$4000 Tudor BB Pro v $300 San Martin - How Close Does The San Martin Get?

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Another luxury vs homage head to head! This time a watch that SHOULD have become my new grail watch when it launched earlier this year, but for one (not so) small detail. A shame really because it is lovely. The San Martin gets pretty close for the money that are charging though. But where does it fall short? Well, if Carlsberg made bracelets........ Cheers, Jody

[@ArniesTech]

The finishing on the SM is just amazing and brushed sides give the champher edge a reason to exist in the first place 🙏

[@earthenjadis8199]

A shout out to the hard working staff in the San Martin design department. They are really knocking it out of the park this year.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

🤗

[@bigboiganiga8356]

Sarcasm or not, San Martin quality is very crazy good. The ploishing is to die for.

[@antimatt_r]

🤣

[@tomtommyx]

"you made this?...I made this"

[@rickrollins1178]

Worked so hard it's 2mm thinner 💀

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

What always amazes me is how similar each watch looks in the video and on macro. I've been underwhelmed by the luxury watches I've looked at. I still want them, but i no longer imagine I'm going to pick them and somehow feel this giant step in quality i used to believe I'd feel.

[@R023N]

SM used to make rivets bracelet on the vintage diver. They stopped making it on the newer releases because it's apparently a nightmare to size and ppl were complaining about it left and right. I can't fault them too much for Nott going with a rivets bracelet on this one.

[@matthiasroiss4739]

I have one of those, and I couldnt size them myself. Needed a watchmaker to help me

[@kenrankin5814]

I had a devil of a time sizing mine and after all of that, never could get a decent fit, so I bought a riveted bracelet from Alpha1993 and to me, it's much more comfortable and fits better imo.

[@goldfools5445]

Of course those with the Tudor wouldn’t have a problem resizing the bracelet. It’s done at the shop.

[@R023N]

@@goldfools5445 yea, for the price of 12 San Martin's 😁. I think they just should do like what Tudor did and put fake rivets. I doubt they'd be given a pass from reviewers like Tudor, but I guess that's one way for doing it.

[@goldfools5445]

@@R023N exactly. I have resized a couple of SM rivet bracelets, without to much trouble. If you are used to working on machines, it’s no big problem.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

Just my $0.02... The whole "true GMT" thing is about being able to move seamlessly between time zones without having to re-hack the movement. That's why my primary auto while on the road is my Black Bay GMT. Cheers!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

San Martin do have a rivet style bracelet on their 6200 retro diver, which I have. So, I don't really know why they didn't use it for this watch. They definitely made the right call changing the dimensions though. It looks like it wears a lot better on wrist. Great review as always Jody.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Is yours the one without the Mercedes hand & would you recommend the watch ?

[@xpusostomos]

What is a rivet style bracelet

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@juniorjohnson5961 The San Martin is the one with the mercedes hands, but I also have an Ironwatch Vintage Sub that doesn't have the mercedes hands. I actually have a comparison review of them on my channel.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@xpusostomos It's one that has fake rivet looking screws.

[@xpusostomos]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR ok.. I can't imagine a screw that looks like a rivet

[@etroutman]

Version 2 in addition to the lighter-colored lume does have a date window.

[@louiemayor]

And Seiko NH34 movements. So tempting!

[@mattimattwa9064]

It's a shame you didn't receive the v2 of the San Martin as the updated lume colour completely changes the look of the watch for the better... Good review tho!

[@thegorn]

It's actually an improvement that the San Martin doesn't have the fake rivets. The new design with the whiter lum which looks less like urinal cakes is actually pretty good!

[@avavaviv1]

San Martin's genuine riveted bracelet was great and would be perfect had the screws be easier to unscrew.

[@seancassidycowie4193]

I own the Pro on the fabric (NATO) strap and it doesn’t feel ungainly or too heavy. I think the strap being adjustable means I got a great fit. I was worried it would be a chunky watch but you really don’t notice it (the sapphire is about 2mm of the thickness). I have really skinny wrists and it looks fine on me.

