San Martin Launch A New Brand & New Watch! Jianghun War Drum Review

[@JongChoongShyr]

Hi, It is actually (匠 Jiang) (魂 Hun), Jiang means Artisan/Craft/Smith, Hun means Soul. So it actually translates as Soul of an Artisan.

[@stevenrobertson6656]

Still looks like an ashtray !

[@chupacabre99]

And it looks like an ashtray :D

[@waffle911]

Yeah, I don't much mind the name, but the style of this one doesn't seem to appeal to Western tastes.

[@Theflyguy522]

@@stevenrobertson6656😂

[@karlsenula9495]

Who are these watches targeted at?

[@thehappywristchannel]

Great lume. Nice padded strap. Interesting case shape, looks like an ashtray

[@bestboy897]

Lol

[@imaginekarma8582]

Now I can’t unsee the ashtray. 😂

[@lskit]

Definitely looks like an ashtray with a dial coated in spray-on bed liner material. It is probably durable at least. It should remain ugly for many years to come! 🙂

[@RobinhoodarrowsRHA]

😂😂😂

[@navboi12]

A smoker's paradise!

[@hades1127]

im digging it...at least it is nor another sub or tudor homage..

[@Ia.sakkakth]

I rather have a homage than a gigantic ugly ashtray

[@goldfools5445]

I like the branding and the name. At least it means something. A lot of traditional watch brand names might sound funny to those who only hear it for the first time. The watch design is growing on me.

[@HollyGrosvenor]

I bought this watch of Gary and I love it.Its build quality is excellent as are all San Martin watches are and this micro band is no exception. If we all liked the same things it would be a dull world.I would buy this brand again. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@cheesychester9647]

I hate it, but appreciate them trying to be creative. This is good for the industry and exciting to think about what the future holds for original, non-swiss, microbrands.

[@ChristyOFaghan]

this one has grown on me, from seeing it the other day on your second channel - i really like the flow of the lume markings on the dial and i've no problem with that idiosyncratic hour hand which while not to everyone's taste, is very much in keeping with the rest of the piece i also enjoy the shape of that 'war drum', making it quite the solid big statement, even the lugs pairing well with the design language of it all: the onion crown is complimentary to it as well - as anything else would get lost on the larger body

[@ChristyOFaghan]

checking the specs it really does seem designed more for their domestic market as despite the size of the drum, the strap only fits up to 19cm - seems a bit of an oversight if they're wanting to sell internationally

[@Box_13]

Some cool aspects, but they didn't have to jam them all into one watch. Just my opinion, but a little bit of "normal" with a bit of original would have gone a long way. Like the video format.

[@mrmagoo.3678]

I really like some of the elements on this.. I'd love to see some of their future releases.

[@zamSEG]

i do hope one day you could at least make a dedicated videos visiting san martin factory and how they make their watches near future. i do really like to see how they produced their watches.

[@chrisc475]

That's a great idea.

[@zamSEG]

@@chrisc475 indeed...

[@sinjinadams2862]

There is a really great video on KZbin where they do a tour of the San Martin factory. I don't remember what channel did it but I'm sure you could find it.

[@zamSEG]

@@sinjinadams2862 thak you for sharing the info sir. i'll look to it a.s.ap.

[@Ian-dd5dm]

Great review, very respectful and polite as the watch is a massive miss for a Western market, it is blatantly horrendous.

[@ilikewatches]

lol......

[@MrBacchus18]

I agree, turns out it's easier to copy than create original designs.

[@fontyyy]

​@@MrBacchus18 who'd have thought eh? The Chinese really have zero idea of what sells in the west, the only time they get it right is when they copy or get told exactly what to do.

[@96kyh]

And look at the response here, when Chinese companies named their watches with something meaningful in Chinese. Westerners still require a 'Western' sounding brand.

[@rsagape7300]

@@96kyhYes, please. Chinese is not a good language for marketing at all.

[@USASMR-o2c]

I appreciate this type of design more which while out there it is a departure from their usual rolex knock offs

[@Chancer]

This ain't gonna take off.

