The San Martin Jian Zhan: Affordable Luxury at Its Best!

[@adk7962]

Thanks for the excellent review. This watch is brilliant. They really are starting to get into territories that should make the big watch manufacturer uncomfortable. Remember that Japanese cars were mocked in the 70’s and 80’s. And I know every channel has its share of trolls, but boy, some of the comments here are “interesting” to say the least. Keep up the great content!

[@MyRetroWatches]

thanks. I knew that putting this one up on the main channel will divide opinion and get nasty comments. Some of my audience this side just dont like Chinese made things, not that you can avoid them if you wanted to anyway. The point of this video here was just to show how far they have come and that you can no longer just say its rubbish.

[@daveyoder9231]

Thanks!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you too. Clearly this review was useful!

[@WristwatchWorkshop]

They've knocked it out of the park with this one! The finish looks great (but I always expect that from your other reviews), the movement is sound, I love the dial and the historical tie-in, the 6 o'clock date works with baton-like indices over numerals, and finally a cool case back! I hope this one sells, because it deserves to. Great stuff, San Martin, and great review as always.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks mate.

[@joemyers9893]

Fantastic review,very in depth,I ordered the blue option the other day,can't wait to see in the flesh,I have a few SMs,superb build quality and price.

[@johnsrabe]

Lovely! Thanks for the look.

[@andyfrizzell4352]

Next level review. One of the few to actual take these budget watches apart

[@yankeexpress]

Very much appreciate your comprehensive review of this high-beat new watch by SM. Saw it as low has $257 USD for all three sizes (36,39,42mm) and all three dial colors during the recent sale.

[@yankeexpress]

This SN0144 is made in 36mm case size in three colors, blue, yellow, red.

[@Userisin2778]

Hello,Mike! What a detailed review and I am no surprise that you mentioned about the clasp issue. I've been keeping eyes on this watch since several months ago. Since that loose clasp seems to be an structure problem, I think it will tend to be detached more frequently as the times go by. To me , it is a deal breaker. It is a bit disappointing I would say. However, we do see how San martin is capable of and getting more attention in the horology world. That metal polishing is way beyond the "budget watch" standard. I can't wait for another San Martin timepiece. Keep up your great work. Best regards.

[@daynevickers1079]

Great review! I love the fact you disassemble the watch for us, it was interesting seeing that dial without a crystal, never would have suspected it was completely flat. Kudos to San Martin, this one is a winner, however, I'm with you on the hands and the clasp. This watch is begging for some really good hands, and that clasp might very well be bothersome.

[@АлексейСвистов-ц4ш]

Impressive progress in watch production. The finish of the dial, case, and bracelet is wonderful. The proprietary design of the case, the bracelet (with screw fastening) and the clasp, relying on their own historical traditions, are respected. The next big step should be to develop our own reliable and mass-produced watch movement comparable to the NH35A

[@davidc3903]

Really cool to see the dial up close. I’m really looking forward to seeing a smaller version of this. It’s a stunner!

[@anthonycaryl1079]

A beautiful looking watch there, nice touch having the dial colour in the date rings, i like all the dial colours, and a great caseback too

[@phillipdennis6690]

Great review. I bought one in the 11.11 sale £151 with all discount codes.

[@MyRetroWatches]

That is a crazy deal . Well done

[@henryalvarez6284]

Fantastic view. Thank you very much. I think the case shape is somewhat plain, but the dial and bracelet are really nice. The theme of the watch makes a nice package.

[@davidperkins605]

Fantastic review, best I've seen in this watch, very impressive.

[@AG_MCFC]

The hands go perfect with the indices IMHO Continuing the all-round seamless design of the watches that's not to disagree with your very agreeable videos,macro is fire brother

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you

[@ungarsaurus]

Totally agree, beautiful dial, at first i thought it was inspired by a butterfly wing but it really has captured the look of those ceramics. 6 o'clock date windows give a much better aesthetic and the date wheels matching the dial colour is very nice. I prefer the red but the blue and the orange look good. Really like the polishing on the bracelet but especially on the bezel. You still have that pogue sat in the background.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Pogue I am searching for a donor movement . I have tried everything to repair it but it won’t behave. Now it just sits and waits for the right 6139b movement to come up

[@ungarsaurus]

@@MyRetroWatches I'll keep an eye out for you. Are you still looking for a ladies Accurist movement? When I can get into my workshop I can dig through the big box of cocktail watches.