[@backintimewatches]

Jody, I’ve been a big fan of you channel for some time now, and even though it’s not a straight up shout out, I’m still stunned and happily surprised that you included my thumbnail in your video 🤩❤️🙏 Thank you sooooo much 🙏

[@philw4053]

Nice review. I think they probably left the rivets off the bracelet because 99% of people I've heard comment on the Tudor rivet style bracelet - don't like the rivet look! I realise you are an exception and each to their own. Again - thanks for the great review.

[@SlimWhittman]

Great review Jody. I think I finally found where San Martin doesn't shine on this one. Mine is gaining a few minutes per week and while riding my motorcycle one of the adjustment screws in the bracelet fell out. Luckily I recovered the watch from the roadway and I have extra screws. Upon closer inspection a second screw was getting ready to part ways with the bracelet as well. A little loctite was added to solve the problem

[@MyAlan999]

I've had the SM BB58 for some time now and absolutely love it , bracelet has become rattlely and the PT5000 inside now looses about 20/25spd but still one of my favourite watches to wear

[@watchalot919]

For the record I own a BB36. In this instance I much prefer the dimensions of the SM, and I also prefer the brushed sides. OK, the movement is better in the Tudor, but the movement in the SM is no slouch. Of course, the Tudor is better, but certainly NOT that much better

[@kabysummit5801]

Certainly no more enjoyable to wear between the two. So why bother spending so much more.

[@NCSheriff7]

For the record I own a BB58 and the SM Copy really is good, if it would cost under 100€.

[@watchalot919]

@@NCSheriff7 Are you saying the BB58 is worth the money, but the SM should cost under 100 euro?

[@turradi1126]

8% of the price for 90% of goodness. Pretty good deal.

[@giusepperocchi2979]

90% of the goodness with that cheap chinese movement ? You must be joking, the SM is as good as its price suggests.

[@statlerwaldorf7130]

SM are definitely making people sit up and pay attention, which is great if the big brands pay attention and up their game. Great review, cheers

[@MichaelG1986]

The newest version of this watch rectifies most of the deficiencies of the first. It now has a date window and they've toned down the lume fake patina. I don't really mind the simpler oyster style bracelet, since I'm not a fan of the faux riveted bracelets. I'm really considering one for the next Aliexpress sale.

[@TheShotenZenjin]

For a similar style, Gnomon have the Steinhart Ocean 39 vintage in stock now! It’s around $650, but a class above San Martin in every respect.

[@Cichlid_Visuals]

i cant believe the thickness of the BB pro. ridiculous lol, it makes what is no doubt an extremely refined piece seem juvenile.

[@quality_times]

I recently received the San Martin with the White Lume. It’s perfect and I love everything about it. They fixed the thickness which was the biggest downside of the Tudor.

[@toddsmith8608]

How's the accuracy on the one you received?

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

The San Martin definitely has the look down pat and does it without the blocky dimensions. I don't think the lack of a direct copy bracelet is a negative necessarily.

[@jollyrob]

The Steinhart is a better option imo.

[@Beck-Stein]

I agree for that price. More reliable and warranty more guaranteed as you never know with overseas watches.

[@stevemoon2136]

I'm always the first to acknowledge that the watch community can be a "little" picky, but this is one is just too thick, especially given that thickness (or lack of it) has historically been a hallmark of a luxury watch making.

[@tomcraig8027]

BB Pro is now my favourite watch and personally love the ‘reassuring’ weight on wrist. Was almost swayed by the KZbin echo chamber talking about 14.6mm until I tried one on. Bracelet as you say is great but agree on black finishing on hands could be sharper. Interesting that BB Chrono is same depth dimensions and no one mentions it.

