A Step In The Right Direction? San Martin SN026-G Green Cube Review

[@RelativeTime]

Aliexpress also gave me a coupon code for those that are interested: Exclusive Promo Code: RELATIVETIME (Code valid: 2021/12/20-2022/04/30, $20 off $200)

[@Bluepeter62]

This San Martin is as close to the Bell & Ross as the Bell & Ross is to the Panerai and both are to the AP Royal Oak. Nobody can design a watch that does not look similar to another. Even Rolex were copying JLC in their early days. If you want a complete new design you have to go for extremely unusual, maybe something like Silberstein.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Fifty Fathoms dial, B&R Casing...I feel like we give Chinese brands a harder time than plenty of other brands that are more european. Such as some of the brands like Spinnaker and others that pass through Watch Gang. Looks like a really good piece to be fair and San Martin quality is top grade.

[@mudken]

I never understands people who complains about homage or Chinese brands and then go praises dime in a dozen microbrand NH36 divers as good value.

[@marcelovasconcellos6067]

Yeah, lots of companies have "heavily inspired" designs but when they are big European or Japanese brands no one bats an eye.

[@jasondoe2596]

Plus, there are only so many designs that are possible while being aesthetically balanced, functional and not too quirky. I feel this watch is definitely more than a "5" in Shane's originality scale.

[@davida.2755]

I agree. More than B&R, this watch case reminds me my first Yema, french watch from the 70s.

[@javak810i]

I have the blue version and I have to say SM have really outdone themselves with the build and finishing quality, the brushing, the polishing all feels like a 1000 USD watch easilly.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Great review as always Shane. I like the 'Homage Creativity Scale' you've added, nice touch. I personally don't see this one as an homage myself. I absolutely loved this one when I reviewed it recently. The only slight negative I could find was that it only has 2 levels of microadjust. I think that 3 should be the minimum. I was really happy that they got the branding consistent across the watch with this one too.

[@jjbuckmaster7059]

I like it! This is the third time they have tried it. Getting better all the time. I have three San Martin’s… like and wear them all. Thanks Shane! Great review!

[@PlasticImaginationWorkshop]

I like it, nice to see them doing something a little more original, even if it does draw inspiration from other brands/models but who doesn't do that these day. I like this watch, great review. I'd almost consider getting one but not for that price, not that it's not priced well, I'm just cautions spending that much $ at AE, I've been burnt before and it's one thing to lose 100 bucks but 300 busks, no thank you. That said if I found one second hand in the states, it would be a serious consideration. Have great day. -David

[@DIYivan04]

Not a fan of this style but cool to see the brand doing this

[@karlsenula9495]

I have the SN039 (blue dial) which I believe may be an original design ... absolutely love it.

[@watchalot919]

I bought one myself and have done my own review. It really is an excellent watch, and the bracelet is arguably worth ax much as the watch. Agree, the clasp needs upgrading, and it does wear large. Finally, I really wouldn't class it as a homage, but that is subjective

[@kevinjansen2738]

Love the channel. Typically agree with you. Not a troll but disagree with you on this one. I don’t see this as an homage. Sure there is another watch with four screws and an outer case shape that is comparable everything else is completely different. If it was a round watch would it be a homage of every other round watch? I applaud them for building a good looking watch with there own design. I would like to encourage them to continue

[@RelativeTime]

You have a perfectly valid opinion. Like I was mentioning to someone else, for me homage has a wide definition. Which is why I started using that homage creativity scale. As I see the term encompassing everything from generic versions of more famous models. Which is the more negative term of the word. To the more classical definition of the term. Where someone is inspired by a specific piece, so the modify it to make it their own. Creating something new, but still honoring the original.

[@hmr171]

I agree that this is not anywhere close to an homage. If a Swiss or Japanese brand released this instead of San Martin, no one would call it an homage.

[@kevinjansen2738]

Well said sir. I can agree with that definition as long as Sam Martin gets some credit for creativity

[@jasondoe2596]

@@RelativeTime I like your scale, but I would rate it at least an 8 or 9. No matter how wide your definition of an "Homage", it's barely recognizable as one, even when put side-by-side. I do agree that "Homage" doesn't need the negative connotations it's acquired, though.

