San Martin SN021G Review- The Watch Rolex Should Make. But Doesn’t- (Explorer 1016 Homage)

[@edshamaham5719]

I've heard of San Martin before but I wasn't expecting the details to be so well made and so well thought out especially at this price point. The gears in my head are turning

[@thewatchidiot]

It hasn't stopped surprising me to this day! The 62MAS was the other watch that I really wanted from them but I'm glad I went for this one! That being said now I really want the 62MAS one lol!

[@andrei-cosmin.popa85]

@@thewatchidiot If you like the SN021G, I think you'd be more impressed with the SN020G, especially for your wrist.

[@thewatchidiot]

The SN020 is nice for sure and I'm sure it would wear very well but I actually prefer the 36mm size for a 1016 homage! I also prefer the overall more modern feel so it worked out well for me lol. I'd love to compare them side by side tho!

[@007josiah]

This is $466 on Ali express and Amazon in July 2023. I can't justify spending that much on a San Martin.

[@Jordan-fg9cc]

wait for sales

[@Kbo513]

I got the Smiths Everest early this year and I think this is a better buy. I also wanted that 1016 look and I wanted to experience the 36mm feel until Rolex renewed their Explorer to 36mm and got that one also this summer 😄. The bracelet for this is much better than the Smiths Everest as the rivets in the Smiths protrudes so much and the clasp sometimes pop off for me while in use. The only thing for me here is the logo, but good thing is we have a choice on logo layout when purchasing.

[@rickybobbysdriver555]

I bought this watch because I missed out on the smiths watch twice. Glad to know people are liking this watch.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thats awesome that you've got both! I can totally see how they can coexist in a collection bc they are rather different all things considered. I definitely would love to try on a Smiths Everest at some point tho. I tried on the Rolex Explorer next to the San Martin and while the Rolex was undoubtedly amazing I do wish the proportions were closer to those of the San Martin/ the last generation 36mm Rolex Submariner. How are you liking the new 36mm size and 19mm lug proportions?

[@frs9262]

Excellent video. It’s surprising how many watch reviewers do not show the watch on their wrist as this is helpful. Thanks for the many wrist shots.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah i totally agree for many watches the wrist shot is by far the most important factor when deciding to buy it! Also having the reviewer's wrist size is quite important to me to give the wrist shot some more context. I'm pretty sure i included in this video although I cant remember lol

[@143AD]

Rolex deserved this, and this is only the beginning. For not making what we asked for because of greed. For with-holding watches from us using A.D.'s by not supplying and only selling to only the rich, or jerks who buy then sell the watches, again for greed. And for prioritising the Chinese market over Europeans who invented the brand! As the bible says, in the end greed will destroy all who partake. I hope Rolex suffers.

[@TheChaz5504]

Great video as always. This is tough, man. That looks so nice. I pretty much can only play in the affordable range- most of my watches around 500- and I just got my current grail (63 mas) as the most I have ever spent on a watch at around a grand, but even within my parameters I still have a snobbery against Aliexpress watches... and I usually don't dig Rolex stylistically and don't care for direct homages. San Martin, especially with this model is making it TOUGH lol. I do enjoy very much my 36mm Lorier Falcon 2- which has a bit of that old explorer influence, but sometimes I wish it was slightly less "vintagy". This certainly fits the bill!

[@svaz2006]

1016 is ok, but my itch is for a 14720/114720 homage. Come on San Martin, help a brother out!

[@TheCcmarine]

Great review man. I am glad you showed this 36mm on your 7.5 in wrist because I have the same size and was thinking it might be too small. But I think it looks great on your wrist so I think it would be ok on mine as well. I also like this version and it's design much more than the 39. I like the logo and having the same logo on the dial crown and buckle is important to me. What a great looking watch I have to say. I too was mainly into divers before and I noticed recently my taste changing towards these explorer type watches and their simplicity and great looks. You got a great one if +/- 1 s per day it's amazing for the price.

[@apostolosgalimanas8274]

San martin explorer or Steinhart explorer better quality?

