I recently visited a watchmaker who told me that San Martin was absolutely incredible for the finishing, he recommended I buy that. He himself was wearing a Rolex Datejust.
Got this watch a week ago for $208 USD and like you said, I challenge anyone to find a better specced and better built watch for 200 bucks. The on the fly micro adjust Is really smooth, my NH35 is gaining 3 seconds a day, and as my first San Martin, I'm blown away by the quality for the price. It has a nice slightly domed sapphire crystal too which just looks and feels quite nice. Got the no date version in blue and it hasnt left my wrist since I got it. Great video as always, Dave.
Do you have Orient Kamasu? Because for 200 bucks you can get Kamasu and Seiko 5. I think Kamasu is better. But I don't know which is better this San Martin or Kamasu?
Great review! Thanks for showing us this near-Pelagos. It is a classic, iconic design, and appears well made by San Martin. I hear that San Martin now is offering a titanium-cased watch of this approximate size & design. If you could find one, we'd love to hear your review of that.
I have seen this watch in the flesh at a meet up. It is amazing what San Martin is doing these days! Amazing bezel action, and the clasp is as good as anything out there.
I bought one of these by accident, I intended to get the titanium version but bought in a rush, but I've been super impressed by it. The lume is fantastic, the 120 click bezel is perfect, and the machining tolerances on the end links is astonishing (mine aren't short). I'll probably gift it to my Dad as the old quartz watch I gave him a few years ago is pretty beat up now, and this should be a lot more resilient.
My whole 12 watch Collection, the ones I wear anyway, are all SanMartin. I can have a one brand collection while still having eclectic styles, and always guarantee they look and feel high quality. I have heard of qc issues but I haven’t had any. Paired with a draw full of SanMartin branded straps, I have the watch for every occasion.
A really well done review. You said it perfectly. Thank you. P.S. I am hopeful one day, San Martin makes this watch in Titanium. I have no problem if they charge more for it. In dive watches, I like Titanium to keep overall mass closer to 100g or so.
Just received my first San Martin watch. It’s their new original design pilot/explorer style and by any measure it is superb. Astonishing value and quality. Terrific original design. In fact, it is more readable than the actual Explorer. It’s the San Martin 2023 New 38.5mm Retro Men Pilot Watch Original Design Carved Coin Bezel YN55 NH35 Automatic. Thanks for your excellent reviews.
Just Received the OTHER PÉLAGOS THE sn0121 San Martin Watchdives edition in matte black. This one with recessed indices ( like dial of the true 42mmpelag but in 39mm) IS THE ONE TO BUY . I have 5 sm , AND this one is UNIQUE. REAL BEAUTY AND LUXURY FEELING.
I purchased a SM watch about a year ago and I was shocked at the excellent level of finishing. Since then, I have purchased 2 more - all different and I haven't been disappointed with any of them. The design is generic, but the quality of construction and the level of finishing is quite amazing for the price. The only other brand that offers a level of quality that seems to exceed its price is Christopher Ward - and I own 5 of their watches. In fact, I'm wearing the super compressor right now, and was wearing the trident 600 a few days ago - that one is one of my favorites. Grest review of a watch that deserves a second look from people looking for impressive value, if not exactly design.
Good review, thanks. I have the submariner homage version of this watch and my main complaint with it is the badly articulating end-link / bracelet connection. I'm glad you called this out in your review also. Another thing I haven't seen any reviewers mention is that the lug holes are drilled too close to the case and it's virtually impossible to swap out the bracelet for a NATO or any other strap with a normal degree of thickness. There's just not enough depth provided between lug holes and case. But for the $205. USD including tax that I paid for it, it's a nice watch.
Nothing wrong with ghost position. Means the movement re-engages every time. If theres a dodgy stem it can sometimes be tricky making hacking null and void. Just received the black for £150! Well chuffed
San Martin has always been the best but they are really killing it right now. So many great new releases. I recently purchased their new Titanium Submariner homage, SN0111T. Absolutely fantastic watch! My dream watch has always been the Rolex Submariner in Titanium. This watch is the next best thing.
I'm super impressed by San Martin. I like that they go beyond "clomage" which is a clone in all respects bar the logo. They tend to inject their own design flair into just about everything, and those design changes are almost always improvements on the original in my eyes. The designers there really know what they are doing, and the quality is top notch. I used to be someone who would NEVER buy a Chinese watch, but now I've let San Martin into my inner sanctum of acceptable watch brands!
I got the SN0121G which I believe is even a better Homage. As for my views on Homages… no one who buys Tudors on the regular is cross shopping a San Martin so I’d say enjoy what you can afford. Thanks for the review!
