I typically do not buy homage watches, but I bought a San Martin Sub homage V. 2, as a sort of test drive on recommendation before buying my real Rolex Sub. I figured I would see if I connected with the size, feel, etc., and figured I would give it away after getting the real thing. But now owning both, I still like the San Martin and wear it quite a bit for those times I don't want to take a chance or damaging, or losing (read: being stolen) a $10k+ watch. There is a difference between the two, but San Martin overall did a nice job with this watch, the quality is impressive at this price and I have actually enjoyed it quite a bit. Thank you for an interesting, well photographed review. Keep up the good work.
I like San Martin a lot. I have Rolexes, Omegas, Zenith ect. and I have no problem having a San Martin in the collection. Would not buy I sub replica though. I wish people would pay more attention to the not one to one copies on their catalogue. I feel like they are trying to get their own designs out more.
Yeah. Some good points. SM certainly make quality for the price. IMHO, their original designs mostly miss the mark, but seem to be improving. I think their best pieces are the ones that are heavily inspired by but not an exact copy of a long discontinued classic. I think I probably just used different words to say exactly the same thing as you ☺️ - so probably should've left it at 'I agree'!
Hi Jani, I spoke to a watchmaker that said San Martin is junk when I showed him my San Martin submariner homage with Seiko NH35 movement. I found it surprising because the finish of San Martin is excellent for the price and second to no watch brand in the same price range. Including Seiko. And NH35 is a popular reliable movement. I mean: if San Martin with NH35 is junk it means that all Seiko 5 with NH35 are junk as well. He also claimed that Rolex is WAY higher quality than Tissot and Certina. I have a Tissot Gentleman powermatic 80 and still doubt that a Rolex is WAY better. I don't question the quality of Rolex but no one can convince me that ~10 times higher price of Rolex is close to justified. Don't you pay 80% of the price for the status of the brand? A wristwatch for the price of a car is insane. What is your opinion here?
Jani I am just like you. I have let's see... JLC, Omega, Breitling, Tudor, Formex, Christopher Ward and Laco in the collection. I steer clear of Rolex because I don't like modern Rolex (not that I can get them anyway) and although I like vintage Rolex I don't want the hassle of vintage Rolex. So Rolex is a big no from me but anyways - with my exposure to quality Swiss brands I still really like San Martin. I definitely don't go for modern sub replicas from SM, but have nothing against those who do. I do like their homage vintage sub, and their Tudor homages. I find the Tudor homages have better designs and proportions than the Tudor versions, and have no problem wearing a San Martin or two and having them in the collection.
Homages are one of our hobbies *most* divisive subjects. It’s also a part of our hobby that evokes *the* most hypercritical responses. A Chinese *Patek* homage with a Chinese mov’t gets respect from enthusiasts if it’s a Baltic. A Swiss ‘replica’ (to borrow Andrei’s valid definition) of a Universal Genevé Compax or Rodania Geometer gets lauded if it’s from *Massena Lab…* An SM BB58 homage? Not so much. I have 2 San Martin watches. 1 Willard ‘copy’ that I never bonded with (and am about to sell). It’s a surprisingly good watch for the money! I had my brothers new Seiko (non LE) ‘Willard’ and the SM in hand at the same time and, imho, the SM was the better watch. I have a 39mm Vintage Explorer homage too. I got a custom dial done with my own ‘logo’ & ‘brand name’. Having that tiny bit of input into the piece helped me bond with it I think and it’s a terrific watch. But I have my SPB123J Alpinist on a bracelet, so the SM doesn’t really have room in the core collection - but it gets a heap of wear as a beater. The point that really resonated with me was, as *well made* and *inexpensive* as SM are, they’re not long term parts of *my* collection, and I actually paid *less* for my Glycine Combat Sub than what a San Martin with a PT5000 mov’t costs - and the Glycine will hold its value. All that said, I can see why people will and do really dig these watches and can and do create a collection around them. It’s just not really for me, that doesn’t make it ‘wrong’ or anything else with negative connotations. Just different than me. That’s *good.* I want to hear and learn about other peoples collecting philosophies.
If someone can afford the watch AND they like the watch, then they should buy and enjoy the watch. One can’t be concerned about what other collectors are saying. Buy and wear what YOU like!!!
To each their own. You want to own something Chinese that is fine. I wouldn't because I think it comes to supporting quality and a new possible brand that will become the next Rolex. Not a copy of something. If that makes sense. At the end of the day watches are a piece of ourselves, a reminder of our philosophy of how we want the world to see us.
Absolutely. San Martin pound for pound is a sleeper of watch. I have the rolex explorer homage and the specs are insane. Their issue is more of an aesthetic one but in terms of specs, they are providing way more than the price point.
