Watches under microscope vol. 6 San Martin SN007 V4
Welcome to the sixth edition of Watches Under the Microscope.
Having shown you watches from a well-known Swiss brand, a microbrand and a Japanese affordable watches, it's time to look into the controversial waters of Chinese watchmaking. So today we're going to take a look at San Martin watches.
China is a symbol of cheap and low quality products for many, however, the following shots clearly prove that you get what you pay for - in this case something around $230.
The indices are large and incredibly clear even at maximum magnification. The application of the luminescent layer is then of such a level that the watch is absolutely second to none. Note the fine and absolutely precise edge from the inside of the index. The printing of the text is superb, and the workmanship of the hands is also excellent. The icing on the cake is the covering of the axis of the hands. I only found a defect (scratch) on the hexagonal logo.
In this particular case, I would like to mention the rest of the workmanship of the watch. The bezel has great action and alignment is about 99%, the luminescence is strong and absolutely even with no dark areas. The crown screws in smoothly and feels solid. The transitions between the polished and brushed parts are perfect. The bracelet fits the case with absolutely no play... and I could go on.
On a literally microscopic level, you can see that even a watch originating in China can be absolutely exquisitely crafted.
As always, please excuse the quality of the photos. They were taken with a children's microscope, which really requires a lot of light - it reveals things that are normally hidden even from the view of the camera's macro lens.
Watch collector and hobby watch photographer. I enjoy all types of affordable watches. I really like beauty in detail and my favorite watches must be well-made.
Thanks for confirming what I already believed, that not everything you buy on AliExpress is a piece of crap!
Thanks for confirming what I already believed, that not everything you buy on AliExpress is a piece of crap!
You are welcome. Of course not everything from Ali is crap. That would be really dumb way to see things.
You are welcome. Of course not everything from Ali is crap. That would be really dumb way to see things.
I agree, but it is a commonly held view.
$230 gives you joy then it’s well worth it . $10,000 plus for a watch better make me deliriously happy but I’m sure the law of diminishing returns kicks in with watches the same as anything else . I’m certain that they bring more joy and satisfaction to more people than Rolex does in comparison to this law.
I compared in the past my own San Martin SN007-G-X (the 37mm 62MAS version) to my Seiko SPB147 under a microscope and there was really not a lot differences in fit and finish. The SPB had better finished hands but the the dial itself, indices and date window were comparable or better on the SM.
The SN007 was my first San Martin watch. I even got a custom dial. And although I had already experienced two other AliExpress watches (one very good FOR the price, the other just fine for what I paid) the moment I picked up the San Martin, I could tell they were in a different league. They are great values for what you pay. And having now purchased a few more, the brand is consistently very well built and finished for the price.
Do I have much better watches? Yes, but from a bang for your buck perspective San Martin's are truly impressive. They could just use a little help in the original design department. And yes they are priced higher than other Ali brands, but it's for a reason.
Ali watches are truly hit and miss though. Sometimes even from the same brand it can be inconsistent. Makes for great beaters though. 🙂
Wow!!
Looks considerably better than the Seiko SNXS79!
Looks considerably better than the Seiko SNXS79!
Of course, it's also cheaper so it's not a surprise.