San Martin SN0121 Review: Surprising Tudor Pelagos Alternative

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  • Опубліковано 30 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 114

  • @WristWatching
    @WristWatching Рік тому +55

    Never thought I’d see you reviewing a San Martin! They really hit it out of the park with this one. The NH35 movement is bullet proof, but if it somehow dies on you in a couple of years, you can just replace the entire movement for $40.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +14

      True I totally spaced out on the replaceable aspect of the movement but great point. Was so impressed by this one I ordered a different San Martin 😂 I do wish some companies would just make something a little more unique at this quality level but I get the appeal!

  • @gabrielscheer255
    @gabrielscheer255 Рік тому +5

    Great review as always. It is a joy watching. Thank You!

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому

      Thank you very kind words. Appreciate you watching 🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @scott7841
    @scott7841 Рік тому +8

    That's some impressive finishing on such an inexpensive watch! And, as you say, it's easy to overlook some of the negatives at that price point. Thanks for sharing.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +2

      Right? And appreciate you watching. Was not expecting much from this watch but it delivered

  • @FELIX4764
    @FELIX4764 Рік тому +10

    I have the blue no date version. It is good, for the money it is very good.
    There are rumours they will bring this watch out in a grade 5 titanium version. I'll be getting one of those too if it happens. (grade 5 is much harder wearing than grade 2)
    A good and fair review.
    Thanks.

  • @SoCalWatchReviews
    @SoCalWatchReviews Рік тому +3

    My man with another great video 👏

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Trying to catch up to you Miguel 😉🙏🏻 appreciate ya

    • @SoCalWatchReviews
      @SoCalWatchReviews Рік тому

      @@theknightswatch There's no such thing as competition. We are all in this game for the love of horology ❤Keep up the amazing work brother!

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Absolutely. Nothing but love

  • @tizombie
    @tizombie Рік тому +6

    I just bought one of these and I agree that’s it’s very well made for a great price. You’re spot on about the bezel and dial color not completely matching. My only other nit is I would have preferred a no date movement to eliminate the ghost date crown position, but that’s minor. Nice review.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      True it would’ve been nice to see a true no date version. I’m ok with just there being no date on the dial though haha

  • @quarters-eye8922
    @quarters-eye8922 Рік тому +8

    San Martin are fantastic 👍
    Thank you for sharing.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Got another one coming in so we’ll see how consistent they can be!

  • @DFlemming
    @DFlemming 7 місяців тому +11

    San Martín Logo is more classy than just having its name written.

  • @user-rm2lz1pq4e
    @user-rm2lz1pq4e 7 місяців тому +1

    Great in depth review video. Just picked up the new one with the NH34 movement and GMT function, blue dial. First San Martin so looking forward it based on their rave reviews. Tried on the actual Pelagos and was very close to pulling the trigger on it and now I am curious how this compares, though San Martin at less than 10% of its retail value. Have the NH34 movement in the original Seiko 5-orange dial and the movement has been solid and reliable. Thank you and wish you all the best. Cheers!

  • @1SaG
    @1SaG Рік тому +3

    I suspect this is the same basic case as my SM 0109 (BB GMT Pepsi homage) and it really wears exceptionally well. The case-back on mine might be a bit slimmer (only 100m WR), but it sits completely "in" the wrist when you wear the watch, so the only discernible height above the wrist comes from the mid-section (the actual case), the bezel and, to a lesser extent, the low-ish boxed crystal. Considering it's holding an NH34, which isn't known for its slimness, this watch wears beautifully slim.
    7:40 Not sure where exactly they got their... err... inspiration from, but the on-the-fly clasp on my Christopher Ward is *very* similar to the system SM use. And I'm sure that CW have been selling that clasp for quite some time now.

  • @irishwatchenthusiast6647
    @irishwatchenthusiast6647 Рік тому +12

    I bought one of these last month - had to pick up the blue no date version as the black had already sold out - although I would probably have gone for the blue anyway.
    This is a fantastic watch - I personally really like the logo - the way it incorporates the name is cleverly done imo. The weakest element is the poor finishing on the new on-the-fly adjustable clasp. This is a $500 watch that looks like a $3000 watch, being sold for $200.
    When they restock, I'll be buying the black version. I have 5 San Martins, all of them excellent - and this is the best of a great bunch.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Haha great way of explaining the price. I do think the way the logo is written is clever I just personally don’t like the shape of it. Not as serious feeling but I guess not all things need to be serious!