[@Chris-du3jc]

Nice Irn Bru t-shirt. Fond memories of downing a bottle with a bridie.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

I agree with you about the T Fit being better than Glidelock. I like that it is spring loaded and snaps back into place without having to push it

[@AlexanderB.]

Maybe you should have waited for the San Martin version 2 to compare it against the Tudor mate. San Martin have a tendancy to go overboard with fauxtina. On version 1 the fauxtina is so strong, for me the GMT isn't distinguishable enough at a one glance read. Besides version 2 of the San Martin has a nicely integrated date window and arguably better lume.

[@drewsykes8152]

I bought the most recent version of the San Martin with a date window. It’s exceptional for the price! Minor grievances are that the gmt text and hand is too orange (prefer the more unique yellow colour on the Tudor), and the bottom edge of the case is almost sharp and needs smoothing off. Otherwise a slide adjustment clasp would be a massive upgrade, but very little to complain about overall.

[@peanutman314]

How come your price is so low? I only see it for 450 EUR, even when I follow your link. There are no coupons or anything that would make it cheaper for me...

[@Emaratilfy]

I don't mind the non-revitted bracelet on the San Martin...I just don't understand why they went away from the toolless microadjust clasp they used to have...

[@ThemysteriousMrP]

It’s amazing to me that the Tudor is that thick. Why? Both of watches are so close the perfect relatively speaking given their target market. Will stick to my Steinhart GMT Rolex homage I think. Nice review Mr M.

[@MessagingMatters]

My thoughts exactly. The Steinhart is the sweet spot between these 2 watches, with nice specs (ETA or Sellita, 300m WR, double domed sapphire, milled clasp, date window, great build quality, etc.) Height is a manageable 13 mm. Plus, the Tudor is an homage to the 1655 anyway, so I'd rather go back to the source. And this way, I can avoid 3 -- count 'em, 3 -- snowflake hands, which just give me the shivers.

[@AudioFlat]

I’ve just bought the latest San Martin version of the Professional (Explorer). They now use the Seiko GMT movement and therefore it now has a date window. The colour of the lume plots is now very close to that of the Tudor too. I bought mine with a sterile dial so there is no San Martin logo. It also came in a different box - it’s still green but mine is faux leather and has a zipper opening - it’s actually very nice! I do already own two Tudor’s, a 925 and Pelagos 39 and I just couldn’t face buying a Pro - but loved the look of it. This crutches that itch for me and was an absolute bargain. The build is quite astonishing for the money! Two year warranty, the lume is now blue and my timegrapher says it is slowly varying between 0 and +3 seconds a day.

[@livingfullyinwisdom]

How is the SM now? Does it worth to buy? I own BB58 thinking to buy SM Submariner😊

[@Razor_Burn]

Thanks to Mr X for yet another Tudor loan as a lovely GMT. What lets the San Martin down is the budget movement as they've done a decent job for the price. Great video Jody!

[@christophergray1894]

A proper polar version with an NH34 hopefully soon will sell by the truckload

[@caktaylor]

@@christophergray1894 Hopefully, they make that switch in all of their future GMT models.

[@navegandolejanooriente6268]

The Tudor Pro is an awesome watch, I got mine a month ago(second hand because multiple ADs won’t sell me one even with purchasing history) and I got to say it’s winner. The thickness and weight are a non starter once you start wearing after a few days plus the movement is running just under +1 second a day and no one is mentioning that setting the time goes forward like the discontinued Rolex movement 3135 which I find really cool.

[@deskelly9313]

This channel has taught me that watch nerds are the pickiest nerds on the planet

[@peppperc0rn]

Would to see a review of the New Timex Q Chrono. Love the channel.

[@robski907]

I got the SM with black dial , BGW9 with date for just over £200 a no brainer.