100% the best you can get at that price point and minus the movement, their watches are easily as well finished and as high quality as some of my &2,000+ pieces. Not to say the movements are bad at all. I have the 36mm Tudor Ranger homage and mine has an NH35 in it which is actually way more durable than many Swiss movements and will be WAY more affordable to maintain. I got this Ranger Homage because I had the Tudor Ranger and my only complaint with it was the size. It's like Tudor read my mind and made the perfect watch for me and exactly what I wanted, except for the size. I like 36mm watches and the Ranger was a 39mm. I actually ended up selling my Tudor Ranger because I never wore it after buying the San Martin. It was just collecting dust. If you are looking for a watch on a budget San Martin is always going to be my recommendation. I absolutely love them and they are insane for the price.
Nice to see you finally got your hand on a San Martin! They really are excellent watches for the money. I agree with your last point. I got this same modern sub homage to satisfy my curiosity, but just couldn't connect with it. On the other hand, the San Martin SN004G is a permanent part of my collection. The vintage look and proportions of that piece made it an absolute keeper. Looking forward to your microbrand!
I like San Martin's as they have all been quite good quality for the price, but I never understood the name. It is a Chinese brand, but the name reminds me of it being Spanish
I have the bronze diver new model, and a bronze pilot A dial. They are both nicely made watches, and I like them a lot. The diver is my favorite and I wear it every day.
San Martin is a good balance of cheap (in a good way) and a solid product quality. EDIT: will never sell my SN004-G. Till it works, it works. Its the daily.
You are the only one to mention the horrible font for the dial text using Arial , it ruins every one of their watches, I'm glad you mentioned it. Really should use another font
I think that may be a modded bezel on the San Martin. From what I recall they have a recessed lum pip. Also, the solid end links really jut out on the San Martin making it wear unreasonably big.
I like San Martin and Sugess especially from the Chinese market. Sugess has a Daytona homage that just knocks it out of the park using either a 7750 or a 4130 clone.
I always enjoy your videos and your personality. I consistently appreciate the effort you put in to every video. I would never attack people like you that put themselves out there bravely and then hide anonymously like some do....
Very nice comparison! Quality video in 4K :) I'm sorry but you say it is the SN019-G, which I think is not the case. It's obviously the SN017-G, which is V3 on Aliexpress. The easy way to tell is the rehaut being visible (SN017-G) or hidden by rounded edge sapphire (SN019-G), as on the real Sub. Two others slight differences are case size (40.5mm vs 41mm) and lugs width (20mm vs 21mm). And one very easy to spot, is bezel edge is polished not brushed on SN019. Finally, SN017 is usually found around
With Rolex MSRPs now well and truly beyond a "normal" person's reach ($10,000 for a Submariner Date) and actual, "get it on the wrist today"-prices a lot higher, I don't see why homages should be looked down upon. Certainly when it comes to brands that don't stick too closely to the Rolex-details (like Steinhart) but also for brands that do ... like SM. I just bought their BB Pepsi GMT homage a few weeks ago and this thing has been hogging my wrist ever since it got here. It wears and feels like a Rolex or a Tudor, the finishing is excellent and I could've had it for just over $300 had I known about skbwatches who ship certain models from a EU-warehouse. Ordering from China, I paid ~ $360/€320, all in ... which is still pretty good value for what's on offer here.
Meh, some people called me a watch snob while the most expensive watch I own is a Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional. Don't listen to the nobs for they know not what they say. As for the difference between a replica and an homage is that a replica is trying to be that which it isn't while the homge is just being itself.
I recently bought a San Martin from the official website and I noticed a few things about it. It's about the SN021-g b2 in black. According to the manufacturer, the bandwidth should be 20mm, but it is 19mm and no its not with the printed logo. I also noticed that the manual winding does not work smoothly. As soon as you set the time and I push in a notch, the minute hand shifts quite a bit and there is also a strong resistance that doesn't make it easy to push in. It's not my first automatic watch and I've never had this problem with any of my others. I still have 2 years of warranty. I have written to San Martin several times but nothing has come from their side and their phone number does not exist. Who should I contact and how can I to fix the problem? Thank you and best regards
If you live in the UK don't buy San Martin. Their customer service is awful and charge you to return faulty products. Pagani design have free returns to a UK shipping address and are a safer bet.
good challenge, I see it a good theme for an episode. Depends, I can grab a seiko diver (e.g a turtle) a preowned certina ds, or edox, a quartz PRX evan a preowned prx automatic, a squale. at least this is where am I now. between these brands. Ina month, the preferences might change :D
@@BraveBeaters I think you should make an episode tbh! Really love you channel and you got a new sub :) Im trying to find a good watch that can follow me for years in the 38-40mm category but also in the 500-800 market (yes i raised the bar a little bit). I have been checking out Steinhart since i have owned a couple of these. Even if they are pure homage, they are really good watches for the price tbh. Your video of the Steinhart pepsi GMT almost got me to buy one, haha! Good editing and music choice! Squale is also a good brand, had a few GMT version (Black & gold, pepsi). I tried the PRX Quartz for a month but its maybe not the everyday watch tbh, looks really good tho ! Keep up the great work Brave!