  • @BaddaBigBoom
    @BaddaBigBoom Рік тому +3

    I've had my blue SS no date version for a few weeks now and am loving it. Especially good is that it arrived properly regulated and has run consistently at +4 sec per 24h, so consistently that now I don't correct it against an atomic clock. I just hack it for four seconds every day.
    On the strength of this, I've just ordered the opposite: Black, Ti, yes date version, should be here in a few days.

    • @Pal-us9uv
      @Pal-us9uv 11 місяців тому +1

      Which do you like best? SS or Ti?

    • @BaddaBigBoom
      @BaddaBigBoom 11 місяців тому +1

      @@Pal-us9uv Swings and roundabouts really, love the blue colour of the SS's dial and the fact that the NH35 in this one seems to be a bit more accurate. The lightness of the Ti one is great though ...and it has the date window, which I do refer to. So equal love but for different reasons!

    • @Pal-us9uv
      @Pal-us9uv 11 місяців тому +1

      @@BaddaBigBoomthanks 😊 Glad you enjoy them. I got a black Ti on order from Aliexpress. I have been waiting for over a month. Hopefully it arrives soon.

  • @lockhandel
    @lockhandel Рік тому +2

    Keep the reviews coming!

  • @bennyraichu
    @bennyraichu 8 місяців тому +5

    "It's the watch Tudor should make" is absolutely right. Tudor is obviously aware that there is demand for a blue Pelagos 39 (and blue BB54, etc)... but these big brands prefer to hold off on releasing these potential colorways all at once so that in the future, they can show up to W&W with a new colorway and reap all the hype. It's not all that different from the sneakers business in that sense. I don't feel bad at all wearing "homage" versions of these model variants that they won't release, especially if the level of finishing is close to par

  • @jonathanrobinson9208
    @jonathanrobinson9208 Рік тому +2

    At this price point, I agree ! It's well done, and your strap choices are excellent !
    They definitely need to work on their logo.
    Thanks for the review ! ❤️

    • @quarters-eye8922
      @quarters-eye8922 Рік тому +1

      What’s wrong with their logo ?!!
      It looks great.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Really great price. Thank you I try my best in the strap and thanks for watching!

    • @jonathanrobinson9208
      @jonathanrobinson9208 Рік тому

      ​@QUARTERS-EYE I like their hexagon. The elongated font style doesn't pair well with the strength of the overall watch design ❤

  • @goldfools5445
    @goldfools5445 Рік тому +5

    I bought the black version, only because I have enough blue watches. Same as you, I am really surprised how this “plain” watch works so well. I will never get the microscope out so I won’t see those micro blemishes. Just holding it and wearing it, I can’t fault it. The bracelet is a bit edgy, seems more so than other SanMartin watches I own. It doesn’t bother me as I am a bit gnarled in the skin these days. If it did, I would burnish the edges, too easy.
    Great review and great that a high horology reviewer has given SanMartin a bit of cred for the way they execute their watches.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Probably would’ve bought the black if it was in stock at the time but this one I’m happy with too. We’ll see if they can surprise me again!

  • @shadstout6387
    @shadstout6387 Рік тому +1

    @theknight'swatch are you aware of the jubilee bracelet designed for San Martin 40mm models fits this 39mm case? I think it would look amazing on a jubilee.

  • @mtbbiker6401
    @mtbbiker6401 11 місяців тому

    who released the 39mm first...Tudor or San Martin?

  • @johnmuthan286
    @johnmuthan286 Рік тому +6

    Its the first time I hear someone complain about their lume application, would be interesting to have a timelaps comparison with let say a Tudor or a Seiko.
    All my SanMartin stay pretty legible all night up to sunrise, in fact they old better lume than my Seiko Willard.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +2

      Interesting, maybe I just have the actual pelagos in mind which is some of the best Luke I’ve ever seen. Realistically I’ve never used lume in “real life” so never a deal breaker for me but I know people like it

  • @anthonyonline4740
    @anthonyonline4740 Рік тому

    When do you mention the case material?

  • @DaveBassman
    @DaveBassman 4 місяці тому

    Have you notice any jingling sounds from the movement when wearing it? Specifically when shaking your wrist?

  • @alex-5577
    @alex-5577 2 місяці тому

    Great review. And great watch. Unfortunately this model is sold out.