I got a SM GMT Master with Pespsi bezel and jubilee bracelet. It is awesome. It is very high quality finished. So comfortable to wear. Definitely Magnum PI worthy
Thank you for an informative and entertaining review as usual. And thank you for pronouncing San Martin in your own American way. It sounds silly when some people pronounce a spanish/italian name from a Chinese brand in a french way while speaking english. I shouldn't fuss but drives me nuts :D. (san = saint in spanish/italian, saint = sainte in french)
It's not *really* a Pelagos homage, IMO. More like a Submariner homage that happens to have square indices instead of round ones and snowflake hands instead of a Mercedes set. To me, this looks more like a hypothetical design along the lines of "what if Tudor was still making a Submariner?". None of which is to say that this is a bad design. They do offer a more direct Pelagos 39/42 homage (in collaboration with Watchdives, so not all SM-vendors will carry it). That one is available in either steel or grade 2 titanium and stays closer to the Tudor's overall design in many ways. For one thing: It does have the painted handset you get on the Pelagos, not high polished steel hands.
It’s definitely a Tudor submariner homage. I think their were a couple versions of the SN006 that were closer to the original Tudor sub that had snowflake style hands and one version had the snowflake dial but I think that is discontinued.
I just purchased the San Martin SN0111A, the MilSub homage with the sword hands. Really excited for the on-the-fly micro-adjustment on the clasp, as well as just using it as a daily piece.
I view “homage” as a watch one clearly inspired by another but with a few changes. I view a “knock off” or “clone” as a watch that matches spec for spec for the other watch and only difference is the name
This is a homage because Tudor hasn’t offered a blue snowflake dial in a Submariner case in years, and still hasn’t thought of doing so. This is to the last Tudor Sub what the 6 digit Rolex Sub is to the 5 digit model. IMO, if a brand doesn’t even make a similar model, it’s a valid homage and not a copy.
As someone who doesn't have a high end budget I'm more than happy to wear homages, my only line in the sand is fake, I will not nor ever encourage anyone to wear a clone....another point of view would be, there are many large towns and cities that wearing a clone could still get you tased, battered and mugged these days, watch crime has become insane
I like it. As far a homages go, this one isn’t as ubiquitous as the submariner. Someone who sees that and knows what the OG is, then that starts a cool conversation.
Got my San Martin 39mm “BBPro” green dial GMT homage last month and I ABSOLUTELY love it😭❤️ Seriously SO much watch for the money, seiko movement inside and I currently have it regulated to roughly +3 to 4 sec per day. I’m in love, just ordered their “on the fly” quick adjustment clasp too, looks incredible!
Only one thing that bothers me is the movement and that it's got a date, but San Martin decided to keep the dial 1:1 as much as possible. A ghost position keeps me away from "homages" from San Martin, even if I'd love to get one.
I just wonder why a ghost position puts you off? I have a ghost position on a couple of my watches and I don’t even think twice about it. What’s the problem??
Frankly speaking I don't care much about it I have sn008 I don't think about it. I think of it more of a hidden feature in case I decide to change a dial at some point.
I dont hate homage watches, but I dont fancy them either. I just dont like the idea of fooling other people into thinking youre wearing something expensive. Sure, most people wont even notice, but the once that do, are probably amused that this is not the real deal. So I tend to stay away from homages
I just wish this thing had a date complication. Its difficult to find a better value proposition for finish and build quality, I think only Helm with its Miyako gets close, and its bracelet is too chunky. It is also double the price.
Just purchased San Martin's Tudor BB54 37mm homage in blue. The watch is gorgeous. The bezel action the best I've encountered in the sub-$3k range. Simply put, I CAN NOT AFFORD $4k for Tudor. With the San Martin, I know believe Tudor manufactures the BB54 for a cost of $250, and the balance is marketing and profit. 7:22
The SM is a “clonage” of the Tudor; and leaving that and heritage factors aside, you cannot compare a lowly 10-bucks NH35 movement to a certified chronometer with a 70-hour power reserve.
At the time you did this video, you didn't know it yet but your next video would be a comparison between a Squale Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms homage and a similar homage from Spinnaker. To get closer to the Squale, I think a San Martin would do better in the comparison. San Martin is probably the best home brand from China out there that is not an independent micro-brand type company.
I’d pay an extra $50 to have a better bracelet. Sharp on the skin and adjustment even with the on the fly clasp is not spot on. I either have 1 extra link and push micro adjust lol the way in, remove the link and pull alt he way out and at times it’s more snug than I’d like and results in the sharp bracelet to be noticeable
I saw a video on another channel comparing the actual Tudor to the San Martin to the Seestern. The consensus seemed to be what your title states BUT the comments seemed to suggest that the 'moans and niggles' might be addressed in a V2 when it comes out. Especially considering that San Martin already has a grade five Titanium watch out.
