San Martin Sent me Two Watches. One was Amazing.

[@cunawarit]

I really hope San Martin continues to do more of their own designs. Their own designs are legit great! This GMT is beautiful.

[@Dragoneye-cp6fv]

Both of them are copies especially the GMT one isnhomage lf grand seiko

[@felipem.c.9967]

I see a lot of people bashing San Martin for the GMT design, because it is heavily inspired by the GS SBGE range. And I do agree....But I don't see the same criticism to non-chinese brands that do the same. Smiths (Everest), Steinhart, Islander, Traska (Summiteer), Nivada (Super antarctic), Lorier (Falcon)....they all seem veeeery similar to the Rolex Explorer, don't they? The list goes on...and it happens to most iconic watches

[@HasanIftakhar]

This is exactly the reason why I unfollowed several reviewers who just don't have any argument against San Martin other than "oooh, aaah, I don't feel like it, this is just a cheap clone, this watch is not talking to me you know? etc. etc.", nothing a rational mind would be able to logically conclude in terms of quality or quantity. While at the same time, they are drooling over all the "swiss made" homages. And you try to ask for a reason? "oooh, aaah but that watch talks to me, I feel so much joy wearing it, it's emotional connection you know? But not this one." LMAO, like everyone else is stupid enough to not see through them.

[@vatazhka]

None of these brands except Steinhart and Islander have their portfolios built entirely of clomages of other watches. And if they do a homage, it is a well-made watch with a unique twist or has a cool story about it. Smiths was on the 1st Everest summit, Super Antarctic was issued for Operation Deep Freeze, Lorier and Traska look similar but have enough design cues woven into a familiar design to be instantly recognized as a Lorier and a Traska. None of these apply to San Martin, who only boasts great finishing and not overly compromised designs despite basing their designs on the ubiquitous NH3x. They don't have any unique style, which would cause their homage to be instantly recognized as a San Martin.

[@felipem.c.9967]

@@vatazhka I agree with you. What I'm saying is that the San Martin GMT also seems to have its unique twists and it's not a blatant clomage of the grand seiko as people are saying in the coments here. But because it's a san martin, the twists are deemed unvalid. I agree that they are basically a clomage brand. But these 2 watches are not, apparently...including the GMT

[@alfredthegreat9543]

​@vatazhka All watch brands in existence "homage" other watches- either their own or other brands. That's a fact. We are witnessing change atm. If you want accuracy you loom at your phone- period. Now it is not about the movement, it's about the finishing g and how it looks. Only those susceptible to marketing influence mention "heritage" etc. That is an intangible commodity based on "belief"-in other words away to s reward more money out of you. San Martin have overtaken Seiko 100%. Next up is mid-tierbrands.

[@vatazhka]

@@alfredthegreat9543 That's your take. I think that yet another cloned design based around NH3x does not have earth shattering potential and thus will look elsewhere. San Martin is not a game changer for me at this point in time, but I must admit that they are making progress and I will keep my eye on their shenanigans.

[@paperback10]

Offering eye catching bold pop-art color options IS original thinking and design! There's only so much originality you can put into a main stream affordable watch and color is one of the factors which a manufacturer can play with. Good job San Martin.

[@brafman1]

There are a number of other San Martin watches for which I don't like the color choices, but this blue and orange one I think is great for a fun summer watch. Bought one.

[@gregtolley3455]

Florida Gators colors. Trust me, half of Florida will order the orange and blue. I'm a Tennessee alum and every watch head I know here has a Proxima 1713 just because of the orange and white color scheme. We take our sports very seriously here in the SEC lol. I'll be wearing my px1713 while my beloved Tennessee destroys Texas A and M for the NCAA baseball crown, GO VOLS!

[@bhstennis04]

Yep - this guy gets it…except for his taste in teams 😂 Gator fan here! Only considering this one because of the colors 🐊

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

Lol, go team spirit! 👍🏼😁

[@jaredstephenson6468]

Blue an orange are one of the most classic color combinations ever used. What a silly take.

[@Richard-wz9uh]

I am no watch collector. I have a digital watch for when I’m in the outdoors and a black dial solar quartz field watch for daily use. I’m in the hunt for a navy blue dive watch that’s sub-$300 and I am continuously tempted by San Martin’s automatic divers. Thanks for the review. I’m constantly watching your channel. I’ve learned a lot, being new to the deep abyss that is watch knowledge. I want the best bang for my buck when it comes to a timepiece and you’re helping me. Keep bringing the videos! God bless you and yours!

