San Martin SN004 limited edition Full Review

hands down, the best BB58 homage on the market.
USE CODE: ESCAPE10 for $10 off your purchase.
Link to the Watchdives version: watchdives.com/products/pre-o...
Link to all other SN004 versions: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFo...
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Vario strap: vario.sg
Ribbed Nato: cnswatchbands.com/
Suede Strap: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBP...
StrapsCo Vintage Leather: strapsco.com/product/vintage-...
StrapsCo Tropic: strapsco.com/product/dassari-...
StrapsCo Black Rubber: strapsco.com/product/dassari-...
Straps Co Rally Rubber: strapsco.com/product/retro-ru...
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my instagram - escape_whee...
Visit us over at reddit r/chinesewatches for more watches, more fun, and more giveaways!!
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Timestamps
0:00 - B-Roll
01:00- Intro
02:07- Price, Colors, Specifications
03:51- Dimensions
04:41- Wrist shots and Strap show
07:55- Case finishing
09:16- Bezel
11:41- Crystal
13:11- Dial
15:01- Lume shot
15:32- Movement and Crown
16:55- Bracelet
19:35- Conclusion
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[@keving4187]

I can’t believe I missed the blue version. It was the perfect watch

[@davidc3903]

Keep your eyes out for more of the blue BB58 LE. I have both a rivet and o-style bracelet, making for either the true BB58 or Tudor sub look. I absolutely love this watch and can only recommend it. They seem to keep restocking…

[@MrGetItDone7]

It’s back in stock

[@WesWatchRoom]

Its a fantastic offering from San Martin, they continue to impress with their quality. Don't need another diver, but if I had an opening in the collection, this would be a serious contender for that spot. Nicely done review as well.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you! It's a great little watch, I think it would wear really well on you

[@daynevickers1079]

Thanks for the great review! I bought mine as soon as I saw it (two months or so ago). I wanted to make sure I got it before they 'sold out', since it is a "Limited Edition"... evidently, it is only limited as to how many of them San Martin can sell 🤣. The only thing I would change would be the crystal due to the amount of distortion (as you noted). Also, I would like to make a request to San Martin... drill 2 more micro-adjustment holes in your excellent 4-hole clasp in order to actually cover the distance between the pins in a single link. That way, owners will be able to get an exact fit if desired. That is my ONLY real complaint with my 4 San Martin watches. Of course, it would be even better if they were to design a clasp with on-the-fly adjustment (ALA the 'Big R", which I know you cannot even mention). Are you listening SM?

[@wkanost]

I’ve had one since March of 2022 and love it. I like it now even more than when I first got it. Good size, excellent finishing and a very high quality feel. I recommend anyone who is looking for an excellent BB58 homage.

[@EscapeWheel]

Agreed. Just keeps growing on me. Thanks for watching!

[@redpandaproductions7667]

I just got mine . Amazing watch , so clean , great work done by sm. Worth the money !

[@EscapeWheel]

Indeed, one of they better watches

[@supremeblin452]

What a great and good looking watch, the B-roll shots definitely make it look even more beautiful and do it justice very well

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you 👊

[@jacdavis]

Had mine for a while now and absolutely love it. I'd previously purchased the Pagani Design BB58 but was disappointed with the overall size and the Miyota movement. The San Martin is just the perfect size for me, ive swapped out the bracelet for a rubber strap which has further improved the looks. Great video, and I completely agree with all your points. Definitely recommend to anyone thinking about buying this watch.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks for watching, and yeah I also tried that Pagani...what a chonker!

[@12roofer]

Thanks Steve for another great review,just got the new batch one Hex crown can’t believe how accurate this watch is San Martin must be regulating them ,my only complaint and it’s not just San Martin is the gap on the ends of the clasp surely most manufacturers could solve this,that said its a great watch for the price.

[@EscapeWheel]

That's awesome to hear. Enjoy the watch!

[@BCallum]

Thanks for the video. Very nice watch. Cheers from Atlantic Canada!!!

