San Martin BUDGET vs PREMIUM Comparison Review

[@adk7962]

“Budget San Martin.” Those aren’t words I’ve heard together in a while…Thanks for the great comparison. As for me, I’ll take the NH35 over a PT5000 every day of the week. I like the new one overall anyway. And with the current $40 discount, the new one at $160 is a serious bargain. Although I personally think SM’s $250 and $300 watches are worth the money also.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

It's good that they listen to the feedback of the community isn't it? I completely agree with what you said about their more 'expensive' watches too. They absolutely justify the price I think. But it's always nice to have options though.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Nice review! This is a trend I see other brands like Cronos also making. Changing out their PT5000's with NH35's to reduce the cost. For me it's a no brainer. I would go for the NH35 every time.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Thanks. I personally like it when they have a few options for different movements available. That way we can all get what we want.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Get an extra $40 off using discount code: '0008CS1' s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkImGzh

[@MrHyde14537]

Other than for the clasp, the bezel finishing, lume and some other details seem higher quality and better in the cheaper version which is surprising... I'd gladly take the newer style bracelet and NH35 while pocketing the savings... Seems a win all around other than for the clasp details

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

It is quite a deal isn't it?

[@eshwarrao7358]

Nice review, bought this watch just now Thanks for the link mate!!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for using my link. Which colour did you go for?

[@eshwarrao7358]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR I opted the blue dial.. although i liked the Black one more.. I have an other San Martin"SN017G-A" in Black double tone, i thought Blue will be versatile to have. What do you think?

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@eshwarrao7358 Yeah, that makes sense to me.

[@jimg8887]

I do prefer the high beat movement and clasp of the old but would like the better bezel action, signed crown and bracelet of the new one. One other minor difference I noticed was the old has a capped seconds hand and the new just has a standard one with a hole for the pinion.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Oh yeah, so it is. Well spotted.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Nice catch with the capped second hand. I noticed it too but you beat me to it.

[@notmypresident4066]

Interesting and useful comparison. For me, the lower price + better bezel action of the new one would make it my choice over the nicer clasp details and high beat movement of the old one, but I can also see the merits of going the other way.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Cheers. I'm glad you liked it. There's some interesting differences isn't there?

[@goldfools5445]

I have the SN008-g2 sort of in between the two models. The Bezel is still light, but has the hex on the crown and non rivet screw pin bracelet. Same with the words on the dial, marches new version. Great watch all the same.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Thanks for the information. That's good to know. It's so hard to keep up with all of the different versions of each watch they bring out.

[@DyfanGriffith]

Great video. Very informative for me as a new person getting into this brilliant hobby/interest.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I'm glad you liked it and it was helpful. Are you thinking about getting one of these then, and do you have any AliExpress watches yet?

[@indyawichofficial1346]

Not sure about the old version, but the new NH35 movement version has slightly domed saphire crystal, which is absolutely georgeous. Perhaps it was mentioned in the video, and missed it, if not its a good addition worth mentioning. Another difference I realized with my NH35 version is in the bracelet, which is also non riveted as your new one, but with screw pins. Also the clasp my version has is the G version (angled corners). Tx for the video, appreciated !!! P.S. It came in green leatherette package.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Did you order this new "budget" version, or a newer version of the older one? If that makes sense.

[@indyawichofficial1346]

Bit confused now - but I ordered SN 008 G - B, the NH35 version at the end of April 2023. The watch I received has slighly domed saphire crystal. The oyster bracelet is surprisingly fitted with screwpins, and the clasp has polished edges, with angled corners. The lume pip does not extend over the surface of the bezel. Came in green leatherette. Has BGW9 lume. Very confusing, isn't it ?😅

[@indyawichofficial1346]

Just to add - my variant has 200m-660ft writing, as your new C version, same goes with hexagonal logo on the crown.

[@christopherchalk3420]

Same, bought mine March 2023....NH35, screw links arrived in green leather pouch for £162. So you're getting less watch for more £££

[@andrewchanws]

Thanks for the review. Was considering it for 11/11. I think the postiive changes to it coupled with the price drop makes it tempting for me. I have the budget SN0008 and that same clasp is rather sharp. I will probably switch the bracelet out for an FKM strap. 1 question - are the outer edges of the lugs sharp to the touch?

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I'm glad it was helpful. I think this is the best price it will be... Especially with that extra discount code too. As for the lugs, I didn't notice that they were sharp. But I can check tonight when I've finished work though.

[@sivanstar]

Thank you for the review! Really cool seeing actual side by side comparison. I love 3 handers but until they wont use the proper movement i wont get SM. Why wouldn't i purchase a date SM? Maybe its a matter of principal idk.. There are other Chinese brands i prefer exploring.. 🤷‍♂️

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad you liked it.

