San Martin SN0021-G-B2 36mm. Better in black than blue?

[@MyRetroWatches]

Use my discount code RETROWATCH to get $20 off per $200 spent.

[@sanmartinwatches]

Very objective evaluation, welcome to point out the problems of our products so that we can correct our shortcomings later. The problem of rough ear polishing you mentioned is discussed with you here. I describe it according to the way it is made by the factory (forgive me for translating from Chinese to English, some technical terms may be wrong), for the thickness of the sand grain, this is not the standard for judging the quality of the craftsmanship. ”, he polished it with 320 grit sandpaper, and adjusted the angle of the jig and polished it on the “light machine”. If it is replaced with finer sandpaper for polishing, it is called sallaz polishing. The small bevel of our SN0004 is polished. this production method. Roughly sand with 400, 800, 1500, and finally 3000 grit sandpaper, and then gently rub with a cloth wheel to keep it free of deformation. This is based on the retro style of Rolex. Our SN0004 is straight sand, which is polished with nylon wheels. Relatively speaking, the process of "eight-shaped sand" is more difficult. If it is not done well, it will be polished again. Sand We can also manually push the sand to remedy. So I want to know what kind of effect you prefer, and if you have any suggestions or opinions, you can tell me. thank you very much!

[@daynevickers1079]

Hey San Martin... as an owner of two of your watches (read my comment above), I would like to implore you to, at a minimum, drill at least 2, and possibly 3 more holes in your longer clasp (the same as used in the SN004 and SN006, among others), to allow for more precise adjustment of your watches. I've read virtually every review of this watch, and NO one likes the 2 hole clasp! I'd love to see you guys design a relatively thin 'on-the-fly' adjustable clasp such as what Formex offers, or, at the very least, an 'easy-link' clasp similar to what Pagani offers. This feature would raise the popularity of your brand significantly. I am positively sure your customers would love these, even if it was an extra cost item. We appreciate you listening to your customers, so, as one of your good customers, I'd love to see you make this happen.

[@santiguierrez]

Hi, I don´t know if this is a silly question but is it possible to have a glossy black dial variation? I think it would look really beautiful

[@marekmusil3179]

@@Sparkadian or at least 39 mm

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I love the color I hate the handset, it's the same mistake Tudor makes with using them with the circular hour markers.

[@Luso308]

This channel deserves a lot more subscribers. Way more.

[@MyRetroWatches]

This is very kind of you to say so. I would like more too but it grows at the speed it grows. Been here since 2017..

[@darrentabor4839]

A solid review of a watch that I've been considering. San Martin makes an impressive product, especially for the price.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you sir

[@jims4539]

Yes, please do a tear down. I have two PT5000 and both work fine. Also, a comparison between this movement and the STP 1-11 which might be a similar clone.

[@MyRetroWatches]

My video to do list is endless but I would certainly like to put a PT5000 up against a ETA2824, I just need to find the correct ETA. I have load of ETA movements kicking around but not the right one... yet.

[@blktauna]

good size, lovely blue, nice finishing.

[@davidcoleman2796]

I'm going to get the black one . I'm glad I waited . Thanks .

[@alanuk8677]

Personally I prefer the blue. each to their own, I guess.

[@MyRetroWatches]

That's what makes the world go round. I just think its too light blue and there is nothing to take away from it. The Phoibos I reviewed at least had interesting index in black and a bezel which broke the colour up for me but its all personal preference and clearly these will sell.

[@Louen_Leoncoeur]

In my modest opinion, the crown is often snapped and lost of accidently getting hooked by pocket edge, can be trousers pocket, jacket, coat, or suite pocket... That's the other function of threaded crown, to protect from snapping because it's screwed to the "crown pipe" that fitted in the casing, making the crown stonger to withstand the hookup …or maybe if the watch falls or struck to something... ✌🏽️✌🏽️🙏🏽🙏🏽🇮🇩🇮🇩

[@Louen_Leoncoeur]

....similar to the function of crown guard, more or less...