  • @anamorph
    @anamorph 5 місяців тому

    Pelagos 39 is perfect, I love it

  • @patrickhartmann1540
    @patrickhartmann1540 Рік тому +5

    Glad to hear your take on SM. Love your eye for QC that few have commented on. Though all (myself included) agree that they are often a bit sharp on bracelet. I own a few and like their use of PT5000 movement so as to have sub 12mm thickness. They wear and look great! Still, I prefer the originality and history of a non homage watches, so my SMs tend to be in my banger rotation, which still gives them much wrist time. 😊

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +3

      Thank you! And absolutely, I have a San Martin pilot coming in and we’ll see if the design and quality holds up to this one. I usually prefer original designs too but my perfect pelagos doesn’t exist outside this variation so win win I suppose haha

  • @Kel7S
    @Kel7S Рік тому +2

    Great review, thank You!

  • @Mikey_NoCap
    @Mikey_NoCap 4 місяці тому

    I got one recently as a daily to stop me bashing up my spectacular blue titanium pelagos, plus don’t want it ripping off my arm. Surprised to say I like it as a daily and then when I wear my pelagos it feels special.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  4 місяці тому

      Nice yin and yang there. The blue pelagos is a special watch. My first modern Tudor. Great piece

  • @ZNISMOCTV
    @ZNISMOCTV 2 місяці тому

    Hey there! Were all the straps you used a 20mm size?

  • @johnholkham2420
    @johnholkham2420 Рік тому +5

    If you think this watch is good you should try the Titanium version $25 more but the Titanium really moves the watch to a different level. The Titanium case is as good as it gets for sub $1500 watch, the bracelet is reasonable and although stiff the on the fly adjustment bracelet is another great addition. The Titanium version is really the watch Tudor should have made. The only slightly draw back is the NH35 movement which on mine runs -8 sec but I’ve had new Swiss Sellita movements with worse time keeping.

    • @BaddaBigBoom
      @BaddaBigBoom 6 місяців тому +2

      My Ti SM normally runs at -2 per 24h but changes in warm weather, currently spot on at +80f here in UK!
      IMO the NH35 is a bit hit-and-miss but still good and normally within COSC ratings

  • @bryanmurphy3035
    @bryanmurphy3035 3 місяці тому

    2 questions. Is it comfortable and do you think it’s worth it to buy at $218? Thanks

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  2 місяці тому

      Very comfortable and 100% worth the price. Undoubtedly a good watch. Is it as comfortable as the actual Pelagos. No some sharper edges and less forgiving flex. But it’s still very good for the price

  • @pablonascimento1005
    @pablonascimento1005 Рік тому

    Do you have link ?

  • @RussellGeorge63fan
    @RussellGeorge63fan 3 місяці тому

    I like more the stainless steel than titanium, and their variation with the date at 6 is fire!

  • @Jason-hv4eu
    @Jason-hv4eu Рік тому

    Good review 👍🏻😊

  • @dmks2146
    @dmks2146 Рік тому +2

    From my experience (I own a couple of SM's including this model in black) they clearly know how to produce good quality but their QC isn't very strict. So it's a bit of a gamble if you get flawless, minor flaw or obvious flaw.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Interesting to hear. I have another San Martin coming in so we’ll see if that one holds up on qc.

  • @owenlo9223
    @owenlo9223 Рік тому

    The titanium version is out and It's a bit more expensive than the stainless steel , isit worth the extra to get the titanium ? Really considering to get one

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому

      I think it’s personal preference. It will probably be more comfortable if you like that, I do think the stainless steel will hold up a little better over time since it is grade 2 titanium for the price.

    • @BaddaBigBoom
      @BaddaBigBoom 6 місяців тому

      Yes IMO, lighter and the bezel clicks are more precise.

  • @SpadeQc123
    @SpadeQc123 3 місяці тому

    Can’t find the blue one anywhere anymore :(

    • @bryanmurphy3035
      @bryanmurphy3035 3 місяці тому

      You can get it on San martins website. On sale for 218 👍🏻

  • @jamesminshall4601
    @jamesminshall4601 Рік тому +1

    I will buy the black version off this with date if they do it in titanium, I feel that is the watch the baby pelogos should have been. The thing that stood out the most as a negative was seeing the pinion, the implementation on my black bay pro is in a different league as it just disappears.