[@MrShinobi797]

At $205. USD, the Updated version is a steal. Had I not recently purchased the Zelos Swordfish ( Ember/Orange ), I'd be all over this!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Isn't it just. The Zelos Ember Orange is great though. I've got mine on at the moment.

[@sanmartinwatches]

Sir, this more budget friendly version SN0008C is with the 11.11 sale offer (about 158$ after coupon deducted) in advance and there won't be a change in the price for a relatively long time

[@KP-wp5sz]

I don’t find much value in high beat movements. I don’t use my bezels much either. So for me it comes down to finishing for the price - the new one wins hands down

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

It's even more tempting with the extra discount code too.

[@96kyh]

I agree. Higher beat movements require more frequent servicing, and it's not like the cheaper model bezel is unusable.

[@dunderhay9169]

I'm not a fan of showflake hands, so I wouldn't buy either. However, I think I would be happy to save the money and go for nh35 and pin/collar. I trust the nh35 more than pt5000 and being lower beat I believe they survive longer without servicing.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

That's fair enough. Thanks for watching anyway.

[@dunderhay9169]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR My pleasure 👍😁

[@thegorn]

I just bought the SN0017G-B which is the "affordable" version of the SN0017G water ghost v3 (sub 116610 homage) and it's atrocious. I thought it was just a Halloween special and didn't realise it had the "detuned" bracelet with pin and collar. They didn't mention that on their comparison video. They just mentioned a few other details, so felt a bit dirty on them, although later in the video I did see that people had asked them about screws vs pin/collar and they answered honestly... so I guess I should have confirmed instead of assuming. Anyway my real issue is that the 6 oclock marker is way out of alignment. The whole bottom half of the dial is skewed to the right. I took a photo and drew a red line through the lume pip down the 12 oclock marker, through the centre pinion and through the "30" on the bezel at the 6 oclock and the whole 6 oclock index is way to the right of the line. It stands out and looks bad. I haven't seen that on any other SN0017G watches being reviewed on youtube. I am going to organise a return as I'm not happy with it.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

I'm sorry to hear that you've had issues with your latest purchase. Hopefully, you manage to get it sorted out asap.

[@sinjinadams2862]

I hope this isn't going to be a new trend at San Martin, making cheaper watches with less quality. That's not what I'm looking for.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@sinjinadams2862 Perhaps they'll have both a 'budget version' and the more 'expensive' one of each of their watches going forwards 🤔

[@TokenLPmitHerzblut]

Does this watch feature hacking like their Explorer II homage with the NH34 Movement or Just Hand winding? Nice Video!👍

[@Jesse_Ghost_]

Thanks for the awesome review mate and personally I'd take the newer one it's got a more reliable movement and better lume

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Cheers mate. The newer one is very impressive, especially for the price.

[@LymanPhillips]

I don't like the rivet style bracelets. Plus I'd rather have the NH35 (or better, the NH38) than the high-beat PT5000, which still has a lot to prove. New version for the win!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Are you tempted to get one then? Especially with the extra money off using the discount code.

[@LymanPhillips]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Nope. I already have the 004 with the sword hands and the red pip one from SM. My SM vintage diver quota has been fulfilled. I think my next watch is the Hammy Khaki Aviator - Cooper.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

I prefer the old one in every way. Movement, dimensions, screws I prefer the old one. I've stopped buying nh35s

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

So the price difference doesn't make you even consider it then? Even after the extra discount?

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Less fussy bracelet, a more reliable movement and a price drop? Sounds like an improvement to be honest....

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Are you tempted to get one then?

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR at that price? Definitely, even though I have the original. I would just get the blue instead of the black one I currently have.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@kobusvanrensburg4092 Well if do, please consider using my affiliate link, as it helps to support the channel, but you don't pay any extra.

[@slashdotism]

If they just made the bezel insert matte, it would have been an instant buy for me.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

So you like the changes they've made for this new one then, apart from the bezel insert?

[@slashdotism]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR yeah all of them.

[@angelherrera6820]

Let me say I love the NH35 movement but I wonder why a watch like this wouldn't have the Miyota 9015/9039. I would be willing to shell out more money for a Miyota movement as opposed to a PT500. Nothing against a PT5000 movement but I've always been pleased with Miyota AND NH movements. Anyway, great looking watch. Can't wait for the sale! Cheers!

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

The Miyota 9000 series movements are good. I guess they could have used them instead on the older model. But for this more budget one, they had to use an NH movement really. With the current discount code as well, I don't think this one will be going any cheaper than it currently is.