[@craggerrs]

recently received the SN0109 and I'm so happy with the look and feel of it - I am super tempted to get another san martin and this is currently a front runner but I also need to practice some restraint as I don't really have several hundred quid to drop on a watch every 5 minutes, ha ha. Just one more, perhaps! Thanks for another great review, mate

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks Craig! Maybe have a look at the thorn... It's half the price but looks really nice still.

[@craggerrs]

@@EscapeWheel Thanks man - I will check that out. Would you say it's better value? I dont mind spending a bit more to get the best value. Also, have you thought about reviewing the Hruodland F019? I bought the G004 on your recommendation and it really is a lovely watch, regardless of the modest price tag! Strap is lovely too. The F019 is another chronograph but looks a bit more sporty and price tag is around the same point as the G004. Anyway, thanks again

[@Dronetothetop]

I love this watch so much I bought the blue one too. Mine is running +2s/d constantly for about two weeks.

[@EscapeWheel]

Haha, I'm so tempted by the blue one as well...must resist

[@davidc3903]

@@EscapeWheel no resistance! It’s my second favorite watch in my entire collection, which hopefully says a lot 😊

[@Dronetothetop]

@@apollomoonlandings Less than +1s/d when it's worn and +2.2s/d on a winder. Average out to +2s/d for about two weeks. I got really lucky. I wouldn't trade it with anything else out there. :D But then again, my SN-008G BB58 Black one(PT5000) is running +1s/d average for one month now. The watch making in it's finest and truly amazing pieces from San Martin.

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

I bought one at the last sale, and couldn't agree more. Pity about the ghost date, but the rest is pretty much perfection at that price.

[@EscapeWheel]

Agreed. NH38 would have just been perfect, but I'm so used to just skipping the date anyway, no big deal to me

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Great review of a great watch. I absolutely LOVED it on that green and red elastic strap!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks, Aviv!

[@gerardoarellano7698]

“Tropic Rally” has a nice ring to it.

[@EscapeWheel]

trademarked by escape wheel watch reviews....also "Tropic waffle" ive used that one a few times and it sounds cool too

[@Buck380]

Thanks for the video, I’ve been dragging my feet on adding this model and this “v4” version hits the spot. I’ve emailed them for more details and let them know I saw it on your channel.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you! And thanks for watching

[@chrisscanlan8819]

Don't own any San Martin's but this is a beauty that I'm leaning towards ordering! Great review as always

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks, Chris! It's a good one.

[@ramspencer5492]

(edit: I ordered one for black Friday)I'm tempted. I have the blue 40mm pt5000 version. I could swap the rivet bracelet between these and get the slightly updated version. The blue one doesn't really need rivets. It's a more modern looking watch. I really wish this had a matte ceramic bezel, to more fully capture the vintage aesthetic. That might make my decision a little easier.... If it did. Another couple hundred on watches seems like a bit of an indulgence right now.

[@AlexanderB.]

Really a very good and refined watch. When version 1 was released I was already thinking that this could also work as a BB homage. I like the hexagon logo most when it's printed which now recently can be see more often. For ne the only negative is that the whole thing is a little too shiny. Most people will be happier with the non-riveted bracelet as not everyone will have the necessary skills to resize the bracelet using the faux rivet screws!

[@EscapeWheel]

Agree on the bracelet...it was a bear to size, but so happy it's now done...lol

[@marlowkaplan3584]

I love mine, I get compliments on it everywhere I go

[@realestwatchreviews]

Great review as usual. I wonder if you can change your camera angle to reduce that glare tho

[@EscapeWheel]

It's especially bad on this watch just sure to the crystal. But I keep messing with the lighting to see if I can reduce glare, but then I lose so much detail in the shots. Wish I could get a couple big lamps in either side, but I just don't have the space

[@ramspencer5492]

Thanks for the strap fashion shows.... They help me pick out AliExpress watch straps.

[@thegorn]

The newer version of this has a coin edge bezel and Matt ceramic bezel insert. No rivets on the bracelet but the SM OTF clasp.