[@jonlott3147]

I've got a SNO20-G V2 Explorer. Its hands down the best watch ever from them. I also got a version with tudor hands.

[@Blazer02LS]

That dial looks like it was a multiple step item. Start with brass, spatter a stamp with resist material, dab it onto the face so it leaves the random spots open. Now etch. Remove the resist coating and apply the transparent blue enamel, bake, add more bake, now polish the enamel face smooth. Apply a layer of clear enamel and bake the last time. Polish it and apply the various treatments. It would be a lot of work but at the labor rates there...

[@wirdy1]

I'm blown away by the value & quality of San Martin. I have two, well one with SM on the dial & the other is the Erebus Ascent, reportedly made by SM in the same factory. Both are superb.

[@cancinju]

Thank you, really good review

[@simonwright6882]

If I wasn't saving for a hanheart at the moment I would be picking up the red version. Great looking watch!

[@goldfools5445]

Very nice package. The dial and bracelet are definitely upper tier.

[@conzmoleman]

Wish they’d make some 34, 35, or even 36mm watches. They’re almost always 40 or 42. 38 at the absolute smallest. Shame because the quality you get for the price is unbelievable.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

I have a 36mm watch by them

[@conzmoleman]

@ They’ve made a small handful. Probably less than 10% of their releases.

[@TheFelicityWildcams]

I think they plan to release a 36mm and 42mm version of these watches. Hoping they come out before the 11.11 sale

[@chrisb9360]

@@TheFelicityWildcamsyeah, saw a comment by them that they’re hoping to release the 36mm version for the 11.11 sale.

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

34mm? Jesus, thats tiny. What size wrist?

[@dunderhay9169]

That is a beautiful dial, great review as always 👍. I agree the very flat hands aren't up to the standard of the dial, the ones on my Baltany 1921 are much nicer. The previous San Martin clasp is excellent, so I don't understand why they have re-engineered it.....if it ain't broke don't fix it!

[@buijs1967]

Exactly, may only change the outside profile as the new one and make it a bit shorter.

[@ForestWoodworks]

Beautiful!

[@johnholkham2420]

Very similar finish to my Longines Spirit and that watch was compared to IWC finishing.

[@NaNByZero]

The watch case is nothing special but the dial looks amazing. I like the idea of the porcelain theme. 🕐⚙️🍸

[@mikebruegger8654]

I have to agree with you Mike. That is very nice indeed. The only change I'd make is the bezel. Perhaps a Rolex style would be great. Band is very impressive to me and very stiff.

[@davidkean6985]

Hello. Great review. San Matin I think is reducing the fume effect on the dial. Do you have a 1st generation blue or is it a 2nd gen? I like that you are self taught for working on watches. I was thinking about doing the same I am just a little worried about the steadiness of my hands!

[@wristopia4101]

Worth mentioning that I think you are showing both the original darker dial, and the actual lighter one that was released. Omega have just released a similar colour Aquaterra, but this looks way better designed watch IMO. Not being able to lay it flat (which I never do) is nothing to do with male end links lol.

[@MyRetroWatches]

No I only have one watch.

[@wristopia4101]

@@MyRetroWatches👌I meant in the photos.

[@eezypeezy2782]

Great review, the only thing about the watch I have a gripe with is fume dial is not darker on the outer ring

[@bfair6284]

I was initially thinking of the same. But after I looked around enough, I have noticed the gradual shading around the outer edge changes depending on the lighting condition. Under strong lighting, the smoke looks lighter. Under subdued lighting, the depth increases. I have also agreed with their decision of the extent they applied because the details (the essence) are in the lighter region. You wouldn't want to cover them up too much and make them obscure. What they did was about a good balance to me.

