San Martin SN0144 Full Review - Best Watch Release on Aliexpress
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- Yes it really is that good. If you want to see for yourself I will leave an affiliate link below:
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Thank you so much for WATCHing my video and I hope that you check out all my other content.
I release 3 videos per week, all watch related, including reviews, first impressions and general watch related topics.
I try very hard to diversify my content. Featuring known watch brands, microbrands, Aliexpress. Some I have purchased new, others second hand and I occasionally am given a watch from brands.
Being a smaller channel it is challenging to cover the cost of all the watches that I buy and partly because of this I have become an affiliate member with a number of companies including Aliexpress.
As an affiliate member I may leave affiliate links in the descriptions of videos. These links will direct you to the watches that I’ve experienced, reviewed and would certainly recommend.
If you choose to use those links I will earn a very small commission.
Thank you very much if you choose to use those links.
Below are affiliate links for my absolute favourite watches on Aliexpress. Each of them I have owned and had positive experiences with the stores that they are linked to.
Hruodland Turbine Pilot (My favourite watch on Aliexpress):
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San Martin SN0144 (the best Aliexpress watch of 2024 and an incredible watch):
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Baltany A7 Pilot drivers watch (Baltany is an incredible watch brand and this is my favourite from them)
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Another Baltany (their VC homage)
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Everyone loves the SteelDive Willard Homage
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But I still think The Tactical Frog Willard Homage is better
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My favourite and still affordable Sub homage from Cronos
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The Boderry Voyager Titanium
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Everyone needs a Seagull 1963
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The best Type A and Type B flinger from Escapement Time
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And if want a well made and super affordable Full Metal G-shock homage
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Tough Case that I use to sore and travel with my watches
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Super affordable but fantastic leather strap
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The best Bracelet Ive experienced from Aliexpress
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#seiko #omega #rolex #longines #tissot #citizen #aliexpress #watch #affordablewatches #bestwatches #orient #sanmartin #cronos #instawatch #holology #watchnerd #watchgeek #luxurywatches #dailywatch #wristshot #stateofthecollection #watchcollection #vintagewatches #cartier #breitling #iwc #tudorwatches #bulgari #tagheuer #seagull #seagullwatches #aliexpress
If San Martin can make this watch. Then I’m very excited to see what comes next for them.
SAN MARTIN SN0107-G-X ("RANGER")
Ich habe mir im Jahr 2023 eine SAN MARTIN SN0107-G-X ("RANGER") gekauft.
Eine super Uhr bin mit Ihr total zufrieden!
Sehr hervorragende Verarbeitung, Gangwerte um +/- 1 Sekunden am Tag. Auch das Armband ist von guter Qualität, und die gab es damals auch in 36mm Durchmesser, für Freunde kleinerer Uhren genau richtig.
Außerdem brauche ich mit Der am Arm keine Angst haben, dass ich deswegen beraubt oder überfallen werde.
Und wenn ich dann auch noch sehe, dass ich für etwa 8 Prozent des Preises (Stand 2025) der "Original-RANGER" circa 95 Prozent der Leistung des Originals erhalten habe. Super !!!
Mit dieser Uhr ist mein fast 50 Jahre dauernder Ausflug in die Welt der "Edelmarken" endgültig Geschichte !!!
I contacted them once to create a watch, but they showed me that they source parts from a bunch of factories producing questionable* components. A sample of their $500 watch costs $50, and near the finalization, they act as if they don’t know English. It seems like their ideas are also assembled from what they take*. High quality?
I bought this watch in December 2024 and am very satisfied. Comfortable to wear, great dial.
That’s great to hear. Mine continues to be one of my regular wears.
I bought mine pre order , first batch before any reviews were made, I know a good watch when I see one regardless of who makes it or which country or company .
Good video agree with most of your points.
Still loving my watch
Also I prefer the current San Martin hexagonal logo , compared to all the other iterations.