I will be in Tokyo this Saturday for 2 weeks. I hope that 145 yen to the dollar stick. Where are you shopping? Shinjuku? I will be there looking for an alpinist and a type of JDM. Any suggestions?
That endlink issue is bad, because this otherwise would be a perfect value for money homage watch. If you have a bigger wrist, it might not be relevant though.
I hear some clicking noises in your voice over, track in my experience, that's the sound clip edits where the sound wave going out don't match the sound wave coming in. I alliviate that using 5 frames cross fades on every cut. Great video! Great review! Cheers!
Reviewers need be looking more carefully at SM, they have moved on from homages to fan favourite Clomages (inspired by a collage of watch features). Want a Tudor pepsi GMT but in the classic rolex size and without the controversial rivet bracelet? Want a vintage Sub sympathetically upgraded with box sapphire instead of plexiglass, ceramic bezel insert in a 5517 style case in black/blue & dark green? Want a 39mm Explorer but with a sub style dial in both black & blue? Disappointed the 39mm pelagos is a luxury offering rather than a smaller version of the 42mm toolwatch? Want it in SS so it's effectively a modern successor to the Tudor Sub discontinued in the 90s? Roll up roll up. San Martin have a pelagos 39mm case, SN0121G uses it, so it was a design choice to use the Sub style supercase.
Dave, do you have a clue about that, why micro brands like San Martin, Steeldive, etc almost always using date version of a movement family instead of the basic no date version in no date watches? For example the Seiko NH35 extremely popular as the NH38 rarely used. Is that a price problem - getting large quantities at bargain price - or a logistic issue - not to mix up movements on the assembly line? But the latter very less likely, a trained operator - but even a child - could make a difference between a date and a no date movement. I love only no date watches but I hate ghost date position on them. I think mostly Baltany is the micro brand, who takes care about putting the right movement in their no date watches (NH38). Also, what is your opinion: is the Epson YN55 replacable with the Seiko NH38?
I don't have any direct knowledge, but my guess is it's just easier and cheaper for them to buy like 10,000 NH35s and then use them in all their watches regardless of date or no date. When you're selling watches at the prices they are every bit of savings helps. Performance wise I wouldn't favor the NH35 over the YN55, but for servicing and replacing the movement down the road I imagine the NH35 is going to be easier to source, whether your looking for parts or just replacing the whole movement, so for that reason I like the NH35 better. As I understand it the YN55 is the generic version of Orient's movements, and their movements are great, but they are a little louder than Seiko's, so if that bugs you it might be another thing to consider.
@@JusttheWatch Thank you for your kind answer, Sir. The loud rotor wouldn't bug me, but ghost date position would. I would ask my watchmaker friend to replace the YN55 with NH38 if it is possible. But if I understand well I set time anytime, only date setting is problematic between 9 PM and 3 AM, not to damage the movement. If I can set time anytime actually ghost date is less of a problem this way.
I have a Squale 1545 GMT that looks like a Rolex GMT Master. It’s beautifully made, comfortable, & has a lot of utility, but I confess I feel kind of odd wearing a homage.
@@chriscon8463 I know the feeling, dude. I have a San Martin BB58 homage, and as amazing as this affordable watch is, I feel like a loser when wearing it lol. Going to buy the real thing in December - either the BB58 blue or the new 54.
@@RabbitWatchShop I got a BB58 blue last August & it has hardly left my wrist since then! It’s my favorite watch. Definitely consider the BB54 for the upgraded bracelet. I have 6 1/4” wrists & I like smaller watches!
@@chriscon8463 yeah man... called my local AD and he stated there's already a fkn waiting list. I put my name down. He stated he suspects the hype will die down next year, especially considering a lot of men won't purchase due to the small dimensions. It's a beauty. I am salivating over it.
the short end links really is a deal killer for me with smaller wrists. I can just about handle 47mm lug to lug, but need true articulating female end links to have a good fit. Perhaps (hopefully) on the next iteration they might fix this issue.
I think they could make an original watch without having to recycle ideas and probably sell it for the same price with equal or better results. Homage is just beneath them IMO
They have tried many times. The original designs simply don’t sell enough. They haven’t given up, they usually release a few original designs every year. They have some nice ones in the catalog now. It takes time to build a business, so you have to build what the customer wants if growing your business is a priority.
I'm not too happy with copies. It suggessts that you want the original and cant or wont buy it so you want to pretend. A watch should be clearly visibly different and this ia not different enough. Homage is a stupid category.