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Only problem I had with my San Martin ranger....the bracelet was too short, I needed an extra link, and NOPE you can mot order one San martin only sells to hobbits, not to grown up Dutch... i have a 24 cm wrist, rather average... got an extra link from a friend..

[@rickybobbysdriver555]

This is such a cool watch. I've always wanted a Rolex explorer and could not come to terms with the price they go for so I went with this watch instead. I usually prefer to see the watch in person before purchasing it but bought this just on word of mouth. Such a beautiful watch and the specs for the price are just insane.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah and in my case I always wished Rolex would bring back the classic 369 of the 1016! The quality of the watch is truly ridiculous I still cant believe it when i look down at my wrist. I actually got two watch friends to guess what the price was and they guessed over 1k! If I didnt know about the watch before I'd say the same. Hopefully San Martin keeps up the good form

[@godGottgod]

I do have the San Martin 62Mas and I love it. Therefore I can understand your feelings about this watch. The quality San Martin provides is just stunning for this amount of money. If this would be a Seiko it would probably cost around 1000 quid without the signed crown and some misalignments here and there just for good measure :P But one thing rly bugs me about San Martin. They need to figure out what logo they want to use in the future as a brand. They have this hexagon logo, a written one in cursive and normal font. And other models have one or two more versions. Same with the crown logo. They have an S, a shark, this hexagon. Get your s..t together SM.

[@thewatchidiot]

Oooooooo the 62MAS one is what I want to get next!! I was actually ready to get it but then I saw this one lol! But I totally agree with you, the quality SM is offering at a fraction of the price of problematic Seikos is an eye opener especially since this is my first experience with SM. If only Seiko could finish off their watches with SM quality then we'd be good to go lol! But yeah I can understand that they want to offer customization about I agree that they should stick to 2 designs max. By the looks of it, it seems that they've settled on the hexagon logo which I happen to like so hopefully that remains! Also yeah I'm so glad mine didn't come with the weird dollar sign "S" crown bc that would have been quite a downer. An interesting future to look forward to for SM!

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Also I think they regulate their pt5000 movements because mine only gains 2 seconds a day and other people are saying the same thing. To my understanding there’s a couple places that produce these and San Martin got a hold of the more higher quality ones. I don’t know how true that is But I’ve read that on the San Martin reddit post before. Super impressed with this watch for sure. It’s kinda crazy you can get something like this for only 300. Loved the review man!

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the video!! Thats great to hear that so many people are experiencing similar next level accuracy with their examples. Really shows that San Martin is operating on a completely different level compared to the rest of the competition in this price point. Looking forward to seeing what else they come up with!

[@Agent-vj3ns]

The applied logo is hideous. It looks like a gigantic JBL explanation point logo taking up the entire upper portion of the dial. Printed cursive looks a million times better (in everyone's opinion).

[@ccooper8785]

I would agree that rolex should price their watches at between $200 and $300...🤔

[@apostolosgalimanas8274]

Just i take it before 4 days... fantastic piece! Unbelievable that cost so little money!

[@steelsteez6118]

I hate homages. It makes me throw up in my mouth a little. But your channel is bad ass so I tolerated it lol.

[@juniorgallo8786]

Glad to hear that this PT5000 Asian version of the ETA has achieved such impressive accuracy. Both movement options are variations of the "no date" 2824-2 AFAIK. I would certainly buy this watch if it fitted into my collection but I guess I would go with SW200-1 considering the availability of parts in a major overhaul in the future. Also, any independent watchmaker accepts working with ETAs and Sellitas. Nice video man!

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks man, happy to hear you enjoyed the video! Yeah the accuracy is impressive! Hopefully most of the PT5000s are accurate bc that would be a huge plus point for them especially given their their competitive price. Yeah Sellitas will be easier for the future but I'm hoping that by the time anything happens it'll be a more common movement!

[@juniorgallo8786]

@@thewatchidiot That would be great but if something unexpected happens you can also easily swap it to a sellita sw200 -1or ETA 2824-2 as well, since dials and hands are compatible. These dials for 36mm cases are 27.5-28mm so it's a no-brainer, they all fit nice. Some dials come with four feet attached to enable you to cut off the ones not needed, you just need a mini plier/cutter and a small metal file to get it done. Have a nice week man!