[@andyfletcher1214]

Great vid as always Mike ,I do enjoy your reviews . I actually like the dial colour but I suppose its just a matter of personal taste .

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks Andy

[@yapolloable]

Not sure if you noticed, the edges of the bracelet is quite sharp. Also the clasp can be exchanged to the longer version for free upon request, which has 4 micro adjust holes. Really good watch, feels like a thousand dollar watch. Lume is brilliant too!

[@dray1842]

I like the Blue and not a blue person.

[@martinkavanagh9641]

Thanks for another careful review Mike. - I bought the SN026 with this movement following your assessment of that unit and I am loving it. - If you can organize a detailed look at this PT-5000 movement I will be watching it at least twice 😊. Cheers & Thanks from NZ.

[@MyRetroWatches]

At some point sir. A PT5000 has to go under the knife!

[@watchalot919]

I had the black version with painted subby style indices. I sold it because the dial was boring, but would consider another one with a Different dial. It is an incredibly comfortable and well made watch for the money. I like the colour, but it is too iconic for Rolex for me to consider it. I wish they would change the two micro adjust clasp though, as getting the correct fit can be difficult. Excellent review

[@XjohnjohnX88]

You would like with a silver sunburst dial?

[@julianvalderramaescalante8758]

YES I want more original designs from san martin.

[@valengreymoon5623]

Interesting mix of Rolex OP and Tudor parts.

[@the_9ent]

This watch is so beautiful ❤️

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you like it.

[@radio5873]

Hi I asked on you other Chanel I have this old watch repaired it was my first watch and you would make my day if you fixed it.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Sorry I’m not taking any work on. There are plenty of watchmakers out there that can help you

[@Cur8or88]

I don't mind the crown. Makes this a great daily.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Baby blue we call this in the Netherlands :)

[@MyRetroWatches]

We do too but its the Tiffany blue that Rolex / Tiffany produced that everyone seems to be getting their inspiration from. I just think its a bit too light and close to being a colour for the ladies!

[@stevenmccarthy112]

I just ordered a black one on Ali Express.

[@daves6259]

Picture absolutely brilliant & clear Great job ,Watch is very nice

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@daves6259]

Hope your Better soon

[@jjakiefte2165]

There is now also a version B3, with gilt hands and either a black or a green dial....yum yum!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Ive not seen that one. Would be more to my taste. Thanks for letting me know.

[@jjakiefte2165]

@@MyRetroWatches I ordered one yesterday, hope it fulfils my expectations

[@TheCrispyjones]

@@jjakiefte2165 I’m thinking of getting one too! The gilt one

[@amandawatson5931]

I need this watch with this dial colour in my life.

[@darrencheshire8546]

I have no problem with the colour or hands. A good price point. Good review sticky balls included. Hope you feel better soon and can get back to normal. Stay safe fella

[@MyRetroWatches]

thanks. less on the sticky balls!

[@darrencheshire8546]

@@MyRetroWatches don’t know what your implying!!! 🤪😂

[@thewatchfemme4051]

I am not normally a snowflake hands lover, but the green gilt version is so stunning. Lovely review, thank you.

[@1SaG]

I do agree on the dial color - just doesn't do it for me with this particular design. However: There's always the black dial, and I love the fact that SM are producing these in 36mm. IMO, this is the perfect size for this type of watch. I generally prefer 40mm and smaller for any type of watch, but I think that vintage-style pieces tend to look particularly horrible when you scale them up. From what I can tell from pics and videos, this case looks awesome. For starters: That 11mm thickness is just perfect. One of my main gripes with homages is that they're often too thick - which is a problem looks-wise, especially for guys like myself with average or slightly thinner wrists. I'm currently waiting for my very first SM to arrive (SN 0109, scheduled to be delivered tomorrow), but I have to admit that I'm already eyeing other watches of theirs. The 36mm Explorer homage (which uses the same case as this one AFAIK) is definitely on the list as is their 80s/90s-style vintage Sub homage. But I think I'll wait and see how I like the one I've already bought and - since I've never ordered anything direct from China - how high my additional cost for import-duties/handling fees will be.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Agree with you. The sizing of this model is perfect, most about this watch is spot on other than the small clasp which I now think they have abandoned. I am not into the Tiffany dial had it been black and gilt it would for me be hard to take the watch off. I also like their new Tudor Ranger model with the applied indices and non faux aged loom.