[@Mac2104988]

I love all the color combinations of these watches, they are great looking summer watches.

[@EudesRJ]

I love the GMT, dial looks like night sky full of stars. But the orange dial with blue is so beautiful 😍 Like a young summer love 💕 A white date on it would look like an incomplete/lazy design.

[@chrisdavis8399]

Can’t deny the quality that’s for sure. I just still have a hard time with the logo. But, I also did with Phoebus and I’ve got 3 from them now. 😊

[@ScoobieDoobie197474]

Colours are nice IMO

[@adk7962]

SM is killing it right now. The GMT is I think pretty close to a Grand Seiko, but Jody thinks it’s an original so what’s good for Jody is good for me. Thanks for the great reviews!

[@nottherealaaron]

I wish SM would offer half links even if I have to buy them separately. Jody getting half links for the Erebus Ascent gives me hope.

[@thegorn]

It's a huge oversight to not have half-links on bracelets with large links, unless the clasp has a huge range like the glidelock. But the glidelock in general is not a very good clasp. I'd much rather have a ratchet system with half-links than glidelock.

[@nottherealaaron]

@@thegorn T-Fit is still the best clasp I’ve experienced followed by the SM and Omega clasps. But if Proxima and Erebus can have half links and are allegedly coming from the same factory, why can’t SM?

[@michaelberke9709]

Both are on the way to me now although the diver will be the orange bezel on orange strap. They will be my 1st SMs and looking forward to seeing the claimed quality.

[@gerard8174]

The diver looks like a copy of the Glycine combat sub, the case shape is very similar but thicker.

[@vatazhka]

Yup, that's exactly what I thought when I saw the case shown from the side...

[@J5pro]

It looks to me more like a copy of the Halios Seaforth. Down to the indices and hands. Not sure how I feel about the added ring on the dial (light blue in this model), but that is at least one feature that differentiates it from the Seaforth and Combat Sub.

[@gerard8174]

@@J5pro Also true yes, because the Halios has similar beveled edges that the Combat Sub doesn't have. Anyway, of all those three I like the Glycine combat most because of how extremely thin it is for a 200m diver and how low and flat it sits on the wrist as a result. This San Martin is a nicely finished watch though, better finished than the Glycine and at least as good as the Halios. Good thing I'm not looking for more divers right now, or I might be tempted...

[@J5pro]

​@@gerard8174 I'm pretty tempted already... I've been lusting over the Seaforth IV for a while now (been on the waitlist since 2021). I think this San Martin would be an awesome first diver, at less than 1/4 of the price of the Halios. But I'm inclined to hold to see if San Martin expands to offer different colors.

[@VedavyasMunugoor]

It’s been nice watching San Martin do what Phoibos did- prove their ability to sell quality homages, then pivot into selling original designs with the same quality. I’m just hoping they move on from that one GMT they keep milking colorways out of, but rooting for them.

[@BartMan59]

I own the new SM summer dive watch with an orange dial/strap. I also own the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf with a ceramic/steel case with a blue dial/strap. The one critique with the SM is the date window is hard to read with no contrasting color. IMHO, I think the SM dive watch can be said to be a homage to the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf. It seems both Sm and Zodiac use the same rubber strap - very comfy. I like both watches a lot and have no regrets.

[@Caledfryn]

I bought the green and brown skin diver and it’s fantastic. Currently gaining less than a second a day. Insane for the price.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

I like the 118 and the colorful scheme reminds me of the way Zodiac produce colorschemes that others shy away from

[@rag_man673]

I thought the same thing. I would absolutely wear it. My only complaint or change I'd make is, I'd use black hands to stand out more against the orange dial, and shorten the counter balance on the second hand. 8:33 It's almost as long as the hour hand. LOL 🤣

[@nikc1313]

the GMT is definitely a copy of the evolution 9 Grand Seiko. I own both of them, though the reverse colourway of the 3 hander on the milanese mesh bracelet. Great watches but the GMT is in another league. It competes with watches 5 times the price in terms of finishing. The 3 hander has very simple case finishing by design but still very impressive.

