I have become a San Martin fanboy …
I have been wanting a little CuSn8 on my wrist and have been lusting over the bronze Baltic Aquascaphe for a few years. I just haven’t been in greater-than-$600 lust … ya know?
Well, I have recently found myself to be a San Martin fanboy. Unxpected really; I bought a Tudor Ranger homage (SN0107), on a whim, because a friend suggested it was dope and “worth every bit” of the $200ish dollars I could snag it for at that time. Aaaaaaaaand, I absolutely loved it. A small little fanboy began to emerge. Then I bought my first NH34 GMT (SN0116), and loved it. Well now, to scratch my bronze itch, I grabbed this bad boy, the SN004-Q-B. Unsurprisingly, I love it.
It is a 1950’s Rolex 6200 homage, but in bronze! The finishing is great and the design is obviously stellar. It has a decent leather strap, and the movement is smooth winding. This is my first PT5000, so I hope to be able to report back in time that it lives up to the relatively high opinion I have read.
I have no clue why I have so many of these things …
Welcome to the San Martin club.
I hear the PT5000 is a good movement. Would love to hear how you find it.
I have bought and sold a fair number of watches. Right now I have 11 (a twelfth is arriving next month,why?) . Three are San Martin's. I don't think there is a better value for money watch company. Others I own that are good are Vario, Helm, Tactical Frog, Citizen.
I have bought and sold a fair number of watches. Right now I have 11 (a twelfth is arriving next month,why?) . Three are San Martin's. I don't think there is a better value for money watch company. Others I own that are good are Vario, Helm, Tactical Frog, Citizen.
I have been absolutely floored by the level of quality and finishing for the price with these San Martins! I recently purchased the Erebus Origin and have been absolutely stoked with that quality per dollar as well.
Wow!!! That's a smashing hot ass watch 🔥
Is there a stainless steel version?
My everyday wear is the BB54. I was looking for a 6204. Love the pencil hands on this one
Wow!!! That's a smashing hot ass watch 🔥
Is there a stainless steel version?
Definitely …
https://sanmartinwatches.com/shop/sn001-sn010/sn004-sn001-sn025/san-martin-sn004-g-a/
San Martin is a great choice for reliable reasonably priced homage watches.
I have a couple in the collection...
They’re solid watches for the price
My first San Martin was the SN021-G and TBH it's finish quality fell short from the expectation set by over enthusiastic YT reviewers.
My second San Martin however is a completely different story because the 37mm SN007-G-X is the best modern 62MAS re-creation that I've seen so far.
Welcome to the club. I'm on 6 SM watches and love every single one of them
My first San Martin was the SN021-G and TBH it's finish quality fell short from the expectation set by over enthusiastic YT reviewers.
My second San Martin however is a completely different story because the 37mm SN007-G-X is the best modern 62MAS re-creation that I've seen so far.
That SN007 looks fantastic! If you have a moment, what was underwhelming about the SN021?
That SN007 looks fantastic! If you have a moment, what was underwhelming about the SN021?
We have to put the SN021 in a context. The original SN021 was IIRC the first model of San Martin that got widely reviewed on YT and the widespread opinion was very positive. When my version was released it initiated another round of reviews and most of the time these were glowing with praise. That got me interested and I ordered one.
The reality was somewhat different. The SN021-G is a good watch with a good movement (PT5000) that keeps time very well, a massive bracelet, a well printed dial, and a decent case finish. But this finish is only good on the upper parts that are seen and where fingers usually touch. Even then we have to consider that the Rolex Explorer renown didn't come from its exceptional and intricate finish of its case. Therefore the bar wasn't set very high to start with.
The parts on the SN021 that are seldom seen or touched range from OK to WTF. For example the bottom tip of the lugs is very sharp and the area between the lugs is not well finished.
The overall impression was that the YT reviewers did their best to gloss over the lack of refinement because they were in love with the idea of a Rolex Explorer for less than 400$.
Since then San Martin upped their game and the workmanship and attention to details is much better. For example I really can't find a fault with my SN007-G-X 37mm 62MAS and from what I've seen on YT the newer models are even better finished.
We have to put the SN021 in a context. The original SN021 was IIRC the first model of San Martin that got widely reviewed on YT and the widespread opinion was very positive. When my version was released it initiated another round of reviews and most of the time these were glowing with praise. That got me interested and I ordered one.
The reality was somewhat different. The SN021-G is a good watch with a good movement (PT5000) that keeps time very well, a massive bracelet, a well printed dial, and a decent case finish. But this finish is only good on the upper parts that are seen and where fingers usually touch. Even then we have to consider that the Rolex Explorer renown didn't come from its exceptional and intricate finish of its case. Therefore the bar wasn't set very high to start with.
The parts on the SN021 that are seldom seen or touched range from OK to WTF. For example the bottom tip of the lugs is very sharp and the area between the lugs is not well finished.
The overall impression was that the YT reviewers did their best to gloss over the lack of refinement because they were in love with the idea of a Rolex Explorer for less than 400$.
Since then San Martin upped their game and the workmanship and attention to details is much better. For example I really can't find a fault with my SN007-G-X 37mm 62MAS and from what I've seen on YT the newer models are even better finished.
Excellent summation. Thank you for taking the time. :)