  • @mattstolzman
    @mattstolzman Рік тому

    That logo, when applied on the dial looks amazing. The printed one, not so much.

  • @WillyMcCoy50
    @WillyMcCoy50 Рік тому

    My compliments. A reviewer that doesn’t sound like a reddit cyclone .... over emotive, negative nancy .... but rather a man stating observations.
    An extremely nice watch at a great price point. My little SM 6200 is a fighter that's been with me through the day to day shuffle and never complained. I am betting this one is cut from the same cloth.
    I am interested in their new design GMT SN0116-G. I don't even jet around time zones much as my RoadRunner doesn’t fly.
    ✌️

  • @atlas4080
    @atlas4080 Рік тому

    Lorier Astra review please!

  • @stevendoll1
    @stevendoll1 8 місяців тому

    If you had to pick...Blue or black?

  • @zillsburyy1
    @zillsburyy1 Рік тому +1

    SM is incredible quality

  • @Nefville
    @Nefville Рік тому +5

    If Tudor ever did a Pelagos in stainless it would be on my list or on my wrist. The 39mm that is. Or grade 5 Ti. I just can't do grade 2, no offense to anyone, but its just an ugly metal and scratches like butter. I'd be interested in this but its sold out so better luck next time I guess!

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Supposedly they are going to be doing a restock so I would keep my eye out! And I agree the pelagos needs a little updated

    • @marufio
      @marufio Рік тому

      It will sell out again its become the most in demand watch

  • @CG-Bloxfruit
    @CG-Bloxfruit Рік тому +4

    Finally a young man without a beard, fed up with all this trend,beards and tattoos
    Excellent review of a great looking watch. At this price point you literally get a seiko , but fancy dressed 😊

  • @marufio
    @marufio Рік тому +2

    This is the watch of the year for 200 dollars nothing can beat it at that price point. It sold out and will sell out again goodluck

  • @DavidUKesb
    @DavidUKesb Рік тому +2

    If nothing else it looks much better than the Tudor because it's not ridiculously large.

    • @BaddaBigBoom
      @BaddaBigBoom 6 місяців тому

      Congratulations on Farage thinking "Reform" is going to become the "opposition" with his two and a half seats ...snort snort hahahaha :-)

  • @DG69GOD
    @DG69GOD 10 місяців тому

    i cracked up at "idk if san martin have stolen some kind of patented design or whatnot, but even then, ya know, it works well hehe" 🤣🤣

  • @maclagor2465
    @maclagor2465 Рік тому +1

    Great review. Really well done. Was a true review not just watch porn lol.

  • @5975ami
    @5975ami 5 місяців тому

    I would buy it if San Martin put Miyota 9015 in it (just becoz I like the 9015).

    • @alex-5577
      @alex-5577 2 місяці тому

      They have SN0144 with this movement.

  • @austinzizzi1142
    @austinzizzi1142 Рік тому +2

    This is what the pelagos 39 should have been

  • @kevnorcal
    @kevnorcal Рік тому

    I received my SN0121G yesterday. To say the least, I'm disappointed. Both the bezel insert and hour hand are misaligned. The stem is wobbly and has way too much play before engaging. I have a Watchdives x San Martin Milsubmariner SN004 V2 that I purchased four months ago and everything is aligned correctly and the stem is not wobbly and engages immediately. Maybe they rushed this batch out to buyers.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      I would see if you could exchange it. Again mine has none of the issues you mention

  • @kingcold7138
    @kingcold7138 Рік тому +2

    Honestly, San Martin never rounds off sharp edges of bracelets and cases…

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Got to cut corners somewhere. Or in this case not cut the corners

  • @Professional_Youtube_Commenter

    much porefer the san martin logo over hroundland, rdunae, heimdallr text, lol
    Although i do wonder if they heard st martin by their brandign expert and misundersood it as san martin.

    • @drmpac
      @drmpac 6 місяців тому

      Agree with your first comment -
      Completely agree with the potential genesis of the brand spelt as is based on your thoughts 😊

  • @KINESKI-SINDIKAT
    @KINESKI-SINDIKAT 11 місяців тому

    nice

  • @Tom_H327
    @Tom_H327 Рік тому

    SM could have made it the same size as the Tudor. 😢

  • @mitchellsumpter4807
    @mitchellsumpter4807 Рік тому +6

    I’d hate to be a watch company and have you review our timepiece. You provide great info but saying you are overly critical is being kind. Chill a bit. A $200ish watch deserves a little leeway. Save your hyper critical reviews for the EXPENSIVE models. Still, nice reviews overall

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +6

      Haha don’t disagree but I’m very much of a might as well put everything under the same microscope regardless of price or hype. Some of the cleanest dials I’ve seen have been some of the more affordable watches 😂.