Very fair comparo. Looked at objectively and price independent the Rolex is my least favorite. I dislike the repeated Rolex around the rehaut, there's way too much writing on the dial and it is much an homage as anything given that the Fifty Fathoms predates it. Unless I'm trying to make money from appreciation, I see no reason to bother with Rolex. Second I place the Edox because I think San Martin is a fine value. But then, I'm someone who won't ever pay more than $2000 for a watch. I see no reason to sell a SM when I tire of it as there's not enough value to make it worth the hassle. If I get bored of a Chinese watch I give it to someone or put it in a drawer. Can't wait for your microbrand. So long and thanks for all the vids!
Bezel insert above crystal is no go for me. It would make to much hustle when cleaning crystal. Nevertheless for some reason i understand this move for better protection of a crystal.
The San Martin appears to be a solid watch at the price point. And the price is important if you actually plan to wear the watch in a real work environment. One would not be too distraught if this watch got banged up as it can easily be replaced. One thing about this watch that I am not too impressed with is the movement. A Seiko NH35 - at the San Martin price point - seems like a way to save money. For them, not the buyer. There are so many other watches out there employing the NH35 that this use seems like a cop out. Still, a good watch for the price. Just not that special.
Check out some of the new Chinese Swiss movement clones now. ETA and Rolex both have patents that expired so like the Swiss, they are making clones of the 2428s, 7750s and 4130 Rolex movements that are exceptional in quality too. Look for Peacock or Seagull movements especially.
Jesus , seeing the legit thing next to it, you can see the quality of finish being on another level. Def happy enough w/ the San Martin considering it being like 2% of the price lol
I would avoid conflating terms 'replica' and 'homage'. TH-cam gods might not favor you if they think you are talking of illegal counterfeits, which is the definition of 'replica'. Homages, on the other hand, might copy design as close as possible, but they are never replicas. Why San Martin microbrand focuses mainly on homages? Simple, to minimize risk and cost. I welcome low watch prices when the quality is not compromised.
Not usually a fan of homages, but got a Ploprof by Steeldive recently & actually pretty impressed with it ..tho I'm upset at the mo coz I broke the crown off my Omega sm300 last night and forsee a hefty bill 😢 Congrats on the new job. Look forward to seeing your microbrand 👏🏻👍👍
@@BraveBeaters just came off in my fingers setting the time. Gutted!! Recommend the Steeldive Ploprof, cheap & surprised how comfortable and practical it is- testament to Omega's original design.
The San Martin lolks better lol its proper proportionate from lume size to dial size making everything symmetrical plus the whiter markings on the bezel. Personally 42mm is the perfect size for a sub too. I wish to upgrade to a San Martin soon. Currently have a Pagani Design 1661 gold
Ill take the San Martin over the edox and glycine any day. Not only that, but it is superior in almost all criteria, the most significant being the quality of finishing and value proposition.
I've bought a few homages over the years but they always get sold on. However, I have a San Martin sub and also their retro diver and I've hung onto them because they are so well made.
I already know I would buy your microbrand watch👍 Just make sure it has a good meaningful name and I would be honored to own one. P.S. I could use a milsub in my collection 😁
You may say that Original 62MAS and Captain Willard are unobtainable, but Tudor black bay can be bought at AD. Rolex on the other hand, is disgustingly unobtainable at the moment simply because no AD in the world will tell you that they have one in stock. Is that true or not? Who knows. But pretty soon Rolex will cease to become a grey dealer darlin. Grey dealer will soon have to find work in restaurant waiting tables.
I could afford the Rolex, but don't like the wait list, and I like buying Apple stock instead of on a watch I guess. The San Martin looks to scratch that itch it looks like.
Excellent take on these watches. Agree with your last point, I was going to pull the trigger on a 36mm SM Explorer (still on my Amazon wishlist) but for the same money, I can buy a 39mm Glycine Bienne 1914, or for even less, a Combat Sub, which are original designs from a brand with real heritage. I think is funny how in the wristwatch world the word cloning evolved to "homage"...
I would never spend more than £500 on a watch because i have family that is a much more rewarding place to help with my money. If you are the sort of persons that spending thousands on a watch makes you truly happy in life then buying a homage first is a great way to find out of that design is really what you want.
I would rather have a invicta pro diver than a San Martin. They are both doing the same thing but the San Martin just screams cheap Chinese watch which they both are but invicta is the more established brand they actually do original and very rude watches 😂
Have you held one yet? I have a Certina DS action 38mm and a San Martin and they are neck and neck in finishing and The San Martin has the option for a Sellita SW200 so Im not sure the point your making is very true.