[@Gary-Seven-and-Isis-in-1968]

Not a bad review and some good points raised here I think. Especially the lack of enough micro-adjusts on the bracelet. Now, I get a feeling of confidence if a watch has a screw-down crown, I have no problem with having to unscrew a crown to wind or adjust. As for the colour of that dial, I didn't mind it one bit, but I did dislike that hour hand greatly. It is hideous, more of a garden spade than an hour hand, it should be toned down a bit in design. What exactly is a "Sports watch"? Does it fall into a niche between Diver and dress watch, should it have a rotating bezel, just in case the owner has a need for one or simply likes their appearance? Personally I would like to see a bright yellow dial with a matching bezel, or even a lume dial version with a lume bezel. The out of the box Timegrapher readings were faultless and that should be of great concern to the big brands.

[@jfilm7466]

The block logo and 2 micro adjusts made me go for the Pagani version instead. More micro adjusts and a sweaty day extension.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I love the color I hate the handset, it's the same mistake Tudor makes with using them with the circular hour markers.

[@argon1490]

I prefer darker colors as well but to be fair about the color selection... 36mm watches now fall in the 'unisex' sizing ranges. So... Perhaps aiming at a wider market segment.

[@georuiz74]

Nice review Mike. Appreciate the time you put into this channel. Agree dial colour not to my taste and seeing a strip down of the movement at some point would be good. Thanks again. 👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks George. I will soon be back to repairs!

[@jameshuang3898]

I bought a San Martin watch sn-021 recently and the experience has been rather poor. Just wanna share the story so people know what to expect from San martin in this situation. The watch is finished pretty nice for the price. The lines are crisp and sharp. But the pt5000 movement was broken out of the box, would not hack, stop running randomly (3 times in less than 1 min), and the minute and second hands have bright white lume and the rest have patina lume. Their customer service rep was frustrating to talk to, implied that I didn't know how to operate the watch at first and made me jump through hoops to prove the watch was broken. Even then they only agreed to send a replacement movement. Meaning i'd have to pay to get it fixed locally. (costs 100 canadian dollar at watch repair shops) I wasn't happy with the offer so I started dispute, and after sending even more videos to prove the watch is broken, they agreed to let me ship back for warranty repair. I liked the watch still and was ok with that. But I told them that they need to fix the hands too because the mismatch really ruins the dial. They told me there's nothing they can do and all their watches are like that. (What the fuck?????) I ordered dial customization they told me there's no return. I intended to keep and reviews were good. So i didn't think much of it. But when you ship me a broken watch with a dial that looks different from your product pics, that changes things. Since they refused to fix the hands I wanted a refund. I even told them that they can keep the 60 dollars I paid for dial customization to be fair. They agreed to refund me after days of arguing and now they chanegd their mind again and only want to refund me half. Still disputing this but I want to share the story so you know what to expect from san martin when shit goes wrong. Update: they offered full refund in the end

[@MyRetroWatches]

Can’t you take this up with AliExpress? Any money you pay goes to AliExpress holding fund first before moving to the store account.

[@santiguierrez]

Hi, I am really interested on the black version of this watch. I´ve heard SM made some changes to the case, lug width, crystal and l2l. Do you know the current measurements for this specific one? I am talking about b2 version. I would really appreciate any information you can give me. Keep up the good work, I really enjoyed the video.

[@MyRetroWatches]

2:21 into the video I say the dimensions of the watch.

[@gimiked8685]

I love the blue.

[@dodgydruid]

I went and bought that Tudor cough cough "homage" I put up in the FB group plus a "Blue Angels" cough splutter "homage" as well off Aliexpress, the latter has actually a nice bracelet on and £16 for a solid link bracelet will do me all day long and who knows will it be a good 'un or a naughty no no we shall see. The Tudor I am simply going to put my legit Tudor dial and hands on it and enjoy it for what it is and when it breaks I am going to use the case and bracelet for one of my projects.

