Looks a bit like this one.
No, I can't say I have seen that one. It sounds really interesting though. Do you have a link to it?
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR I'll have a look for it and send it to you. They took a core from the track and cut thin discs from which they made the dial . Like I mentioned it looks quite similar to this San Martin dial. Pretty cool if you're into motorsports.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR ua-cam.com/video/D2Fm9yskj1A/v-deo.html unfortunately this isn't the review I saw but you'll get the gist.
The case polishing is a bit too shiny for me, I prefer my military style watches to be a little more subdued. The large crown doesn't look too bad, but I imagine it would be gouging the back of my hand a lot.
That's fair enough. When it comes to the crown, I've not had that issue at all... Even with the large one.
Well yes, it shows the difference between tool watch and toy watch. The 40mm one looks too small with the Fliegerband... it should be 42 to fit
The big one has the right proportions
That big one looks ridiculous 🤣
I'm sorry but I've seen people wear watches like that and I always laugh - maybe it'd be ok for 8" and above
To be honest I'm with you there. You definitely need an 8" wrist minimum to pull that one off I think.
A nice hounest review, as always. Cheat mate.
Thanks, I try my best. I'm glad you liked it
Hey up, James. You seen what's happened with Escapement Time? Looks like they've either gone bust or AliX has suspended their store for some reason.
And yes the big lad suits your wrist. But 23mm lug width? C'mon SM, you're better than that.
Yeah I don't know what's going on there. The last time I spoke to them they said they were taking a little break... But I didn't expect it to be this long though.
It's surprisingly wearable isn't it? But that lug width might put people off though.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR 'Taking a little break'? When they were putting out cracking watches at a good price that were selling easily? That's probably the crappest business model I've ever heard of!
@@the_once-and-future_king. It is a really odd time to decide to do it. Perhaps they were getting a bit overwhelmed, as I'm sure I remember them telling me it was a one man operation a while back.
@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR X to doubt on the one-man operation (call me cynical, if you wish). I can't really see AliX being home to an artisan watch maker, at least not at those prices.
@@the_once-and-future_king. Perhaps you're right. Either way, I hope they do come back though.
The crown of the 40mm looks way to big imo
It's definitely on the larger side, but I think it works still aesthetically.
Not an onion crown but rather a massive garlic!!! 🧄🧅😂😂 Pilot's or not, plain dials look big, a 44.5 is massive. Wonder how it suits you James, i'm as surprised as you are mate...
PS Feeling better (after another flu...???) mate? Hope you're fine, cheers.
😆😆 I think a lot of people might be surprised. That's why I thought it would be useful to make this comparison video, instead of just a straight review.
I'm almost back to 100% now, just trying to shift this cough now. It's a stubborn bugger.