I agree with several of your points Duncan the pips should not be misaligned However i have seen similar or worse on some Seiko's and orients I think this is more of a mass production build issue since all of these are mass built pieces but when it comes down to the cost comparison is where they really shine you get a lot for the money and since they both have Seiko movements either way you should in theory have a decent watch that will last years. San Martin is by far NOT my favorite brand but it is what the people want to see and since I am broke it is what I can afford to put on the channel lol Gotta get them views plus I really like the as you say the clomages to me they are like to snap-on vs harborfreight issue a few years ago here in the states short story snapon was selling a jack for $1200 usd harborfreight found out it was made in china went to the factory and made a deal to have them make the same for them to sell for $250 usd for the SAME JACK! Snapon sued lost and had to pay a settlement to harborfreight in the millions. Plus snapon was outed for screwing us auto techs who buy there shit, it all used to be made in the US really great tools but no any more but basically short awnser just because it cost more with a big brand name does not guarantee it will be better in some cases it basically the same or with some trade offs like here yes pips are misaligned but better overall bracelet and smooth tight bezel AND better price BUT shit customer service through aliexpress so just like you said you got to weight it out for me my wallet does most the decision making now I am off to the Casino LMAO Hopefully I can win some money to buy better watches
yup just for a change we are on exactly the same page LOL yes if this is what we can afford then that's the way it is and I'm ok with that also hahahaha maybe one day I can buy a breitling but not able to today!!! Let me know if you want me to send this one over when the vallimor arrives :D
@@thetimebombardier I will let you know yeah that wouldn't mind doing a review but that's not what I wanted my personal collection so that might work out better lol
In my experience SM are usually better put together, I've never had one with alignment issues, pip or handset, dial even. Also the bracelet, usually another SM strong suite, my bracelet feels very solid and the clasp fits much better, doesn't look too big for the bracelet. My only criticisms would be why not use a NH38 and the lume doesn't have the longevity of some lumes. The bezel action is slick, by any standards and the crown action is nice and has good grip. I wouldn't think many folks other than Tuna fans would buy this watch. The Prospex is just too much for a battery watch, but I do have a "full steel" modded SNE 497, the San Martin is somewhat more blingy than I chose for the finish on my Seiko, which is fine, and it taught me to appreciate the practicality of a solar movement, especially in a dive watch. The SM Tuna is still fairly flexible, a decent rubber strap gives it a somewhat more tool watch look. Had mine for a year or so and it still looks great, nothing loose or in anyway unsatisfactory. If you're after a Tuna homage this is a good example although in 2024 they're difficult to find and new prices are currently around £450.
Cheers OKTC 😎👍 yup was a bit frustrated with this one as i can't afford the original 😅 i've not given up on the brand but will need some better assurances of quality!!
Lovely watch
I agree with several of your points Duncan the pips should not be misaligned However i have seen similar or worse on some Seiko's and orients I think this is more of a mass production build issue since all of these are mass built pieces but when it comes down to the cost comparison is where they really shine you get a lot for the money and since they both have Seiko movements either way you should in theory have a decent watch that will last years. San Martin is by far NOT my favorite brand but it is what the people want to see and since I am broke it is what I can afford to put on the channel lol Gotta get them views plus I really like the as you say the clomages to me they are like to snap-on vs harborfreight issue a few years ago here in the states short story snapon was selling a jack for $1200 usd harborfreight found out it was made in china went to the factory and made a deal to have them make the same for them to sell for $250 usd for the SAME JACK! Snapon sued lost and had to pay a settlement to harborfreight in the millions. Plus snapon was outed for screwing us auto techs who buy there shit, it all used to be made in the US really great tools but no any more but basically short awnser just because it cost more with a big brand name does not guarantee it will be better in some cases it basically the same or with some trade offs like here yes pips are misaligned but better overall bracelet and smooth tight bezel AND better price BUT shit customer service through aliexpress so just like you said you got to weight it out for me my wallet does most the decision making now I am off to the Casino LMAO Hopefully I can win some money to buy better watches
yup just for a change we are on exactly the same page LOL yes if this is what we can afford then that's the way it is and I'm ok with that also hahahaha maybe one day I can buy a breitling but not able to today!!! Let me know if you want me to send this one over when the vallimor arrives :D
@@thetimebombardier I will let you know yeah that wouldn't mind doing a review but that's not what I wanted my personal collection so that might work out better lol
Most Seiko don't have the crown exactly at 4 o'clock also.
Yup think it's just past the 4 right?
I bought 2 and they were perfectly aligned, such a shame u got a bad one 😢
cheers Alex, yeah love the watch and just got unlucky :) glad yours are good!!
@@thetimebombardier have the crown edges lightly rounded with 1200 grit or something.
tuna u need a mayo strap. looks god dam bomb proof tho
the bruce lee looks ace
yup I said solid but bombproof far better description LOL, let me know if you wanna have a nibble on this before I put it up on fleabay dude :)
I been waiting to see this lol
cheers
Does it use seiko fat spring bars?
@@tomekleeds8039 hey Tomek sorry bu i sold this one a while back and can't recall if the lug holes were big enough 😎👍
In my experience SM are usually better put together, I've never had one with alignment issues, pip or handset, dial even. Also the bracelet, usually another SM strong suite, my bracelet feels very solid and the clasp fits much better, doesn't look too big for the bracelet. My only criticisms would be why not use a NH38 and the lume doesn't have the longevity of some lumes. The bezel action is slick, by any standards and the crown action is nice and has good grip. I wouldn't think many folks other than Tuna fans would buy this watch. The Prospex is just too much for a battery watch, but I do have a "full steel" modded SNE 497, the San Martin is somewhat more blingy than I chose for the finish on my Seiko, which is fine, and it taught me to appreciate the practicality of a solar movement, especially in a dive watch. The SM Tuna is still fairly flexible, a decent rubber strap gives it a somewhat more tool watch look. Had mine for a year or so and it still looks great, nothing loose or in anyway unsatisfactory. If you're after a Tuna homage this is a good example although in 2024 they're difficult to find and new prices are currently around £450.
Cheers OKTC 😎👍 yup was a bit frustrated with this one as i can't afford the original 😅 i've not given up on the brand but will need some better assurances of quality!!