[@RelativeTime]

@@jasondoe2596 The creativity scale is still pretty new, only used it once before. So I might need to refine it a bit. Since homage can mean different things to different people, I thought it might be a good way to clarify where it stood within the term. My original thought process on it was that a 0 was when it was a 1:1, and basically, the brand just put their name on the dial. Whereas a 10 would be when it was completely unrecognizable as an homage, and the only reason you know it's one is that the brand tells you it is. Everything in between might need some more clear definition. For me, I thought this one was a good midpoint between those extremes.

[@TheTownWatch]

Good review Shane! I’m not personally a fan of this design but I sure am glad to see San Martin going the “original design” route!! I’d like to see more AliExpress brands follow suit!!

[@frankquarters]

My experience with SM is as follows: Newbie to the hobby, watched EVERY video on the SM subbies, fell in love, and the one I got had a bad crown ... went through all the hoops, video, pics, etc, a week of email back and forth, very quick cust. service replies, seemingly very concerned and after $40 in shipping back across the pond, 8 weeks in RT mail, I got a "not our problem, deal with it," fix. In reality, it's a crap shoot. IF something goes sideways with your purchase you MUST invest time, $, and manage a fair amount of anxiety throughout the process. In NO Way would I recommend the above unless you really like the thrill of the hunt, gambling so to speak. That being said, I'd recommend Gnome purchases in a heartbeat. They provided a return mailer, 3 day to a week turnaround after receipt and actual customer service, as to opposed to what I can only call ... (wait for it) an Homage to Service. Wanted to share a love story, but alas ... love your channel. Cheers

[@briancurran4380]

Great review Shane. That could be one for the list. Can't wait to see your thoughts on that GS homage in the background

[@lawrencev.athill7502]

Not having a keen eye, l find it easy to see how inspiration must come from somewhere that already exists, I do see the impact of this design to be short lived.

[@dunderhay9169]

Beautiful photography really showed the watch at its best, the dial looks amazing. Very tempting, thanks for a great review 👍

[@cartoonpete407]

Better than the Seiko SNKM97 failure.

[@RickStegman]

I ordered one of these a while ago and it was finally delivered this week. I don't see a Bell & Ross here. To me the dial looks more like a JLC Polaris. Also, I have an 8 inch (203 mm) wrist. I had to remove one link from the bracelet, and it is still a little loose. Taking out two links was a bit too tight. In any case, wrist sizes of up to 8 inches should be good to go.

[@archievthapa3593]

Mind blowing time teller & finely executed video review !!!

[@RelativeTime]

Thanks a ton

[@NotoriousK_I_T]

The SN051 is an Omega Seamaster 300 case with different hands and a slightly different sandwich dial

[@claycox8070]

Great, detailed review. A review from a fellow Texan is always nice. Thank you Shane

[@RelativeTime]

Glad you enoyed it.

[@griggsbuild]

It's a lovely watch. Funny that I looked at the watch on my wrist and realised that the font on the indices, hands and dial style was very similar - a Victorinox perpetual calendar chronograph. Who would have thought! Thanks Matt 😊

[@zoomvidsjc1]

Excellent review. I'm getting vibes of the Tag Heuer Monza and the dial is kind of like the Grand Carrera dials or Tag WAN2111 dials but with explorer markers. Invicta uses screws like that on the back of the subaqua specialty and bolt case sides. So an amalgamation of a bunch of watches. I have the Panerai diver homage San Martin and the Sea Dweller and hulk homages. The build quality is amazing on these San Martins. I always liked the Monza and the bracelet on the Second Hour Mandala. I may have to check this out. It's at a great price.

[@morgan97475]

That's a nice looking watch....good job, San Martin. I see the B&R cues but it also reminds me a bit of the Seiko Recraft line (SNKP27, for example).

[@trulsdirio]

After that definition each and every new watch would be an homage, as they all have the same general shape as one that came before, even just having a dive time bezel would make it an homage at that point.