[@mrmagoo.3678]

I both like....... and dislike it at the same time...I feel like I'm looking at a Fantastic watch from the Late 90's or early 2000's... This one isn't for Me tbh.....Butt!.... I'm Very interested to see what they do next!. Seems very well built though!.

[@rhoever]

I love the quality of my San Martin watches and like the idea of them going with a micro brand. I can even wrap my head around the unique rather awkward branding. But I’m not particularly attracted to this particular model. I will keep an eye out for future releases though.

[@Dean-f2c]

New to your channel, like your style. The watch is probably not something I would buy, however it's great to see a Chinese firm producing something original. I've heard good things about the quality of San Martin watches and I think they will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. Chinese made is certainly not a deal breaker for me

[@placebo1222]

I've bought one. Went for the green/olive version. I love it. In daylight the it looks fantastic. The lume is superb. I like the branding. Not hiding it's origins. San Martin sounds French. China is producing some quality watches. I'm glad they are embracing the china origin. In the coming years there won't be any stigma to a Chinese watch.

[@osfcross]

I dig it. If it becomes more easily available I may get one.

[@myownbiggestfan]

Stylistically, it's not really my thing but I do love a lot of things about it. I like that they are wearing their Chinese roots on their sleeve. I like how well built it looks. I actually really like that hour hand. I could see myself owning a watch by these folks. If they did something with these signature elements, but without the old timey crown and the GMT-like bezel, (unless it was a GMT, natch) I could see myself going for one.

[@Ambibbly]

It's like a pocketwatch but with straps added

[@karlsenula9495]

So i have read a few of the comments on here and i have a couple of questions. 1) which market are these watches aimed at? Western buyers a domestic market or other countries? 2) could this merely be a low risk testing ground for new San Martin designs?

[@tommyswayze2168]

I actually really like the look of the watch. Im fairly inexperienced with watches but i like the look of this . Im a diver guy but im intrested

[@manciclon]

Ok, this is different, it is amazing design ! 🤟😎🔬⌚️💷

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Good review! I agree with all of your points. I was excited to hear that San Martin was launching a micro brand. The name is weird. However, it is not a dealbreaker. I do not like the design this watch. More importantly, the model name, War Drum, makes me curious of their motives. Maybe, if the Geo Political landscape was not ready to explode the name would’ve been more acceptable.

[@jaymt1982]

I think they are trying to offer something to people who care more about the quality of the movement and watch than just a name on the dial. I love it! It's so aggressively styled and looks well done!

[@TheSara200424]

I really like the design and the price isn't crazy good job San Martin on this launch

[@TheShotenZenjin]

Not for me personally, but if Zelos had made this watch (and Zelos has made some fairly "unusual" watches), I feel there would have been a somewhat different response. Maybe the San Martin group are satisfied to sell mainly to the Chinese market...they have a few consumers there, I believe !

[@Miclantechupi]

That branding is..... 'unfortunate'. And the grooves not lined up with the hours would soon irritate me.

[@chrishelmstetter5347]

So I got part of this watch. It looks like an OG Trench Watch. But the bezel is hard to take in. If they went with a standard bezel. This would look ok

[@jayjay9932]

I get the design, but this is something a character in a childrens' fantasy movie would wear like in Johnny Scissor's hand, Labyrinth or Alice in wonderland. Pretty unique.

[@giancarloliucci4104]

Da possessore di San Martin ( ne ho 3 ma, acquistati 4 in pochi mesi) sono assolutamente favorevole alla produzione di orologi che si discostino nettamente dagli homage. Apprezzo la qualità che mettono nelle loro produzioni ed hanno guadagnato la mia fiducia a tal punto che se produrranno un modello originale con le caratteristiche che mi piacciono e con calibri più sofisticati di nh34/35/36/38 tranquillamente sarei disponibile a spendere qualcosa in più di quanto mediamente attualmente spendo per un San Martin.

[@HORIZONTIMEPASSIONEOROLOGI]

I really like the engraving on the case back

[@rostam79]

This watch has character. It speaks to me.

