Chinese Original Design Watches Are Getting VERY Good! San Martin SN0118 Review

The quality of Chinese watches has been improving to the point that they are now often better than Swiss Made watches but one are that they are lacking is original designs but this is now also an are that is rapidly improving. This original design watch shows that San Martin are fast becoming one of the best watch makers of affordable but also original design watches.
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WHY I OFTEN DON'T MENTION OTHER BRANDS IN MY VIDEOS.
You may have noticed that I often don't mention the original brands that watches I am reviewing pay homage to. This is very intentional and not meant to offend you or the original brands. I lost my first channel in October 2020 which I had spent 9 months growing and invested a significant amount of money in simply because I had mentioned the original brands in some of my videos. There are people who try to use KZbins lack of understanding when it comes to the difference between homage watches and fake watches to attack other channels and their owners and sadly I fell foul of this in 2020. This channel was also attacked recently and KZbin deleted content simply because I had said 'subby homage' and 'Rolex homage' in two videos despite the watches in the videos being perfectly legal homage watches. Please understand that I can not afford to risk my channel so I will no longer be mentioning other brands when reviewing homage watches.
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KZbins "Fair Use Policy" only applies to certain types of content which does NOT include watch related content therefore all rights reserved. Publication, reproduction or distribution of this film or any part of this film by any means whatsoever - including without limitation electronic transmission via internet or e-mail, or re-uploading existing videos & re-uploading such material on any website anywhere in the world - is strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of the channel owner. That's me!
DEAR KZbin AND VIEWERS!
The watches in this video are originals or homages. These are not fakes or counterfeit. They are perfectly legal and anyone who reports this channel to KZbin for the promotion or selling of fake or counterfeit products is doing so knowing that this channel is not breaking any of the terms and conditions stipulated by KZbin.
Any music used in this video is owned by KZbin and I am also legally entitled to use it. The pictures are my own or I have obtained legally with permission for commercial use.
I have been careful with my use of any trade marked terms in this video relating to any other watches. None of the watches have other brands trademarked terms displayed on them. I have not breached any trademark laws.
Homage watches are legal as long as they do not carry the name or trademarked terms or names of the original maker which no watches in this video do.
Thank you for your support!
Gary
I Like Watches

[@julianb1474]

I don't think I've ever done this so quickly - but about 1 minute into the video I went to the link and ordered the Orange on FKM strap. Total impulse buy.

[@ilikewatches]

Wow! Nice

[@AleCardenasRealtor]

@@ilikewatches I hope they are giving you a fair commission.

[@turk914]

Yeah, I lasted a few more minutes than you, maybe. But I also impulse bought the brown/mint on rubber strap. Such a unique color combination that works so well. I was tempted to get the metal band. I really like the look of it on its own. But the brown strap just completed the whole look of this particular watch so well. These color schemes and design give me a bit of a Zodiac vibe. I have many Aliexpress watches. But this is my first San Martin.

[@watchalot919]

Stunning looking watch. Happily pay an extra £50 if it had a Miyota 9039 inside it

[@ilikewatches]

I’m sure they will read this comment, they read most I think

[@sanmartinwatches]

@@ilikewatches Maybe... we'll discuss it with the team

[@victormeyer4282]

+1 😎

[@ikeman5774]

I bought my first San Martin a couple of months ago and was blown away with the QC and finishing of my watch. Chinese brands like San Martin, Cronos, Proxima and several others give us that can't afford high priced watches a quality timepiece in a price range we can afford. I wear what I like and what I can afford. For my meager earnings, Aliexpress is the best place for me to buy quality watches at low prices. Do your research on the watch you want, watch reviews on KZbin, etc. and you should do well.

[@zillsburyy1]

they get better and better

[@ilikewatches]

They do! Totally agree

[@zetmoon]

San Martin and other Ali brands are really putting those Swiss “luxury” brands to shame. The quality is amazing and the prices are within “normal” peoples range.

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

I was suffering from GMT fatigue, and this is what I was holding out for. Pulled the trigger on the Choc Mint flavour.

[@ilikewatches]

Awesome…try not to eat it 😂

[@barryvercueil2346]

Loving the more Original San Martin watches. Color date wheel!!! Cheers

[@ilikewatches]

Cool, they are getting very good now

[@griggsbuild]

I love how the bracelet could be used on my other SM's! Thanks for the review

[@ilikewatches]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@agus8251]

Great watch for the price. The colour combination is fantastic and the finishing is superb, like the most San Marin watches. The case shape reminds me to a Glycine Combat Sub.

[@ilikewatches]

Yup…I agree it is similar

[@Kevinjimtheone]

I would love a V2 of this with shinned accents, and a jubilee bracelet with the same clasp.

