San Martin SN0121 Review: Surprising Tudor Pelagos Alternative

watchdives.com/collections/ne...
Thanks for watching! Timestamps are below to help orient you through the video. Below is also a link to my Instagram in case any of you like to see watch pictures here and there.
0:00-0:25 Intro
0:25-1:06 Dimensions & Specifications
1:06-3:03 The Dial
3:03-3:29 Sunlight
3:29-5:36 Macro Dial
5:36-8:37 The Case
8:37-12:06 How It Wears
12:06-14:57 Other Straps
14:57-15:49 Lume
15:49-17:57 Pros
17:57-20:19 Cons
20:19-23:13 Final Thoughts
I'm on Instagram as the.knights.watch.The.first most showing pieces I own but also pieces I have to review!
invitescon...
Straps
Archer Silicone
a.co/d/gDY5eDl
Vario Leather
vario.sg/collections/vintage-...
Golden nato
www.crownandbuckle.com/matte-...
Chevron Strap
www.crownandbuckle.com/chevro...
Pink Strap
a.co/d/gHXROEB

[@WristWatching]

Never thought I’d see you reviewing a San Martin! They really hit it out of the park with this one. The NH35 movement is bullet proof, but if it somehow dies on you in a couple of years, you can just replace the entire movement for $40.

[@theknightswatch]

True I totally spaced out on the replaceable aspect of the movement but great point. Was so impressed by this one I ordered a different San Martin 😂 I do wish some companies would just make something a little more unique at this quality level but I get the appeal!

[@gabrielscheer255]

Great review as always. It is a joy watching. Thank You!

[@theknightswatch]

Thank you very kind words. Appreciate you watching 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bennyraichu]

"It's the watch Tudor should make" is absolutely right. Tudor is obviously aware that there is demand for a blue Pelagos 39 (and blue BB54, etc)... but these big brands prefer to hold off on releasing these potential colorways all at once so that in the future, they can show up to W&W with a new colorway and reap all the hype. It's not all that different from the sneakers business in that sense. I don't feel bad at all wearing "homage" versions of these model variants that they won't release, especially if the level of finishing is close to par

[@scott7841]

That's some impressive finishing on such an inexpensive watch! And, as you say, it's easy to overlook some of the negatives at that price point. Thanks for sharing.

[@theknightswatch]

Right? And appreciate you watching. Was not expecting much from this watch but it delivered

[@tizombie]

I just bought one of these and I agree that’s it’s very well made for a great price. You’re spot on about the bezel and dial color not completely matching. My only other nit is I would have preferred a no date movement to eliminate the ghost date crown position, but that’s minor. Nice review.

[@theknightswatch]

True it would’ve been nice to see a true no date version. I’m ok with just there being no date on the dial though haha

[@lockhandle8276]

Keep the reviews coming!

[@theknightswatch]

Appreciate it I’ll try my best!

[@FELIX4764]

I have the blue no date version. It is good, for the money it is very good. There are rumours they will bring this watch out in a grade 5 titanium version. I'll be getting one of those too if it happens. (grade 5 is much harder wearing than grade 2) A good and fair review. Thanks.

[@quarters-eye8922]

San Martin are fantastic 👍 Thank you for sharing.

[@theknightswatch]

Got another one coming in so we’ll see how consistent they can be!

[@user-rm2lz1pq4e]

Great in depth review video. Just picked up the new one with the NH34 movement and GMT function, blue dial. First San Martin so looking forward it based on their rave reviews. Tried on the actual Pelagos and was very close to pulling the trigger on it and now I am curious how this compares, though San Martin at less than 10% of its retail value. Have the NH34 movement in the original Seiko 5-orange dial and the movement has been solid and reliable. Thank you and wish you all the best. Cheers!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

My man with another great video 👏

[@theknightswatch]

Trying to catch up to you Miguel 😉🙏🏻 appreciate ya

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

@@theknightswatch There's no such thing as competition. We are all in this game for the love of horology ❤Keep up the amazing work brother!

