Thank you for visiting my channel page. My name is Mike and I have an obsession for watches old and new. I have been a hobbyist watchmaker since 2016 and in that time I have gained extensive knowledge on watch restoration and servicing. I have now setup this channel to create reviews on watches I own from my personal collection and on watches on loan or provided to the channel for review. It will be combination of vintage and modern and from high end to budget. I am no watch snob and my tastes are wide ranging. I also have another channel called My Retro Watches where I show restorations and tutorials of watches from a hobbyist point of view.
I’m glad to have come across this video. I’ve been trying to collect at least one each of the original A-11’s. During my search I’ve ran across these Praesidus versions and have been curious about how well built they are.
I bought the addiesdive sterl version with no logos on the steel bracelet it's a good watch for everyday wear holds up decent I have no complaints all I've ever done to it was to size the bracelet and oil the bracelet and rotating bezel with gun oil and wipe it all down
I am right handed and wear a bracelet and my watches I wear on my left hand wrist. Maybe the man who wears a a watch on their right wrist finds it comfortable and I am happy for such application for the person who needs to.
Hi, My first watch at the age of 16 was a 1970s Willard, it cost me $80.00 NZ dollars which was a lot of money at the time. I owned this watch for 5 years then sold for $60.00 NZ. I recently had the opportunity to purchase a Steel Dive version which I am very happy with, especially as I still had fond memories of the the original model. As much as I which like to own an original again the second hand prices are ridiculous at the age of 72 I am very happy with the Steel Dive.
I own it, and people like it. It seems to keep good time. The only problem is that it reflects lights a bit, otherwise, I am happy with the purchase. I use a watch winder as well. Steve
The sweet spot for field watches is 36mm like the Rolex Explorer I and the Dirty Dozen watches. Field watches were designed to be small and thin so it can go under the sleeve of a field jacket and a field shirt. 38mm is actually the maximum size.
I bought one, the recent 39. I also have a R Explorer 2 and an Omega PO. This watch is so nice that I wear it with pride whenever I fancy it. These watches are made just over the border from HK. The customer care is up close and personal - honestly, what's not to like here. I intend to get an Explorer 1 but this lovely watch will always have a position in my watch box.
The length is fine for me if I feel I like the watch being reviewed, but if it's one I'm not keen on they can be a little long. Keep them just as they are
Excellent review! Just got stainless one with red display. It's my 3rd Hammy. Picked up 6-30-24. Got it cause 30% off. Simple watch, nothing too it, but I love the look. This review I watched months ago and it's the reason I bought it. Great review, I loved the history off this watch and the way you told. Hamilton should give you commission for my purchase
Just collected mine after a very anxious 12 day wait the precise time they said it would arrive. I fell in love with the 54 when I tried it on at a Tudor store. Couldn’t afford the randsom they asked so did the next best thing. Thank you San Martin for the opportunity to fulfil my dream of owning a 54. The quality is amazing 🎉 big bang for the bucks 👍
Great review, I think SM did a good job with that exposed spring bar..look at the thickness of the shoulder junction / end pin , I suspect it is used in favour of a usual spring bar for added security & strength and to prevent the deaded `clicking` spring bars make especially in a vulnerable area like that piont in the strap.
That’s a bit generalising. Which one is it? It’s not a homage. Every watch with a bezel has copied the first ever one, crown at 4, crown guards, water proofing. List goes on. This watch is not copying just one watch, that I know of anyway. And for San Martin that is a big deal and a direction I want them to go in.
Your in depth take are what makes the difference between other reviews so I see no issues with the time. This particular model is a re-hash of a previous one and tbh I preferred that but with this bracelet.
I like the longer clasps as you get more adjustment (but i've got a large wrist so they sit right, and i can see how the smaller version will work better for those with smaller wrists)
I am not sure your really do you know. I should measure to be sure but to me it looks about 3/4 of a link which is around what you get on the long version.
Interesting colour scheme, grey with a red bezel. Your reviews are good as they are. I'm wearing my new San Martin Longines Hertitage lookalike, with the name San Martin on the dial, no logo, so, buyable 😀.I hope the strap is faux.
There are some design elements from Doxa in there. (The second hand especially) and of the Tudor Pelagos (the hour markers). but not so much that it's too obvious. Not bad.