[@sinjinadams2862]

For some reason, maybe cost, the AliExpress brands have never really used the higher beat Miyota movements. I think they should.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@sinjinadams2862 Yeah they always seem to opt for the PT5000 instead.

[@c.s.herman860]

How accurate is the color of the blue bezel/dial in the video? I quite like the deep blue color. In some other videos/pictures I've seen it appears lighter.

[@AlexanderB.]

I'm not so sure, I look at this as a missed chance. Why the longer lug to lug? The bracelet of the older one was a pain to resize and so is the new one, albeit in a different way. And finally I wish they'd change to a matt ceramic bezel insert like I've seen on some other San Martin watches, lose that metal ring seperating the bezel from the insert and change to a real box domed sapphire crystal.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

So neither really works for you then?

[@Sicarius888]

Rolex caseback is again disappointing dealbreaker. I really wanted older version some time ago and even asked San Martin and Cronos if they can switch it to normal or include a tool, but both said no, so no purchase from me.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Apparently these work pretty well and they are cheap too. s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_EIkSMVv

[@thegorn]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR I use the Bergeon B 8008 ball but suspect being off eBay and the price I paid that it's not genuine, but works just as well!

[@Dirtywesterner]

watchdives' in-house tribute to the tudor sub has a few for less than $100 , there are many negative stereotypes associated with various shady and/ or foreign characters with ten watches on each arm, a trench coat , usually at the airport etc but they are now w/seiko movements? Suddenly even so-called fake watches have legit movements and forces the legitimate manufacturers to step their game up, one would think

[@Valvey789]

Go for a BB58 homage that doesn't have that polished metal spacer between the bezel and the crystal.

[@andrewlevett4274]

I just bought one in black for £135 delivered. If I don’t like it on wrist, I am sure I’ll get my money back for it on eBay.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Did you happen to use my affiliate link by any chance? Yeah, San Martin watches tend to hold the price fairly well.

[@jhoag2577]

I have the new one and it a 90 click bezel not 120.

[@thegorn]

oh wow that's disappointing.

[@legendarymoji]

I just received mine today and it has a 120 click bezel

[@jorgeshss]

Just.got the new model. Hate the pins on the bracelet. Two parts for each pin...how come. they should come.with screwed pins

[@carlogalopo2605]

I Hope San Martin do a king seiko homage next

[@robertrocha597]

Look like the Nomadic watch brand and cheaper. I am sold. Haha

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

It's quite a deal isn't it?

[@st4ndaman]

Pin and collar = push pins?

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

No, they are different to split pins. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ3OmmmVg76IhMk

[@billsomerset238]

New one for me

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Any particular reason?

[@billsomerset238]

$158 to the USA, thats very affordable for a san martin.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Not bad at all is it?

[@seanhickling7340]

What issue do people have with pin and collar? It's so much simpler and less of a pain in the a*** to adjust than those truly awful split pins.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

The issue I have with them is that, unlike split pins, they take a lot more force to get out and also put back in, so you risk bending or snapping them.

[@seanhickling7340]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR Really? I've never experienced that. It's always bloody spilt pins that bend on me. You are placing the collar into the link (should easily slide in on it's own) before positioning the links together and finally pushing the pin through aren't you?

[@baandoptager]

There is no new packaging.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

No, it comes in this older-style packaging.

[@baandoptager]

@@HonestWatchReviewsHWR I've ordered many SM watches Inlcuding two new models and they don't give the green packaging away, they charge extra for that ($20). Reviewers get them for free so it looks classier when they unbox. Know no one who's received the "new" packaging.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@baandoptager So you've never received this type of packaging with any of your newer San Martin watches? ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S7cf0229c0dd34941829d53bc3ee9d0d7v.jpg

[@sanmartinwatches]

Sir, if you buy a normal sale watch from our official stores, it will be green leather box packaging by default. And for some special sale watches, we will add a packaging notification of the older-style square black plastic box on our page. You can confirm the packaging with the staff with our store staff before purchasing. For most of our agents, they would also choose the older black one to save some cost 😃

[@baandoptager]

@@sanmartinwatches What can I say, I bought two of the latest original designs at the official site and did not get any green cases. Maybe next time?

[@fredoakes7441]

Resale value on ANY watch from China is crap..buy a micro brand instead.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

That's not entirely accurate. Some microbrand watches don't hold their value very well at all. Also, some watches from the likes of San Martin and similar quality can hold their value quite well.

[@sinjinadams2862]

HaHa! Why in the world would you even be thinking about this! These are throw away watches! Of course there's no resale value! Just wear the watch and enjoy it!

[@andrewlevett4274]

You are wrong there, I have bought plenty and if I buy them at sale price I can sell on eBay for around the same price. Especially if they are one of the better brands like San Martin and are kept in mint condition.