[@chrisb9360]

@@eezypeezy2782 San Martin are actually changing the gradient of the enamel. However, it might not be o your liking. They recently posted that due to feedback, all orange dials will be lighter at the edges from now on and the red dial will follow shortly.

[@WrightsW5]

Good review, a very nice watch! I'm wearing a 9015 watch right now, a Brathwait Minimalist, I like the movement. Did you see the Red Star up-down square subdials Seiko Kakume lookalike? I ordered the brown version, it got all the way to my driveway and the postman left it somewhere and it went missing!!!!!! All that money wasted. I might order another?

[@MarielosDiaz-i5w]

When it comes to fine imitation watches, MAMACOO delivers. I've bought from them several times, and I've never been let down.

[@arthurfowler5943]

Would be great to see you do a compete miyota 9015 strip down / service. There is no video on KZbin for this. Would be amazing to see it all taken apart and rebuilt!

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have not done this movement before but I have a few other miyota's (off camera) they are okay, nothing all that special in my view and some are oiled on the pallet pivots from factory which I find very strange. I think the 9000 will be similar to some of their other movements.

[@arthurfowler5943]

@@MyRetroWatches I’ve a couple of 9015 engines that I’d like to service so if you ever decide to do a video on it, I’d be forever grateful! 😀

[@bcstewart89]

No other reviewer has mentioned an issue with the clasp. I wonder if its ubiquitous.

[@StittSpring]

that was incredible. what a beautiful watch and what great work you did on it!MAMACOO

[@hugov392]

I would like to understand the dial more. The way you described it you'd expect every one to be unique (as you said) but when I look at photos of other samples of this watch, the pattern looks identical. My guess is it's stamped or etched to give it that deep pattern (perfectly repeatably) and the enamel, while unique, is not noticeably different across dials.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Interesting, I’ve not really looked at other ones particularly. You must be right, moulded or stamped and then enamelled. Shame then really but still stunning effect and not something you expect on a $300 watch.

[@pk1342]

Yeah it's not actually jian Zhan porcelain - just made to look like it. These kinds of things are what annoys when when KZbinrs slate Seiko for charging $1000 for the same watch. When Seiko makes these watches the dials are actually artisan porcelain and enamel products not just cheap imitations.

[@MyRetroWatches]

@ I didn’t say it was. It’s been low temperature enamelled. I don’t know how the dial is made and never said it. What I did say is it gets its inspiration from the Jian Zhan porcelain. Sadly as a Seiko collector of 200 watches I won’t touch anything modern of theirs as the quality is not there for the price, examples like this san Martin if you held it in your hand you would see the difference. I live in the vintage world and own 100s of watches and serviced now 100s for other people.

[@andyfrizzell4352]

I'm done with Seiko and their misaligned bezels and chapter rings, disposal straps and Hardlex on watches costing more than this

[@borjastick]

I was about to buy one of the new Citizen range and then saw this beauty. I live in France and have ordered one from their German distributor and even got a lower price. It is due later next week as they have had over 300 orders before my order went in. This is quite an exceptional piece for the money and would be two or three times the price if it were from a more famous brand.

[@MyRetroWatches]

You will be pleased with your purchase. Which colour did you choose?

[@bfair6284]

With a famous brand, you'd be looking at 10 times the price. Just for the dial alone, they will ding you $1000 for the option. Forget about the rest! Highway robbery it is. 😂😂😂 I primarily buy Ali watches these days. I am not a brand snob, so I don't care about the prestige, just for the quality and comfort. Gone were the days I paid a king's ransom for a decent watch, because there was no alternative back then. Bought some R's , T's and some LongG's. Not looking back. 😊

[@LagerPetrol409]

It's definitely just you😂 ! I've not encountered that problem and I've been using since first launched.