[@RelativeTime]

Very true, at this point almost everything is inspired in one way from the watches that came before. Although in this case it's not just one element that seems familiar. That said, for me homage is also not a dirty word like it is for some. And in this case I think they did a fairly good job. Definitely more creative then what most Aliexpress brands usually do.

[@marcelovasconcellos6067]

Looks very nice. And yes would be great for San Martin to continue down this path. If they do while maintaining quality they could change their perception of being a homage maker to a "real" watchmaker. As to it being a homage, well it sort of is, but isn't. Maybe because the Bell and Ross isn't so prevalent, most I think would not immediately think homage. Maybe the dial elements and case design have enough tweaks to make it a, let's just say, a heavily-inspired design. This sort of thing gets complicated. No one says a Casio Duro is a homage, but those indices are so close to a Sub. I have a local brand full stainless steel homage to a full metal G Shock square. Maybe the Square's design is so iconic that it makes you look at my watch (or any other watch with a similar design layout) and think homage, I know I look at it and think homage. But the font and shape of the numbers on the display is different, the sides and dial design are different, the buttons are different, there is no GShock like shield or wording on the bezel, yet it is a homage. Not a 1 to 1 copy, but undoubtedly a homage, but probably the best kind of homage, not a cut and paste homage. So maybe the definition of a homage is similar to that one given by your Supreme Court to a particular matter that was very hard to define, you know it is a homage when you see it. Sorry for the wordiness, and thanks again for a great review and though provoking commentary.

[@JusttheWatch]

Great review! I like the new Homage Creativity Scale!

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

hi bruh

[@SingleTrackMined]

I don't know if it's an homage but is a nod to the B&R as well as some RO. Still it is a super nice design and you showcased it beautifully. San Martin is on its way to being 'respectable' among the greater watch community, I would venture to say. I'm all for it as I believe the prices for the established brands have crept out of line with their value in many cases.

[@brianmsahin]

That's very like the Seiko SNKP27 or 23 except with numerals, no date and added screws on the case. The dial design and contours is almost an exact match. But that's not a criticism. It's a very nice watch. However you can get the original Seiko for $220 to $250.

[@tuzu1758]

Yep, moving in the right direction. Really apparent that they are putting money back into the company. As long as they stay away from pulling a Steeldive. They should be seeing an even bigger market interest in the future.

[@paulhiggins8774]

Nice watch however that dial you will find in fifty fathoms homages but with slightly different hour markers and colour. don't think it particularly works well in a pillow case and would have preferred a round case. great review as always

[@yoinkhaha]

The hour hand on that first blue one looks like the Imperial insignia from star wars

[@martinkavanagh9641]

G'Day Captain R.T. - I just received my 'Blue Dial' version down here in NZ and I'd call it a beautiful 'semi-homage' & a fine "tool-watch". - I also bought a BELL& ROSS to compare .. well - a $40 quartz copy made by '&' from AliExpress anyway - and they both are pretty good value individually. - I'd love a proper 'B&R' mechanical to complete the set if you have one spare, as my pension says NO. Good opinionated review Sir .. Please keep them coming & Thank You.

[@hmr171]

Although this watch might not be my cup of tea, I think I might have found my new favorite dial color.

[@Karl-hx6sw]

I'd love to see a review of the mecca quartz panda version as it could be the best panda bang for buck. I don't think it is a homage, more many influences of Bell n Ross, Blancpain 50 Fathoms, JLC Polaris, Heuer Monza/Camaro and maybe even a bit of Seiko Samurai case in there.

[@allegedkurd]

It's like a B&R had a baby with the Seiko Recraft, honestly. Which I don't mind. The style isn't exactly for me, but my take is basically "I hate that I don't hate it"

[@scatterbrain9490]

I'm not into square case's, but I would consider this one. Well played Aliexpress.

[@musik4u343]

This thing is pretty sweet. Semi original and looks like a great build. Great review as usual.

[@RelativeTime]

They definitely put some thought into it. Thanks!

[@andreasnezik7388]

I think the dial design is heavily inspired by the JLC Polaris. But in combination with the case it's a very unique and beautyfull watch.