[@tarasmathers7423]

Well done, Jody. I would have to agree with you analysis and determination of the 2. Glad to see (or rather "hear"...) that you're getting better. That must've been one heck of a respiratory ailment, as by my calculation, it's been weeks, and your voice is still rather rough and gravely. As an individual of some scottish heritage myself, I love that "Made in Scotland" t-shirt. As a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, I'm lucky enough to have Edinboro University (home of the "Fighting Scots") right down the street. I may have to see about getting a "Fighting Scots" t-shirt to send you. I'll keep you posted. Please keep up the good work. Cheers my friend....

[@In.New.York.I.Milly.Rock.]

Hello, Jody! Hope you can take a look at the Pagani Tank when it comes out. Most of us who are into the ali shitters think the Sanda (the best option at the moment) is simply not good enough.

[@billandben5998]

Once they put the seiko gmt in it I’ll buy it.

[@ozludo]

You could split the difference on price and go with a Zodiac ZO9405. They are 14mm thick and 40mm diameter, and a mere $1600

[@MadMax76er]

The updated version with the lighter lume has a date no?

[@Freco1967]

Thanks Jody! FYI the San Martin Calendar BB GMT Vintage Watch SN0054-G2 does have the date function.

[@Janet_Airlines802]

Wonder if I buy this watch and the movement craps out, would a eta 2893 fit in it? You can get a genuine ETA movement for around 300.

[@user-ji2hn5pe3n]

The San Martin is excellent for the price. I tried the Tudor too, but it is much too clumsy for all dear wear. If i don't know about about the Brands, the story behind and the pricepoint i would choose the San Martin all day, it is much more comfortable and the finish is very close to the swiss entry level luxury.

[@MisterManseattle]

The version 2 looks so much more clean.

[@johnholkham2420]

I think the San Martin Movement is Modified to use the date mechanism to run the gmt functionality

[@hansakselos4636]

No, the new V2 version has the date, just look at the picture in this video.

[@hansakselos4636]

2:06-2:13

[@johnholkham2420]

Yes your right , the gmt works of the day mechanics not the date mechanics

[@OutsideLands77]

San Martin V2 includes a date.

[@flyingrocket3879]

Loving the no date look huge upgrade. I don't need automatic watche’s the with date’s.

[@jezauty135]

Can you do a video on when being a homage is not just a copy? Are there rules about this, or is just saying homage enough?Congrats on the new bairn, loving your posts. X

[@snacklofter]

Great watch and price Jody! I just wish San Martin suppled their watches in a nice travel case/pouch and not a humungous plastic tin!!! atb snack.

[@anthonystevens8683]

When the BB Pro was released like you I wrote it off as having eaten too many pies. However when My AD called asking if I'd like a look I though OK why not. It is a thing of beauty without doubt. On the bracelet it felt perfect and with the larger crown it didn't feel thick at all on the wrist. If you go through life looking down your wrist with it in on the left then you might get some odd looks as you are looking for the thickness. As I say on my 7" wrist it shrinks and feels great in part thanks to the T-Fit clasp. All that said I must admire SM for producing a great homage at a more lets just say expected size. Personally I'll be sticking with my BB Pro and I might have another pie.

[@timmcdonald5335]

If Tudor got rid of the rivets it might reduce the weight to 140grams. It could fix two aspects of the watch in one foul swoop.

[@Cloxxki]

I do suspect the extra 20 grams is mostly the girth. It's a lot of steel. The bezel might look a tad thicker itself.

[@patjnic]

Foul swoop is what you do in the bathroom

[@crvols]

I recently received the NH 34 version of this watch fot $245 on the 11/11 sale. I must say it is a beautiful thing and a great value. Gaining 3 seconds a day and the lume is incredible. I wish the hands were slightly longer and don't understand the 100 meter WR when they have other watches with the same case are 200?

[@certainly2509]

I have to say San Martin did a very very good job with this one! I don't have a San Martin but the temptation to get one is growing for me!

[@domingocorona7028]

I held out and after receiving my first one, I eventually bought two more. Looking for number 4 lol

[@trillbo]

The version you show at 2:10 has a date window. Wonder why they left it out of the fauxtina version?