[@richardseaton6390]

I bought one a couple of years ago with the Selita SW200 - probably not worth it, just go for the Chinese movement. It's a great looking watch, lovely ceramic bezel. My only gripe is that the bezel movement is quite light and gets knocked by my shirt cuff and constantly shows 2mins to the left of centre...otherwise it's good. A few sharp edges on the case as well. 6/10

[@craggerrs]

I bought this last week and it has already arrived, not even a week later! Picked it up for about 170 quid which is a steal imo - think I even prefer it to the SN0109 which is awesome too, but quite a bit more pricey. Can we say that San Martin offers the best value for money out of any watch brand going?

[@EscapeWheel]

They have great shipping times! I think brands like Pagani, tandorio, bliger are the value kings. Same specs as the San Martin, at less than half the price. They are usable watches which is incredible....but it's the details and execution and finishing that puts San Martin at the top. Swiss level fit and finish, great lume,AR coated crystals, solid bracelets and clasps etc.

[@Crackers2549]

I love this watch and have both the black dial and blue... Personally in my opinion, probably as good a watch made for this kind of money... This watch, if swiss made, would be 1K all day long with a Sellitta or ETA movement, or more! ... I have no problem with the NH35 because it is a solid workhouse that keeps great time and easily regulated...I paid a grand total of $394.00 for both watches during a sale.... Unbelievable value for such quality...!

[@drewmcvey]

Man this thing is tempting!

[@EscapeWheel]

It's one of my favs

[@goldfools5445]

I just got home from a two week prospecting trip and the blue version of this watch was waiting in the post box. I went for the rivet link as I think it looks great. When they say “limited edition” what does that mean? Are they only producing a certain number and that’s it, or is it for sale for a limited time until they stop production? Or is my watch an un numbered watch of a unknown quantity. It would be good to pose this question to San Martin. Not that it changes anything, I still love it.

[@EscapeWheel]

This is a watchdives exclusive. So they determine how many of each color. It was only supposed to be 100 but I feel like they new last that number a while ago

[@smedleyhverovhe8919]

Great review. Ordered mine on the last Aliexpress sale $180. Just arrived yesterday. Easily the nicest Sam Martin I've experienced. Still not understanding why San Martin doesn't sell it.

[@EscapeWheel]

Same. I told them to make it a year ago and they never did. 🤷

[@Vader965]

which store?

[@smedleyhverovhe8919]

@@Vader965 It came from Watchdives store. Please don't tell me it's a fake..

[@handsomewong2469]

Stunning!!!!!!!!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you.

[@LymanPhillips]

I have this one coming in the mail. Looking forward to this one. I got it in a deal for $190 in the last sale. Vintage look. First PT5000 for me. I'll be interested to see how it works.

[@ArtoftheDial]

This watch doesn't come with a PT5000, only an NH35. The watch that looks similar to this one (with some differences) that does have a PT5000 usually runs on sale for around $300. This is an amazing watch at the price point. Ordered the Blue the day it was released, and am thinking about picking this black and gilt one up as well.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks for covering that for me 👍

[@LymanPhillips]

@@ArtoftheDial I just checked - you're right. NH35. So even better as that's a cheap drop in replacement if it goes South on me.

[@RJtoon1]

Is the Tutor Blackbay also a 45 mm lug to lug? I thought it was more like 47 or 48? Anyway the San Martin is freaking perfect I wouldn’t mind one especially for 7 inch wrists I have. Also no idea what kind of tool you need to remove that back cover, I like to regulate my movements

[@EscapeWheel]

Stickey ball or a ball of ductape works well in these caseback. Unsure of the BB58 dimensions, but honestly this thing is just perfect

[@RJtoon1]

@@EscapeWheel interesting thanks!

[@fernandofrias5415]

How do you feel this lines up with the SN008? I have their v1, but am wondering if this is significantly better than that watch, enough to justify a double dip in BB58 homages?

[@EscapeWheel]

I mean the size alone is enough to justify it. I think the quality is on par with each other. But the SN008 is 41mm while this is 39mm

[@waris3732]

Steve how do you keep that Suede strap so clean? Or do you just never wear it outside of your strap showcases?😅

[@EscapeWheel]

Lol, it gets written quite a bit, but I'm a desk worker and I'm very careful not to wear a strap like this if I'm going to do anything to get it dirty

[@tsega60]

Did San Martin recently update the bezel to 90 clicks on the limited edition SN004? You mentioned that your watch on the video is a 120 click bezel but the website in the link reads 90 click bezel.

