San Martin Explorer homage 39mm vs 37mm: which one to buy??

[@ulmen24]

Honestly I’m ready for the Premium San Martin Explorer. 38mm, Applied indices/numerals, BGW9, (no patina), PT5000. A San Martin non sterile caseback (I prefer some decoration) Again Option the different script/logo choices. $335. I’d rather buy 1 or 2 nice Chinese watches than a dozen cheaper ones I’m not proud to wear.

[@Horologique]

That doesn't really mean a premium version of this one, only a V2 😉

[@jjakiefte2165]

Good comparison. I am glad I went for the 39mm limited edition that sports the hex-logo on the dial. Excellent lume as well (blue). That watch is really the best option.

[@Horologique]

Yes it's a wonderdul option indeed, I don't know if they have sold out already 🤔. Thank you and I'm sure you'll greatly enjoy yours 👍

[@kokliangchew3609]

Great comparison review. I was actually looking for the 39mm shrunk in every way down to 36mm, not a new look watch altogether. I liked the vintage look and domed crystal of the 39, and was hoping that everything would be carried over to the 36mm. Shame that they did not do so. Would have been great to have a similar vintage look for the 36mm. Hope some company comes up with a pure vintage look 36mm homage later.

[@caktaylor]

You could look into Armida, Zeno, and Smiths. I believe of of their 36mm Explorer-style watches have a more vintage look to them.

[@Horologique]

Thank you very much! I thought they would be scaled versions of each other, but that's not what they did 🤔

[@AlexanderB.]

Hi Olivier! Thanks for finally showing these two side by side. They both have their merits. Personally I find it difficult to decide between them.

[@Horologique]

Thank you my friend! For me the best would be the 39 on a real 36mm scale 😁

[@Konsaliki]

Wasn't expecting sub par lume from San Martin. Thanks for the comparison. Really left me scratching my head.^^

[@Horologique]

Yes I know, quiet strange 😞. Maybe it's because of the applied lume, they couldn't apply enough BGW9??

[@Konsaliki]

@@Horologique Probably. My San Martin Type A Flieger on the other hand (of course also with printed indexes) performs like a torch. Maybe C3 is easier to apply thickly than BGW9.

[@johnmuthan286]

Thanks for the review. Agree with your point of view of these female endlinks, there is something strange about their shape. As stated previously. I prefer the smaller version but would appreciate : - applied indexes & logo and much better lume. - either a black lacquer or a nice sunburst dial (dark grey / blue / silver) , but something less dull. - a slimmer bezel, like in the 39mm. And/or a full vintage version, basically the 39mm dial, bezel and cristal in the 37mm version vut with better lume again.

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

Nice comparison mate. It's good to see these two side by side. I only have the 36mm (37mm) version myself. As I wasn't keen on the faux patina on the 39mm version. Also I like having the hi beat PT5000 as well. But I would have loved a domed crystal on it.

[@davidc3903]

Thanks for the good comparison! I went for the limited edition 39mm with applied indexes and a date window. Hoping it will be a great daily wearer 😊 I’m like you - love the boxed crystal

[@Horologique]

That looks like a wonderful compromise. I'm sure you'll enjoy it for many years 👌

[@drwindsurf]

Thank you for a great comparison. It seems to me like SM got these watches backwards - the 39 should be modern and the 36 vintage.

[@Godotlv5000]

SM honestly has me confused with their decision making. F***, I wish I was there to make the decision for them. They create so much quality, but screw themselves over with stupid decisions.

[@dunderhay9169]

I would prefer the 39, the thinner bezel/large dial looks better to me, and I'm a fan of old style crystals 👍. I'm not sure I would pay extra for the pt5000 as well.

[@paulhanel332]

I would put this 37mm dial in the SN021-G case but with 20mm lugs! The SN021-G case is superb. But until that model appears I favor the 37mm case with it's slim profile. Thanks for the review!

[@davemck1887]

Excellent review Olivier, I agreed with everything you said right up to which one to choose, obviously I chose the 37mm. I especially agree on the end links. Cheers Olivier, nice one mate.

[@masudashizue777]

I just ordered the 39mm model since I prefer the domed crystal and the cursive logo on the dial.

[@davidperkins605]

Hi Oliver, great video, brought the 39 and think its perfect, the fit and finish of the watch is outstanding at the price point, regards Dave.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

This is a very good comparison video that leaves me wanting to make up my mind and put my money down on a new watch. Thank you.