[@mikecara8181]

Make good watches for sure

[@TheGlazzzmann]

I agree the branding is not the best for the world market. Watch is very interesting and looks high quality, but the name sounds more inline with a $125 to $175 watch. Build the brand name with reduced pricing. I would like this watch from an unknown brand but not at this price. Nice review.

[@theeverydaywatch]

Cool strap, weird watch.

[@Mr1121628]

They’ve already made almost this exact watch under the San Martin brand. Can’t find which model it is now, but it has a bunch of bolts on it and a black mother of pearl dial.

[@CanadianBeachcomber]

The video on their main webpage shows that there are some very interesting watch designs in the works. I haven’t purchased a San Martin because I don’t like their branding but I will be more open to this new venture and have bookmarked their site.

[@wayneious]

I like it as a new daily wear watch. I'd like to see the guts but I think I'm going to pick one up.

[@paulkukula6541]

Quite like the watch case & leather band. Like the movement. Don’t like the hour hand at all & don’t particularly like the indices & face layout. More traditional hands & dial would pass for me. Good review.

[@Celebmacil]

I actually really like the design, far more so than most of the San Martin releases, which is a brand I'm not really a fan of. I like this thing. It's cool.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Its aimed at the Asian market obviously, if I wanted one I wouldn't mind so much.

[@dgar715]

1. Love the “stream-of-consciousness-style review. It feels like a conversation with a fellow watch-nerd. ❤ 2. Love San Martin branching out into a micro-brand with a true focus on original designs. 3. The watch quality seems AMAZING; textured sandwich dial, awesome lume, beautiful case finishing, gorgeous leather strap. 4. The branding is a little unusual and (IMHO) a bit off-putting. Not digging it… 5. The. Watch. Is. UGLY. Deal breaker. Love the good work, Gary!

[@theultimatesuhak]

I think it's exactly the right move. People always said San Martin had great quality but they had no original designs and a strange brand that couldn't hide the fact they were "just a Chinese Aliexpress manufacturer". If they made anythin less eccentric, people would said it looked like some other watch. Well, this is definitely original, high quality, unapologetically Chinese and not an Aliexpress brand. Too bad they had to design it that weird cause it just doesn't look great.

[@2manysigns]

I think hour hand looks more projectile than snowflake . I like the name . I think it's best for everyone to only be available on their site and the more original, interesting designs the better . Good video . Yeah , love the strap and very cool design . I think I'd go green dial/strap myself .

[@glenh4971]

I love San Martin quality. I am like you though, I prefer traditional watch designs. However, I hope this new brand catches on.

[@JianghunWatch]

grateful!😊

[@DarciaSidTV]

NICE DESIGN ! :D Pretty unique.

[@karlsenula9495]

With San Martin's pedigree comes high expectations.

[@neuman356]

Love the Mondaine wall clock!

[@markstanton63]

Good for them. Digging that tobacco dial ...... I'm not crazy about the lugs though.

[@WatchtheTime]

Like you, I like San Martin mate but I can’t say I’m mad about this one. The name is a no for me + it seems like a watch with a bit of an identity crisis. Great work as ever man 👍👍

[@ilikewatches]

Thanks Simon…

[@austinbascom5902]

Hi Gary… loving the content… looks like a Camel trophy watch from the 90’s…👍🏿

[@jbl500]

1.I like it. 2. Branding. The naming is odd for the West world. But the dial should have only the symbol. 3. Have a good package and tell us a story about the brand 4. Hour hand, should be round to simulate the drum sticks. Not square. 5. Love the case is unique not boring.

[@ChrisCorkrey]

I love the new review style. It reminds me of your older videos (like the ones where you’d drink couple mugs of “tea”) but with more polish. The brand name could be worse… no confusing letter combinations and a decent logo. The watch isn’t my style and I agree with another commenter’s description of it as “Soviet Era Albanian”.

[@ikeman5774]

Something different, something new. The size to me is big and those lugs are very different. The fun part will be watching it evolve, unless this is a one and done design.