I knew I would be getting one as soon as I saw it too. Hahahahahaha. I’m definitely happy to have one in the collection
Wearing mine now. Love the look and the thinness makes it comfortable and not wobbly bobbly. I often forget that I'm wearing it and sometimes fall asleep with it on. I love the unique dial design and bracelet. The only improvement I would make would be to enlarge the window around the date so that the numbers are not so much of a tight fit. I like the logo on the dial but I would be interested to see how it would look if it were printed on in white outline. But overall I can't fault it. I feel privileged to own such a thoughtfully designed and authentic timepiece. I hope SM keep up this kind of design philosophy and develop a unique identity around it.
I’m excited to see what they come out with in the future.
@@nathanaelsmith3553 I got the 36 wearing mine too!
Gorgeous watch and a great review James! I kind of wish the midsection of the case was slightly less bulbous if that makes sense? I reckon it would be a 10/10 if they could do that! Either way it's awesome! Cheers.
I’ll bring it down next time so you can check it out in person.
Nice review James. One of my favourites of 2024 for sure. The thin case makes it wear like a true luxury watch, and the dial is brilliant!
There is so much to like about this one.
I got mine (same as yours) for £150 in the 11/11 sale, was very fortunate. It really is a great piece, mine runs -5s/d.
My only gripe with it is that when placing the dial into the case it is slightly to the left. I’ve seen this on many images of other blue 39mm’s, when looking down the line from 12-6 the 6 marker is off centre slightly when compared with the centre of the end link at 6. It’s only a feather but I didn’t expect that. That said, I’ve learnt to overlook that, it’s not noticeable to anyone but me, and when glancing at the time even I don’t notice it.
I’ve had plenty of compliments on it, and it’s certainly a conversation starter. It shines beautifully, the polishing is immaculate, and the transitions like you say are fantastic.
I can’t wait to see what it looks like when we finally get some sunshine here in the UK!
Hahahahaha. It does come to life in the sun
I have a theory, unproven, that the watches San Martin sell really cheap in sales, are returns, watches with defects such as yours.
Absolutely beautiful watch top to bottom! I don't think enough of the budget brands really put much time into the braclet and that really effects the wearing experience. Nice to see San Martin putting that design element into the braclet as well as the dial. Thank you for the great review James.
It has significantly elevated it. Particularly because it’s so good. But also as it’s more unique
Great long term review, you photography outside showed the dial really well 👍. It is a beautiful watch and I'm glad to see a Chinese brand embrace their heritage in an original design.
Thank you. I try to include a number of different shots in different locations and lighting.
I know what it’s like wanting to buy a watch without seeing it first.
So I hope my videos help a bit.
Completely agree! Wear the 36mm blue version right now! Love it!
I’d love to see the 36mm. I think it would be a great size too
@@KP-wp5sz got the 36 as-well wasn’t sure if I should of got the mid size but I’m glad I didn’t this little thing wears like a dream and the dial looks different in different lighting .
I got a blue one in the 11/11 sale and got a right bargain at £190UK, at that time in the aliexpress sale with all the vouchers i had collected and only the 39mm was available as i would have liked a 42mm one if i had the choice. It was the miyota 9015 movement that got me interested in this watch. Its nice to see San Martin using a more premium movement than the usual NH35. They have just released a black and gold version which i am seriously considering but they have really hiked the price up to £350 just now, probably because of the overwhelming demand for them..?! The black and gold is a beauty, i call it the 'John Player Special' colour as in the old formula one racing team... It is my favourite watch in my colection at this present time.. 👌
I’m very happy to see the 9000 series miyota becoming a more go to movement. It’s one of my favorites
@WATCHingJames The finishing on San Martins cases and bracelets sure warrants a more higher end movement than a bog standard NH35, thats for sure. I can pick up an NH35 powered watch for less than £50UK so i really begrudge paying around £300 for a watch with the same movement regardless of a really good case finishing.
The movement is the heart of the watch at the end of the day, no point having a fantastic looking watch with a budget movement no matter how reliable the movement is. Lets hope San Martin adopt the 9000 series for all their offerings in the future. I might buy a few more if they do.. .?