[@earllangcay6637]

dial looks phenomenal

[@chuangkoonboh8477]

Will pull the trigger on the silver dial on the sale

[@Wonky-Donkey]

I wasn't sure about this watch at first but I think it will grow on me. I like the black dial the best out of the bunch but the silver dial looks good too but it looks like the hands would blend in making it hard to read.

[@petervanvalkenburg1147]

With those arabics, why will San Martin not make a current Explorer Homage? The printed old school dial doesn't do it for me. Just a thought

[@66Perfekt]

It looks a bit like the Bell&Ross, but better....

[@ChrisSamuel1729]

No date B&R would look great, they ought to homage San Martin's dial.

[@karlsenula9495]

7.5 inch wrist here ... so the fit made any decision easy.

[@RelativeTime]

If you ask you could probably get a few extra links, but I still don't know why they made it small.

[@uaziz7]

Beautiful look but I wish the back had some engraving. With so many watch styles out there I think it's difficult to come up with something truly unique that fits the mainstream, and SM have done a good job creating something distinctive enough. Love your videos as always. Like that you're wearing a fitness band with a watch just like me. 😊

[@TheDonCucaracho]

Looks a lot like the Islander with the sandwich dial

[@MieszkoMadridista]

2:15 min. On second plan did I see a Haimdalr - GS Godzilla homage?

[@RelativeTime]

Yah. Slowly working on a review.

[@BetamaxBabe]

This watch is growing on me. I would've preferred thinner lugs that other cushion cases have (think Longines Heritage 1935, etc.); I would consider buying it otherwise.

[@steven3379]

Good looking watch, but the bracelet doesn't really match..the end links need to be more angular in my opinion! 👍👍

[@khulgarulfsson8067]

Hmmm, I don’t really see that as an homage, at least not to the watch you showed. It’s just not close enough in my book as it breaks away from the core concept of straight sides. That’s like a sub homage without a bezel. Overall impression is it’s closer to being inspired by Panerai, but still not really close enough to be an homage.

[@arcaine101]

I would call this as "inspired by" rather than a hommage really. Goos job SM.

[@evanspivack2714]

Thanks for another nice review. I can see some of the Seiko Recraft line in this one, or at least it has that feel. That said, it's not a criticism... overall, there's a lot to like here. The green in particular has a certain refinement to it.

[@ianmarshall3633]

Hi Shane, great video as usual. SM make great watches but they do need to sort out their branding. That hexagon brand has put me off buying another. If they changed it to a more Seikoesk brand I feel it would be more appealing. I'm not alone in this thought. What do you think? I'd be interested to know.

[@RelativeTime]

I think you are right. Someone mentioned the hexagon logo looks like something Tim Burton designed.

[@timescribe1607]

Fantastic review! I do like San Martin the bran, and the direction that they're going with more original pieces. But I worry a little about the price. It really is starting to creep up there. I think once you venture close to 500 dollars you need to start offering more than just very good build quality. I think it needs to really nail down its branding and consistently produce watches with good branding and a sense of direction with the designs. Right now, I find the brand to have a bit of a scattergun approach.

[@urieelSEptim]

i really wouldnt call that an hommage. if you think this is too close to the b&r, is there even any original design out there?

[@sakmedic]

Another great review Shane, really appreciate your content and style. I have to say this particular watch feels off to me. Great retro style in the front, looks of a cheap Casio in the back. For this money, if I’m looking for some retro original style, I’m looking more at Straton or Dan Henry.

[@joebuckmaster1908]

I've bought many aliexpress watches. But, if there is a problem, you'll NEVER get it resolved. You'll have to file a dispute with your credit card company, and aliexpress won't respond to them either. I've had to do this several times.... So make sure you really like the watch. Also, you can buy directly from SM and not go thru aliexpress for about the same price.

[@RelativeTime]

If I remember right the SM website isn't run by the same people, but prices should be about the same. I've talked to the guy who runs the site, and he seems fairly nice. Typically if there is an issue you are supposed to deal with the sellers on Ali first. Although I never had any luck. After that, you are supposed to escalate it directly to Aliexpress customer service. Luckily I had good luck with that, but you really need to document the issue and show it's not normal. But like I was saying. "Back in the day" when everyone was impulse buying $60 watches, it was easily worth the risk. But at this price range, you should at least think about all this stuff on the off chance something is wrong.

