I've been trying to piece together a Seiko NH35 custom build  that was a nod to the Omega Seamaster 300 Co-Axial Master Chronometer (which happens to be one of my grail watches in bronze gold).

Searched all of the great go-to aftermarket mod parts like Nakomi, DLW, Yobokies, CrystalTimes, etc.  I inventoried all the parts I needed and was embark on my first build from the ground up. One thing lead to another and this project got moved to the backburner. When it came time again to revisit this project, I happen to stumble on the San Martin site and the SN051 seemed to fit the bill especially when it was on sale. 

I was late to the AliExpress bandwagon and would not have even considered it if it wasn't built on the NH35 movement.  This particular model suffers from the San Martin identity crisis with three different logos. A different logo on the dial, crown and bracelet scrap.

Having had this watch for over 60 days, I have very few complaints. The bezel alignment (it wasn't lined up here) is perfect, it has the cut-out numbers,  the bezel clicks are crisp, the hands are appropriate and as many have pointed out... the bracelet is subpar. But over all, a perfectly fine placeholder for when I can treat myself to the real thing. 

The only thing I could have done without is their "crown packaging". Seems a little environmentally wasteful. I would been more than happy with just a paper box like how my Seiko's come.   

#sanmartin 

If your son's friends are like young people of a similar age from where I'm from, most will be showing up sporting their Apple watches or no watch at all (because time has now become un-important in this new world) and instead some cool hand-made friendship, bead/twine bracelet. 

To the other extreme those  influenced by social media and pop culture... they may like an "iced out AP" or "bling'ed out Rich Mills" (🙄 actually overheard this at a dinner out a few months back). 

Maybe during the next family trip to the mall, you take him aside and visit the local jewelry shop/department store (who will carry Casio, Citizen, Seiko) or boutique AD and have him try on a few pieces and gauge his interest. If he's not into it... there's always the Apple Store. 😉  

Drop a pic of it on your wrist. Put it on and stand by a full length mirror and see how the watch looks on your wrist close up and six feet away. Sometimes seeing it "outside your body" makes an emotional difference. 

Vintage "men's" watches were in the 31-38mm range and that was general size range for those "men of the greatest generation".  

Frankly I don't think 34mm is too small, it's how it presents and how you own it. If you like it keep it. If you question your choice every time you wear it... sell it. 

Personally, I think you can never go too small but you can certainly go too big like  >50mm. 

Don't turn your watch into a "safe queen". You might as well as purchased a bag of Doritos, thrown it into your desk drawer and you still wouldn't be able to tell what time it was simply by glancing down to your wrist. Every watch has as great story. Each nick, dent and scuff gives your watch character, a life. Every part of your watch can be repaired or buffed out if keeping your watch absolutely pristine is a priority.

On the flip side, you purchasing a high end, "I had to wait for a year on a list" kind of timepiece and never wearing it, essentially denied another watch enthusiast the opportunity to have worn that watch everyday and appreciated it strapped to their wrist. 

So go get that box, open her up, unlatch that Rolex from the pillow, slap it on your wrist and go to your local watering hole and grab a shot and a beer. As you reach for that shot glass appreciate the opportunity of catching that glint off the watch case peeking out from underneath your sleeve... and enjoy. 

My 1952 Rolex 18K Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6085 with Red "OFFICIALLY" 

My grandfather was working as a floor manager at an off-strip casino in Las Vegas that catered to people of color in the late 1950's as they were not allowed entrance to casino's on the main strip. That's him in the picture.

This watch was given to him as a gift of appreciation from a gambler who lost all of his money and my grandfather was able to secure him a room overnight in the hotel, a few meals and some money to get him on a bus out of town. 

This watch was then passed to my father then to me about two years ago. It will be passed down to my daughter as some point.  

At least you got an entertaining story to go with it. 😉

My wrist size is 7".