[@LagerPetrol409]

Oh great review by the way 👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

Possibly my left handedness? I don’t know but it does it almost every time. I am even wondering if it’s too loose in the clasp on this one. Very annoying to be honest

[@couldntthingofone269]

I like the 9015, but I've noticed it's quite a bit more touchy when regulating compared to the nh35. Seems like smaller movements get bigger swings in adjustment. It does feel like the Seiko movements take more oomph to move though. But mine seem to be more consistent in different positions compared to the modern Seikos, and besides the rotar noise, a nice jump up. Not that the NH35 is anything to sneeze at.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Seiko will always be indestructible, they cant die! just a bit less refined sometimes. I am addicted at the moment to the Seiko LM 5606 vintage movement which i love. I have not taken a part a 9000 series but have done others plus I do Vario warranty work which I see some Miyota. What I have noticed is on some that if you remove the pallet fork you find oil on the top and bottom pivot jewels! if you clean that off it tidies up the trace on the timegrapher.

[@ASRM10]

Una belleza de reloj a un precio accesible. Un reloj de marca suiza o japonesa con todas esas specs te costaria al menos 2-3 veces mas.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

11.11 is St Martin's day... :) All the kids go door to door, and sing songs, and get sweets that evening...

[@Monsieurbreizh]

Bonjour, Petite question ? Vous mettriez cette montre en face de quelle citizen ou seiko en terme de finition ? Merci .

[@MyRetroWatches]

I can’t say I am not into modern Seiko only vintage 70s watches. You can’t even buy a Seiko really for the price of this San Martin now

[@Monsieurbreizh]

Oui mais quel seiko est du meme niveau ?​@@MyRetroWatches

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Only problem with San Martin is that their bracelets are too short for Dutch wrists, great watches, San martin if you read this, sell extra links!

[@brettmeikle]

You're famously tall, but big-wristed? That's a new one. Are you saying it's all in proportion 😏

[@DrivingSander1970]

I actually prefer my Nordgreen Guardian, also with a 90s series Myota movement. Has come done in price to an affordale 233 euros.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thats fine. My point here was to show just how far these have come and how much further your money goes compared to any established brand.

[@MrAlexButyrin]

Ive read some reviews on the dial, that the blue fades not to black but yellowish! Has anobody heard of this or experienced ot dirsthand?

[@DC-wz9gp]

Nice pogue

[@justinRaju643]

How much Cost this watch Made From.. & i like Dail colour so Beautiful looking 🙄🤔🤔👌

[@Marek.D1982]

Fajny zegarek Pozdrawiam z Polski

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you!

[@mikes41720]

Hey! Glad you’re a leftie. Do you feel a dig from the crown into your skin or you don’t have that problem on this watch? No sharp edges from the case finishing either? Planning to pick this up during the 11.11 sale. 😊

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@mikes41720 there are no sharp edges. I have never had an issue with the crown digging into my arm on any watch.

[@scooterhocfecit3685]

Sam Campbell on Would I Lie to You? | Would I Lie To You?>>>> WHAT?!?! hahahaha

[@MyRetroWatches]

The museum of public executions

[@quetzalcoatlz]

I've always disliked the look of the stainless steel watch straps. Thankfully, you modeled the watch for a moment which I must admit looked quite nice. Cutting down the width of the band really helped slim down and make this watch look sleek and classy.

[@wristopia4101]

Needs half (part) links on the bracelet.

[@jonlott3147]

Actually I have the SNO21-G V3 37mm version

[@ashedinthewoods]

God, they have a purple version of this. That is a GMT. The Desert one you showed. Don’t do such things to me 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@Libertà_sulla_vita]

I think they should have brushed the hands and markers. It would have looked better imo.

[@SamuellLinegar]

AMZWATCH has set a new standard for replica watches. Their craftsmanship is impeccable. Its hard to tell the difference from the originals

[@martinlouden9005]

A very beautiful watch Mike. If you'd pop it into a jiffy bag and post it to my home address I'd be very much obliged!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Ive missed you!

[@austinmorris981]

At Last!...A Chinese watch with a Chinese name!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Haha

[@MoemtonWatch]

Hi, We have watched all your works and we think your works are very good, no matter the video shooting technique or the explanation of the video, we like it very much and it is very attractive. We would like you to publish the video for our watch products. We will try our best to meet your requests in terms of commission, etc. We sincerely hope to establish cooperation with you. Looking forward to your reply. Have a good day!