[@joebuckmaster1908]

SM does a good job. However: every auto watch should a display caseback at these price levels (which are too high for a chinese watch), or at least an option to pay extra for a display caseback.

[@webbon]

What about Rolex, always a plain metal caseback?

[@jasondoe2596]

Not everything _needs_ a display case caseback, and not everyone _wants_ one. At the very least, it's thicker and heavier than a simple metal one, and adds one more failure point.

[@ConsecDesign]

This guy's description of the case back.... Wow

[@RelativeTime]

Keeping out real... 😎

[@stavros_katsopr]

Interesting scale you're starting there Shane, guess you'll hear a lot of "Objection your honor!", as many as "Damn, i always knew this bastard wasn't mine!"... 🤣🤣🤣 In fact The Watcher just reveiwed this one also, found a couple ancestors too... 😉 Thanks for the review mate, this is a pass for me, other than the bracelet, it's great. Be well, cheers. PS Yup, "...shut it back" is hard in AliLand, the route of silk ain't that silky after all...

[@blaketaylor9317]

Dude called it a "poke ball on a stick" lololol...

[@yoinkhaha]

Honestly, the green one looks nothing like the Bell and Ross. Definitely not an homage.

[@RelativeTime]

For me it's the squareish case with screws around the dial, as well as the same overall dial layout. But I guess that shows they did a good job with their own touches.

[@michaelonello1022]

To expensive. you can pick up a very similar seiko for that $ which will have/hold a greater resale value.

[@RelativeTime]

Do you know the reference? Is it part of the recraft series?

[@michaelonello1022]

@@RelativeTime I believe it is...let me see if I can find it. If I do I will send it to you...

[@johnmuthan286]

Not really a fan of this design though... Sure they stepped up in the quality but I would appreciate they don't go so wilde. I like the dial though. Really do not understand why tgey use this 2 micro adjust clasp lately, they had 1 much better and still supply it on request.

[@RelativeTime]

I'm not sure about the clasp. It's almost like they were thinking of using a buterfly clasp, then changed their mind at the last minute.

[@johnmuthan286]

@@RelativeTime they went with that small 2 micro adjust on most of their models lately (explo and flieger homages too) but still give the longer on shall you request it

[@wallytuber]

I think the review is a little unfair to San Martin as a brand. So much criticism has come that they only do homage watches and the inconsistency with their branding. They release a watch like this with consistent branding and you still call it a homage.

[@RelativeTime]

Well The thing that I think a lot of people forget, is that homage doesn't mean just copy. It's an entire spectrum. That ranges from something that looks identical, to something that just take inspiration from and you wouldn't know it unless they told you. So while a lot of people think of homage as a dirty word for me, it's not. It's not always a bad thing. Eitherway, the homage side of it is just one side of the review. What should always matter more is the quality of the watch.

[@daveho852]

no doubt this is an original design even inspired by R&B. it hardly looks like any watch, though i’m not a fan of.😜 i’d suggest to take away all the numeral indices and use batons instead

[@vladimirpetreski7248]

Shane, I really ike you channel, man, but this is not an homage. If this is homage of Bell & Ross, then you definitely have say that Onega Seamaster is an homage of the Submariner and that the Sub is an homage of Blancpain 50 Fathoms

[@RelativeTime]

I know today a lot of people interpret homage as "copy". But for me, the term homage has a wide meaning. It can range from a watch that's a generic version of something more famous. Basically where they just put their own logo on the dial. To the more classical definition of the word. Where their was some clear external inspiration, but the design is changed and made more their own. So I take it you are saying this is on the more original side of things.

[@jacklaporte472]

I can’t wait to see when other AliExpress brands start copying San Martin 😝

[@grahamwallace]

I’d say this wasn’t so much a Bell & Ross homage, rather a copy of the Seiko SNKN37 / Seiko SNKM97 both of which feature in Seiko’s Recraft range. San Martin doesn’t seem capable of an original design but does manufacture some well put together copies.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Harsh times in China, the correction has already arrived for the serfs and its gonna get worse.Chinese brands would do well to add value to brands before the inevitable price rise in Chinese made products. Theres too many homage brands already, Phoibus is a great example of a brand thats gone from tin foil quartz subs to hello microbrand credability..