[@musik4u343]

It's Def a copy. I agree. And the ppl on here saying otherwise, dont know anything other than $300 watches

[@arcaine101]

Its similar, but not a copy. Otherwise, all watches are copies.

[@victorutomo7244]

I agree that the dive watch doesn't need a color match date wheel but i still think the dive watch is great.

[@hitsugayat10]

Great review. I have the lapis lazuli version and loved the watch a lot and has been on my wrist almost 80% of the time since I got it LOL

[@Subcomandante73]

I would be a bit cautious about the stated WR on all chinese watches. And SM has patchy customer service from customer reports. So yes they offer great value for money but there is the chance of picking up a bad one and maybe a bit of a pain to get it sorted.

[@yoshikobayashi7643]

Dave-san, I am looking at this and the Aquatico Sea Star - Adventurine dial as possible choices for my next watch. They are about the same price (with discount) which do you recommend?

[@RobDTom]

I actually really like the colors on the dive watch

[@palemale2501]

Supply of a half link would solve the GMT watch strap sizing. TBH the watch would have benefited from a sleeker smaller-link size bracelet, like an H link. It would have been stunning then.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

I wish San Martin would release these GMT watches with rotating bezels! Would make super useful travel/dress watches

[@Handlebar-MustDash]

San Martin seem to be producing two tier models now. I recently bought the BB58 homage, the finishing isn't near as good as the 4 other San Martin's I bought which are super impressive. Was tempted by the SNO118-G but will not now be ordering. Completely understand the price difference argument but I would prefer each variation to be at a price that allows for their high standards to be upheld. The bracelet on the BB58 has a long-pin/collar insert type link fitting, had to equip myself with yet another link tool with a very long pin to push the link pin all of the way through the collar to rejoin links. The pins are a nuisance to push back into a link without bending due to the tight interference fit into the collar. Always a mistake to step down market just for quick bucks.

[@JusttheWatch]

I've noticed the same thing. Even the packaging is different between their more budget line and their premium watches.

[@HansAndrist]

Bought the Dive Watch with the light blue/ turquoise face. Looks amazing! (Note: supplied orange rubber strap sucks)

[@charlesmcclune8892]

I just ordered the light blue dial with the orange bezel but purchased the mesh bracelet instead of the orange rubber strap for $218 😎 it will support my Casio Duro as a daily beater since I'm on the pool deck coaching every day😁

[@luizdejardin4432]

Nice mechanics, in love with the gmt!

[@craigking8758]

My orange dial blue strap diver arrived earlier this week. I love it 😊

[@J5pro]

The dive watch is reminiscent of the Halios Seaforth and I'm really into it. I would instantly pick one up if they had less wacky colors on offer. Do any folks here know of other dive watches that look nearly identical to this SN0118G or the Seaforth?

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

The GMT, while not a direct copy as such, is heavily, heavily inspired by the Grand Seiko SBGE range…

[@thegorn]

No doubt.

[@hippie_4762]

Aye, I'm glad they're offering some interesting dials recently that you don't often see from the brands themselves. The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 with female end links is basically what this new GMT is. But I'm a sucker for those dune/stone dials.

[@lokibentley8931]

The vibe I get from the Chinese watch community is that 100% copy w/different branding = homage and 90% copied w/some minor tweaks = original design.

[@taham33]

@@lokibentley8931 but it's ok when the swiss do it

[@vatazhka]

@@taham33 Why the only response from this community is whataboutism...?

[@craigking8758]

I love the blue and orange colour combo, got one on the way.

[@zplapplap]

Disagree with respect to the blue and orange clashing.

[@markdrummond7]

The GMT is pushing it as an original design, very Grand Seiko like. Nice but both Rimalti and Cronos versions have nicer hands. Not so likely to send out a freebie though.

[@123simenHP]

GMT is a beauty. I just wish they also went for a cheaper nato or leather version.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

Great review. All StMartin reviews I see laud the fantastic quality. I'm accept them as honest reviews but I know if I was supplying a watch I would at the very least pull a dozen off the production line and send the best, whether it was gifted or paid for by a known YT reviewer. Not really a knock on StMartin and expect the Swiss are not above similar selections. In fact if I worked for a Seiko retailer and wanted a watch I would pick the most accurate and best aligned from stock available

[@au18ert]

The GMT is a Grand Seiko clone I'm surprised you didn't spot that.