I really like this watch design, including the bezel edge and the bracelet with fitted end links. I'd like to see San Martin expand the range of dial options with this model. Thanks for the review! The length is a little bit longer than I would choose, so I tend to skip a little 😊 Regards Matt
It’s SM’s use of NH35s on no-date models resulting in ghost positions (they do it on quartz models too) that really puts me off. It’s a shame given the trouble they go to with the rest of the watch. I do like the look of this particular model, although it’s perhaps a bit larger than I would like - especially effective lug-to-lug, and with a Milanese bracelet a shorter clasp shell would certainly be more appropriate. Very nicely made though and you certainly get alot of watch for the £££.
I agree on many of your points and understand the ghost position is annoying for many. I am not sure where I sit with it really. It does not bother me in general as I just give these watches 5-6 turns of the crown to get them going before putting them on my wrist. The extra crown position does not bother me. That said, knowing there is an unused date wheel under there is a bit annoying despite I could remove it easy enough. It must all be a buy it in bulk deal and SM must have an amazing deal on the NH35/34s
This one is not quite for me, but I’m looking forward to their future original designs. I think because of your ability to take watches apart, the videos can remain 20 minutes or so. Thanks!
Hi, thanks for the in-depth review. Would you please also do one for their other Aventurine SN0130G-B and compare the two side by side? I have a thinner wrist and SN0129G-B GMT Aventurine is almost at my max preferred size. However the slightly bigger (as per description in their site) SN0130G-B case looks better to me. Thanks. Keep up your nice work.
I have the 0129 sand dial and 0130 aventurine. The sn0130 is bigger but uses male endlinks that curve slightly below the bottom case so fits well . I have a 7inch wrist and the 0130 is fine for me . The 0130 loses that lovely champered polished crown guard but it does have raised centre bracelet links that have a polished edge and also the inner bezel aldo has a polished chamfer. The 0129 doesn't have these. The 0130 bracelet and clasp is wider too. Which to me, makes it look better
Mike, I actually appreciate the depth and technicality of your reviews. I vote that you don't change a thing! 🥰 Congratulations on hitting 5,000 subscribers on this channel. 🎊
Your reviews are fine as they are. One difference between you and most other reviewers is that you take the movement (and dial) out of the case to give us a good look. How many other watches might have this mark on the rotor (hopefully none) but other reviewers and, by extension, us the viewers wouldn’t necessarily know.
Thank you. The only issue I have going forward is the bigger brands and watch dealers who will loan you watches wont let me open them up or do anything to them which is a real shame. Its all a warranty thing... apparently.
I don't think the reviews are too long. If you cut it to 10 mins, we'd miss the microscope shots, which is your USP. IIRC 10 mins is the RU-vid ad point, so likely other people are doing juuuusssst enough to trigger ad revenue. As for the watch, I don't like the colourway. I think the grey dial with a black bezel, or even a white one with black lettering (if SM wanted to go a bit more funky) would have been fine. The red/grey just doesn't work for me. I like the edge of the bezel aesthetically, but if it affects the functionality then a coin edge would definitely be better. Lots of positives, including the case and bractand how they marry, but this is just not quite there for me.
Thank you so much. The analytics dont usualy give me a good metric for video length as average view time is always very low, on this video for instance despite the positive comments on the length of the videos this one after 850 views averages at 5:21 minutes!
San Martin does it yet again. I like the overall look of this one. Cool watch! All the bits of sharpness in any stainless steel watch can be removed with a glass nail file. The kind for polishing. You guys would be amazed what $1.00 and some "elbow grease" can do.
Hello Mike. Lets start with your reviews. I absolutely love your format, and believe the length of the reviews is perfect. Love it, no change from me. As it relates to this SM watch, i bought it last November the minute i saw it. I just love everything about it. Funny enough, i have a rather large collection of watches including a handful of higher end pueces, and no watch in my collection has received more attention than this SM. Every time I wear it someone will comment on what a beautiful, cool, awesome watch i have on my wrist. Thank you for a great review as always mate 👍
I like the extreme close views, and the accuracy measures - of your reviews. That particular watch, I think the orange bezel is a bit garish, and could be toned down a little.
This is the most appealing watch I can remember seeing in your reviews - love the matt gray dial and the orange bezel. I actually like the bezel lugs very much, and the clasp design is super. I'm happy with the length of your videos!
Thanks for your feedback. It’s all really about what we like. The orange bezel does nothing for me and I really do find the castellations on the bezel just a bit uncomfortable. For the money it would not disappoint anyone who likes the look.
I didn't realize the dial was reflective, I always assumed it was flat or matte. The grey works for me as does the orange bezel. I love their new shorter OTF clasp! The old one is way too long for my wrist. Your reviews seem like a good length to me; not too short nor dragging on. Cheers!