[@EscapeWheel]

That seems to be the case, yes. An odd choice since the bezel was perfect. I e talked to a few people with the updated case and they say it's a non issue and the bezel is still excellent. A weird choice, though 🤷

[@MarkM58]

I have no idea how it happened, but I received the blue version in the mail and I NEVER ordered it! Turns out, it is one of my favorite watches in my 89 watch collection! I have purchased two more SMs since. LOL

[@EscapeWheel]

Well we'll, that's an happy mistake!

[@1SaG]

I wish they'd start putting more aluminium bezels on their vintage divers. That high gloss ceramic doesn't really fit the theme here, IMO. I just ordered their BB Pepsi GMT homage and one of the reasons why I bought that thing is its aluminium bezel insert.

[@EscapeWheel]

Can't argue with you there. Aluminum would be awesome.

[@1SaG]

@@EscapeWheel They hinted at that in a recent post over on watchuseek. I'm hoping for a late GMT-Master/early GMT-Master II homage.

[@ramspencer5492]

I've had one of these rivet bracelets. Hell to resize. Apparently that's why they're phazing them out. Apparently the newer version has clear reflective coating.... The hex logo on the crown..... And an easy bracelet to resize. Just don't get the rivets. I wish they'd do a matte ceramic bezel insert option. It would really suit these watches with a more vintage aesthetic.

[@EscapeWheel]

I actually requested the rivet bracelet. I have a non-rivet I could swap on if I wanted. I like it visually, but a definite pain to resize. Thankfully it a one and done thing. I saw the hex crown but missed the clear AR. That's a nice bonus. Wish they did a top hat though, single AR is not my thing. I begged Watchdives to do a matter insert, but they said it was too late, I agree, it would have been awesome.

[@ramspencer5492]

@@EscapeWheel it's only cost on a couple of reviews. So I think there variants in different runs. I don't really expect I'll be that lucky.... But here's hoping. I have a rivet bracelet that was almost impossible to resize from my older V2 blue variant. Pretty sure I can swap endlinks interchangeably to the two bracelets..... The rivets suits the black and gold better..... The blue one is more modern looking. I found an additional 30 diary black Friday AliExpress coupon. So I'm getting the black/gilt loved edition for just over a hundred and sixty dollars. That's pretty awesome pricing. That's what made me pull the trigger. That and also I really had wanted a black and gilt one all along..... But the version two black and gold had more problems

[@ramspencer5492]

@@EscapeWheel I really do wish they had used a matte ceramic bezel insert on this colorway though..... To complete the vintage aesthetic. Their finishing is just do good.

[@scatterbrain9490]

👍

[@saatlerucuzolsun]

11:57 are you sure it's single domed?

[@EscapeWheel]

Yes, positive. Single done gives you the distortion and slight magnifying properties.

[@MarkoMarkovina]

One thing I don't understand is that lume... I got mine month ago and it has the best lume I've ever seen on a watch. It beats my sn919g... glows like crazy. Can it be they uodated that lume? I don't know but its defenitely stronger than on this one

[@EscapeWheel]

🤷 I guess it's possible. Is yours the blue dial, I have a feeling the blue ones lume will be excellent since it's just BGW9. This Fauxtina Lume is always a little worse than regular C3 or BG lume

[@MarkoMarkovina]

@@EscapeWheel no, it's the same as yours but it's not patina lume on mine, it's c3 superluminova says in the specs I just checked... that anseers my question than ...they updated it to c3

[@EscapeWheel]

@@MarkoMarkovina mine said C3 as well....they call it C3 old radium, but nobody lists the "old radium" part. But I wouldn't be surprised if they added another couple layers to it when they decided to sell more. I purchased like #3 off the line so it's a very early model

[@MarkoMarkovina]

@@EscapeWheel on mine it says superluminova c3... the color is mich brighter than on yours and it just crazy... I compared it with Rolex and it better lol

[@EscapeWheel]

@@MarkoMarkovina well, good to hear they updated then. 👍

[@jamlove2020]

Looks good on suede.