[@ccooper8785]

I will be buying more Aliexpress specials at some point but there is no way I am paying the ridiculous San Martin prices for Seiko NH movement watches. Addiesdive or Watchdive are presently the way to go imho.

[@richarddrew8351]

Interesting video. Personally I thought the fun colourway of the divewatch worked with the GMT looking a bit blingy. The GMT is clearly GS inspired, although far from a clone and dive watches are never going to look completely original. Not being a bracelet fan I can't really comment on the bracelet.

[@luftgonzo1300]

What do you think is the best watch? Thai brand Wise or san martin?

[@JusttheWatch]

In terms of quality, Wise tends to use slightly better materials (like 904l stainless steel and Miyota 9000 series movements, and way more powerful lume), but build quality and finishing between the two brands is pretty close, and San Martin is a lot less expensive. But in my opinion Wise's designs are far more original and attractive than what San Martin is doing. I like Wise a lot better, but they're also a lot more expensive, so I think it's mostly going to depend on your budget.

[@luftgonzo1300]

Большое спасибо за Ваш ответ)

[@paulb9453]

I’m not keen on the San Martin logo, and what is the origin of the name? I’m curious.

[@christophfacius3885]

Is this really real 316 steel and sapphire crystal? Or minor material when it comes to quality? Why are these watches so affordable! They look gorgeous !

[@larrydalton2205]

How is the lume on the GMT? Typical good San Martin lume?

[@JusttheWatch]

I didn't have time to run my full lume tests as I was trying to get the video posted before the sale was over. But eyeballing it I'd say it's good, but not amazing. Definitely above average though.

[@larrydalton2205]

@JusttheWatch Thanks Dave!

[@glenh4971]

Watch collectors complain about the lack of originality. Normal watch nerds that do not have big budgets appreciate what San Martin does. In my view they are the best thing going on Aliexpress. I am sold on them.

[@irfanhakimi2721]

Hi can you review list of mecha-quartz watches? im interested in watches but afraid to wear mechanical😂

[@georgemole9790]

The dive watch is nice, but that date window is ridiculously small and difficult to read.

[@coestercortese]

#amzwatch Bolsa réplica 1:1 con imagen reflejada, resistente y resistente al desgaste. Me gusta mucho.

[@shahnhughes4558]

Hey if you want to do a trade the SM Aventurine let me know.

[@davidcopeland5409]

Would like that if not gmt.also would love to see your audio gear

[@palemale2501]

There is a brown and green version of the SN0118 - reminds me of a chocolate & mint ice cream

[@azdbuk]

We must absolutely be getting hosed by basically everybody Seiko and above.......Between Casio, SM, and Islander, I could have a nice hobby till I die. I used to poo poo Ali xpress until I bought a basically an explorer copy with Sapphire, NH mvmt, 100 meter, solid end links, nice bracelet, aligned perfectly, screw down, for $30.....One in green and one in cream dial. If San Martin made sort of an Alpinist with green face, gold arms, 4pm crown, and a world traveler feature, it would be the perfect watch for me.

[@Will_E_Wonty]

I've got the brown sand GMT on the way but if they'd still offered the avocado GMT I'd have bought that.

[@ClevaTreva]

People who knock San Martin are mental. They're fantastic quality.

[@HORIZONTIMEPASSIONEOROLOGI]

Yes !! is AMAZING 😀

[@progguy10]

the gmt is a grand seiko homage

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

They would be great value at double the price, compared to Seiko....

[@davidward5225]

The orange and blue should be at my house any day now

[@monologic4806]

👍

[@enotpoloskun8799]

I got both of them. SN0118-G is better quality!

[@goddammcrazy]

GMT is a rip off of a Grand Seiko (mist flake). Still a lovely watch. I'm thinking of getting it.

[@garnetnewton-wade4091]

Sorry I like the orange and blue.

[@Miginath]

Go Oilers!

[@DonaldJoeKennedy]

I'm not the first to say this here, but yeah, this is not an original line. I thought it was when I got exactly this aventurine SN0129. But it's clearly copying Grand Seiko. I was utterly blown away when it arrived in my mail. Love at first sight, for real! Then someone in the JOMW comments mentioned it being a Grand Seiko copy. Momentary sadness. Then back to the love affair. It is one of my favorite watches that I own. Top 5% of the collection for sure. Absolutely gorgeous, and superb fit on my 7" wrist.