@@turnbasedtoddy7664 Fair point. The finishing on my PH 200M is as good as any C. Ward, Oris 65 or Mid teir Seiko I've ever had on wrist, but the case and hand finishing on the SM Willard V.1 is pretty exceptional for a $200 watch.
Homages are OK but having the real deal there is nothing like it and they are missing out on that by buying a substitute, the only thing I homage is God.
You really have annoyed me ! A Superman T-shirt ! Everyone knows Batman, and maybe Spiderman are the greatest superheroes !!! I am now questioning your taste and judgement,- and everything you have told me about watches !!! I would also accept Iron Man.
Fredric Wertham asserted in his 1954 book Seduction of the Innocent that "Batman stories are psychologically homosexual". Andy Medhurst wrote in his 1991 essay Batman, Deviance, and Camp that Batman is interesting to gay audiences. Just saying.
May want to be careful calling homages by the name of the model they resemble. For example, calling the San Martin watch a "Submariner," which can be interpreted by the TH-cam standards as counterfeit, which would get this video deleted, along with the channel getting a strike. You may want to check out what Gary at ILikeWatches/ILikeWatches2 has been going through with exactly this issue, and especially regarding San Martin watches.
The only spare parts anyone ever needs is an NH35 movement and they are USD$50 - cheap as. Labour costs mean it's more economical to just get a new watch but if you want to keep the watch for sentimental reasons then it's not hard to get a watchmaker to put in a new movement. I've done it myself just as a hobbyist. Hand setting is the only tricky thing but am getting the hang of that. No ADs? Lol. Christopher Ward, Formex and most microbrands don't have ADs, and they are doing pretty well.
@@thegorn The micro brand Fromex you mention has many trusted multi national distribution channels, they are their "authorised network" of distribution in various countries all over the world, from Oslo to the USA. Repairers keep Fromex name parts in stock and you can always send your watch back to Christopher Ward for a service. With a San Martin watch, if a dial batton falls of the dial, your not going to be able to obtain a new dial.
I typically do not buy homage watches, but I bought a San Martin Sub homage V. 2, as a sort of test drive on recommendation before buying my real Rolex Sub. I figured I would see if I connected with the size, feel, etc., and figured I would give it away after getting the real thing. But now owning both, I still like the San Martin and wear it quite a bit for those times I don't want to take a chance or damaging, or losing (read: being stolen) a $10k+ watch. There is a difference between the two, but San Martin overall did a nice job with this watch, the quality is impressive at this price and I have actually enjoyed it quite a bit. Thank you for an interesting, well photographed review. Keep up the good work.
I like San Martin a lot. I have Rolexes, Omegas, Zenith ect. and I have no problem having a San Martin in the collection. Would not buy I sub replica though. I wish people would pay more attention to the not one to one copies on their catalogue. I feel like they are trying to get their own designs out more.
Agreed. Their bronze watches are 💯
Yeah. Some good points. SM certainly make quality for the price. IMHO, their original designs mostly miss the mark, but seem to be improving. I think their best pieces are the ones that are heavily inspired by but not an exact copy of a long discontinued classic.
I think I probably just used different words to say exactly the same thing as you ☺️ - so probably should've left it at 'I agree'!
Hi Jani,
I spoke to a watchmaker that said San Martin is junk when I showed him my San Martin submariner homage with Seiko NH35 movement.
I found it surprising because the finish of San Martin is excellent for the price and second to no watch brand in the same price range. Including Seiko. And NH35 is a popular reliable movement. I mean: if San Martin with NH35 is junk it means that all Seiko 5 with NH35 are junk as well.
He also claimed that Rolex is WAY higher quality than Tissot and Certina.
I have a Tissot Gentleman powermatic 80 and still doubt that a Rolex is WAY better.
I don't question the quality of Rolex but no one can convince me that ~10 times higher price of Rolex is close to justified. Don't you pay 80% of the price for the status of the brand?
A wristwatch for the price of a car is insane.
What is your opinion here?
Jani I am just like you. I have let's see... JLC, Omega, Breitling, Tudor, Formex, Christopher Ward and Laco in the collection. I steer clear of Rolex because I don't like modern Rolex (not that I can get them anyway) and although I like vintage Rolex I don't want the hassle of vintage Rolex. So Rolex is a big no from me but anyways - with my exposure to quality Swiss brands I still really like San Martin. I definitely don't go for modern sub replicas from SM, but have nothing against those who do. I do like their homage vintage sub, and their Tudor homages. I find the Tudor homages have better designs and proportions than the Tudor versions, and have no problem wearing a San Martin or two and having them in the collection.
I like original design San Martin. These homages they do are almost 1 to 1 and not for me.