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah I'm definitely happy that its got a sellita/ETA clone in there bc of the compatibility! Peace of mind for sure although i'd have to get it regulated bc I would miss the +1 sec a day accuracy lol! Take care

[@kenweller2032]

I'd lean PT5000. My thought is that the movement can be had off AliBaba for well under $100 bucks. Just swapping it out like a Seiko PT35 would be much cheaper than rebuilding an ETA and a relatively simple DIY to boot --unless I'm overlooking something?

[@watchspinn]

Hi man! Great review! :) Is the edges sharp on this watch?

[@WoodshavenPatriot]

The bezel proportions on the SN021 in 36mm is way off.

[@thehooch-man2657]

Nice video. I like some homage watches. For me, they are an inexpensive test-drive. True, they do remind me of the fact they are not the real thing. But, after owning a similar Explorer homage (for over a year) I am absolutely sure that I would have regretted buying a Rolex at 100 times the price. My little Explorer homage gives me so much satisfaction at 1% of the price.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah test drives are a good way of looking at it! And actually in terms of reminding me of the real thing only really applies to some watches bc in the case of this SM it's giving me an experience that I can't get anywhere! A modern day 1016 with a modern case and bracelet doesn't exist so I'm loving mine in a way I wouldn't be able love a Rolex Explorer bc of the 369 in a different font. There's a time and place for homages!

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

Very hard to take it seriously until they start to put the NH38 in none dates.

[@blackcatsarenopussies]

This or the SM Railmaster? Check that out

[@jameshuang3898]

I bought a San Martin watch sn-021 recently and the experience has been rather poor. Just wanna share the story so people know what to expect from San martin in this situation. The watch is finished pretty nice for the price. The lines are crisp and sharp. But the pt5000 movement was broken out of the box, would not hack, stop running randomly (3 times in less than 1 min), and the minute and second hands have bright white lume and the rest have patina lume. Their customer service rep was frustrating to talk to, implied that I didn't know how to operate the watch at first and made me jump through hoops to prove the watch was broken. Even then they only agreed to send a replacement movement. Meaning i'd have to pay to get it fixed locally. (costs 100 canadian dollar at watch repair shops) I wasn't happy with the offer so I started dispute, and after sending even more videos to prove the watch is broken, they agreed to let me ship back for warranty repair. I liked the watch still and was ok with that. But I told them that they need to fix the hands too because the mismatch really ruins the dial. They told me there's nothing they can do and all their watches are like that. (What the fuck?????) I ordered dial customization they told me there's no return. I intended to keep and reviews were good. So i didn't think much of it. But when you ship me a broken watch with a dial that looks different from your product pics, that changes things. Since they refused to fix the hands I wanted a refund. I even told them that they can keep the 60 dollars I paid for dial customization to be fair. They agreed to refund me after days of arguing and now they chanegd their mind again and only want to refund me half. Still disputing this but I want to share the story so you know what to expect from san martin when shit goes wrong.

[@bunyann90]

yeah thats what happens when dealing with these guys, surprised they offered 50% refund xD

[@lordcharfield4529]

Thank you for the information! I was on the cusp of buying one! £250 + is a lot to shell out, only to be treated with contempt when it’s broken!

[@littlsuprstr]

Tudor should make a 36mm-40mm watch with the 369 dial. They just need to shrink the Black Bay Bronze and put in a plain bezel.

[@thewatchidiot]

That would make for an amazing watch no doubt! But god forbid they step on the toes of Rolex loooool!

[@GeorgeVisekruna-ym1yt]

What is the exact model number of this watch?

[@wtp5]

No copyright in speaking.

[@paulgeddes7384]

Looks great but that logo is honking.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Bro, can I just shake your hand for showing the lug to lug AND the dial diameter! Those are the two most important dimensions and you have watch KZbinrs with thousands of subscribers that can’t figure out to include them.

