Chinese Midsized Diver Showdown
Intro
Decided it would be nice to do a comparison between three heavy hitters. This is my first San Martin and I think these three are all in the same league quality-wise. All are excellent options for small-midsize divers in the mid premium price range.
I will do pros and cons for each, in order of when I got them. And the numerical scores are in the second picture.
Proxima px1697
Pros:
- Thinnest case/thinnest overall/Thinnest rehaut
- Most inspired/unique case design (even though it is copied)
- High beat movement
- Date complication
- Best endlink fit by a thin margin over SM
- Quick release bracelet
- Best crown action and ease of use
Cons:
- Blue AR coating
- Worst crystal clarity of the group
- Goofy date wheel font
- Goofy dial fonts
- No on-the-fly clasp (but comes with one now)
- Worst bezel action and grip of the group. Just so thin I don’t blame them.
Seestern S435
Pros:
- High beat movement
- Date complication
- Case wears really well. Lugs turn down and hug even a smaller wrist.
- Most premium dial surface. Beautiful super subtle sunburst
- Best bezel action by a narrow margin over SM
- Best lume
Cons:
- Worst endlink fitment. Decent, but not a fan of contrasting brushing
- Crown hard to thread on mine
San Martin Sn0138
Pros:
- Best crystal clarity
- Best bracelet quality by tiny margin, all very similar
- Best steel finishing by small but not insignificant margin
- Nice matte bezel (subjective, but my favorite)
- Best bezel grip, almost too sharply knurled.
- Cheapest, at least the prices I got.
Cons:
- Blue AR coating
- Very flat lug profile, does not hug the wrist.
- Thickest midcase, pretty chunky looking with the small diameter
- Thickest rehaut
- Low beat movement
- No date
- Clasp possibly too big for the case, balance wise.
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Bro do you plan is selling that Bluesy San Martin? Hit me up if you do ... Let's have a conversation brotha 👊🏽
That font on the Proxima really is almost a deal breaker. Its such a nice design and is very reminiscent of the Invicta 1953 but done better I think. Between the three I would still choose the Proxima then the Seestern. The SM just doesn’t cut it for me as the brand name and logo is not for me. Great comparison man!
You say the bezel action on the Proxima is bad, have you ever tried an Omega? The bezel action on my SM300 heritage is absolutely shite!! I'd wager the Proxima is better!! 😱👍🏻