[@DavidDatura]

I don’t know why Tudor, with their connection and ownership stake in Kenissi couldn’t of introduced a new thinner version of their GMT movement for this model. I don’t understand their reasoning for not doing so here. It is just too porky for a 39mm, and it was too porky for their larger…what is it, 41mm non ‘58 Black Bays also. A huge missed opportunity IMO. And why were the original BBs so unnecessarily chunky to begin with? With current technology, they could of easily engineered a thinner but just as durable movement. Which they later did with the BB58…it’s just bizarre. Did they not want to compete with parent company’s Rolex models, by making their in-house movements that much thicker than they needed to be? Just so many questions 🤔 As for the looks of the BB GMT Pro. I wasn’t too impressed the first time I saw it. Like I was with the original BB58, which was love at first sight. And I still haven’t warmed up to it I’m afraid. If anything, it seems to me to be a little too tool-watch like and functional looking. It is after all a luxury purchase, it doesn’t need to be that hardcore…those Hammerite like hand centers being an example of this. The only detail I really like are those applied solid chunks of SuperLumiNova used for the indices. It does look tough enough to crack nuts with…if that’s your thing 😁

[@malikknows3510]

I own that Tudor and agree on all points here. Well done. Perhaps the date wheel added thickness, but I really doubt that. The movement function on the Tudor is like silk, as you suggest. I agree that a gmt without a date function is a show stopper for me. Keep these gmt vids coming!!

[@sagen888]

I stay up late at this spot on the globe for Jody's vids!

[@xpusostomos]

The Tudor isn't an iconic watch. I vote for the Steinhardt which at least copies the right watch.

[@edteach3r]

Exactly! 👍

[@Othusdragonreviews]

thank god SM took out the date. it is a busy dial with 4 hands as is.

[@waynedennett9064]

The Mk 2 San Martin does have a date.

[@RabidMortal1]

"True GMT" has the benefit of being able to move between time zones without having to then re-readjust the GMT hand. So you can set the GMT to UTC and then use it as a reliable reference no matter what time zone you are in. Is it essential? Nope. But is it a "luxury" that has practical consequences?--IMO, it most definitely does!

[@pablow26]

You present the thickness of the BB Pro as a design choice on Tudors part; The GMT movement is thicker so it had to be a bit taller although yes they could have done more to hide it. Also you forgot to mention one of the main differences between the two, namely that the applied markers are solid blocks of lumed ceramic on the BB vs just thickly applied lume. I recently got a BB Pro and love it, but must admit that the SM is a nice alternative for the price.

[@twraia]

That SM is beautiful. But I cannot get over how odd that logo on the dial looks. It doesn’t match with the rest of the watch at all

[@thechrisyoung7717]

Hi Jodi, cracking videos as always. If you had to choose between the new NH34 version of this and the Tactical Frog FXD in the Ali sale which would you pick up based on overall build/value? Keep up the awesome work! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Tabac-en-paris]

But the watches on Ali express look to have the same overly yellow markers… or am I imagining it?

[@rxmar23]

I just do not get designs with the minute hand pointing to the far side of the markers. The San Martin gets this right (though its hour hand should be as long as the Tudor’s).

[@johndesmond1987]

Have you had this watch for a long time? The current version of this watch has toned down the Fauxtina, added a date complication, and is now using the Seiko NH34 movement. I just bought one in their November sale, and I'm really looking forward to receiving it. Now if only they would go back to the rivetted bracelet!

[@daveyoder9231]

Hooray for Mr. X!! He really helps the rest of us out by lending his watches for you to review.

[@commentjedi]

This hobby forces u 2 notice details. This SM with a Hangzhou gmt movement looks great! The later SM version with the NH34 ...the dial is too deep now. Looks off to my eye. Same thing happened to SM's gmt-master, vintage, pepsi homage... changed from a Hangzhou gmt to an NH34 gmt. And now looks off.

