San Martin - Ranger & BB54 Quality

I have 3 or 4 San Martin watches and the quality of construction is definitely their strength. Not had either watch you're looking at but I'm sure they'll be the same. Personally I prefer those with Seiko movements but you can't really go wrong with SM IMO. 👍

Thank you! I'm comfortable with the NH35's that are in these two models, there's enough information out there to show that movement is perfectly fine to go with at this price point. Have you had the opportunity to test out much of the WR of your San Martins?

In my 5 watch San Martin experience they are certainly the best quality of all my homage type watches. I think you would be extremely unlucky if you were disappointed.

Good luck (even though you shouldn't need it!) 🙂

Appreciate the feedback! The more I hear from the community (good things and bad), the more informed I can be when deciding! Good to hear you've had good experiences! Any chance you happened to have those exact models?

I'm afraid not. I did bid only last week on a blue Pelagos homage but didn't quite get it.

I don't know how you are planning to make the purchase but in the UK with ebay their buyer protection is excellent. If you had a genuine complaint with a watch you would most likely get an approved return.

I really think you will be impressed with San Martin in my opinion.

👍🍻

Sorry to hear you missed out on that one! The Pelagos looks awesome! I'd most likely buy direct from San Martin. Would that be sensible, or have you leant more towards Ebay sellers?

I own a BB36, and whilst it is a nice watch it also makes me think about the hobby. I own three San Martin watches, and to be honest the finish is equally as good as the Tudor, and arguably the bracelet and clasps are even better. Where the Tudor stands out is the superior movement, and of course the status. That may upset some enthusiasts, but as an owner of both I feel I am being honest

It's mainly my impatience to get hold of my new to me watch! And to save a little on the price as I've only purchased used examples. With good seller feedback I've found you can't go wrong.

I have no experience of buying direct unfortunately. I would like to think San Martin as an established and respected Chinese manufacturer you shouldn't have a problem.

I'm sorry not to have been specifically helpful but hopefully a few guidelines.

Cheers bud.

Ah yes, should have looked closer at your photo. I thought it was a Pelagos! 🙂

I have no experience with San Martin. I just wanted to say that your honest evaluation of where you are financially and what you can spend is an admirable quality. Congratulations and I wish you well.

I've worn one in the shower and bath without issues but I've never been swimming or diving in them. TBH I've never been swimming or diving in anything other than my Duro and Squale.

Yep I get that. To me at least, the only real difference is what's ticking away inside. Otherwise, it's all mostly the same. Brushed/polished 316L stainless steel, sapphire crystal w. AR coating, etc. But suddenly you're talking about a 5k price difference! 🤔

Much appreciated! It's simply the reality of our life, at the moment. If I suddenly had, or saved up over the years, the price of a Tudor BB54, that money would immediately go to paying down our mortgage, or something else the family actually needs. At the end of the day, a watch is a frivolous luxury, regardless of price tag. 😁

Fair enough. But that's probably a good example, as the usual culprit for WR issues is hot water or steam. So if the watches can mostly withstand that, on occasion, then that should be satisfactory. 😁

Both were by accident BTW. 🥺

I have the SN004, a 38mm bb58 version, that looks very close to your watch. I don't think you can find a better bang per buck watch manufacturer. Finishing is awesome, the matte ceramic bezel looks the part, the nh35 movement came regulated and running around +5sec per day, much better than any other stock Seiko I have owned.

I actually got some compliments from coworkers a few weeks ago.

Does it looks as good as a real BB58? Of course not, but if this was Swiss, we would be talking about a 800usd-1000usd watch.

Be sure to buy from a reputed Ali express seller. I bought from here (not an affiliate link)

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EzXIWlx

In reality and from a parts point of view the BB36 should cost about £300 more, the actual difference is about £2700. The rest is made up of the brand name and country of origin. That said, I paid £1850 for my BB36 about 18 months ago, it's now probably worth about £2200

There are so nice St. Martin is really been stepping it up this year for sure.

Watchdives has been reliable for me.

https://watchdives.com/

I have the Ranger homage in 36mm, it's a solid watch, you'll be happy. At the very least, for a couple of hundred bucks it will let you know if you really want to spend thousands to get a Tudor.

But they survived! I can imagine the dread at the moment you notice what you've done though! 😆

Thanks for the feedback! Good to hear you're happy with the quality! Any reflections on the stated WR? Any experience in water, or have you had them pressure tested by chance?

Good feedback thank you! And you've been happy with the water performance?

Nope no pressure tested it but have taken it into the shower without any issues. I wouldn't fear taking a swim with it either. Watch is built like a thank. I don't think the stated 200m wr is wrong by any means.

I don't use my watches in water, so I would not be a good source on this.

Good stuff, thank you! 😁

I've had great experiences with them as well. I have the "BB58 Blue" and no-date ceramic "Sub", but also got to see their 62MAS in person (Blue and Gray). What impresses me is how they are able to offer the quality they do for the price. They do not feel anywhere near a $200 watch. When you hold one after owning some of the ones they are modeled after, it does make you wonder a little (yes, there is a lot that goes into that difference). And when you compare it against anything under 2-3k (movement and detail finishing aside), the value should make you smile.

Excellent feedback thank you! Out of about 100+ replies I've had from people, only one person has had a negative experience with the brand. Most have been like yourself, impressed with the value and quality vs the cost. Makes me very excited to buy a couple of their pieces I have my eye on!