[@Horologique]

Thank you my friend for your support 🙏

[@kenrankin5814]

Fantastic review! The 36 reminds me alot of the Bliger 39mm Explorer (I think it's the bezel). I will wait until SM tweeks this a bit, but so far nothing has knocked the 39mm SM Explorer off my wrist :)

[@davidcoleman2796]

Interesting. I think I will go with the 36 . Thank you .

[@KJG98]

Great review Oliver! Would love to see these two against the bliger explorer.

[@udojager2673]

Thank you for this comparison. I prefer the 39mm watch. The whole look is more coherent for me.

[@Horologique]

I prefer it as well 👍

[@DanGaskell]

I like the 39mm but with applied markers and numerals, larger numerals (like the Rolex), all white (instead of the vintage) and the same logo (cursive). I like the NH35 but the PT5000 is mesmerizingly smooth. Offer them in multiple dial colors and then it would be nearly perfect, imho.

[@Horologique]

Darn, that's a lot of choice! I just ask for a scaled down version of the 36 😁

[@adrianor.passarelli8127]

The flat crystal on the 36mm was a total deal breaker for me. I got the 39mm and couldn't be happier.

[@Horologique]

Wonderful! Keep on enjoying it, I am 😊

[@watchalot919]

I have the 37mm with the sub dial design and PT5000 movement. I would have liked the 39mm with the PT5000 movement, but it doesn't exist

[@Horologique]

No it doesn't... Others would have preferred the 37mm with applied indexes, everyone wants something different 😂. I would have liked all the features of the 39 on a real 36mm package 🤣

[@NathanChisholm041]

I've got the 39mm I bought it 4 weeks ago and I love it! The fit and finish is superb as good as my swiss watches. It's keeping great time too but the thick box domed sapphire is the standout feature. Just bought their SN017-G sub in black last Tuesday so I'm looking forward to getting it.

[@Horologique]

It is a great, great watch 👌

[@ConnorsCritters]

About how many seconds fast or slow per day are you finding it to be?

[@NathanChisholm041]

@@ConnorsCritters Its +4 seconds fast a day which is very good!

[@ConnorsCritters]

@@NathanChisholm041 Yes, that’s great for a $250 watch. I have a Rolex 114300 op39 and really want the 214270 but they are crazy priced now. My Rolex keeps insanely good time. I’m torn between the Smith’s, Tidwell and San Martin. I love the San Martin 39 but so wish that it had the miyota or sw200.

[@NathanChisholm041]

@@ConnorsCritters Get you they are even more stunning in person! I wont touch a Smiths due to the owners terrible behaviour and what he did to a customer. Yeah a SW200 would be nice but at +4 a day I can't complain.

[@quality_times]

great video, exactly what I was looking for! I think the case and the crystal look amazing on the 39mm version. Do you know if any 3rd Party NH35 dial would fit the 39mm version? I’m thinking about buying it and swapping the dial and the hands. Do you think that’s possible?

[@davidc3903]

I did a dial/hand swap on a SM water ghost (SN017?) no problem. My guess is that the 39mm is a “standard “ 28.5 or 29mm dial, so should be fairly easy to do 👍 EDIT: the 39mm version seems to have a 32-33mm dial (it’s a bit hard to get an exact measurement when it’s in the case). Finding a good dial in that size might be a slight challenge

[@Horologique]

Thank you, I'm glad it helped! Sorry I'm not a modder so I couldn't say about the movement swap. Maybe ask them directly on Ali Express?

[@garyk8285]

I'd take male end links, but I like them very well defined on an oyster bracelet. Ginault does male end link oyster bracelets very nice. It's really nicely defined, a bit sort of muscular looking. I'd take the 39mm vintage version. I'd love to see how it would look with sword hands (not so bold or thick ones), and maybe a date wheel in between 4 and 5 o'clock, just as a prototype.

[@dmitriyvaulin]

37мм more prefer for me for all activity.

[@WesWatchRoom]

I think I would like the smaller version but the lume is a little underwhelming for the price point. Oh well. I think it'll be a pass this time. Nice work with the comparison

[@caktaylor]

I saw a review on The Watcher channel and he found the lume to be underwhelming, too. I have this watch with the limited Submariner style dial, and the lume seems to be much better on that version compared to the 3-6-9 dials. I can’t make a direct comparison because I don’t have the other watches, but my watch remains usable literally all night with its only charge being ambient light. (I don’t charge it with a flashlight before I go to bed.) I also like the Tudor Black Bay 36 vibe that the Submariner dial gives the watch.