[@theknightswatch]

Absolutely. Nothing but love

[@jonathanrobinson9208]

At this price point, I agree ! It's well done, and your strap choices are excellent ! They definitely need to work on their logo. Thanks for the review ! ❤️

[@quarters-eye8922]

What’s wrong with their logo ?!! It looks great.

[@theknightswatch]

Really great price. Thank you I try my best in the strap and thanks for watching!

[@jonathanrobinson9208]

​@QUARTERS-EYE I like their hexagon. The elongated font style doesn't pair well with the strength of the overall watch design ❤

[@Kel7S]

Great review, thank You!

[@theknightswatch]

Thank you for watching

[@DFlemming]

San Martín Logo is more classy than just having its name written.

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Good review 👍🏻😊

[@irishwatchenthusiast6647]

I bought one of these last month - had to pick up the blue no date version as the black had already sold out - although I would probably have gone for the blue anyway. This is a fantastic watch - I personally really like the logo - the way it incorporates the name is cleverly done imo. The weakest element is the poor finishing on the new on-the-fly adjustable clasp. This is a $500 watch that looks like a $3000 watch, being sold for $200. When they restock, I'll be buying the black version. I have 5 San Martins, all of them excellent - and this is the best of a great bunch.

[@theknightswatch]

Haha great way of explaining the price. I do think the way the logo is written is clever I just personally don’t like the shape of it. Not as serious feeling but I guess not all things need to be serious!

[@patrickhartmann1540]

Glad to hear your take on SM. Love your eye for QC that few have commented on. Though all (myself included) agree that they are often a bit sharp on bracelet. I own a few and like their use of PT5000 movement so as to have sub 12mm thickness. They wear and look great! Still, I prefer the originality and history of a non homage watches, so my SMs tend to be in my banger rotation, which still gives them much wrist time. 😊

[@theknightswatch]

Thank you! And absolutely, I have a San Martin pilot coming in and we’ll see if the design and quality holds up to this one. I usually prefer original designs too but my perfect pelagos doesn’t exist outside this variation so win win I suppose haha

[@WillyMcCoy50]

My compliments. A reviewer that doesn’t sound like a reddit cyclone .... over emotive, negative nancy .... but rather a man stating observations. An extremely nice watch at a great price point. My little SM 6200 is a fighter that's been with me through the day to day shuffle and never complained. I am betting this one is cut from the same cloth. I am interested in their new design GMT SN0116-G. I don't even jet around time zones much as my RoadRunner doesn’t fly. ✌️

[@1SaG]

I suspect this is the same basic case as my SM 0109 (BB GMT Pepsi homage) and it really wears exceptionally well. The case-back on mine might be a bit slimmer (only 100m WR), but it sits completely "in" the wrist when you wear the watch, so the only discernible height above the wrist comes from the mid-section (the actual case), the bezel and, to a lesser extent, the low-ish boxed crystal. Considering it's holding an NH34, which isn't known for its slimness, this watch wears beautifully slim. 7:40 Not sure where exactly they got their... err... inspiration from, but the on-the-fly clasp on my Christopher Ward is *very* similar to the system SM use. And I'm sure that CW have been selling that clasp for quite some time now.

[@shadstout6387]

@theknight'swatch are you aware of the jubilee bracelet designed for San Martin 40mm models fits this 39mm case? I think it would look amazing on a jubilee.

[@theknightswatch]

Unfortunately no idea if that would fit!

[@johnmuthan286]

Its the first time I hear someone complain about their lume application, would be interesting to have a timelaps comparison with let say a Tudor or a Seiko. All my SanMartin stay pretty legible all night up to sunrise, in fact they old better lume than my Seiko Willard.

[@theknightswatch]

Interesting, maybe I just have the actual pelagos in mind which is some of the best Luke I’ve ever seen. Realistically I’ve never used lume in “real life” so never a deal breaker for me but I know people like it

[@anthonyonline4740]

When do you mention the case material?

[@BaddaBigBoom]

I've had my blue SS no date version for a few weeks now and am loving it. Especially good is that it arrived properly regulated and has run consistently at +4 sec per 24h, so consistently that now I don't correct it against an atomic clock. I just hack it for four seconds every day. On the strength of this, I've just ordered the opposite: Black, Ti, yes date version, should be here in a few days.

