Watch For 40th Birthday - San Martin SN008 vs Lorier Neptune

If it were my choice, I'd go with the Lorier, I've heard quite some praise for it.

I know it's probably not what you want to read, but how about save that cash towards a BB58 fund if that's really the watch you've been coveting?

One point if you finally are one day ready to buy the tudor you would probably still enjoy wearing the lorier. Not so sure with the san martin.

I'd go Lorier.

I think your gut is probably pushing you in the right direction. I have a SM homage of a desired Tudor, myself (Ranger), and it's a very well made, handsome piece. But for a special milestone, I'd want go with something that's more its own thing.

If I were in your shoes, I'd go with the Lorier. I personally prefer original designs. So-called homages, which are actually copied (or rather stolen) designs- I will never wear those, regardless of how well they're made.

If you have any hesitation when it comes to unabashed homages (ie, exact copies), you have your answer. Personally, I echo the advice about saving for the Tudor. I don’t view watches as grails so I will buy 1 for 1 homages if they are attractive, well-built and economical. I view them as good choices for me not compromises.

Nothing wrong with a good homage watch. I have few! That said, the one time I bought a San Martin, I returned it; the quality control was lacking on my example (second hand would get stuck one the minute hand!). No experience with Lorier.

But, here’s a thought. If you’re not sold on an homage and are looking for a quality “name brand” for around the SM and Lorier price point take a look at the new Tissot Seastar 1000 in 40mm. Tissot makes excellent watches that will last a lifetime. Yes it’s a quartz but Swiss Made on the dial for $425 on bracelet, less on a strap? That’s a steal! And the blue dial version looks to be similar color blue to the Tudor BB58.

Let us know what you decide and pics when you get it!

Put those kids to work.

I say stay away from an homage that will just constantly remind you of the watch you don’t have.

The Lorier is absolutely more of its own thing. If you like it enough, I'd suggest getting that, and not ruining the BB58 experience with a knock-off from an AliExpress-friendly brand. That's how I'd play it.

Lorier looks better to me.

The SanMartin is the kind of watch you pick if (i) you like the looks, (ii) you can never honestly justify to yourself (or your family) the money for that Tudor. If you seriously consider the BB despite the cost, you cannot afford it right now, but probably in a few years time you might, then go for the Lorier. But if you are the kind of person who usually picks the non-branded option in a supermarket go for the SanMartin.

Look at Steinhart. They have a BB homage. Swiss parts, German assembled. I have a 14 y/o Steinhart Flieger, still runs great, no services needed. You might forget about the Tudor 😉

Photo from Steinhart Website https://www.steinhartwatches.de/en/diver-watch/diver-watch-42mm/ocean-one-vintage.html

At some point you will have saved enough for that Tudor. Once you own the real thing, will you actually choose to wear the San Martin homage over the Tudor? Or at that point will you have the watch you always wanted, and a cheap lookalike that never gets worn again?

If you get the Lorier, there will come a day when you might decide to switch back and forth between the two different looks based on your mood that day. Given that scenario, your money is better spent having gone into a watch that can still bring you moments of satisfaction even after you have the Tudor.

I concur with saving over the long haul for the Tudor. That said, if you’re itching to get a quality Swiss piece and save at the same time, maybe you can do both:

https://www.ashford.com/glycine-gl0327.html

Lorier no question about it. For a significant life event I wouldn't do a blatant homage watch.

You're a hard working man trying to do right by his family while hitting a major milestone. There can only be one right WC answer here and that's the Lorier in honor of being a Loving Husband AND the San Martin to commemorate your role as a Fine Father. You only turn 40 once! Happy Birthday and don't forget to post pic's.

I own a Lorier Safari and a San Martin SN007-G-X 37mm 62MAS, and since I like both of them so I think that I can give you a POV untainted by brand zealotry.

Go for the Lorier if you want something a bit more unique and less boring than a BB58 look alike.

Go for the San Martin if you really like the BB58 style, and forget about those advising you to save for "the real thing" because by the time you'll save enough I promise you that you'll find something more interesting to buy instead.

If you aren't sure about a homage, Lorier makes the most sense. I have a Neptune myself and they are beautiful. I like vintage style divers in general. Originals and homages. My most recent one is a Helson Skindiver (Blancpain FF homage).

All that said, here's a different take...

Your current target is a BB58, but right now the funds aren't there to buy one. I agree with many on here saying you should just save your money for the BB. However, what may actually happen is that by the time you have the money saved up you might want something else. Myself as an example, I saved for a year and a half to buy an Omega SMP, once I had the money I bought a Grand Seiko Shunbun.

So an alternative to what you can do is to buy a cheaper, original watch that's versatile. Then continue saving money towards "something". Once you have the funds you can figure out that something. By that time Tudor may have new releases or your tastes may have changed.

So my alternate suggestion for you is to get something like a dress KX that is both an original design by a longstanding brand and can be very versatile. If you really want a dive watch (can also be versatile, just not as much for some) consider a microbrand? You can get nice quartz divers out there.

This is a good video on their respective quality. Comparing both brands. https://youtu.be/XW9cazpQdc0

That scurfa looks good!

As far as the Lorier goes, I've quite enjoyed the no ghost date complication. Before owning the Neptune, I didn't think it was that big of a deal, 17 months later I really, really like it.

To me, the higher price point was justified due to Lorier's design philosophy, the owners have personally answered me back on questions, and I actually like the acrylic crystal. The feel and look is noticeably different from my other watches.

Plus I love the size. Very versatile, IMO. YMMV.

Lorier, FTW

Absolutely the Neptune. It has a design integrity that's hard to ignore.

Hands down the Lorier Neptune. You’ll be getting a beautiful watch that is not a simple copy. I have a Neptune IV and highly recommend it

Lorier for me too.

I personally possess 3 Lorier watches and they are great. I got my Zephyr as a personal 40th birthday gift and my parents gave me some money, which led to the purchase of the Falcon. Also, you can have a personalized message engraved in the back, increasing its sentimental value.

Cheers!

I have bought three watches from Aliexpress without, at the time, neither knowing or having heard the term homage watch. Doesn't bother me in the least, whilst I am in the position to spend several thousand pounds on a watch. I personally don't get it, not knocking anyone for their own choices. To me, the majority of modern watches look alike, within their own genre. I currently have a thing about vintage Russian watches. Awaiting delivery on 10 of them. 🙄

Back to your question, asking us on here probably won't help you with your choice.

Anyone got an idea the Addiesdive is a homage of?

Lorier

You could probably build a more faithful recreation yourself… and it would mean more…