With the rounded crown protectors it just looks like one of the standard Rolex knock-offs cases that SanMartin fit with a slightly different dial and snowflake hands. While the overall quality is no doubt excellent for the price, this is soooo not interesting and has absolutely nothing to do with a Pelagos. Sorry, but it's a No for me.
Faites attention. Les montres san Martin sont jolie mais ne durent pas longtemps! ! J'ai eu trop de problèmes avec eux, ils ne répondent plus à mes mails et 2 mois qu'ils ont la montre si est tombée 2 fois de suite en panne, je déconseille vivement!
It all comes down to what you can afford. Let’s face it, if a person cannot afford a Tudor Pelagos, but can afford the San Martin, then where is the problem? Too much snobbery in this hobby!
i dont mind homages but i really do not understand why this design, (pelogos ??? ) is so popular, it is more boring than a submariner in looks , more "square" , and this still looks like a sub homage itself ??? i.e. still an variant homage of rolex again... as per so many other minor change homages of rolex (including Orient divers) i dont understand why some people say Orient is different from Rolex too...yeah , not so alike direct copy only, only SEIKO divers are more unique in design /cases / bezels, Most Orients are just homages of rolex divers.
This watch offers waaaaaaay better value than the original for any everyday average man. This is not a cheaply made ripoff, this is an affordable homage. Great value!!
Chinese watchmaking game is offering great technical value for money, but design-wise they're as exciting as a rotting corpse. At least San Martin seems to be taking steps out of the copy-replica thing; their recent original GMT seems pretty magnificent.
I recently visited a watchmaker who told me that San Martin was absolutely incredible for the finishing, he recommended I buy that. He himself was wearing a Rolex Datejust.
Read between the lines.
Love the watch, I've got a few from ALI all excellent and surpassed my expectation, arrived in under 2 weeks.
San martin are always killing it! I think they pack the best value in the homage category.
The Seestern have released a great homage as well in Titanium
Well, that's if you don't count the clasp! It's a mess! I know, I own the watch.
@@sinjinadams2862 I would like to know more.
Got this watch a week ago for $208 USD and like you said, I challenge anyone to find a better specced and better built watch for 200 bucks. The on the fly micro adjust Is really smooth, my NH35 is gaining 3 seconds a day, and as my first San Martin, I'm blown away by the quality for the price. It has a nice slightly domed sapphire crystal too which just looks and feels quite nice. Got the no date version in blue and it hasnt left my wrist since I got it. Great video as always, Dave.
Is 3 seconds a day bad I always thought the nh35 was a great movement
Do you have Orient Kamasu? Because for 200 bucks you can get Kamasu and Seiko 5. I think Kamasu is better. But I don't know which is better this San Martin or Kamasu?
@@matthewhernandez924 That is really acurate in the realm of automatic movement
@@matthewhernandez924 Even 10 seconds works out as @99% accurate I read ( Fratello/ Hodinkee?).
@@jaysterling26 oh that’s good I’m an aspiring watch maker and wanted to use the nh35 for my builds
Nice format, Dave. Quick, just the facts, and done! 👍
Great review! Thanks for showing us this near-Pelagos. It is a classic, iconic design, and appears well made by San Martin. I hear that San Martin now is offering a titanium-cased watch of this approximate size & design. If you could find one, we'd love to hear your review of that.
I have seen this watch in the flesh at a meet up. It is amazing what San Martin is doing these days! Amazing bezel action, and the clasp is as good as anything out there.
I bought one of these by accident, I intended to get the titanium version but bought in a rush, but I've been super impressed by it. The lume is fantastic, the 120 click bezel is perfect, and the machining tolerances on the end links is astonishing (mine aren't short).
I'll probably gift it to my Dad as the old quartz watch I gave him a few years ago is pretty beat up now, and this should be a lot more resilient.
Homage, why not. My Steeldive Willard is wonderful. I own a ton of Seikos so I'm not a traitor lol😅
Except for the funky looking hour hand, it is very nice. Great short video Dave.
My whole 12 watch Collection, the ones I wear anyway, are all SanMartin. I can have a one brand collection while still having eclectic styles, and always guarantee they look and feel high quality. I have heard of qc issues but I haven’t had any.
Paired with a draw full of SanMartin branded straps, I have the watch for every occasion.
A really well done review. You said it perfectly.
Thank you.
P.S. I am hopeful one day, San Martin makes this watch in Titanium. I have no problem if they charge more for it. In dive watches, I like Titanium to keep overall mass closer to 100g or so.