[@Pal-us9uv]

Which do you like best? SS or Ti?

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@Pal-us9uv Swings and roundabouts really, love the blue colour of the SS's dial and the fact that the NH35 in this one seems to be a bit more accurate. The lightness of the Ti one is great though ...and it has the date window, which I do refer to. So equal love but for different reasons!

[@Pal-us9uv]

@@BaddaBigBoomthanks 😊 Glad you enjoy them. I got a black Ti on order from Aliexpress. I have been waiting for over a month. Hopefully it arrives soon.

[@goldfools5445]

I bought the black version, only because I have enough blue watches. Same as you, I am really surprised how this “plain” watch works so well. I will never get the microscope out so I won’t see those micro blemishes. Just holding it and wearing it, I can’t fault it. The bracelet is a bit edgy, seems more so than other SanMartin watches I own. It doesn’t bother me as I am a bit gnarled in the skin these days. If it did, I would burnish the edges, too easy. Great review and great that a high horology reviewer has given SanMartin a bit of cred for the way they execute their watches.

[@theknightswatch]

Probably would’ve bought the black if it was in stock at the time but this one I’m happy with too. We’ll see if they can surprise me again!

[@mattstolzman]

That logo, when applied on the dial looks amazing. The printed one, not so much.

[@jamesminshall4601]

I will buy the black version off this with date if they do it in titanium, I feel that is the watch the baby pelogos should have been. The thing that stood out the most as a negative was seeing the pinion, the implementation on my black bay pro is in a different league as it just disappears.

[@johnholkham2420]

If you think this watch is good you should try the Titanium version $25 more but the Titanium really moves the watch to a different level. The Titanium case is as good as it gets for sub $1500 watch, the bracelet is reasonable and although stiff the on the fly adjustment bracelet is another great addition. The Titanium version is really the watch Tudor should have made. The only slightly draw back is the NH35 movement which on mine runs -8 sec but I’ve had new Swiss Sellita movements with worse time keeping.

[@zillsburyy1]

SM is incredible quality

[@dmks2146]

From my experience (I own a couple of SM's including this model in black) they clearly know how to produce good quality but their QC isn't very strict. So it's a bit of a gamble if you get flawless, minor flaw or obvious flaw.

[@theknightswatch]

Interesting to hear. I have another San Martin coming in so we’ll see if that one holds up on qc.

[@mtbbiker6401]

who released the 39mm first...Tudor or San Martin?

[@amadeus5491]

Lorier Astra review please!

[@pablonascimento1005]

Do you have link ?

[@DavidUKesb]

If nothing else it looks much better than the Tudor because it's not ridiculously large.

[@stevendoll1]

If you had to pick...Blue or black?

[@CG-ql5rr]

Finally a young man without a beard, fed up with all this trend,beards and tattoos Excellent review of a great looking watch. At this price point you literally get a seiko , but fancy dressed 😊

[@owenlo9223]

The titanium version is out and It's a bit more expensive than the stainless steel , isit worth the extra to get the titanium ? Really considering to get one

[@theknightswatch]

I think it’s personal preference. It will probably be more comfortable if you like that, I do think the stainless steel will hold up a little better over time since it is grade 2 titanium for the price.

[@KINESKI-SINDIKAT]

nice

[@marufio]

This is the watch of the year for 200 dollars nothing can beat it at that price point. It sold out and will sell out again goodluck

[@Nefville]

If Tudor ever did a Pelagos in stainless it would be on my list or on my wrist. The 39mm that is. Or grade 5 Ti. I just can't do grade 2, no offense to anyone, but its just an ugly metal and scratches like butter. I'd be interested in this but its sold out so better luck next time I guess!

[@theknightswatch]

Supposedly they are going to be doing a restock so I would keep my eye out! And I agree the pelagos needs a little updated

[@marufio]

It will sell out again its become the most in demand watch

[@austinzizzi1142]

This is what the pelagos 39 should have been

[@maclagor2465]

Great review. Really well done. Was a true review not just watch porn lol.