[@kiwicory100]

Hey Mike, I know you made two timegrapher videos....I redid the results using Ivan's method over at Perth Watch and got good results with beat error. He used a cloth to dampen ambient sounds and got a good reading. Thought you might like to try it off camera vs your timegrapher? Cheers and thanks so much for your videos.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks. To be fair you only seem to get odd readings when the bracelet is attached. Also turning down the gain helps too. Thanks for the tip though.

[@doncarlas4928]

Hello, I have a question. I got mine a few weeks ago but it doesnt have 20mm lugs but in 19mm. And no its not the B3. It has the applied logo. I cannot contact San Martin because they dont respond to any my emails.

[@davelowey3074]

Hi Mike, greatreview of a nice watch, the PT 5000 looks fine, i hope you get feelings back for the NH 3 series bang for buck i really don't think it can be beaten but prices have risen recently anyway thank you Mike and i agree 36 mm is a great size for a watch up to 40 mm ok for me.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thing is at first glance the PT5000 is a better movement. Thinner, based on a Swiss tried and tested movement & high beat. Seiko is always a passion for me but they are not setup so well by the looks of things

[@wastedaga1n]

Wish the chapter ring was a tad shorter. The way the minute hand doesn't quiet touch bothers me.

[@LCMNUNES1962]

EXCELENTE RELÓGIO 👍👍👍 🇧🇷

[@extradimensional8818]

I've just purchased a San Martin ghost V3 with the black dial it has a NH35a movement and it looks and feels and runs like a watch that I would expect to pay a lot more for it looks stunning on the wrist' I'm saving up for the black version of the one your showing but with an sw200 movement if possible.✌️🧐🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have to agree that for the money what you get is exceptional. they are not without their faults in places but you really can't complain. The PT5000 movement looks to perform extremely well in fairness so I see the SW200 as a bit overkill, yes its Swiss but ironically also based on the ETA 2824

[@rickplum858]

Does anyone measured the width of intermediate link?

[@r4faelcampos793]

Hey dude, what do you think about pt5000 ? I have seen many reviews where the sound is horrible when hand wound. Is nh35 better?

[@tactofu]

Hoping for a variant with snowflake indices as well. I've always found snowflake hands with round indices incongruent.

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

They're making a Tudor Snowflake Sub(-ish) with that layout.

[@tactofu]

@@andrei-cosmin.popa85 I saw and begged on that video for that dial in this case. 😅 I have a micro-wrist, the 48.5 L2L on the snowflake sub wouldn't work or I'd have already bought it.

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

@@tactofu although not the same quality, I'd suggest you have a chat with William of tigerconcept. He's got the dial you're looking for and he sells 36mm cases. If you're not keen on his branding, you might want to head out to the BSH discourse and get hooked up there before you consider a watch with their logo.

[@marekmusil3179]

What do you guys think to get this watch with this colour for my girlfriend?

[@Sergeant_Fury]

You're right about the design being too imitative. I agree with you about build quality; the Chinese are getting a bad rap because of the country's complete lack of copyright protection, but the quality is definitely there. As an aside, all of the big Swiss watchmakers make many of their components in China and they wouldn't if the quality wasn't there. Now, if only the Chinese government would stop throwing its weight around...

[@andyhansen3117]

A darker blue would be more to my taste but it`s not that bad as is!

[@res00xua]

Wearing that exact watch today

[@conzmoleman]

I really prefer 44mm lug to lug, which is so hard to find. I can (baaaarely) pull off 46 but less is better for my 6” wrist. Very hard to find something in this vein that suits my desires.

[@MyRetroWatches]

vintage! thats the way to go if you want smaller watches. often 38mm case is considered large.