[@meh3247]

Just dropped by to point out that "Affordable luxury" is an oxymoron and a marketing lie. Luxurious items are ridiculously highly priced to stop commoners buying them and negating the "Luxury item" marketing lies. Value has little to do with actual worth.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I will think of another title

[@meh3247]

@@MyRetroWatches Not on my account, please! I'm really not all that concerned by your titling, I just wanted to point out the oxymoron path that "Standard Sociopathic Marketing Manipulations" have led us all down... Many phrases are borne from the utter lies of advertising agencies that have been rammed into the minds of millions by the power of -television- a popular advertising delivery medium, masquerading as entertainment.

[@Zotrax1946]

I respectfully, disagree.

[@meh3247]

@@Zotrax1946 Good for you mate - I don't care.

[@Zotrax1946]

@@meh3247 why??? Why you small little people with no decency??? This is the comment section- we comment, in the comment section 🤷🏼‍♂️, why do you little shite feel the need to dis a polite comment????? What is this pathetic childish “I don’t care”- are you in kindergarten? Your brain did not develop???? I had enough of pieces of dog shite…. No manners, no class, just the small hearted bully in you. Go learn and educate- you Low life nothing of a kid

[@jimmyngktpi]

Depends on what you are looking for in a watch. It is miles way ahead of a chinese knock off of a luxury watch. On the other hand, it is using a Citizen movement, one may choose the real deal, a Citizen. Just my 2 cents, no offence. BTW, I visit your website often, thank you for keeping a repository of Seiko manuals, they had helped me tremendously on countless occasions. 👍👍👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks I think. I think with a watch like this that if you held it in your own hands and looked at it you would understand just how good it is compared to its more established rivals. I have held a lot of watches! As for the site I keep adding to it all the time so thanks. I am pleased it is of use to people

[@andyfrizzell4352]

I also like some of the recent Citizen watches. At this price point the tend to be solar. But I think I just prefer the look of this, in particular the blue one as reviewed

[@xde9611]

pozdro

[@bjornegan6421]

i cannot stand watches that say 'seiko' on them. that is a stamp of being ripped off for poor quality at an unjustifiable price. a few of their models are things I would actually like, but they continue to criminally price their stuff and they are always raising prices while lowering quality. i dont understand people who buy seiko 5's.

[@jowettcars]

Me neither.....Rather have an old Swiss watch with a battered dial anyday

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have plenty of them myself and 200 Japanese ones too but I still like this watch and cant deny the quality over anything in its price range from more established brands.

[@pokie6087]

Oh look surprise surprise. An Ali Express affiliate link. The hallmark of an impartial unbiased review

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@pokie6087 sarcastic. Is it really? What if I told you I bought the watch?

[@pokie6087]

@MyRetroWatches Hey we all gotta make a living. It's just that so many watch reviews these days seem to be very long Ali Express adverts. I mean there must be something in it for you.

[@paulovb7660]

Sorry ! ... But ... I don't waste time with Ching Ling watches

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@paulovb7660 haha fair enough. The only reason I posted it on this channel rather than my other was to show the sceptics what they are now capable of producing. It far exceeds for instance Japanese brands at a higher price point.

[@SILKYSMOOTH30FPS]

Eh more Chinese shovelware.

[@ashedinthewoods]

Nowadays, it is a big mistake to look down on everything made in China. You have to acknowledge that close to everything IS manufactured in China, and they are overtaking western engineering with a speed that we won’t be able to compete with much longer. If they want to, they can absolutely machine on western standards level, they have the proper materials; it’s pretty dangerous to still understand everything from China as „shovelware“.

[@jowettcars]

Perhaps then, they should start designing their own watch movements instead of making ETA clones, pay workers a decent wage and bring in a decent health and safety policy

[@ashedinthewoods]

⁠@@jowettcarsthey use Miyota and Seiko movements for these watches?

[@MyRetroWatches]

That is pretty general statement but I expect to see these on a video like this. On this watch its a Japanese movement all be it probably made in China anyway like most of the lower Seiko movements. As for the wages etc how can you know what San Martin pay or the conditions they work in?

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have to agree with you. Modern machine tools , modelling and CNC mean as long as you have a power source you can be in any country and machine to precision.