[@thewatchidiot]

looool and I want to shake your hand for having the same mindset! The lug to lug is important for how a watch physically wears, but for me honestly the dial size is just as, if not MORE important than the lug to lug. For me the visual weight of the watch on wrist is extremely important and yeah I wish everyone gave these measurements!

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

@@thewatchidiot That is very true. I have a small wrist but I can where 41mm divers as long as the dial is on the smaller side. It makes the watch look much smaller.

[@thewatchidiot]

lol yeah the 41mm+ range is especially important for sure! My Seiko Marinemaster 300 is a wild example its technically 44mm which would otherwise be too big for me but it has one of the smallest dials of any watch I own so it wears so much smaller than my 42mm pelagos!

[@kaczynski2333]

It's not a tool watch. It only tells time.

[@andromedagodit2492]

Touché. 😁 Whoever said that decent watches had to be expensive? 😁 If they're All priced this way from the start... There wouldn't be a quartz crisis... 😁

[@lordcharfield4529]

I’m so over divers, they’re everywhere!

[@drewbienor]

Great review! Im gonna get the cursive letter one I think. It just has a more vintage touch. I do like having the same logo though, but it just looks a bit too modern for me 🤔

[@crgrbrts]

The San Martín is a nice stylistic companion for your Leica. I’m now tempted to get the Explorer wannabe to accompany my M3, too.

[@fcc5923]

Still don't like the logo and I think that they should continue to use Epson movements for reliability and to low cost. At this price point, there are many brands with much more brand equity and original designs.

[@Csibu89]

I have a Cronos Subby homage, that has the same pt5000 movement, it gains 4seconds per day. My Maen Hudson Mk. I. no date has the ETA2824-2 and that gains around 15s/day.

[@thewatchidiot]

It's great to hear that there are other PT5000s out there that are performing so well even compared to ETAs! Same thing goes for me, my watch is outperforming my ETA/sellitas at the moment. For me so long as it stays reliable and accurate I'm hoping this movement finds its way to more watches!

[@Csibu89]

@@thewatchidiot Does yours hold up okay? Mine is absolutely great still in terms of performance, however, the crown action is becoming a tad grittier than I would prefer it to be. You experienced anything like that with this watch?

[@cosmodoc]

This very much depends on the person who regulates it

[@DeOmnibusDubitandum76]

I had misgivings about the dome crystal in the more "vintage" version of this Explorer homage, but in person it is surprisingly good looking and effective. Not a fan of the logos in either of them. The oyster-shaped case brings this homage on top of the great Steinhart Adventure in my opinion (the latter being the best of the two under the hood, of course!).

[@thedaveaftertomorrow]

This just makes me want an updated Tudor Ranger - BB58 case proportions and movement, smooth bezel, 369 dial and Ranger handset 😍

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah that would be awesome to see! Hopefully Tudor bring the ranger back soon!

[@thefreakingrickdaton3273]

I think Jody started to pronounce it as a french speaker would do because he got heard it from @Horologique

[@AnotherWatchChannel]

Nice video dude. What do you think about this on guys with bigger wrists?

[@Chancer]

Really nice watch, I'm a fan of the cursive logo version actually. The finishing and the clasp seem excellent. Curious as to how long one could really expect a watch at this price to actually last though.

[@thewatchidiot]

The cursive logo does look pretty cool! But this sub $300 price point is an amazing price point bc of the sheer selection available. I own quite a few watches at this price point. As far as longevity goes, this will last as long as any other watch given the same maintenance bc the quality of the watch is better than many watches I've owned and still own that cost waaaayyyyyy more

[@thewatchidiot]

Of course the jury is still out on the PT5000 movement but the Selitta SW200 version at about $400 is still worth it

[@deanwaller8283]

@@thewatchidiot thus far the general consensus seems to be the PT 5000 is a match for the sw200

[@kendrickroland7930]

Does the watch come in the cool green watch box yours came in ? I’m seeing other reviews and everyone else received a different style watch box from yours.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Yes, the box you saw was the old style. Every watch from now on will come on the greens one.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah what @Turnbased Toddy said! the new box is definitely really cool I'm glad that San Martin have began to really differentiate themselves from the rest of the Aliexpress brands

[@davidcoleman2796]

Very nice watch but a lot of money. I am thinking about it . I should have got it on sales .