Just received my first San Martin watch. It’s their new original design pilot/explorer style and by any measure it is superb. Astonishing value and quality. Terrific original design. In fact, it is more readable than the actual Explorer. It’s the San Martin 2023 New 38.5mm Retro Men Pilot Watch Original Design Carved Coin Bezel YN55 NH35 Automatic. Thanks for your excellent reviews.
Just Received the OTHER PÉLAGOS THE sn0121 San Martin Watchdives edition in matte black. This one with recessed indices ( like dial of the true 42mmpelag but in 39mm) IS THE ONE TO BUY . I have 5 sm , AND this one is UNIQUE. REAL BEAUTY AND LUXURY FEELING.
And yes stainless steel but much better than scratching machine with titanium grade2. If no coating you need grade 5 , no way
I purchased a SM watch about a year ago and I was shocked at the excellent level of finishing. Since then, I have purchased 2 more - all different and I haven't been disappointed with any of them. The design is generic, but the quality of construction and the level of finishing is quite amazing for the price.
The only other brand that offers a level of quality that seems to exceed its price is Christopher Ward - and I own 5 of their watches. In fact, I'm wearing the super compressor right now, and was wearing the trident 600 a few days ago - that one is one of my favorites.
Grest review of a watch that deserves a second look from people looking for impressive value, if not exactly design.
Great to see you reviewing these Chinese brands which are giving quality products at cheaper prices.
Good review, thanks. I have the submariner homage version of this watch and my main complaint with it is the badly articulating end-link / bracelet connection. I'm glad you called this out in your review also. Another thing I haven't seen any reviewers mention is that the lug holes are drilled too close to the case and it's virtually impossible to swap out the bracelet for a NATO or any other strap with a normal degree of thickness. There's just not enough depth provided between lug holes and case. But for the $205. USD including tax that I paid for it, it's a nice watch.
Nothing wrong with ghost position. Means the movement re-engages every time. If theres a dodgy stem it can sometimes be tricky making hacking null and void. Just received the black for £150! Well chuffed
That Just the Watch soundtrack is such a vibe.
San Martin has always been the best but they are really killing it right now. So many great new releases. I recently purchased their new Titanium Submariner homage, SN0111T. Absolutely fantastic watch! My dream watch has always been the Rolex Submariner in Titanium. This watch is the next best thing.
I'm super impressed by San Martin. I like that they go beyond "clomage" which is a clone in all respects bar the logo. They tend to inject their own design flair into just about everything, and those design changes are almost always improvements on the original in my eyes. The designers there really know what they are doing, and the quality is top notch. I used to be someone who would NEVER buy a Chinese watch, but now I've let San Martin into my inner sanctum of acceptable watch brands!
Which one do you own?
I got the SN0121G which I believe is even a better Homage. As for my views on Homages… no one who buys Tudors on the regular is cross shopping a San Martin so I’d say enjoy what you can afford. Thanks for the review!
Actually, I have seen a few UA-camrs that own Rolex and/or Tudor and have purchased and kept San Martin watches in their collection lol.
Great review as always Dave
I got a SM GMT Master with Pespsi bezel and jubilee bracelet. It is awesome. It is very high quality finished. So comfortable to wear. Definitely Magnum PI worthy
Thank you for an informative and entertaining review as usual.
And thank you for pronouncing San Martin in your own American way. It sounds silly when some people pronounce a spanish/italian name from a Chinese brand in a french way while speaking english. I shouldn't fuss but drives me nuts :D.
(san = saint in spanish/italian, saint = sainte in french)
Agree 100% on this lol
@@simonthewatchguy6073 lol, ah yes. A fellow man of culture 😂. Pleased to meet you.
It's not *really* a Pelagos homage, IMO. More like a Submariner homage that happens to have square indices instead of round ones and snowflake hands instead of a Mercedes set. To me, this looks more like a hypothetical design along the lines of "what if Tudor was still making a Submariner?". None of which is to say that this is a bad design.
They do offer a more direct Pelagos 39/42 homage (in collaboration with Watchdives, so not all SM-vendors will carry it). That one is available in either steel or grade 2 titanium and stays closer to the Tudor's overall design in many ways. For one thing: It does have the painted handset you get on the Pelagos, not high polished steel hands.
Any now a GMT version too in titanium 😃
It’s definitely a Tudor submariner homage. I think their were a couple versions of the SN006 that were closer to the original Tudor sub that had snowflake style hands and one version had the snowflake dial but I think that is discontinued.
I just purchased the San Martin SN0111A, the MilSub homage with the sword hands. Really excited for the on-the-fly micro-adjustment on the clasp, as well as just using it as a daily piece.