[@conzmoleman]

@@MyRetroWatches Correct! Most of my collection consists of Soviet watches from 1950s to 1980s. Perfect sizes for me

[@martinsailjocasta9399]

Excellent vid!...I concur with all you say...esp desire for a beads of rice...that shall knock it out of the park!...(pls excuse Americanism)... like yourself am not a teenager anymore...thou refuse to grow up... I'll go for the black one...as for the pt5000...my other brand is running -4 sec a WEEK! they ain't rubbish!.. keep up your good work.

[@slowlead]

Just picked up a steeldive "tuna" hope it's just as nice.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I have the steeldive Willard and its a stunner of a watch for £80. I believe the Tuna is also but I have not seen on in the flesh. I doubt you will be disappointed.

[@MichaelG1986]

I received the SN021-G-B2 based on your review and it was garbage. The crown and tube was defective. I've had that problem before with a San Martin Sub homage. They offered a refund on the Sub homage, but have refused to deal with the defective "Explorer" Tudor homage. It's extremely difficult to screw in the crown. I contacted them, but the San Martin official store refuse to do anything about it.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I am sorry to hear this. Mine screws in fine. I had this issue on another watch a while ago and I used dental floss on the threads on the tube to “clean” it seemed to be fine after that. You could have a thread issue on either the tube or crown but the crown would have to be removed to inspect. Had mine been defective I’d have said in the video as all my videos are my honest opinion of what is in front of me. Can you take your complaint to AliExpress rather than the store? You pay AliExpress rather than the store if you look at the receipt of payment. Either that or persist with SM. Perhaps video the struggle as evidence.

[@d7r_tv]

Big fail not showing it on wrist. Otherwise excellent review.

[@SilentCanary]

Anyone have any input between this one vs. the Pagani Design one?

[@MyRetroWatches]

I’d say this one will be much better quality than PD. It’s why it’s probably twice the price.

[@TheCrispyjones]

Hello sir, have you seen the gilt dial version? I’m hanging over the buy button 😂😂

[@kevinhuber8723]

Love the color and bracelet. No date complication means I would never consider this watch.

[@SoapyLight]

Can't use a watch that doesn't have a date complication. It's vital.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Funny, I prefer it...

[@nintendokings]

And a lot would say the opposite

[@covaiganesh7398]

Super watch sir

[@LCMNUNES1962]

EXCELENTE ê BONITO RELÓGIO 👍👍👍

[@planecrashcorner7283]

Will you be breaking down a pt5000 anytime soon?

[@MyRetroWatches]

Not yet I want to get an original ETA2824 to compare with side by side

[@planecrashcorner7283]

@@MyRetroWatches oooo, im excited

[@metalman4141]

Do you get to keep the watch you review

[@MyRetroWatches]

Not always but on this occasion yes.

[@benji2971]

I no exactly what you mean about abrasives, my father worked for SAIT, latterly had his own abrasives company.

[@davidcoleman2796]

I hear that people are asking for the old clasp with 4 micro adjustments and getting it . I'm going to do that. If not, I will not buy it from that seller

[@MyRetroWatches]

It seems on reflection the retro one of their own design I reviewed a few months back also only has 2 holes. 3 holes will make all fine adjustments adequate in my opinion. 4 would not hurt but will make the clasp longer

[@davidcoleman2796]

@My Retro Watches yes. I like the short clasp but it's taking a chance. This happened to me with my seiko sarb035 last summer . It was a really hot day . My wrist just started to break out . I had to take the watch off . Only 2 micro adjust.

[@dfergiedf]

Is this available with a Nh35m?

[@MyRetroWatches]

No only the PT 5000 and the SW200 Swiss movement

[@nintendokings]

This is starting to look like those really nice vintage Rolex/Tudor case style watches.. but it still feels like it’s just not it?

[@nintendokings]

But for a low-cost Chinese copy...it looks pretty darn amazing

[@MyRetroWatches]

Well thats where its getting its inspiration from. Despite my love and passion for watches I could not bring myself to pay £4k for a watch as I would be scared to wear it, plus for 4000 I could by 100s of watches that give me more pleasure.

[@tedblack2415]

They are aware of the clasp issue which is why they're offering an alternative for additional money ... the standard SM money grab.

[@MyRetroWatches]

typical.