[@Cohen.the.Worrier]

7:55 the fit off the end links in that Rolex, ouch ! ! !

[@joostkiefte7683]

The watch is in a new incarnation also available with applied baton hands and in various dial colours.

[@sleepinglysithia]

Great review. If you would be willing to trade this watch for my blue metal G-Shock square let me know.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the video! Appreciate the offer but I'm enjoying this one a bit too much to let it go lol!

[@xo3650]

How long does the lume last?

[@royjohnson9043]

hows the watch a year later?

[@Trex100]

Yes, it’s nice, this “San Martaan”.

[@GR-fn9qs]

I don't like homage watches but this one is very tempting.

[@thewatchidiot]

Looool that was exactly what went through my mind! I like the fact that it's a thoroughly modern watch that happens to have the classic 369 numerals. And that it's not really a Ctrl CV homage lol!

[@zainshaikh527]

could you perhaps review the serica? It also fits this vibe does well as a perfect every situation vibe. Very explorer and dirty dozen with finishing of a $20k watch

[@thewatchidiot]

Ooooo yeah serica is pretty awesome and the vertical finish on the bezel looks incredible! Me being more of a dive watch guy I've had my eye on their diver for a while just bc it looks so different! I'm not sure what their stance is on review units bc I have reached out to them but I havent heard yes or no from them which is unusual considering I hear back yes or no from most brands that I reach out to. I'll give it another go tho!

[@zainshaikh527]

@@thewatchidiot That explains why many people I know that would highlight by taste just aren't. The rive is also regulated and has a very underused newton shock resistance movement. Thought that was really cool. My true envy is in the strap, wish they sold it separately lol

[@ernestoloza8129]

You sound like Jim from the office.

[@Csibu89]

Such a great size, looks great on you. Small watches can be amazing too.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much and yeah it's a wonderful size! Small watches are amazing no doubt and even tho my sweet spot is 38-40, 36mm for this specific watch is just perfect!

[@watch_beginer2056]

I have this and must say it's great. One of the most comfortable watches in my collection

[@thewatchidiot]

That's great to hear! Yeah it's seriously comfy, I wish my BB58 felt like this on wrist lol!

[@drebarthelotte5712]

Awsome watch

[@anthonystevens8683]

Value for money at this price for a simple time only watch this looks hard to beat. Decent finish as we can see from the great macro shots as well as a decent bracelet. Generally I would not be that bothered by accuracy at this price point but you example is very impressive bettering some other watches many times this price. It would be interesting to see over time (pun intended) if or how much accuracy tails off. For me the jury is still out on a 36mm with what looks like quite a large (thick) bezel so I'd have to try one or buy one and see but for now I have other watches on my list. I do have a Nomos Ludwig 36 that has a very thin bezel and that's OK as it's almost all dial. Once again a grate video TWI, keep up the great work.

[@thewatchidiot]

It's a surprisingly good watch and given it's less than 300 or 400 for a sellita is pretty incredible. Also the clasp is one of the best of any watch I own! But yeah it'll be interesting to see what the long term reliability and accuracy will be like for this PT5000 movement. Hopefully it's good so that the watch world will have another great option for watches at this price point. Yeah the 36mm size isn't normal all things considered but it wears larger than that. Also if you want to get a better sense of what it's like, try out a Rolex OP36 bc it wears exactly the same (who'd have thought😂). I think I'll be doing a comparison video with it an my friends OP36 at some point. But yeah definitely a fun watch and I'm glad that I'm getting the experience bc given how much I love dive watches I always feel bad about spending big money on anything else! But for $300 I was on the verge of buying it before AliExpress reached out to me!

[@anthonystevens8683]

@@thewatchidiot I know the feeling. Some watches I like are pretty affordable and for me anyway there is sometimes a temptation to make a purchase anyway but it all adds up so I'm pulling back from doing that as much as I used to. I look at my PRX (now I have it at home) and that size feels about right for that type of watch on my wrist but I'll not rule out a 36.