I view “homage” as a watch one clearly inspired by another but with a few changes. I view a “knock off” or “clone” as a watch that matches spec for spec for the other watch and only difference is the name
This is a homage because Tudor hasn’t offered a blue snowflake dial in a Submariner case in years, and still hasn’t thought of doing so. This is to the last Tudor Sub what the 6 digit Rolex Sub is to the 5 digit model. IMO, if a brand doesn’t even make a similar model, it’s a valid homage and not a copy.
The hour markers alone make this a valid non-clone homage. Tudor doesn't even offer that dial anymore
Thanks you for the review. Love the watch but not into copies.
As someone who doesn't have a high end budget I'm more than happy to wear homages, my only line in the sand is fake, I will not nor ever encourage anyone to wear a clone....another point of view would be, there are many large towns and cities that wearing a clone could still get you tased, battered and mugged these days, watch crime has become insane
I like it. As far a homages go, this one isn’t as ubiquitous as the submariner. Someone who sees that and knows what the OG is, then that starts a cool conversation.
Got my San Martin 39mm “BBPro” green dial GMT homage last month and I ABSOLUTELY love it😭❤️
Seriously SO much watch for the money, seiko movement inside and I currently have it regulated to roughly +3 to 4 sec per day. I’m in love, just ordered their “on the fly” quick adjustment clasp too, looks incredible!
So you say that it is better to buy San Martin than Seiko 5 diver or Orient Kamasu for the same money?
@@azizbiialiev7259 spec wise it is
@@shafiqhaikal2401not just spec wise. They are better in evey aspect. Heritage or history did no good for me nor to anyone .
I actually don’t care if it’s mixed parts. It’s a watch that otherwise does not exist, and it’s cool!
I like the san martin that looks like the original pelagos but is 40mm. Knocked it out of the park.
Only one thing that bothers me is the movement and that it's got a date, but San Martin decided to keep the dial 1:1 as much as possible. A ghost position keeps me away from "homages" from San Martin, even if I'd love to get one.
I just wonder why a ghost position puts you off? I have a ghost position on a couple of my watches and I don’t even think twice about it.
What’s the problem??
Frankly speaking I don't care much about it I have sn008 I don't think about it.
I think of it more of a hidden feature in case I decide to change a dial at some point.
Hey Dave! Just rewatched Interstellar in IMAX the other day. How's the Hamilton Pilot Day Date treating you?
I dont hate homage watches, but I dont fancy them either. I just dont like the idea of fooling other people into thinking youre wearing something expensive. Sure, most people wont even notice, but the once that do, are probably amused that this is not the real deal. So I tend to stay away from homages
Believe me, you won’t be fooling anyone. No one notices or cares what watch you wear. Even if it’s genuine.
I just wish this thing had a date complication. Its difficult to find a better value proposition for finish and build quality, I think only Helm with its Miyako gets close, and its bracelet is too chunky. It is also double the price.
Just purchased San Martin's Tudor BB54 37mm homage in blue. The watch is gorgeous. The bezel action the best I've encountered in the sub-$3k range. Simply put, I CAN NOT AFFORD $4k for Tudor. With the San Martin, I know believe Tudor manufactures the BB54 for a cost of $250, and the balance is marketing and profit. 7:22
The SM is a “clonage” of the Tudor; and leaving that and heritage factors aside, you cannot compare a lowly 10-bucks NH35 movement to a certified chronometer with a 70-hour power reserve.
I would buy this if I did not have a couple of divers already. As usual very good video.
At the time you did this video, you didn't know it yet but your next video would be a comparison between a Squale Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms homage and a similar homage from Spinnaker. To get closer to the Squale, I think a San Martin would do better in the comparison. San Martin is probably the best home brand from China out there that is not an independent micro-brand type company.
The single best way San Martin could improve the look of their watches is to not use a logo that was designed in MS Paint.
Yes, I hate their logo which is ugly.
Unpopular opinion but I kinda like it on some of their designs. it's very playful
Which one? They're not exactly streamlined in their branding.
The Hexagon logo is most common now. It is better than the previous hand written style logo.
That’s involves creativity. We don’t do that here in China
This is great for the money. Add to cart! 🛒
san martin is great!
Also that is not the same build that is available now. Just got mine and the bezel is slightly different and the logo is printed
For me, this is a modern Snowflake sub and we need Tudor to release a new Snowflake Sub.
I'd like to see a mashup between the Pelegos and Seiko Turtle.
I’d pay an extra $50 to have a better bracelet. Sharp on the skin and adjustment even with the on the fly clasp is not spot on. I either have 1 extra link and push micro adjust lol the way in, remove the link and pull alt he way out and at times it’s more snug than I’d like and results in the sharp bracelet to be noticeable
I saw a video on another channel comparing the actual Tudor to the San Martin to the Seestern.