    • @pootube45
      @pootube45 Рік тому +6

      @@theknightswatch continue with everything under the same microscope please 🙂

    • @daleyfamily2179
      @daleyfamily2179 Рік тому

      Well if we are continuing with the hyper critic please add this a complete copy rip off of the Tudor plegaos. All they did is leave of the name lol. This is no homage lol.

    • @rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571
      @rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571 7 місяців тому

      ​@@daleyfamily2179do you buy Zara ?

  • @WparuSlowach
    @WparuSlowach Рік тому +2

    Homage, at least well done.

  • @rohanrohilla1080
    @rohanrohilla1080 Рік тому

    Ranger was worse in macro TBH

  • @gabytro
    @gabytro Рік тому +4

    All those straps are horrible. Please don t do that

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +2

      Wonderful insight thank you

    • @loganm5172
      @loganm5172 Рік тому +1

      Love the straps, keep up the good work!

    • @matyasd007
      @matyasd007 Рік тому

      I have to agree with you on this one😂

  • @desireless4092
    @desireless4092 Рік тому +1

    Yes, but looking at it now I understand why the 39 removed the raised inner chaptering. The proportions of the hands on this copy are horrendous. They looks short and stubby and the seconds hand especially looks really weird. I think the 42 is still better since everything in its design was build around the idea that the watch will be 42, or should I say 41 since actually the bezel is 42.
    The Pelagos is perfect as it is and maybe we should stop forcing it something it is not. It never sold itself as a dress watch or elegant bracelet, because he is simply not. As for the SM - I'd rather get an Orient (or Zelos) than to settle with a copycat. I'd have more respect if San Martin continue what they've already started - trying to build their own original models. I know getting a Pelagos is not easy, nor cheap. And it wasn't for me too, but I worked for it.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +1

      Get where you’re coming from for sure but after owning the pelagos 4 or 5 times I prefer this personally. I don’t feel the proportions are odd at least in the metal but some people see it differently. Can’t please everyone!

    • @desireless4092
      @desireless4092 Рік тому

      @@theknightswatch No way leaving this watch. I am geeking too much about it. From the fined machining to the proportions and feel. Like I said if I have to leave or remove the Pelagos, I'd rock something like the stunning Orient Mako 3 red. But I am a Pelagos nut and I even got the FXD since I like this line so much.

    • @_Stav_
      @_Stav_ 7 місяців тому +1

      Haven’t we reached the point where a 60 year old design is not original anymore?

  • @filros7630
    @filros7630 7 місяців тому

    Obscene copy. They have no respect

    • @BaddaBigBoom
      @BaddaBigBoom 6 місяців тому

      Hahaha ...The original is twenty times more expensive but I doubt it is twenty times better.
      Sure it's a copy ...but as Oscar Wild said "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery".
      I doubt Tudor would be bothered as no laws have been broken and they'd probably see this as a gateway to their product.
      I delight in your ire because it's funny :-)

    • @filros7630
      @filros7630 6 місяців тому

      @@BaddaBigBoom If you buy this San Martin and not another with an original design it's because you like the Tudor but can't have it. otherwise you would have gotten another san martin with the original design. but you don't. if you bought this it's because you want the Tudor but you can't. so YES, the Tudor costs 20 times as much but it's worth it all... because it's a STATUS SYMBOL. in fact I have it... the real one. and since it doesn't cost as much as a Patek if you save too instead of buying cheap Chinese crap and save you can buy the original too.
      I own the original one so it's me the one who laugh at the end.

  • @daleyfamily2179
    @daleyfamily2179 Рік тому

    Come on bruh, this is a complete rip off copy of a Tudor Pelagos. SMH. Homage means to take inspiration from. Not to completely copy, and just change then name.

    • @theknightswatch
      @theknightswatch  Рік тому +12

      Doesn’t matter who did it first, just who does it better. Worlds full of copies and small tweaks. And some people have more tolerance than others. Either way it’s a killer watch