[@wingi7722]

Excellent review! The SM is really well made, pity about the no date and only 100m of water resistance as you point out. I've got a gen 1 SM Vintage Diver GMT which is 200M and has incredible lume. Really wish too this had a date!

[@christophergray1894]

The new versions do have a date?

[@hansakselos4636]

Yes

[@3D_Blu-ray_Bunker]

Great video. The way the second hand on the San Martin perfectly eclipses the GMT hand makes the Tudor look a bit clumsy in comparison! Just a personal opinion, but just because Tudor calls them "Snowflake" hands doesn't bring any beauty to what's always looked to me like a big clunky square.

[@verykeen2please]

Jody - sold my GMT as i had loads of QC issues and hated the shiny slab sides, tried this on and it was just as bad except the bracket Buying the Formex GMT, getting a nice watch and saving a few ££££

[@psiturbo]

I love it does not have the date window.

[@truesf345]

Honestly I prefer the look of the San Martin and the price

[@A_A_Ron]

Always a great watch and a great watch!

[@garethsigrist8714]

Another great head to head Jody! I actually much prefer the lack of date and bracelet rivets on the San Martin 😂 Horses for courses and all that. Putting price aside there’s obviously only one clear “winner” here as the Tudor is the superior watch in anyway you want to look at it but given the difference in price it’s always impressive what San Martin can offer for the money, provided you don’t mind homages of course. You could argue that the Black Bay Pro is itself is very much the Tudor version of the Explorer II so is this actually homage vs homage? 🤔😂

[@psiturbo]

Yep, the dateless is about $50 to $75 more expensive.

[@Mr-R.R.]

San Martin released an even newer version that does actually have a date, more accurate dial and washed color on the hands

[@HaonProductions]

I'm pretty sure the movement in the San Martin isn't per se a clone of an ETA 2893, I think it's a standard 2824 clone but with the date repurposed into the 24-hour hand. Explains why there's no option for a date at all - the functionality is already being used up.

[@jaer.6540]

No jody is correct, as SM uses that same GMT movement in all their GMT watches. I have one of them that had the date

[@slaphead2965]

Big thumbs up to the 'IRN BRU' reference. Cool 👍😉🍺

[@chrispeek380]

What's up with those Tudor hands re the paint? It looks like a pickup truck bedliner coating. Is that deliberate?

[@denisdaly1708]

These are good comparisons. I usually prefer good dimensions. Ya, I like reasonably priced watches as well.

[@juanvalentin4249]

I love all you videos!! A review of the San Martin SN045G please 🙏

[@piquetuk]

If you want a rivet bracelet for the San Martin GMT the Smiths Everest rivet bracelet will go straight on & looks great. The fit isn't 100% but I've seen OEM Seiko bracelets that are worse.

[@angelmartinez2720]

Great comparison!

[@Justme0495]

Actually, I feel like the San Martin has the better case finish.. I just like the slimmer and brushed side profile better

[@matthewhaynes2317]

I would love to see you check out Geckota watches. The Seahunter GMT range would definitely be up your alley.

[@lucasgastondiez4080]

hey! the v2 version has a date complication!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Another great video brother!

[@mr.eswatchreviews]

great job Jodi my assessment of the two watches is very similar and since you can get the San Martin at 10% of the cost of the tutor yeah I know which way I would be leaning

[@artieshell9205]

Oddly, I prefer the shorter and slightly wider hour hand on the San Martin.

[@totallyradwithjosie3225]

Didn't we see this already? Yes...but no. CARRY ON JODY!!!

[@BOB-su2kd]

Loving the t-shirt!!!

[@dino3162]

I think the oyster bracelet is a plus on the san martin. The bracelet on the tudor looks terrible

[@phillyeli215]

Jodie you have the best T-Shirts 👍

[@TheloniousFox]

Love your shirt! Wish I could get Irn Bru here in the US.