[@morada1728]

I asked them if their jubilee bracelet fit this watch and they sadly said no. But we had thé same Idea , this model would look awesome with a jubilee bracelet !!!!❤

[@chunkhenderson1878]

Holy crap! That's gorgeous.

[@patrickhannon8126]

That micro adjust had a lovely solid sounding click to it !

[@ic2433]

Great looking watch, love the colours.

[@aaronbiddulph1442]

Love this one as it’s a bit out of my comfort zone. Got a lot of similar looking watches. The ones that just seem like ‘my’ watches. Want some watches that are just that bit different! Plus no one does quality at an affordable price like San Martin!! Great review as always gary!

[@wade3371]

Love that thumbnail! Maybe dial colour and texture will become San Martin’s USP

[@ilikewatches]

Could be…thanks…glad you like the thumbnail…

[@Mr1121628]

What’s USP

[@wade3371]

@@Mr1121628 Unique selling proposition. Somthing only they do that no other watch brand does to the same degree.

[@PocketUau]

@@Mr1121628unique selling point: a trait which helps a company or product sell better due to perceivable uniqueness.

[@drebarthelotte5712]

Great colours. You don't think they would go together but it works really well. Just in time for summer.. thanks Gary

[@TheGoldenMetal]

This watch is killing me its so fun and above all that its really nice finished with great materials. I ordered my first San Martin a Flieger watch in bronze. If the Flieger exceeds my expectations I will definitely buy this one as well.

[@statlerwaldorf7130]

Great review Gary, these are fun watches, I agree that mint and brown is lovely!

[@brianmsahin]

They are really something else. Stunning watches. That bracelet is exceptional too. Everything fits together very well. An orange print on the date to match the hands would be nice ! Thanks Gary !

[@Hemebean]

As usual, a great watch from San Martin and a great video. Thanks !

[@stevenbaker2736]

I’m loving that they’re doing more original designs because they’re so good

[@Mr.Peperkamp]

Great review! Hope they gonna sell the bracelet apart! Would be awesome, really looks like an Stain, but with quick release springbars, great removal of links and an awesome clasp! 😍

[@iiTyrull]

With the quality SM have, I'm fully ready for them to embrace the colorful and fun identity they seem to be going for lately.

[@kuanghiro]

it looks really stunning when you wear it.

[@SimonCamara]

They just get better and better ❤

[@ilikewatches]

They are getting much better at designing more original designs these days

[@HoroHigh369]

I can attest with my first San Martin that the finish is incredible! I received the white/orange turbine dial last week and I am blown away with quality.

[@ilikewatches]

Nice to know you agree about the quality

[@wrenside]

thanks for sharing SM's latest releases. they kinda remind me of a few offerings by Long Island Watch which is a good thing. thanks again.

[@jerryjensen6430]

The matching date wheel is very cool! Blends into dial perfectly! White letters would not looks as good. Tiny date wheels are not easy to read for some of us anyways.

[@matthewmoon8281]

Really tempted by this one! When does the 4th anniversary sale begin?

[@ilikewatches]

31st May….very soon

[@alistairmacphail2936]

Got mine in my basket too, identical to the one featured in your video, time to pull that trigger 👌

[@Andrew-J316]

agree calendar print s/b white. nice watch though!

[@waynedennett]

I order this on Wednesday before I'd even seen a review video, great that Gary sings it's praises. Eta 3rd June, can't wait 😁

[@johnpoulter]

Nice, I like that colour scheme. Lovely looking piece, they're really getting some class into their offerings. I'd have it on a rubber strap, something light at least. Agree re FKM straps, they're excellent, easy and comfy👍

[@ilikewatches]

Yup, love FKM

[@mCblue79]

I love the look of this. Though I must get rid of some watches before I buy any more. Or I'll be in serious trouble 👀

[@bigriceburner]

Lord is that STUNNING! I never would have considered anything in this color category. I'm usually more on the down low about the color. But San Martin is just getting ridiculously great about their creations. This is nothing short of a piece of art. I'm going to have to seriously consider this, thank you for bringing it to us.

[@ahfmobile]

Really nice! Do you know if the bracelet and clasp can be acquired without the watch head?

[@ilikewatches]

They do sell their bracelets separately

[@ahfmobile]

Thanks 🙂

[@ATIWatchReviews]

Stunning, that dial, and interesting clasp, dont like the date window though

[@rossroteliuk5838]

Case reminds me of the Glycine design which really works! Comfortable, slim and proportionally made to hug the wrists. Nice.

[@jasonbostock408]

great review of a nice-looking watch I prefer the brown version overall something to think about for the collection.

[@ilikewatches]

They are getting so much better at original designs

[@lpg12338]

I like the orange color. 😎

[@johnmonachelli5256]

I love the camouflaged date only there for when you need it taking nothing away from the anesthetic

[@hattyfarbuckle]

The bracelet has great features bar one - if they had gone to the trouble of integrating it with the lugs it wouldnt have looked like a generic mesh strap when looking down at the dial.