[@jjakiefte2165]

@@caktaylor I have the limited edition too and it does indeed have very good lume.

[@Horologique]

@@jjakiefte2165 if any of you guys what to send me theirs on loan I'd be more than thrilled to compare the 3 versions 😊

[@Csibu89]

Hey Olivier! Great comparison, and good points. The 36/37mm one is more like a 3 6 9 dial OP36. While the 39 is more like a modern 1016 Explorer. Do you know anything about the San Martin Black Bay Chronograph homage? I've heard a bit about it coming sometime soon, and seen a couple pics, but no estimated release time and price. Cheers

[@Horologique]

Hello and Thank you. Last I heard from them regarding that model they weren't sure, November or December I believe

[@dannyg6592]

I'm not a fan of either version. There is something about the 39 that just does not look right and the 36 is a no-go with the Chinese movement. I put my name on my AD's list for a Rolex Explorer 124270 as I can not find a homage I like. Thanks for the review!

[@Horologique]

You are welcome mate! It should be easier to get an Explorer than say a Pespi, you should get the call soon. If I may a little piece of advice, put your name down at many ADs, it will make it faster for you 👍

[@dannyg6592]

@@Horologique Thanks for the tip - I will do that next week! I did that when I was looking fior a DJ41 and it worked!

[@davidfoster1762]

I hate the dome crystal on the 39 and San Martin lettering. And it seems very reflective . Therefore I went for the 36 with the printed SAN Martin logo. I’d prefer the watch with the 39’s soft green hands and numbers though.

[@Horologique]

The great thing is that they give options for every taste 👍

[@davidfoster1762]

Yes but I wish currently more options. 39mm vintage SN020 . Two dial options only ( I’m excluding the Limited Edition ) 36mm SN021G . PT 500 4 put of 5 dial options, SW200 2 only. 36mm . SN021-G-B . Two dial options only. And no vintage style hands / marker option which would be my no.1 choice.

[@dmks2146]

the 1016 design is so balanced that even small deviations throw it off. it's an un-homageable (grail)watch to me.

[@1SaG]

As I've found again and again: It's nearly impossible for me to judge a watch based on pics and videos alone. I gravitate heavily towards the 36mm because of its smaller size and because I already have four vintage pieces - would be nice to get a new watch that doesn't have fauxtina lume for a change ... :D That said: I wouldn't mind if SM ditched the applied hex-logo (even though it is my favourite) and put in applied numerals and indices instead. If you're going for the modern look, why not go all the way? Plus a deep black, shiny dial, please.

[@Horologique]

TOTALLY! There's nothing better than to test the real thing, but as that's not possible with AE watches, the next best thing Is a review 😁

[@angelherrera6820]

I'm not a fan of Rolex. No hate. Just not my thing but these watches from San Martin are very nice and appear to be of high quality. It looks that they went all out to produce these watches. I would like to see what they can do with original designs with the same quality as their homage watches. I feel they are ready to start creating their own identity. Lastly, great watches and I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Great comparison! Cheers!

[@ogramail]

Great review!

[@simonmonty7171]

I just wish they made petina for the 36mm.. seems they only have black and white at the moment

[@Horologique]

Yes they do. They went for a modern look for the 36, therefore the white lume

[@Zzzzalazar]

I have two problems with the 37mm,too big bezel and rehault,this things make that the watch looks cheap.I am thinking in buying the SM 39mm water ghost? but the price is too high for me I will wait for 11/11 and expect the prices coming down,if not I will buy a Hamilton Khaki and distance me of Chinese watches because the prices are getting too high and the design have still faults,like for example the $ logo on the crown,why? no one likes it why do they continue to do it? like I said I am about to give up on SM and I am not the only one.Good review btw ;)

[@Horologique]

Thanks mate! That 39mm WG looks good. I agree with you, these things are getting expensive but that has en explanation: the raw materials' cost has soared in the last months. That and the fact that because of the shortage NH35 movement cost has dramatically Risen as well. Yes, it's best to wait for the 11.11 sale 😁

[@caktaylor]

I’m not sure I understand your complaint about the “protruding” links. I didn’t see anything wrong with the fit of either watch.