Homages are one of our hobbies *most* divisive subjects. It’s also a part of our hobby that evokes *the* most hypercritical responses. A Chinese *Patek* homage with a Chinese mov’t gets respect from enthusiasts if it’s a Baltic. A Swiss ‘replica’ (to borrow Andrei’s valid definition) of a Universal Genevé Compax or Rodania Geometer gets lauded if it’s from *Massena Lab…* An SM BB58 homage? Not so much.
I have 2 San Martin watches.
1 Willard ‘copy’ that I never bonded with (and am about to sell). It’s a surprisingly good watch for the money! I had my brothers new Seiko (non LE) ‘Willard’ and the SM in hand at the same time and, imho, the SM was the better watch.
I have a 39mm Vintage Explorer homage too. I got a custom dial done with my own ‘logo’ & ‘brand name’. Having that tiny bit of input into the piece helped me bond with it I think and it’s a terrific watch. But I have my SPB123J Alpinist on a bracelet, so the SM doesn’t really have room in the core collection - but it gets a heap of wear as a beater.
The point that really resonated with me was, as *well made* and *inexpensive* as SM are, they’re not long term parts of *my* collection, and I actually paid *less* for my Glycine Combat Sub than what a San Martin with a PT5000 mov’t costs - and the Glycine will hold its value.
All that said, I can see why people will and do really dig these watches and can and do create a collection around them. It’s just not really for me, that doesn’t make it ‘wrong’ or anything else with negative connotations. Just different than me. That’s *good.* I want to hear and learn about other peoples collecting philosophies.
If someone can afford the watch AND they like the watch, then they should buy and enjoy the watch. One can’t be concerned about what other collectors are saying. Buy and wear what YOU like!!!
To each their own. You want to own something Chinese that is fine. I wouldn't because I think it comes to supporting quality and a new possible brand that will become the next Rolex. Not a copy of something. If that makes sense. At the end of the day watches are a piece of ourselves, a reminder of our philosophy of how we want the world to see us.
Absolutely. San Martin pound for pound is a sleeper of watch. I have the rolex explorer homage and the specs are insane. Their issue is more of an aesthetic one but in terms of specs, they are providing way more than the price point.
100% the best you can get at that price point and minus the movement, their watches are easily as well finished and as high quality as some of my &2,000+ pieces. Not to say the movements are bad at all. I have the 36mm Tudor Ranger homage and mine has an NH35 in it which is actually way more durable than many Swiss movements and will be WAY more affordable to maintain. I got this Ranger Homage because I had the Tudor Ranger and my only complaint with it was the size. It's like Tudor read my mind and made the perfect watch for me and exactly what I wanted, except for the size. I like 36mm watches and the Ranger was a 39mm. I actually ended up selling my Tudor Ranger because I never wore it after buying the San Martin. It was just collecting dust. If you are looking for a watch on a budget San Martin is always going to be my recommendation. I absolutely love them and they are insane for the price.
Nice to see you finally got your hand on a San Martin! They really are excellent watches for the money. I agree with your last point. I got this same modern sub homage to satisfy my curiosity, but just couldn't connect with it.
On the other hand, the San Martin SN004G is a permanent part of my collection. The vintage look and proportions of that piece made it an absolute keeper. Looking forward to your microbrand!
Don't always agree with your takes, but you're never boring---and that's something I can't say for a lot of watch channels. Cheers brother!
I like San Martin's as they have all been quite good quality for the price, but I never understood the name. It is a Chinese brand, but the name reminds me of it being Spanish
I speak Spanish, but I thought they were going for a French ("Swiss", wink wink) pronunciation.
Another great video brother. You know I always got your back ❤️
Great review. I really like your style, your channel and am looking forward to seeing your design as well.
I have the bronze diver new model, and a bronze pilot A dial. They are both nicely made watches, and I like them a lot. The diver is my favorite and I wear it every day.
San Martin is a good balance of cheap (in a good way) and a solid product quality. EDIT: will never sell my SN004-G. Till it works, it works. Its the daily.
San Martin is a quality watch. I respect the brand.
You are the only one to mention the horrible font for the dial text using Arial , it ruins every one of their watches, I'm glad you mentioned it. Really should use another font
I think that may be a modded bezel on the San Martin. From what I recall they have a recessed lum pip. Also, the solid end links really jut out on the San Martin making it wear unreasonably big.
Which is better San Martin or Seiko 5
I like San Martin and Sugess especially from the Chinese market. Sugess has a Daytona homage that just knocks it out of the park using either a 7750 or a 4130 clone.
Nice review, and you did just right with the other review 👏👏👏, at least you are onest ⭐️
Glad you didn't get offended. Ignore the haters and continue generating great content. Well done 👍
Where did you get this San Martin? The SN019/SN017v3 dont have this bezel pip.
I always enjoy your videos and your personality. I consistently appreciate the effort you put in to every video. I would never attack people like you that put themselves out there bravely and then hide anonymously like some do....