[@shj2000]

I like the design. Evokes strong Asian vibes. And that case back is amazing. A bold effort and a big departure from what I've seen of their product line. But, would I wear it? Probably not. Maybe the target market for this watch is not so much the Western consumer. Dunno.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

Always admired NH movements (bang for buck) and Seiko for sharing them with cheaper higher spec'd competitors. Although I've yet to try a Miyota 8 or 9000 movement I know they are slimmer so wonder if StMartin and this new brand should be looking to include them to allow slimmer design options..

[@michaelbell9811]

I don't own a San Martin watch, but I hear the quality is excellent and I'd hope the quality of this would be, too. I'm also interested in them being original designs. But...this is not for me. Actually, I think it's hideous. With the numbers round the outside, it's like it's a divers bezel, but it's not, plus with the 200m of water resistance and the hands it's almost like they started designing a divers watch, then changed their mind half way through but didn't change the basic design and decided to make do with it. I don't like the dial and I've seen a similar style of hands before on a San Martin watch and didn't like it then, either. Regarding the name, I'm not that bothered by it and the strap looks really good. This style of video is fine, I like them on your other channel, and it's fine here.

[@Theflyguy522]

It looks very nicely made, unusual lugs, can’t decide whether I like it or not… name doesn’t really bother me. Now someone has said it looks like an ashtray, I can’t unsee it though! 😂

[@thomaspowers6671]

I like it. It’s a fugly design but it’s not the usual cookie cutter stuff you see around. Bulbous ashtrays? Why the heck not!

[@alexprendido2023]

Loce the dial, the strap and the case, but not the bezel nor the lugs / lug to lug dimensions

[@waffle911]

Don't much mind the name Jiang Hun. Looks like they had a lot of interesting ideas, but couldn't quite tie them all together-at least for Western tastes. Maybe it'll be popular domestically?

[@DavidUKesb]

Very nice indeed and a radical design but simply too large.

[@oliver1965]

Review style is good. Get going 🚀

[@fontyyy]

Lesson one The brand name Rolex was chosen purely because it sounds good and it's hard to mess up in an language/accent. Learn from those who've already done what you're trying to do.

[@vladimirpenev9127]

I hope there will be a matching bracelet in the future.

[@dunderhay9169]

It is different. I quite like the Chinese branding, I also like the sandwich dial design, lume and the dragon on the case back 😎. For me the size is too large particularly lug to lug, and I don't like the crown and lugs. I am interested to see what comes next.

[@RandallSlick]

I like that a lot. Very nice dial, purposeful lugs/strap and big onion crown. I suspect the branding might suit CDM more than international since it sounds a bit off. On the other had that hasn't stopped many Swiss brands I guess (looking at you Formex.)

[@mattsmiley8156]

It actually sits really well on the wrist. Which I wouldn't have guessed! The case and lugs look great. But that dial is a no go for me. I hope it's not indicative of what their new line is going to be.

[@christianaviles2199]

I agree the branding might be an issue. Although the brand logo being the main identifier might work. Not a huge fan of the actual design of the watch. A problem with most San Martin original designs. Some interesting ideas. I like elements of the design but not the design as a whole. The sandwich dial indices is an interesting idea. Might be a good idea to be further developed. Not sure the actual shapes of the indices themselves work. The chiseled bezel is another interesting idea not sure if it works with this case shape. Certain elements are interesting and different but overall just doesn't work together and feels a little over designed. From what I've seen from San Martin original designs they seem to make either overly simplistic bland designs or overly designed non subtle pieces. Need to find a way to better balance their design ideas.

[@adk7962]

I’m genuinely excited about this brand but unfortunately not too excited about this design. They need to dial it back and go more traditional for their first few I think. This seems like a 4th or 5th offering design. Unless San Martin is their “traditional” offerings, and this is their “unique” wing of the building. Thanks!

[@choond]

Like this review style. Great review 👍

[@gatorcris]

Ordered one already!

[@thepalm2791]

Why?

[@stevenkelby2169]

​@@thepalm2791Might be a smoker 🤷‍♂️

[@ceskyler]

​@@stevenkelby2169 Why a smoker?