👍😁⌚️
Still in love with mine (in RED) and the 9015 Miyota is a great movement that really suits this watch. Cheers
That’s great to hear. Thanks for WATCHing
Was wondering what you'd just witnessed in the thumbnail 😆...it is a lovely watch, it's hard to argue with San Martin. I'm a big fan of these new 'Frogman style' bracelets (not sure who first designed these links, probably also not Hamilton)...anyway San Martin, still the AliX kings and interesting they still have so little genuine competition - occasionally a Seestern or Cronos or IX&DAO gets close but they're never consistently challenged. I didn't think 5 years ago it'd still be the same today...but it is 🙃...nice review 😎👍
Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing
The case is the same that many Chinese and AliExpress brands use for Rolex models they just change where they polish and brush but this ones looks especially nice with the beveling. Bracelet definitely looks more expensive than $300ish usd, hell there’s watches over 5k with giants gaps in their bracelets.
It’s nice that it creates a design language between them.
San Martin has definitely stepped their game up. In comparison to what's available in that price range, San Martin has used the white gloves to the competition!
It would be hard to find a comparable watch for the same money
Nice choice James, well done 👍. The only complaint I would have (my very own personality complaint as an 8,5 inch wrist owner) - I would like to see it in 41 or 42mm diameter
It’s great they have released so many size options. I’d love to see the smaller 36 as well. But could not justify owning two.
@@holgermuller3597 they have it in 41 or 42 and 36 now.
For all the buzz about San Martin I haven’t tried one out yet, great video can definitely tell you’ve got more time on your hands
Thank you. Hoping to use the time to incrementally improve the videos.
More time to get more varied B roll footage now to.
@ excited to see what you can do 🤙
Its super pretty! Ive seen one with an orange dial that would be my pick. That being said these watches are certainly up there! Japan and the Swiss better start taking notice!
If they are making watches this good now. I can’t even imagine what they will be like in a few years.
@@WATCHingJames Very true James!
I still haven't experienced a San Martin watch. This one looks tempting
@@watchsixto do it ! 😆
If you are going to try one. This is the one.
A beautiful watch, probably within the next 3 watches I’ll buy
Thanks for WATCHing
A splendid watch, I have one of these and one of Jody's Erebus Ascents, and I have a lot of difficulty choosing one over the other.
There are definitely some comparisons between them. I have a side by side video of the two coming soon.
I held off on this because of its price. The blue does look fantastic but now they have a grey and gilt. It’s even more expensive but it looks expensive. I think on the next sale it might be my first watch purchase for over 12 months.
I see they are now being a number of different colours.
Which is great to see.
@@goldfools5445 the grey does look awesome I seen it on San Martin’s YT channel
Mine is on the way to Barcelona 😊, the orange one in 36 mm, I hope I'll have it on my wrist next week. Thank you for your great reviews 🙏
Brilliant. I would be keen to see the 36mm version too. I think it would be great in that size.
It's pretty similar in size to our beloved Rado Golden Horse, which, by the way, I also bought being influenced by your previous review. I don't regret it at all, I love that sweet watch: quality and heritage at an affordable price! Thanks again!
Got mine with the orange pattern dial about a week ago. In about an hour one of the links began working itself apart. Not the screw down link part, the solid links that were supposedly permanently attached to one another. I added some contact cement, and very carefully pressed the endcap back on with my crystal press. Hasn't come loose since but that was a bummer to deal with.
Hmmmmmm. That’s disappointing to hear. It’s worth reaching out the SM to let them know.
It might be a fault they are unaware of.
@WATCHingJames In hindsight, I should have, but this has become a bit of the norm for me with these affordable microbrands. My Phoibos had a dial alignment issue, and my Duxot had a centimeter long strand of cloth stuck in the escapement that outright siezed the entire movement. This was my first San Martin, and I'm hoping this was just the exception rather than the rule.
Logo is too solid/blocky but it's not too bad on this piece IMO.
40/21mm tapering to 17 or 18mm would be stunning proportions.