Very nice comparison! Quality video in 4K :) I'm sorry but you say it is the SN019-G, which I think is not the case. It's obviously the SN017-G, which is V3 on Aliexpress. The easy way to tell is the rehaut being visible (SN017-G) or hidden by rounded edge sapphire (SN019-G), as on the real Sub. Two others slight differences are case size (40.5mm vs 41mm) and lugs width (20mm vs 21mm). And one very easy to spot, is bezel edge is polished not brushed on SN019. Finally, SN017 is usually found around
SN017 with NH35 movement and the Sn019 have the PT5000 Moment.
@@McBubatz sn019g is also available with sw200
With Rolex MSRPs now well and truly beyond a "normal" person's reach ($10,000 for a Submariner Date) and actual, "get it on the wrist today"-prices a lot higher, I don't see why homages should be looked down upon. Certainly when it comes to brands that don't stick too closely to the Rolex-details (like Steinhart) but also for brands that do ... like SM. I just bought their BB Pepsi GMT homage a few weeks ago and this thing has been hogging my wrist ever since it got here. It wears and feels like a Rolex or a Tudor, the finishing is excellent and I could've had it for just over $300 had I known about skbwatches who ship certain models from a EU-warehouse. Ordering from China, I paid ~ $360/€320, all in ... which is still pretty good value for what's on offer here.
I think your content is really great .. keep up the good work !
Thank you :D
I love my 114060! But for travel and safety a San Martin would be a great travel dive watch .
Meh, some people called me a watch snob while the most expensive watch I own is a Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional. Don't listen to the nobs for they know not what they say.
As for the difference between a replica and an homage is that a replica is trying to be that which it isn't while the homge is just being itself.
Brave Beaters, was the edges sharp as previously versions?
yup
@@BraveBeaters Thats a shame tho :/ Please try out their other models. Like BB58 ;)
I recently bought a San Martin from the official website and I noticed a few things about it.
It's about the SN021-g b2 in black. According to the manufacturer, the bandwidth should be 20mm, but it is 19mm and no its not with the printed logo. I also noticed that the manual winding does not work smoothly. As soon as you set the time and I push in a notch, the minute hand shifts quite a bit and there is also a strong resistance that doesn't make it easy to push in.
It's not my first automatic watch and I've never had this problem with any of my others. I still have 2 years of warranty.
I have written to San Martin several times but nothing has come from their side and their phone number does not exist. Who should I contact and how can I to fix the problem?
Thank you and best regards
Great opening remarks! Well said... ✌🙌
Always enjoy your content. The Edox has peaked my interest. I don't think it is very well known here in the US.
True, still there are a few on ebay. they have quartz as well as far as i see
*piqued* my interest.
Can you link to this San Martin model?
These 4k shots look insane
thank you :)
If you live in the UK don't buy San Martin. Their customer service is awful and charge you to return faulty products. Pagani design have free returns to a UK shipping address and are a safer bet.
Did you delete the video with the thumb "A man & his 🟤 watch"?
It's hidden. yes. for politically reasons.
Looking forward to your microbrand!
Thank you :D I am excited as well to work on it!
Yeah, me too.
Love your content thank you.
My man told you you will succeed, low how you are developing. Keep going brother 👍
Thank you very much ilia! :)
San Martin looks great. Wearing it is a disaster. All the edges of the case and the crown are sharp as hell. My biggest dissapointment in 2021.
Have 5 San Martin, never had this issue
I have a San Martin and must say Great Watch in every way.
My biggest disappointment in 2024 is that you misspelled it as dissapointment in 2021.
Look forward to seeing your microbrand too!
:D
Can you please let us know what is the best place to buy used watches in Europe?
Preowned markets, forums, chrono24, groups of friends (watch enthusiasts) :)
Keep it up man! Probably the best photography among the watch channels!
Brave Beaters! Which watch do you prefer in the 500-700 dollar category? :)
good challenge, I see it a good theme for an episode.
Depends, I can grab a seiko diver (e.g a turtle) a preowned certina ds, or edox, a quartz PRX evan a preowned prx automatic, a squale. at least this is where am I now. between these brands. Ina month, the preferences might change :D
@@BraveBeaters I think you should make an episode tbh! Really love you channel and you got a new sub :) Im trying to find a good watch that can follow me for years in the 38-40mm category but also in the 500-800 market (yes i raised the bar a little bit). I have been checking out Steinhart since i have owned a couple of these. Even if they are pure homage, they are really good watches for the price tbh. Your video of the Steinhart pepsi GMT almost got me to buy one, haha! Good editing and music choice! Squale is also a good brand, had a few GMT version (Black & gold, pepsi). I tried the PRX Quartz for a month but its maybe not the everyday watch tbh, looks really good tho !
Keep up the great work Brave!
@@watchspinn check out davosa watches man!
Very fair comparo. Looked at objectively and price independent the Rolex is my least favorite. I dislike the repeated Rolex around the rehaut, there's way too much writing on the dial and it is much an homage as anything given that the Fifty Fathoms predates it.