[@jeremycoello9718]

I thought that was a grand Seiko homage….

[@9mmmike642]

San Martin needs a few 4 o’clock crown models.

[@moneymikz]

The aventurine dial is a Grand Seiko copy, but hey they’re trying

[@benjaminvis]

Copies no, but the aventurine does clearly seem to be a GS homage. There is enough difference not to call it a copy, but truly original is possibly a bit of stretch.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

That GMT is a GS copy

[@thegorn]

There are similarities, but it's not a copy.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

@@thegorn I don't care about little differences. This watch would not exist if the GS were never released. That's a copy in my book

[@JusttheWatch]

What's the model on the GS that its copying? Trying to find it because all the ones I've seen look different.

[@watchdogpodcast239]

@@JusttheWatch SBGE 283&285

[@musik4u343]

It's Def a copy..ur right

[@mersmithy1269]

Defiantly not a colour scheme for hairy wrists.

[@shahan1465]

Why is ypur video so dark

[@jamegumm]

(Furzt) Been looking at the meteorite dial for a while

[@eslai]

Please lose the Stussy logo, San Martin.

[@msmeraglia]

They need a new logo, it looks like it was created by a five year old in microsoft word

[@musik4u343]

So many people on here trying to say that this is not a copy of the grand Seiko just goes to show you the difference between people who only deal in cheap watches and people who actually own and have experience with legitimate watches. People on here defending copies or just doing it because they don't want to be criticized for wearing copies. Anyone who looks at this in the grand Seiko and says it isn't a copy is delusional

[@vatazhka]

You don't have to be a watch snob to admit that these are "remixes" of truly original designs. The fact that the only response you will get is whataboutism ("and what about Swiss/Japanese brands copying designs"), is telling for a person brought up during Cold War (To be honest, Soviet whataboutism was a "homage" of tu quoque fallacy itself.).

[@ScottAlanAnderson]

Well, you're obviously not a University of Illinois Illini fan.

[@BroAriq]

When a watch doesn't have color match date: "i wish they choose color match date wheel" When a watch have a color match date: "i wish they chose the white date wheel"

[@JusttheWatch]

If the date is replacing an hour marker, it should be in a contrasting color, otherwise it should be color matched.

[@667hodge]

China and amazing don't go together

[@Dragoneye-cp6fv]

This is not an original design it is a one to one copy of grand seiko evolution 9 bloody sellout

[@pwmaudio]

Garbage. Nothing is left when they don't copy. And please don't say they compete with 2k watches, it's an insult to your reader's intelligence. I saw SM watches and they are far away for many sub 1k micro brands

[@zplapplap]

Where did you see them?

[@formica.]

Now the chinese are cloning RZE. Buy the originals instead.

[@musik4u343]

Do a little research. Only one is an original design..the other one is a more of a clomage of a grand seiko. Also the diver is awesome, so calling it 3 stars only, is just silly. You're better than this.

[@thegorn]

Look closely. The indices are different, the hands are different, the crown is different, and the bracelet is different. Now show me where the Grand Seiko has an adventurine dial? These are all aspects that make it a homage and not a "clomage". You are the one who needs to do a little research. C'mon, you're better than this.

[@musik4u343]

@thegorn your one of the ppl that hate luxury brands and try to justify copies haha this IS A COPY

[@MaxSoininen]

​​@@musik4u343 all watches are copies. 12 hours and 2-4 hands. I mean... Come one, come up with something new.

[@musik4u343]

@@MaxSoininen it's a copy no matter what u try to say

[@pzeng96]

@@musik4u343You’re better than this.

[@Cheeseiest1]

Just don't think about the human suffering and child labor that's likely involved in the production of San Martin watches and it's allllll fine

[@vatazhka]

With this kind of accusation you need hard evidence. I bet that Western brands used the same factories as San Martin does, this aptness in technology of watch finishing is not something which appeared by itself in a labor camp.

[@mk84142]

I know there are some unethical practises in certain countries more than others and I get that but where is your evidence for this particular brand? If your going to act like the "good person" and say things like this, do it properly, and provide something within the realm of objectivity. Otherwise your no better than those that are unethical. Going around making accusations like this aggressively only creates more division and animosity and ultimately further exacerbates the issues. If your so passionate about child Labor issues then go do something real about it to make a difference.