[@asiantimepieces]

This one is my favorite version 👌🏼👌🏼

[@ilikewatches]

Mine too I think

[@joshsteuterman2363]

I love flat bezels. This watch looks excellent.

[@jorgecarrasco4206]

The colors are too flashy for me-..but the review is superb

[@ilikewatches]

Thanks, appreciate the feedback

[@jorgeshss]

Are you doing rankings of the best watches reviewed every year? That would be awesome!

[@franciscomoliner1296]

Good design, love the smaller clasp. I think if they released a sterile version of the bracelet on its own it could sell very well. Regards Gary

[@garycollard1981]

Not a GMT...hurrah! I think both the orange/blue variants look great, would be happy with either. Love a bit of colour:) I could well overlook my dislike of the current logo for one of these. I would get it on a rubber strap as although the metal option looks great with those removable links i'd be faced with the bigger logo on the clasp.

[@lulul]

they did a good job with these and i'm sure plenty of people will buy these as a summer watch.

[@Tobi_Jones]

wow that is a nice compact clasp

[@AlexanderB.]

I appreciate the original design and the build quality of this watch. I also like the mesh bracelet and the compact quick adjust clasp. I just wish some of the colour combinations offered were a bit toned down...🤡😬

[@Emaratilfy]

A white dail with that orange bezel would be awesome!

[@ilikewatches]

Very true actually…I love white dials

[@garylangford6755]

I wonder if this their new on the fly adjustment clasp which will replace their old one

[@griffn14]

Weird color combos and weirdly, they work. Maybe yellow/green and dark grey/red versions would be something to think about?

[@bifflee3603]

Nice watch, do they sell the bracelet separately?

[@ilikewatches]

I think so, they do offer a lot of their bracelets individually

[@mell3109]

San Martin need to make things a bit more flexible on their website. I saw these and it’s either the bracelet or the strap and no flexibility on the strap. The orange strap with the orange face might look good, they would get people ordering a bracelet + a strap or 2

[@user-kp1es7to6z]

As long as they are moving more towards originality. San Martin has a bright future compared to other micro brands.❤

[@dimasakbar7668]

Usually i don't like funky color and diver but for this, somehow everything looks very attractive. It isn't dull, clashing, or fat. That does it, San Martin make the best Seiko 5 diver.

[@rickseconds7676]

Beautiful watch, it would look even better on a matching stingray band.

[@Emaratilfy]

Did San Martin abandon the PT5000 movement? I only see Seiko NH-movements in their watches now. Wish they would go a little more upscale and use Miyota 9000-series and utilize the thinner movement profile in their cases

[@quarters-eye8922]

Awesome 😎👍👍👍

[@DarciaSidTTV]

Orange is LOVE ! :3

[@canadiankrispybacon1450]

Going for the Studio Underdog look, or at the minimum influenced.Not a huge San Martin fan..but hey if it gets someone otherwise, would not be into watches…to wear a watch..it’s a positive thing imho.

[@brucecoleman7412]

Hi Gary! The link is not working. What is the model number so I can search that way. Thanks!

[@ilikewatches]

That’s odd, just worked for me…SN0118

[@brucecoleman7412]

@@ilikewatchesOddly enough, it just doesn’t work on Chrome. It works on Safari. Go figure.

[@matthewpaull1664]

The bracelet looks awesome but I’m not keen on gaudy multi coloured watches especially pumpkin orange regardless of nice quality and finishing.

[@christianaviles2199]

Definitely one of their best original designs. Nothing revolutionary but decent looking. I think it would be nice if they made it in some more conservative colors. That clasp really is nice, probably what I like the most...being so compact but still offering micro adjust. Seems like the clasp of the future.

[@gz7587]

I wanted to like this watch more but they did it better on their recent chrono and gmt. Too bad I hate gmts and chronos.

[@SheshankReddyS]

San Martin has really committed themselves to putting four colours on one watch. Orange, Beige, Yellow, and Blue. I wish they would do colourful NH35 models with just 2 or 3 colours. The yellow on the indexes, for instance, was entirely unnecessary. They could have easily made this with beige lume. It would have been perfect.

[@bestboy897]

from the thumbnail i have to guess its the new san martin colors

[@ilikewatches]

You got it!

[@robertevans214]

Nice looking watch. Hope your thumb gets better

[@ilikewatches]

Thanks…lots of gardening so very nasty blister

[@HORIZONTIMEPASSIONEOROLOGI]

New Color Lume is very cool

[@ilikewatches]

Surprisingly strong too

[@thegorn]

I rarely say this, but these pieces look far better on the rubber. Am not a fan of brown on watches - ever - but the other two.... quite nice (but only on the rubber).