Unless I'm trying to make money from appreciation, I see no reason to bother with Rolex. Second I place the Edox because I think San Martin is a fine value. But then, I'm someone who won't ever pay more than $2000 for a watch.
I see no reason to sell a SM when I tire of it as there's not enough value to make it worth the hassle. If I get bored of a Chinese watch I give it to someone or put it in a drawer.
Can't wait for your microbrand. So long and thanks for all the vids!
Well said Brian, appreciate your thoughts! And as for the micro, I am excited as well :D
Your videos are top. Keep on posting. I enjoy and like the way. You see the hobby ok. Please go on
thanks! I appreciate your words! :)
Bezel insert above crystal is no go for me. It would make to much hustle when cleaning crystal. Nevertheless for some reason i understand this move for better protection of a crystal.
The San Martin appears to be a solid watch at the price point. And the price is important if you actually plan to wear the watch in a real work environment. One would not be too distraught if this watch got banged up as it can easily be replaced. One thing about this watch that I am not too impressed with is the movement. A Seiko NH35 - at the San Martin price point - seems like a way to save money. For them, not the buyer. There are so many other watches out there employing the NH35 that this use seems like a cop out. Still, a good watch for the price. Just not that special.
Check out some of the new Chinese Swiss movement clones now. ETA and Rolex both have patents that expired so like the Swiss, they are making clones of the 2428s, 7750s and 4130 Rolex movements that are exceptional in quality too. Look for Peacock or Seagull movements especially.
I would buy one to use as a beater so I can keep my Rolex pristine.
Jesus , seeing the legit thing next to it, you can see the quality of finish being on another level. Def happy enough w/ the San Martin considering it being like 2% of the price lol
I would avoid conflating terms 'replica' and 'homage'. TH-cam gods might not favor you if they think you are talking of illegal counterfeits, which is the definition of 'replica'. Homages, on the other hand, might copy design as close as possible, but they are never replicas. Why San Martin microbrand focuses mainly on homages? Simple, to minimize risk and cost. I welcome low watch prices when the quality is not compromised.
hmm, I think youtube has a problem with the fake label :D
Not usually a fan of homages, but got a Ploprof by Steeldive recently & actually pretty impressed with it ..tho I'm upset at the mo coz I broke the crown off my Omega sm300 last night and forsee a hefty bill 😢
Congrats on the new job. Look forward to seeing your microbrand 👏🏻👍👍
Whaaat? how did u managed to break the crown of a tank SMP300? :\
I wanted to buy as well the steeldive ploprof at some point
i slammed that dislike button
@@BraveBeaters just came off in my fingers setting the time. Gutted!!
Recommend the Steeldive Ploprof, cheap & surprised how comfortable and practical it is- testament to Omega's original design.
People seam to be ok with Steinhart but not San Martin i have a San Martin it's a very nice watch .
The San Martin lolks better lol its proper proportionate from lume size to dial size making everything symmetrical plus the whiter markings on the bezel. Personally 42mm is the perfect size for a sub too. I wish to upgrade to a San Martin soon. Currently have a Pagani Design 1661 gold
San Martin has great value, however, the logo is very poor. Not sure why they can't get that right.
Always good (to) watch 😉
:D
Edox looks like a different watch to me. Has its own personality.
Will open mine to figure out if ils a tué sellita inside
Ill take the San Martin over the edox and glycine any day. Not only that, but it is superior in almost all criteria, the most significant being the quality of finishing and value proposition.
Throwing in a like to offset the haters. If you’re getting this upset about watches, you need a new hobby.
San Martin bezel modified? they don't have a protruding pearl
I think this was an earlier version. Not the leatest one
I think you made a mistake, you have reviewed the sn017 not the sn019 ….
I've bought a few homages over the years but they always get sold on. However, I have a San Martin sub and also their retro diver and I've hung onto them because they are so well made.
I already know I would buy your microbrand watch👍 Just make sure it has a good meaningful name and I would be honored to own one.
P.S.
I could use a milsub in my collection 😁
AHAHAH, good one. it will be very cool, cool name, cool design, useful tool :D
Take no notice of the naysayers and nobody’s. 😂 🇬🇧🇺🇦🏴 Ps. San-martin make a really nice watch.
If I had the Rolex I’d sell it and get the Edox and save the rest 🤷🏻♂️.
San Martin destroyed Edox completely in macro shot
🤣 true
Is San Martin good watch today?👌
You may say that Original 62MAS and Captain Willard are unobtainable, but Tudor black bay can be bought at AD. Rolex on the other hand, is disgustingly unobtainable at the moment simply because no AD in the world will tell you that they have one in stock. Is that true or not? Who knows. But pretty soon Rolex will cease to become a grey dealer darlin. Grey dealer will soon have to find work in restaurant waiting tables.