[@theknightswatch]

Haha thank you!

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

much porefer the san martin logo over hroundland, rdunae, heimdallr text, lol Although i do wonder if they heard st martin by their brandign expert and misundersood it as san martin.

[@DG69GOD]

i cracked up at "idk if san martin have stolen some kind of patented design or whatnot, but even then, ya know, it works well hehe" 🤣🤣

[@kingcold7138]

Honestly, San Martin never rounds off sharp edges of bracelets and cases…

[@theknightswatch]

Got to cut corners somewhere. Or in this case not cut the corners

[@kevnorcal]

I received my SN0121G yesterday. To say the least, I'm disappointed. Both the bezel insert and hour hand are misaligned. The stem is wobbly and has way too much play before engaging. I have a Watchdives x San Martin Milsubmariner SN004 V2 that I purchased four months ago and everything is aligned correctly and the stem is not wobbly and engages immediately. Maybe they rushed this batch out to buyers.

[@theknightswatch]

I would see if you could exchange it. Again mine has none of the issues you mention

[@Tom_H327]

SM could have made it the same size as the Tudor. 😢

[@WparuSlowach]

Homage, at least well done.

[@rohanrohilla1080]

Ranger was worse in macro TBH

[@mitchellsumpter4807]

I’d hate to be a watch company and have you review our timepiece. You provide great info but saying you are overly critical is being kind. Chill a bit. A $200ish watch deserves a little leeway. Save your hyper critical reviews for the EXPENSIVE models. Still, nice reviews overall

[@theknightswatch]

Haha don’t disagree but I’m very much of a might as well put everything under the same microscope regardless of price or hype. Some of the cleanest dials I’ve seen have been some of the more affordable watches 😂.

[@pootube45]

@@theknightswatch continue with everything under the same microscope please 🙂

[@daleyfamily2179]

Well if we are continuing with the hyper critic please add this a complete copy rip off of the Tudor plegaos. All they did is leave of the name lol. This is no homage lol.

[@rolexsubcasewearsbettertha9571]

​@@daleyfamily2179do you buy Zara ?

[@desireless4092]

Yes, but looking at it now I understand why the 39 removed the raised inner chaptering. The proportions of the hands on this copy are horrendous. They looks short and stubby and the seconds hand especially looks really weird. I think the 42 is still better since everything in its design was build around the idea that the watch will be 42, or should I say 41 since actually the bezel is 42. The Pelagos is perfect as it is and maybe we should stop forcing it something it is not. It never sold itself as a dress watch or elegant bracelet, because he is simply not. As for the SM - I'd rather get an Orient (or Zelos) than to settle with a copycat. I'd have more respect if San Martin continue what they've already started - trying to build their own original models. I know getting a Pelagos is not easy, nor cheap. And it wasn't for me too, but I worked for it.

[@theknightswatch]

Get where you’re coming from for sure but after owning the pelagos 4 or 5 times I prefer this personally. I don’t feel the proportions are odd at least in the metal but some people see it differently. Can’t please everyone!

[@desireless4092]

@@theknightswatch No way leaving this watch. I am geeking too much about it. From the fined machining to the proportions and feel. Like I said if I have to leave or remove the Pelagos, I'd rock something like the stunning Orient Mako 3 red. But I am a Pelagos nut and I even got the FXD since I like this line so much.

[@_Stav_]

Haven’t we reached the point where a 60 year old design is not original anymore?

[@gabytro]

All those straps are horrible. Please don t do that

[@theknightswatch]

Wonderful insight thank you

[@loganm5172]

Love the straps, keep up the good work!

[@matyasd007]

I have to agree with you on this one😂

[@filros7630]

Obscene copy. They have no respect

[@daleyfamily2179]

Come on bruh, this is a complete rip off copy of a Tudor Pelagos. SMH. Homage means to take inspiration from. Not to completely copy, and just change then name.

[@theknightswatch]

Doesn’t matter who did it first, just who does it better. Worlds full of copies and small tweaks. And some people have more tolerance than others. Either way it’s a killer watch