[@thewatchidiot]

I totally agree with you and the affordability of these sorts of watches has led me to some collection purges lol (and is leading up to another purge coming very soon😂) Oh yeah that's right I'm glad you got the PRX! How're you enjoying it??

[@anthonystevens8683]

@@thewatchidiot I love the PRX, the finish at the price is incredible. It certainly wears slim on the wrist. In the flesh the waffle dial is really good, when I initially saw photos of the dial I wasn't a fan preferring the flat dial on the quartz version but the light play in life is very interesting. I'm usually not a fan of the date at 3 (better at 6 or not at all) but it just works on the PRX as it still has a baton at 3. and is in keeping with the 70's era. I do find it odd that the bracelet has quick release as so far I'm not aware of any alternative straps or bracelets. It's been getting a lot of wrist time.

[@dannyg6592]

Finally, a San Martin I will absolutely consider purchasing. I am on multiple wait lists for an Explorer 124270 but this watch really interests me due to its close to perfect dimensions and wearability, along with it homaging the iconic Explorer 1016.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah I'm glad that this was my first San Martin experience bc they really outdid themselves in terms of quality. The new 125270 is pretty great no doubt but for me I have always wanted a modern day 1016 from Rolex. Since Rolex wont do it I'm glad San Martin took it upon themselves to create a near perfect homage!

[@dannyg6592]

@@thewatchidiot After a great deal of thought, and watching all the reviews I could find on both Explorers, I ordered the other San Martin Explorer (SN020-G) as there is something about the smaller one that does not look right to me. Maybe it is the proportions or perhaps the lack of a box domed crystal, but I decided on the OG instead. I am looking forward to receiving it, as it has received spectacular reviews. And I got a great deal on it in the 11/11 sale.

[@thewatchidiot]

Nice yeah the 39mm version is pretty cool too! and its even better if youre getting a great deal on it as well so it makes it all worth it! I'm excited for you to get it, San Martin really knows how to make an incredibly high quality watch

[@dannyg6592]

@@thewatchidiot Thanks!

[@maxp5422]

Can we stop calling copies homages

[@deanwaller8283]

It's not a copy it's an homage.....if it was a copy it would say "Rolex" on the dial Learn the difference

[@maxp5422]

@@deanwaller8283 that would be copying the name what we have here is a copy of the design I think I do know the difference do you lol

[@TomBiskup]

The only thing that separates this watch from its European counterparts is the branding. As long as they keep the the funky "SAN MARTIN" hexagon logo on the clasp, it will not be appealing to me.

[@viranjith]

Would this be better than the Smiths Everest?

[@thewatchidiot]

Ooo that's a tough one! So I haven't handled the smiths everest and I'll leave aside the fact that its impossible to buy lol but for me aesthetically I prefer the SM in every way. I like that it has a more modern look and feel compared to the Smith's everest with no fauxtina. I also am not a fan of their riveted bracelet either, but the watch head looks well built. This is a small detail but I like the font of the 369 on the SM more bc the Smith's 369 is slightly more normal. I'd love to see an Everest in person one day at which point I'll be able to know for sure!

[@piquetuk]

@@thewatchidiot If I didn't already have the Smiths I would surely have bought this by now, the Smiths doesn't have Faux patina, I kind of wished it had when I first bought it but I now feel the same as you it's more like having a brand new 1016 rather than aping a vintage watch, one of my favourites I even like the bracelet. Shame about the lugs the Smiths is the ultimate strap monster, canvas NATOs give it a field watch look which I really enjoy.

[@thewatchidiot]

@piquetuk that's awesome that you have a smith's! Yeah the two are quite different in execution for sure and for me the "new 1016" look was more appealing although the Smith's does look very good in its own vintagey way. Yeah the close spring bars are definitely a huge shame bc it could have been a strap monster! Curved spring bars can only go so far unfortunately. As far as I remember the Smith's has drilled lugs too right? That's definitely a huge plus point. Hope I can wear one at some point!

[@tomthompson7400]

just looks like you couldnt afford an explorer ,, nope , Im out.

[@kingpin911000]

Total knockoff