I could afford the Rolex, but don't like the wait list, and I like buying Apple stock instead of on a watch I guess. The San Martin looks to scratch that itch it looks like.
They are actually starting to product original designs
Since you think that replicating a submariner from the 70s or 80s is ok, you should’ve gotten the SN004G to make it a bit fairer.
Reality vs. Conspicuous consumption
Winner?
Reality... unless your rich friends will oust you from their country club.
SM is a copy, not a homage! Why do they not bring in some original designs? They obviously have the capacity
Excellent take on these watches.
Agree with your last point, I was going to pull the trigger on a 36mm SM Explorer (still on my Amazon wishlist) but for the same money, I can buy a 39mm Glycine Bienne 1914, or for even less, a Combat Sub, which are original designs from a brand with real heritage. I think is funny how in the wristwatch world the word cloning evolved to "homage"...
Good points! thanks for sharing!
I would never spend more than £500 on a watch because i have family that is a much more rewarding place to help with my money.
If you are the sort of persons that spending thousands on a watch makes you truly happy in life then buying a homage first is a great way to find out of that design is really what you want.
I really want to like San Martin watches. I've owned a half a dozen over the years. Flipped the all. They just feel a bit cheap.
I would rather have a invicta pro diver than a San Martin. They are both doing the same thing but the San Martin just screams cheap Chinese watch which they both are but invicta is the more established brand they actually do original and very rude watches 😂
I see it is so logical and reasonable to compare a $200 watch to a $16,000 watch eh? Make all the sense….
San martin doesnt put lume pipes on their subs .... That bezel insert isnt from san martin. Dont spread misinformation
You gonna back this up or just cut and run?
San Martin hands aren't finished very well. Get an original design, a Certina or a Christopher Ward have far better movements, clasps, and finishing.
Have you held one yet? I have a Certina DS action 38mm and a San Martin and they are neck and neck in finishing and The San Martin has the option for a Sellita SW200 so Im not sure the point your making is very true.
@@turnbasedtoddy7664
Fair point.
The finishing on my PH 200M is as good as any C. Ward, Oris 65 or Mid teir Seiko I've ever had on wrist, but the case and hand finishing on the SM Willard V.1 is pretty exceptional for a $200 watch.
I have San Martin and C.Ward (and Omega, JLC, Breitling, Tudor + others) and the San Martin finishing is great. Guess I just got lucky.
it's unfair to compare a bicycle to a sports car
Don't call the Rolex a bicycle!
Homages are OK but having the real deal there is nothing like it and they are missing out on that by buying a substitute, the only thing I homage is God.
All hail the flying spaghetti monster!
The SM is close to both quality, but if you want such a boooooring watch model, than get the cheapest 😂
libre a toi de faire comme tu le souhaites mon garcon
You really have annoyed me !
A Superman T-shirt !
Everyone knows Batman, and maybe Spiderman are the greatest superheroes !!!
I am now questioning your taste and judgement,- and everything you have told me about watches !!!
I would also accept Iron Man.
This was the only clean t-shirt :D
😂
Fredric Wertham asserted in his 1954 book Seduction of the Innocent that "Batman stories are psychologically homosexual". Andy Medhurst wrote in his 1991 essay Batman, Deviance, and Camp that Batman is interesting to gay audiences. Just saying.
May want to be careful calling homages by the name of the model they resemble. For example, calling the San Martin watch a "Submariner," which can be interpreted by the TH-cam standards as counterfeit, which would get this video deleted, along with the channel getting a strike. You may want to check out what Gary at ILikeWatches/ILikeWatches2 has been going through with exactly this issue, and especially regarding San Martin watches.
We need to get real here, they are pretty much disposable watches, no after service, no spare parts and no authorized dealers.
The only spare parts anyone ever needs is an NH35 movement and they are USD$50 - cheap as. Labour costs mean it's more economical to just get a new watch but if you want to keep the watch for sentimental reasons then it's not hard to get a watchmaker to put in a new movement. I've done it myself just as a hobbyist. Hand setting is the only tricky thing but am getting the hang of that. No ADs? Lol. Christopher Ward, Formex and most microbrands don't have ADs, and they are doing pretty well.
@@thegorn The micro brand Fromex you mention has many trusted multi national distribution channels, they are their "authorised network" of distribution in various countries all over the world, from Oslo to the USA. Repairers keep Fromex name parts in stock and you can always send your watch back to Christopher Ward for a service. With a San Martin watch, if a dial batton falls of the dial, your not going to be able to obtain a new dial.
bracelet= horrible; power reserve= 7h wtf ? yeah san martin is horrible...
"homage" really means "design knock off", but people prefer "homage" to make themselves feel better. They only fool themselves.
Brand snobs are so funny when they're mad
Second!!! :)
Congrats on the 9k subs! 👍
Thank you very much, Razvan!