I have this watch. It really is fantastic, and a great looking piece on wrist. Having said that, I do have some minor complaints: 1) Blue AR - it's annoying to me when paired with a black dial. Clear AR would have been the better choice. 2) the lume - due to the faux patina I'm sure - does not last very long compared to other SM models. 3) like every SM I own, the fit and finish is outstanding!... EXCEPT between the lugs. I really wish they would do a better job of brushing/polishing between the lugs. It's noticeable when you change straps. 4) I would like to see it with a PT5000 and an SW200 alternative. 5) The color of the patina on the hands is not quite an exact match to the indice/cut outs of the sandwich dial. 6) The bezel action is best described as having a "Tinny" sound. And, it's definitely not the best San Martin bezel action. That's alot of complaints right? But, the truth is this is a beautiful looking watch that is very well finished. My "complaints" above are really more just suggestions that I think would improve the watch. None of them have stopped me from wearing it. It looks great on my 7" wrist, and Ive got several compliments when I have wore it. It's a little blingy, so I sometimes wear it with a brown Veblinist single pass leather strap to tone it down. 1/30th the price of the Omega. Even with the above suggestions for improvement, I highly recommend it.
@Perth WAtch Thank you very kindly for the sentiment. I wish I had the brain to do such a thing, but I wouldn't even know how to get started lol. I'm more of an enthusiast or spectator, truth be told. But, I thoroughly enjoy watching your and others reviews of time pieces. This one was particularly interesting to me because I actually own it. I originally bought it because it appeared to be very close to the Omega (Both visually, and dimensionally), and I was considering whether to save for it as a personal Grail piece. I know this is a far inferior example when compared to the actual Omega, but it's just reinforced my desire to go after the Seamaster 300 heritage. I'm saving for it, and it may take me a year or two but it's definitely the watch for me. In the meantime, this homage truly is a fantastic watch. I just want to thank you for what you do Perth to bring this kind of content to us, and much respect to you Sir. San Martin really does produce some fantastic pieces. Understandably, homages are not everyone's cup of tea, but for me this piece has helped me make a better informed decision regarding a large expense. So, there is a place for them - at least in my view. Kind regards.
I wonder what this watch would look like if they had gone with monochrome black with white indices instead of the slightly dodgy patina. Also a bronze version I think would look good as well.
They must've recycled that case-back from some other model. Clearly says "YN55" on there, which would be the Epson/Orient movement. I guess that's what happens when they do specs-engraving on the back of a watch and not their usual sterile case-backs .. :D
Yeah that’s obvious but I didn’t think it was a big deal - the model is actually on there too, SUB-0051, which I believe is (yet another) Submariner homage.
@@PerthWAtch LOL... you're right. How did I miss that? And the plot thickens... on their website, they show that other SN051 ("SN051-G2") and its case-back ... but on the pics, that one's engraved with "Japan NH35". :D I guess things like that are one of the reasons why they tend to do only sterile backs these days. It might sound trivial, but I bet there's quite a bit of cost-cutting to be had from not putting any detailed specs on there.
Thanks for the review! Looking to buy one of these cheaper homage watches since the real McCoy's are getting less affordable. They really offer a good deal of build quality for the money.
Not a fan of most omega designs so a "homage" of one isn't going to tempt me. I was going to say it would be better if they upgraded the movement from the nh35 but on the last shot it says yn55a on the back, if thats correct it is an upgrade. As for the ghost date I'd prefer it if they cut a window through the dial and give us the day and date that you get on the yn55a.
That’s a case back from another model - the movement in here is NH35. However I’m curious to hear why you think the YN55 is an “upgrade”. Nothing I have seen suggests it’s any better.
Not a fan of the original design personally, but if you are and you are looking for an homage then definitely seems a great choice. Not quite sure why some people cant stand Ghost dates. An extra slight pull on the crown doesn't seem too much extra hassle. But everyone is different. Good review as always
hello Ivan, how are you, Doc? San Martin is just an awesome watch. As we all know, SM produces the best value for money watches in China. Excellent fit and finishing and great bezel action (for the money). However, there are two things that I want to nitpick. One is the clasp. SM now has a new adjustable clasp which is absolutely gorgeous and works like a dream. I think that they should put that clasp on all their existing models. Of course, I do not mind them charging us few more bucks for that. But that new clasp is just amazing. Secondly, they are still going back and forth with their company dial logo. Personally I like this San Martin font logo way more than that octagon metal logo SM. Somehow that SM logo on dial makes the watch look bit cheap. (again, that is my subjective point of view). Other than that, it is a great watch and they really produce some nice watches. Thanks for the review, Ivan.
Thanks for the feedback Alex! I don’t mind the hexagon logo so much but I get what you mean about it looking a bit tacky sometimes. I don’t believe I have that new clasp in any of the 3 or 4 San Martin’s I’ve reviewed - I will look forward to seeing it in hand on their next watch I get hopefully!
I have a few Pagani Design homages from China. Very similar movements and specs, but the screw pins and clasps can be off-tolerance at times, which is a bad wearing experience. Otherwise, how does SM differentiate itself, apart from design details? They do cost about double or more.
Fantastic watch, petty it hasn't got a PT5000 in it. I am like you, ghost dates don't bother me at all. I used to own a Parnis version with a Miyota movement. It cost less than £100, and it was surprisingly good
@@PerthWAtch In my opinion, yes. As you may know it is a clone of the ETA2824, and although Chinese, tends to be better regulated out of the factory. On a timegrapher there is very little positional variance, and on the wrist it is amazingly accurate. They are a little more expensive than the NH35, but less than a Miyota 9000 series.
No, I must not have this watch as divers aren't my thing. I do have 2x36mm San Martins with the PT5000 movement and I'm very happy with the fit and finish and how they run.
I am pretty sure you can peel some potatoes with it. What is wrong with SM and their finishing of the items,very sharp bezel and sharp edges everywhere. Would be nice to see some see-through back case on some models using st19 ,why not a decorated rotor or a nice hexagonal logo on the case back(not brushed) rather than plain "rolex style.
Maybe you got this confused with another brand's products? I find San Martin's finishing to be very good, no issues with sharp bezels I've accidentally cut potatoes with, etc. Why bother with ST19? I think display back would work better with their SW200 models, and yes, decorated rotor might be good too but lower prices is even better. Not sure if you actually watched this video before commenting - if not, you should - this does NOT have a plain Rolex style case back. Take a look.
@PerthWAtch last year, i had 2 bb58 and a bb36. The bb58 has had a very sharp bezel, the ceramic insert wasn't flushed with the bezel and the edges of the case(mainly at the back ) were very sharp. SM in general are really good, but if you go extra mile and copy a product,then do it properly
In most SM models, I agree that the hexagon looks great. But, in this particular case, I prefer the more vintage script that is currently on the dial. Imho, it adds to more vintage overall style.
Strongly disagree. This particular SM is several levels above the Pagani, in my opinion. Having stated that, there are definitely some improvements I think could be made to the SM.
Free lesson for you: Same movement with lower price does not equal better watch. You should compare them carefully to understand why your cheap one liner “Pagani is better” is wrong.