The shoulders on those lugs is a tad too big.
Thanks for WATCHing
SM is king in the micro world. now they have their own designs. good to see that they use miyota now
I’m very happy that the high beat miyotas are now being so common.
Their new version of the SN0009 (Grand Seiko diver homage) uses a very similar looking bracelet now, but with weird screws where the head comes off and you push out the shafts, and the older style push button on the fly adjust clasp.
Thanks for WATCHing
People are going to be telling their Grandchildren, “back in the day, you could just buy San Martin Watches from AliExpress. Yes the same AliExpress Stadium where the Chicago Cubs play. None of this putting your name down at a San Martin AD…” 😅
Thanks for the great review!
Hahahahahahaha. I can see it now….
SAN MARTIN SN0107-G-X ("RANGER")
Ich habe mir im Jahr 2023 eine SAN MARTIN SN0107-G-X ("RANGER") gekauft.
Eine super Uhr bin mit Ihr total zufrieden!
Sehr hervorragende Verarbeitung, Gangwerte um +/- 1 Sekunden am Tag. Auch das Armband ist von guter Qualität, und die gab es damals auch in 36mm Durchmesser, für Freunde kleinerer Uhren genau richtig.
Außerdem brauche ich mit Der am Arm keine Angst haben, dass ich deswegen beraubt oder überfallen werde.
Und wenn ich dann auch noch sehe, dass ich für etwa 8 Prozent des Preises (Stand 2025) der "Original-RANGER" circa 95 Prozent der Leistung des Originals erhalten habe. Super !!!
Mit dieser Uhr ist mein fast 50 Jahre dauernder Ausflug in die Welt der "Edelmarken" endgültig Geschichte !!!
That’s great to hear. It is incredible how good they have become.
WatchDives makes a similar cheaper watch, but I'd rather get the San Martin, the thinner case, the sweet bracelet, and I do like the applied logo on that dial- prominent like a shiny hood ornament. Would be a great watch to buy and the best watch to win- thanks James!
I’ve got that watchdives coming. I’ve heard it’s great.
It will be interesting to see what it’s like compared to this one.
@@WATCHingJames Excellent! Don't think I've seen them side-by-side, Love the San Martin but I'm kind of cheap so that WatchDives has a shot!
Purchased my first San Martin a few months ago and can’t actually fault it …I nearly think are my “luxury “ Omega,Tudor ,Rolex actually worth it . I could nearly buy the whole San Martin catalog for the price of a Rolex OP ,enjoy them and maybe move them on eventually if I didn’t enjoy them anymore…a great brand .
Yesterday I watched TH-cam comparison between tudor bb58 and SM tudor homage SN008, things tudor got better
1. Better refined chapter ring smaller cuts [ expected cause they make over a million same cases a year Same , Sm not even a fraction so no need for that detail )
2. In house movement, always tell people you want better movement buy it and stop complaining, obviously the price will go up for home made production .
3. 60 click bezel
4. Engraved logo on crown 😑
5. Female end links
And maybe 1 more mini factor not worth mentioning even for nit picking , honestly it ain't worth spending extra 3400 £ on this nonsense 🙄
It is a thought a lot of us are having
I was able to buy the 39mm from the official store for $237 USD during the 11/11 sale. $253 USD with tax included.
Brilliant
@@larrydalton2205 got a similar deal on my 36
I’m seriously considering the 36mm version for my 6.25 inch wrist!
It’s so good that they have the options of size now. I’d be keen to see the 36 myself too.
@@WATCHingJames LOVE your channel! Many greetings from Los Angeles!
Great purchase
Thanks mate.
So a better buy than an Erebus Ascent?
I would buy both/have bought both so not knocking the Erebus ; )
I’ve got a side by side video featuring both coming soon.
I find myself enjoying and wearing the Erebus more. But both are fantastic
@@WATCHingJames Looking forward to that.
Have the 42mm but just ordered the 39 to have a proper comparison.
Ultimately I have both and love Erebus more than SM, but the power Jody seems to be wielding is funny and very indicative of TH-cam IMO.