[@jamesblonde2271]

This watch is Ok too.

[@RelativeTime]

It's hard to believe that they very first Phoibos I looked at was a subby homage. They have come a long way.

[@jamesblonde2271]

@@RelativeTime And only what, three years ago?

[@kenmorimoto9708]

At $358 with a Chinese movement a Tissot v8 Swissmatic for well under $300 on amazon offers better value.

[@yoinkhaha]

LOL the Sw-200 not worth 100 USD more than a PT5000??? I'm sorry some of this is just way off...

[@RelativeTime]

For the most part, they are the same basic design. Both of them are ETA 2824 clones. So theoretically they should be equivalent... theoretically. The trick of course is making sure they are manufactured and assembled properly. With this particular one, it's was pretty much spot on, and the rest I've seen have been fairly good as well. So kind of hard to say... hey you spend $100 more... just because...

[@yoinkhaha]

@@RelativeTime A pair of Swiss-made shoelaces is worth almost 100 dollars more than a pair of Chinese made ones, though... 100 bucks is not a lot in this respect!

[@SergeiVnv]

The Watch is Definitely Not For Me.

[@BigBusiness02]

The inspiration for the design is NOT clear and apparent. I don't see it much at all. These watches look completely different. other than the two having a "somewhat" square bezel with screws (and even that is different if you actually LOOK.... closely...with an eye for detail), everything else about them is completely different. To say it's a homage and then go on to state SO many ways in which it actually differs from the watch it's supposedly a homage to is weird. People have been making watches for hundreds of years. There's not much new under the sun in terms of traditional wearable watches. So chances are that for most watches you see there will be someone somewhere who thinks it looks like or reminds them of something else. "Every artist has a mother and father." Watch makers don't simply emerge from nothing. Watch enthusiasts' obsession with calling anything that even remotely resembles or reminds them of anything that came before it a homage is not only masturbatory but also exhausting.

[@RelativeTime]

These days many people tend to see the word "homage" as a four-letter dirty word that means "copy", or "fake". One mention of the word, and it tends to cause a reaction among some enthusiasts. Yet I think many people forget that's not really the definition of the word. I tend to see homages as more of a spectrum. Ones that range from being just a copy, to something that you wouldn't even know was inspired by a previous watch unless the creator said something about it. This also means that to me, being an homage isn't necessarily a bad thing. In this case, I'm not saying it as something completely negative or derogatory. Rather pointing out that there appears to be another watch that may be the inspirational starting point. More so to help viewers to understand what this watch is all about. After which San Martin took that and went their own way with it. Which I think most people would agree is what they prefer in an homage.

[@macfl3594]

Those bolt's should not be there period.And way better to go with miyota 9000 series and make te above 11mm.

[@RelativeTime]

I would like to see more 9015s in these watches. That would be a great middle point for me.

[@Wizzardus]

fake screws on bezel are just damn ugly ... :/

[@Bob_Smith19]

Hard pass. I will continue to pay more from an established brand or micro brands that have all original designs.

[@andreaford4721]

Jeez, am I the only here who thinks they have an absolutely awful logo on the dial & bracelet? Tim Burton designed? I'd be embarrassed to show this to my friends. Rest of the watch is fine. Our Border Collie could come up with a better logo.

[@TypeSly]

That Bell & Ross looks like garbage.

[@1959Berre]

Whatever the brand, whatever the model, I really don't like a watch with screws on the front that keep staring me in the face. Very distracting. Remember the models Santos and Panthère by Cartier? Screws all over the place and screw slots pointing in any direction. BTW, the most ridiculous model of Cartier is, without any doubt, the model Pasha. You can buy this piece of genuine uglyness in rose gold for about $ 100,000 if you really want to prove you have too much money to spend but not a grain of taste.

[@ARVA]

I wonder why Chinese do not hire decent designers from Europe. Their design sucks.