[@stevenkelby2169]

@@ceskyler Because it's not just a watch it's also an ashtray! 😂

[@ceskyler]

@@stevenkelby2169 Go check what a War drum is. 🍻

[@StevenPope-qn3qb]

I think it’s a little like the very expensive Ikepod Seaslug

[@seederi]

I kind of like it more than before, still not huge fan of texts on dial but green color dial option is making me think hard, guess i'll have to wait for a while

[@antonysmith9173]

Fair play to them for branching out. But sorry not for £219! So for me(personally)will give it a miss.

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

This one tops the seiko bottle cap as the most bizarre design by respectable watch brand

[@gerrylindley7874]

I like the exit away from their standard cases San Martin uses to something like this. The diameter of 42 is too large though but I’m encouraged what’s going to follow. The brand name might be appropriate for their geographical location but for the rest of us it has no meaning and I wish they’d used a brand symbol instead. Also I think this would’ve “smashed it” if it was a 36 or 38 case diameter.

[@AndraJevtovic]

Love the casual style of the review . Dont’t like the watch, it’s weird

[@ilikewatches]

Good to know, thanks!

[@flyingrocket3879]

San Martin is always quality

[@mell3109]

Interesting you called it the pebble as I have a huge urge to skim it across a pond, best use for it!

[@aidanconroy966]

It's too big for my 6.5 inch wrist, but overall I like the design. People complain about Chinese companies doing photocopier-style "clomages;" well, here they're going in their own direction. And this may be an unpopular opinion, but I also like the name. If you're going to push the reputation of Chinese watch companies out of the common perception of those "clomages," with strange Mad-Libs style mashups of English nouns, you want a Chinese name, I think. I appreciate that they are leaning into native-language branding.

[@mojoe7951]

An acquired taste for sure but it’s good to see someone doing something different. The strap does look very good.

[@ravipeiris7602]

Nice watch... In 38mm please 🙏

[@RageAgainstTime]

It's weird looking. I like the case back. Great video, thanks!

[@esarempee]

Oh Dear!

[@christianehbrecht9964]

The strap width is about 1mm shorter than the distance between the lugs. That´s weird.

[@OneWay2.38]

the case reminds me of a pocket watch. not sure how i feel about this new offering. i'd like to see what else they come up with

[@peternic1]

Q: "Will you change the brand from Jianghun??" A: No, definitely not"" I image that will change pretty quickly when they find they aren't selling any Jianghun's. I'd suggest that's a terrible name for the "western market".

[@WERT2025]

I like the design. Brand name.. yeah I got used to some questionable names on aliexpress. They probably want to emphasize it's Chinese origin

[@tomascallheim4758]

The hands looks like they from a voskok scuba dude diver.

[@tizombie]

Watch is ok, do not like the “stick” lugs. Interesting launch model and I am curious how it will do in sales. Bold choice.

[@theclocker7406]

Great review Gary, personally I really dislike the branding and find it a bit naff. It sounds like it belongs to a much cheaper watch, in my opinion. Really like the dial, but not so much the hands. Hate the crown, as it looks much too dominant, and the case looks too much like an ugly ashtray. Gorgeous strap though. It feels like they had a bunch of ideas and threw them all into one watch. Not for me on this occasion, not with that naff branding and the assault of design features. Pity.

[@ignaciopadilla5150]

Interesting watch, not for me or style for a lot of people I think. I really think the brand name is going to cost them A lot of sales. I also believe that when someone starts something they should start with a much simpler design then introduce your wild design style. I prefer 100% more any other watch San Martin has made in the past.

[@lefroy1]

They should 'embrace the pebble'. Delete the bezel, blank matte dial, MING style hands and an FKN strap for the win.

[@ceskyler]

The name of the watch is War Drum 🪘

[@MyRetroWatches]

Hmmm. Lugs look weird and too long.

[@AlvinPSL]

The bezel is too large... and it doesn't turn? missed opportunity to add a 2nd time zone function if it can turn..

[@jeffee1933]

Man, I was really really hoping for better branding than San Martin. Their branding was literally the reason I never bought a SM. I just can’t see myself buying anything with this branding either. The watch however is kind of cool. Very Steam Punk. Not for me personally but I can see the appeal