The consensus seemed to be what your title states BUT the comments seemed to suggest that the 'moans and niggles' might be addressed in a V2 when it comes out.
Especially considering that San Martin already has a grade five Titanium watch out.
Wouldn’t this be an homage to the Tudor submariner that predates the pelagos?
Such a nice watch but why such a high rehaut. Its the only thing keeping me from buying one
That’s funny, the Pelagos itself is an homage of the Submariner.
But from the same house.
Please do a review of the Buyalov "Sevmorput" watches. They are groovy.
There is no mention on the site saying it has an enamel dial. Are you sure its enamel?
Going to kichijoji tomorrow to watch shop. Wish me luck.
Good luck!
@@JusttheWatchell I picked up a bambino, a kamasu red and a Gshock range man red. At 143 yen to dollar it cost me around $300. I feel good about it.
I will be in Tokyo this Saturday for 2 weeks. I hope that 145 yen to the dollar stick. Where are you shopping? Shinjuku? I will be there looking for an alpinist and a type of JDM. Any suggestions?
That endlink issue is bad, because this otherwise would be a perfect value for money homage watch. If you have a bigger wrist, it might not be relevant though.
huge difference between the real deal and the fake.
Why cant they put this blue snowflake dial and hands into the thinner retro Sub...
What do you think about the San Martin SN0121G, which basically is a Pelagos-clone? Seems fantastic to me
that san martin with snowflake and square hour marks doesn't look nice in rolex case, should be in a bb58 style case
I hear some clicking noises in your voice over, track in my experience, that's the sound clip edits where the sound wave going out don't match the sound wave coming in. I alliviate that using 5 frames cross fades on every cut.
Great video! Great review!
Cheers!
Really nice watch indeed, but the logo is beyond bad. Looks like something you might find on an Albanian garden tool.
What’s your opinion on the San Martin Starry Sky?
NICE WATCH GOOD PRICE NOT BAD
Reviewers need be looking more carefully at SM, they have moved on from homages to fan favourite Clomages (inspired by a collage of watch features). Want a Tudor pepsi GMT but in the classic rolex size and without the controversial rivet bracelet? Want a vintage Sub sympathetically upgraded with box sapphire instead of plexiglass, ceramic bezel insert in a 5517 style case in black/blue & dark green? Want a 39mm Explorer but with a sub style dial in both black & blue? Disappointed the 39mm pelagos is a luxury offering rather than a smaller version of the 42mm toolwatch? Want it in SS so it's effectively a modern successor to the Tudor Sub discontinued in the 90s? Roll up roll up.
San Martin have a pelagos 39mm case, SN0121G uses it, so it was a design choice to use the Sub style supercase.
what’s your wrist size ?
Dave, do you have a clue about that, why micro brands like San Martin, Steeldive, etc almost always using date version of a movement family instead of the basic no date version in no date watches? For example the Seiko NH35 extremely popular as the NH38 rarely used. Is that a price problem - getting large quantities at bargain price - or a logistic issue - not to mix up movements on the assembly line? But the latter very less likely, a trained operator - but even a child - could make a difference between a date and a no date movement. I love only no date watches but I hate ghost date position on them.
I think mostly Baltany is the micro brand, who takes care about putting the right movement in their no date watches (NH38).
Also, what is your opinion: is the Epson YN55 replacable with the Seiko NH38?
I don't have any direct knowledge, but my guess is it's just easier and cheaper for them to buy like 10,000 NH35s and then use them in all their watches regardless of date or no date. When you're selling watches at the prices they are every bit of savings helps.
Performance wise I wouldn't favor the NH35 over the YN55, but for servicing and replacing the movement down the road I imagine the NH35 is going to be easier to source, whether your looking for parts or just replacing the whole movement, so for that reason I like the NH35 better.
As I understand it the YN55 is the generic version of Orient's movements, and their movements are great, but they are a little louder than Seiko's, so if that bugs you it might be another thing to consider.
@@JusttheWatch Thank you for your kind answer, Sir. The loud rotor wouldn't bug me, but ghost date position would. I would ask my watchmaker friend to replace the YN55 with NH38 if it is possible. But if I understand well I set time anytime, only date setting is problematic between 9 PM and 3 AM, not to damage the movement. If I can set time anytime actually ghost date is less of a problem this way.
I have a Squale 1545 GMT that looks like a Rolex GMT Master. It’s beautifully made, comfortable, & has a lot of utility, but I confess I feel kind of odd wearing a homage.