James, Seestern is much better, production quality wise. SM use that soft steel clasp, and still have sharp surfaces. Blank case back is also not acceptable in my view. Nice dial doesn't make up for it. Having all this in mind, these are still expensive.
I know this is kind of a sales pitch, but if you guys don't steer them, they will never up their game.
I’ve had a couple of incredible Seestern too. Brilliant watches. This one however does feel better.
But I’ve not seen all from them.
@jddd665 my 36 isn’t sharp but I have a diver they did that is a bit on the sharper side
mark would love that blue
I’m sure he will get to see it now that he is stocking them.
did they thin out that clasp by changing the way it adjusts?
Yes. It feel a tiny bit longer. But definitely thinner.
How does it compare with the Erebus Ascent?
Stay tuned. Upcoming side by side video coming soon.
Anyone know when those new dial colors are coming out?
I saw a yellow version and another but unsure of the timeframes.
Your top 10 San martin watches ?
It’s now number 1 in my top ten.
@WATCHingJames other recommendations and why ? Will be an excellent video
Is this the grand seiko atera valley killer? o.o
It’s certainly something super special. Thanks for WATCHing
I contacted them once to create a watch, but they showed me that they source parts from a bunch of factories producing questionable* components. A sample of their $500 watch costs $50, and near the finalization, they act as if they don’t know English. It seems like their ideas are also assembled from what they take*. High quality?
Thanks for WATCHing
What have you been smoking, I want some too. 500 bucks, a sm or a second hand swiss watch? There is a third option which is to keep the 500 in the bank :-)
Hahahahahaha. Yes. That’s an option too.
If they get rid of the fumé treatment and shrink it 2-3 mm and I'd be tempted.
The sell this watch in three different dial sizes...
There is a 36mm version now and I think there are more florals coming too.
Almost too many options.
I'll never buy an Ali Express watch as long as they have stupid names and Logos.
How long will it be before the penny drops?
I’ve been thinking about that a lot.
But if I’d never heard the names Seiko, Longines, Rolex and almost all of the know brand names before then I would probably have the same opinion about them.
Seriously “Rolex” what a silly name. It’s only because we know it that we accept it.
Does the bracelet pinch Your armhair from time to time? Mine does. Nothing tragic, but it's irritating.
No. I’ve not had that problem. I’ve got hairy arms too.
Do you wear it loose or tight?
I don't know. It looks technically well done in every aspect, like a Toyota, but it just still seems bland, like a Toyota and like a lot of recent San Martins. A bit old retired guy to me. The new IXDAO dragon scale diver (with the coffee wave dial) however - now thats impressive!
I’ve got my eye on the blue version of that one. It looks awesome
@@WATCHingJames yeah agree. Its down the list since I just bought the Aquatrident and now just found a G-Shock AWM-500D NIB for $359 AUD - very classy for a G!
8:15 You're not talking about tolerances, you're talking about clearances.
True, you can't have tight clearances without tight tolerances, but you don't know the tolerances, you don't know the prescribed consistency from one specimen.
Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing
It’s a lovely watch, I just wish it had more interesting hands they are a little bland.
It would not surprise me if they come out with more variations of this one.
Monta Noble vibes.
Thanks for WATCHing
Ho questo orologio e concordo con tutto quanto ha detto.
Personalmente avrei preferito 40,5 mm .. metà strada tra 39 e 42 mm con indici e puntatori appena più robusti. Sembra un bel orologio che viene dal passato e non è un difetto
Thanks for WATCHing
For $100 less I'd rather grab a Islander Watch Upper Brookville.
I love the Islander watches. I’ve had a few and have another in the post at the moment.
But I can say, in my experience, the Erebus quality and feel is significantly better.
Sorry Marc
That clasp is huge, like a tail wagging a dog.
To me, the clasp is about the perfect size. Shorter would mean less adjustment.
It has some length to it but it’s thin. So feels right to me.
I got mine for 250 on the sale 🫠
Brilliant