[@jovicamarkovic]

I wish they did more simple colours

[@SkipPremium]

Date digits should match indicies and POP

[@adk7962]

I wish they put out a non dive style with more traditional colors and date at the 6 o’clock. Once brands like San Martin, Baltany and Proxima start putting out quality original designs, watch out to the traditional brands… And that shorter “on the fly” clasp. Wow, just wow. Thanks as always.

[@sinjinadams2862]

At the moment, I have no interest in original designs by Chinese brands. Maybe that will change one day but I have yet to see one I like including this one. I absolutely love their homage watches though and that's what I will continue to buy.

[@adk7962]

@@sinjinadams2862 I hear you. I’ve seen two original designs from SM I like so far, and I have one of them (SN-045 which they don’t even sell anymore). Every other Chinese watch I have is a Homage. They are older discontinued designs but Homages nonetheless. They have a long way to go before people start taking them seriously but IF they get going, they are going to be a force.

[@yoyex2009]

How much?

[@AleCardenasRealtor]

What a dial

[@joostkiefte7683]

Even before I saw this video I had already ordered one (orange dial, blue bezel) for 187 euros........

[@troppotime9179]

I'd call that one the Blippi watch.

[@blacksmithkennels]

Am i the only one to think they should offer swapped dial colors option? Orange on orange would be banging, especially with the 2 lume colors. Ahhh maybe they would let me buy an extral dial so i could swap...

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

I want to see some $350-500 San Martin's. I'd love to see what they could do with double the cash.

[@ilikewatches]

Have you seen the grade 5 titanium diver….it is a masterpiece….almost all of it is grade 5 which is reserved for luxury watches usually

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

@ilikewatches I was alerted to this by you, and it's the model I'm watching for the next choice day.

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

@ilikewatches I'm hoping to try it. Cheers friend.

[@cocopuff7038]

Yes, Aliexpress watches punch WAY above there price range, love there watches.

[@Box_13]

Hope the boo boo on your thumb heals soon. Cool watch, thanks for the review.

[@tonyrome655]

That “original design” case sure looks a lot like a Glycine Combat Sub.

[@sinjinadams2862]

I'm a huge fan of Chinese homage watches but I have yet to see an original design that I like, this one included. Maybe one day.

[@outofdinero]

If it were under 40mm, I'd have bought it by now.

[@allthingsgood156]

You rock, not fan of watch, but irrelevant, great show again sending watch hugs mate!

[@ilikewatches]

Awesome thanks

[@moneymikz]

I think they do need to start offering better movement options though

[@ilikewatches]

Prices go up then sadly and then people complain

[@moneymikz]

@@ilikewatches just as an option, other AEX brands offer SW and ETA options as an upgrade

[@Miclantechupi]

That indices and hands style is crying out for Tritium.

[@ilikewatches]

I’m not a fan of tritium but it would be an interesting option if they started using it

[@user-ec5pd4cd7p]

I love this watch I just don't like the San Martin Price

[@FrancesconeWatchLover]

is that a glycine combat sub case? lol

[@ilikewatches]

Very similar

[@gefthetalkingmongoose]

Omg the black on dark blue date wheel is awful - they really need to employ some designers at SM

[@ilikewatches]

Yes that isn’t great sadly

[@garylangford6755]

Form over function i guess. Better than a really ovvious white wheel though right?

[@howyduinyall7653]

True

[@micaljimenez7381]

San martin make a lot of good and afordable watch,permit to comun customer to worn nice watchs when famous brand are more and more expensive so i think its good to give more for less...my only regrets is the acuracy,when did they do watchs who will loose only 2 or 5 seconds per day?

[@Jelloc]

Can we add SM to the microbrand list already

[@thebricktop429]

now time for QC improvements and EU/US warehouses

[@monologic4806]

👍

[@3rdpig]

Good lord that's gaudy. I mean if you like it, that's great. But to me it looks like it belongs on a North Korean General's uniform or Elton John's hat.

[@gipgap4]

Colour matched date wheels don’t really work as they’re not very legible. Form over function in that respect.

[@ilikewatches]

Yes I agree

[@trogpo]

The level of finishing on the indexes and hands is scarry! Within few years they will reach Rolex level in this aspect, for a friction of the price, and if anybody thinks I'm an a clueless twat, well... I am, but not when it comes to this particular subject.

[@panospeter_pan4257]

Wtf ...they have so many greay looking watches....tough to deside AGAIN.

[@ilikewatches]

This upcoming sale should be a good one!

[@adrianocamilloni9204]

Why s.martin use allways clean back? No words no symbol... they allways look like something is missing to be perfect

[@goldfools5445]

I guess they think if the most famous watch brand in the world have plain backs, it can’t hurt sales that much.

[@adrianocamilloni9204]

@@goldfools5445 yep, right, but i dont like plain backs on famous brand too... it looks cheap to me