[@EscapeWheel]

Heck yeah 👍

[@dizzylee7215]

I've just been watching your review. I really like the specs and looks. I am really tempted with the blue version 🤔😂

[@EscapeWheel]

@@dizzylee7215 the blue does look really good.

[@RJtoon1]

Did you see the new beauties on watch dives today? They have about 5 new releases, San Martins pretty pricy tho

[@EscapeWheel]

Yup! I've got that baltany Chrono coming in but that's it from the lot. Waiting for the SM explorer II Tudor pro lovechild Gary (I like watches) teased on his Instagram the other day

[@RJtoon1]

@@EscapeWheel Yeah that’s a nice one I wonder What type of quartz movement it is

[@EscapeWheel]

@@RJtoon1 it's another Seiko meccaquartz, VK61 I believe. Solid movement.

[@ramspencer5492]

I don't mind the single domed crystal on kind of a retro styled watch.... The blue antireflective coating though... On a black watch. That's annoying....

[@EscapeWheel]

yeah, my least favorite part of the watch by a lot. I'll eventually swap it out.

[@ramspencer5492]

@@EscapeWheel I'd like to set San Martin start to use some matte finish ceramic bezel inserts on some watches.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

If your budget is a couple hundred bucks and you want the best watch possible san martin is it

[@EscapeWheel]

Hard to argue with that. Seestern also puts out some incredible watches for $200

[@ringaleavo]

Good review, but I'd lose the tunes with the drum beat.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks, listening back, I agree...not a fan of that track.

[@heyerrock6432]

This is not sn008? Sn008 have nh35 movement also.

[@EscapeWheel]

Correct. This is a limited edition SN004. Slightly smaller than SN008 which just got updated to house the NH35 movement.

[@Tom_Kowalczuk]

Hi Steve - do you have cats ? 15:24 - 15:32 I swear I can hear a cat moews exactly like my cat.

[@EscapeWheel]

100% she can be so annoying...lol. She's an attention whore

[@renebense]

Believe it or not,...it's a 90 click bezel..!

[@EscapeWheel]

It's not....10 very solid clicks in the first 5 minutes. Are you thinking of the Cadisen I reviewed?

[@eurabio]

You got this review far to late. They are sold out now on Aliexpress.

[@EscapeWheel]

Watchdives has the black in stock. I believe the blue is being restocked

[@ayudaporfavor]

@@EscapeWheel Is that a trustworthy site?

[@davidc3903]

@@ayudaporfavor I’ve bought 2 SM from them. It’s been fast and easy. Both watches are within +5s/d. Could be coincidence, but I’ll say that its been a positive experience (after over a year too)

[@caktaylor]

@@ayudaporfavor Yes, it is a trustworthy site. And they have faster shipping than Aliexpress.

[@bernardbarroga1497]

Nothing new here. It’s still a “homage”!😳🙄

[@EscapeWheel]

and that makes it a bad watch?

[@bernardbarroga1497]

@@EscapeWheel I didn’t say that it’s a bad watch, did I ??! I just think that there’s nothing special nor different about this watch since it’s a COPY !!

[@chrislim7976]

​@@bernardbarroga1497 I'm sure there are lots of other watches that will be as different as you need. Not sure what you were looking for. Seiko does homages but adds some Seiko-ness to things.

[@khonjel_singh]

I just dislike the aesthetics of Rolex/Tudor style bezel and hands. Come on, do something different.

[@MarkoMarkovina]

That's pretty much the whole point of a homage watch. Btw bezel is not the same as bb58

[@filros7630]

Cheap copy of another one. If they are soo good why no one buy them in their original design? Because its just a chinese watch for wannabe. The point is: the real one is not so diffuicult to get even for a normal person who save a little month by month to get the original

[@xxbaldycoupxx]

I need this one in a Willard case, without the daft looking badge.