You shouldn't, the high end brands are for self involved audiences
@@tombryan1 you’re right…I’ve just got to get over it. It’s a great watch & runs 2 seconds per day fast!
@@chriscon8463 I know the feeling, dude. I have a San Martin BB58 homage, and as amazing as this affordable watch is, I feel like a loser when wearing it lol. Going to buy the real thing in December - either the BB58 blue or the new 54.
@@RabbitWatchShop I got a BB58 blue last August & it has hardly left my wrist since then! It’s my favorite watch. Definitely consider the BB54 for the upgraded bracelet. I have 6 1/4” wrists & I like smaller watches!
@@chriscon8463 yeah man... called my local AD and he stated there's already a fkn waiting list. I put my name down. He stated he suspects the hype will die down next year, especially considering a lot of men won't purchase due to the small dimensions. It's a beauty. I am salivating over it.
how you call something a knockoff but at the same time have an affiliate link for it. talk about straddling the fence
Hi Dave. Would you review new saiko JDM release: SBPX147？
the short end links really is a deal killer for me with smaller wrists. I can just about handle 47mm lug to lug, but need true articulating female end links to have a good fit. Perhaps (hopefully) on the next iteration they might fix this issue.
pity there s no date
Bruh we dont care about this one. We like the sn0121g
i prefer steeldive or addiesdive over san martin
i know this is off the topic , what is your feeling about the mathey-tissot brand ? ty
I'm curious about them myself. THey look like mostly homages, but swiss made. I'm curious how they would compare to Steinhart.
Excellent and balanced review. Many thanks…….Subscribed!
Thanks for the sub!
hi everybody, I bought this San Martin and every one hour it is 7 minutes faster. Did you have such problem?
this actually isnt the pelagos homage
We get it. San Martin bought your opinion.
I think they could make an original watch without having to recycle ideas and probably sell it for the same price with equal or better results. Homage is just beneath them IMO
They have tried many times. The original designs simply don’t sell enough. They haven’t given up, they usually release a few original designs every year. They have some nice ones in the catalog now. It takes time to build a business, so you have to build what the customer wants if growing your business is a priority.
I'm not too happy with copies. It suggessts that you want the original and cant or wont buy it so you want to pretend.
A watch should be clearly visibly different and this ia not different enough.
Homage is a stupid category.
With the rounded crown protectors it just looks like one of the standard Rolex knock-offs cases that SanMartin fit with a slightly different dial and snowflake hands. While the overall quality is no doubt excellent for the price, this is soooo not interesting and has absolutely nothing to do with a Pelagos. Sorry, but it's a No for me.
What to buy this San martin or Orient Kamasu?
orient better reputation
@@agnelo000 hi, I bought this San Martin and every one hour it is 7 minutes faster. Did you have such problem?
@@azizbiialiev7259 ask for a refund
He’s talking about a real Black father.
Faites attention. Les montres san Martin sont jolie mais ne durent pas longtemps! ! J'ai eu trop de problèmes avec eux, ils ne répondent plus à mes mails et 2 mois qu'ils ont la montre si est tombée 2 fois de suite en panne, je déconseille vivement!
If only San Martin made it 42 mm, i sold mine, way to small...i guess they wanted to copy 100% even the size.
I just can’t 🤦🏾♂️
It all comes down to what you can afford. Let’s face it, if a person cannot afford a Tudor Pelagos, but can afford the San Martin, then where is the problem? Too much snobbery in this hobby!
Does SM have any Omega Seamaster homage?
There is a new AquaTerra clonage on their lineup.
@@villagranvicentwhere? I don´t see it. Do you have any link? Thank you
Amen 🙌
A piece of very inexpensive glass can look exactly like a diamond... but would you propose with one?
I’m fine with Homages! I prefer several cool watches versus one over priced one.
i dont mind homages but i really do not understand why this design, (pelogos ??? ) is so popular, it is more boring than a submariner in looks , more "square" , and this still looks like a sub homage itself ??? i.e. still an variant homage of rolex again... as per so many other minor change homages of rolex (including Orient divers) i dont understand why some people say Orient is different from Rolex too...yeah , not so alike direct copy only, only SEIKO divers are more unique in design /cases / bezels, Most Orients are just homages of rolex divers.
Orient Kamasu is original design
This watch offers waaaaaaay better value than the original for any everyday average man. This is not a cheaply made ripoff, this is an affordable homage. Great value!!
Chinese watchmaking game is offering great technical value for money, but design-wise they're as exciting as a rotting corpse. At least San Martin seems to be taking steps out of the copy-replica thing; their recent original GMT seems pretty magnificent.
I'm NOT gonna pay a lot for a muffler!
You got to fix that mic please
What's wrong with it?