[@tomholloway7566]

I don’t like the hands but the rest is ok. I like your refurb/repair videos more but I understand you are in a lot of pain right now and would struggle to do much else ATM. Get well and I look forward to normal service being resumed 🤪.

[@tomholloway7566]

TBH I can build this myself for about £100

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks. I will still be at the bench just maybe in smaller sessions. Actually today I have almost no pain! still there is something going on...

[@tomholloway7566]

@@MyRetroWatches good news you are starting to feel better Mike 😀, all the best with it sir

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

And again, not in pink ;) On the other hand, it has what you need on a watch, to silly extra stuff, no date either though... do they have a white face or creme, with dark hands and markings I wonder.. I love a bit of boring, hands should draw attention at the time, not to them selves :)

[@LCMNUNES1962]

👍👍👍 🇧🇷

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

China was already making high quality porcelain, at a time the English/Dutch were still running around in bearskins in the great Germanic forest... So Chinese can make quality stuff, have been doing so for thousands of years already..., for example.., Russia tried to land on Mars for 70 years now, all tries failed... China tried once, and got it right the first time...

[@nintendokings]

They excel in some areas but still struggle in others. You’d think the second largest economy would have more originality than still copying western luxuries left and right. Even western cities get copied

[@MyRetroWatches]

I always love this comment you make.

[@Q.Q.]

Lack of strap choice be damned. 20 mm lug width is too wide for a 36. It should be an 18. 19 at most, but really an 18. And a 3 mm taper looks more elegant than a 4 mm taper, Rolex be damned. While the quality is good, I don't like that SM has gotten into the mindset of fitting this exact bracelet, clasp combo on as many of their watches as possible. It's like they've decided that this bracelet and clasp are "good enough," and are therefore just "mailing it in" on those aspects.

[@Q.Q.]

Don't like the circular brushing on case top when there is vertical brushing on the bracelet. The brushing should match, for a more coherent light play.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Have to agree with you on the bracelet . Weirdly if you ever watch the review I did on the “Ironwatch” you will see that that brand used the exact same case and bracelet all be it with a different clasp.

[@AleCardenasRealtor]

It is same price as a tissot prx :'(

[@MyRetroWatches]

I doubt that. A quartz at best but not an automatic. The quartz module in a Tissot is an F06-115 which is £29 retail so you can imagine how much Tissot pay for it. A £300 new Tissot £200 + is profit from retailers and the manufacturer.

[@AleCardenasRealtor]

@@MyRetroWatches do yo think the the prx auto is going to last more than a quartz?

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@AleCardenasRealtor both will run for years if you look after them. If the quartz goes wrong it’s an easier fix / replacement module. A mechanical watch is not as accurate but carries more prestige. A small mechanical machine on your arm. They do need looking after though so every 7 years it would need a service which would be £100 + Both will last for decades. I have quartz and mechanical in my collection that are both 40 years plus

[@billykl2790]

36 mm is too small.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Not is your used to wearing vintage watches, which I am.

[@rf4790]

Too small for you? Or everyone?

[@ygrbooks]

Have you given up on restoring watches completely and just turned into another "influencer" channel? You have somehow lost me ...

[@MyRetroWatches]

Nope I’ve mentioned it many times that firstly I’ve been learning my new camera which I’ve posted rebuilds twice on already. A few days ago I posted on the community tab that I have a possible reoccurring hernia which was operated on 9 years ago , however it’s now giving me some issues and pain especially sitting in that hunched over position at my bench hence restoration videos are even slower to produce as I have to take more time. The reviews were of interest for me personally to handle new watches as I’ve only ever been in the vintage land plus it helps the algorithm to promote the channel by having more regular uploads. If I don’t upload for 4-5 weeks the channel drops considerably. Without consistent views I don’t make enough to cover the cost of my time. An average restoration video I might earn £50 if I’m lucky from revenue. I put in well over 10 hours per restoration video from filming and especially editing all whilst having a day job and family and now heath issues.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I will also most likely need more surgery too.

[@Bigpopasmurf34]

sent you a note on messenger, loving the FB group!