[@Horologique]

Check the bottom link on the 39 when it's on wrist 😞

[@caktaylor]

@@Horologique OK, I think I see what you are talking about. The center part of the end link drops down at a very steep angle making the top part stick out (or to use your word - protrude). I just tried on mine and the end links don't do that; the center part of the end link slopes gently into the next link. I wonder if it is some combination of wrist size and shape. I have 7-inch wrists. You would think that San Martin would design the female end links to better fit smaller wrists and not the other way around.

[@philipnunn1816]

39mm looks better to me... Which is good for me as I already own it!!

[@ramspencer5492]

Neither. There was special addition on watch drive that had applied indices. I'm not into this design printed...... Or if it has a date. Though the smaller size is a good size..... Or a true 38 would be good. I do like a boxed dome crystal better.

[@Horologique]

I think on the 39mm they tried to go the vintage style before Rolex the 5 digit era

[@ramspencer5492]

@@Horologique I get that. I can appreciate that on perhaps, a diver..... But I don't like such a simple explorer style dial, printed. It would also have made more sense to have made the vintage style homage on a 36mm… not a 39mm.... Though that still wouldn't be for me! 😂

[@waris3732]

Well I'd definitely prefer a smaller diameter watch because of my tiny wrists 😅

[@Horologique]

The 39 wears beautifully as well on smaller wrists 👌

[@Tobi_Jones]

interesting, yeah those female end links look a little weird the way they sit

[@Spineloro]

I’m still loking for a 37mm with the vintage feel of the 39mm🙄

[@roybrolsbeak]

For me the 37mm lugs look like they belong on a submariner.. its just off. And the backcase should be engraved with at least the hex logo.

[@sblaney66]

Which one you like depends on your love of the Rolex Explorer: the San Martin 36mm is a homage to the new 36mm Explorer.

[@sblaney66]

@@zographiapusic1439 The smaller of the two is a homage to the new Explorer.

[@Horologique]

Yes, you are totally right. San Martin caught us a little off guard there though as everyone thought the 36mm would be a scaled down version of the 39

[@laurentb7351]

Les 2 sont bonnes, mais pour moi difficile de choisir puisque la Rolex de référence ne m'interpelle déjà pas du tout !! 🤷 .... Et San Martin commence à taper dans les gamelles ... le tarif de la dernière Sub en 39mm, la TVA n'aide pas certes mais .... euh .... là désolé je passerais mon tour et pour quelques dizaines d'euros de plus je prendrais une Steinhart !!!

[@Horologique]

Une excellente option également 👍

[@scollyutube]

Why is a plain watch like this so expensive, no glidelock, no rotating bezel, no applied anything? The real Explorer is only 80% the price of a Sub. So should these be, compared to their SN019, which is so much more watch?

[@Horologique]

Good question. From what I understand base materials and utilities have made them have to raise prices

[@ragnarone5409]

SM is overrated and way too expensive. I would prefer the Tiger Concept 10160P

[@Horologique]

The problem with Tiger Concept is to actually be able to get one. I've read stories about people buying them and never actually receiving them

[@cedarcanoe]

Premier!

[@jbb483]

The 39mm looks so much better imo. San Martin logos are all hideous as is the name. Cheap sounding.

[@c.s.4273]

What are female endings?

[@Horologique]

They are Endlinks that ate segmented in 2 in the middle so they curve better to suit smaller wrsirs

[@japd7897]

Why do you say "San Martan" instead of "San Martin"?.

[@Horologique]

Because of Jody from JOMW 😂 And because I'm French

[@japd7897]

@@Horologique Are you french?, Really?, Who could have said? 😀.

[@Horologique]

@@japd7897 yes I am 😁. I'm actually both French and Ecuadorian

[@japd7897]

@@Horologique Pues si eres ecuatoriano, puedes pronunciar "San Martín" como Dios manda.

[@Horologique]

@@japd7897 jajajja, podría es verdad, pero eso es lo que hace haber vivido los últimos 20 años en Francia

[@philippe1245]

None, too expensive !!!

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

Why pronounce San Martin with a French accent? San martin is Asian :P

[@Horologique]

Blame it on Jody

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

@@Horologique I dont know who Jody is :P

[@Horologique]

@@GabrielSkolderblad the guy from Just One more Watch channel