The Best Field Watch on AliExpress (That no one seems to have heard of)

[@RelativeTime]

That cinematic rotating shot at the beginning is the coolest thing you have done. I'll have to try it. 😎

[@JusttheWatch]

If you do, I'm sure you'll get it dialed in better than I have within a few iterations!

[@halfpastblog]

It was seriously cool!

[@mariog7213]

I agree it’s pretty cool

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@billh2726]

Turnabout is fair play. While this watch is an "homage" to Unimatic, the Unimatic is a "hommage" to early california dialed Rolex bubbleback watches from years ago.

[@Mr-Safology]

The case shape is reminiscent of vintage Oris, which again, has taken inspiration from another company. Might need to look up Rolex Bubble back California, as it's an interesting design.

[@ejones5782]

Yes, it is a combination of the Rolex California dials on oysters and the Rolex Deep Sea Special.

[@KarolMisztal-zd8zm]

While it’s true that Unimatic’s design draws from vintage Rolex models, it’s also fair to stress that Unimatic has quite reinvented this look to give it today’s minimalist look (sharp edges, just brushing and no polishing, oversized crown, fat lugs, minimalist dial). It took a ton of design work to make it look coherent, and the best way to appreciate it is by looking at how San Martin or Tandorio are cutting corners all the way through: poorly proportioned dial marker font, too slim pencil hands with equal (instead of Unimatic’s golden ratio) segmenting, non-matching red tip of the seconds hand (and why did they move the lolly from the opposing end?!), mismatch between lume color on hour markers and hands, non-matching strap buckle and vintage second track… When you add it all up, you realize how random this homage looks compared to a thought-through, consistent look of Unimatic. Perhaps there is engineering parity, but on the design side the difference is just striking.

[@friskjidjidoglu7415]

There is a clear difference to using a design element and copying an entire watch to the millimeter suspiciously around the time its “““muse””” gets very popular

[@krunkologist]

yeah i like this one. it has a "dune" type feel to it

[@talonpenniman2671]

I've owned this watch in the black dial version for a while now. I absolutely love the durability of the sapphire crystal and the screw down crown and case back. The movement runs a little slow, but for the money, I don't see how you could do any better as far as style and longevity. Great watch! I'm glad this has made an appearance on your channel. :)

[@JS-ev4xc]

The nicest San Martin to-date, with a much more acceptable price level.

[@zamSEG]

i just wish aliexpress brand would homage sinn 556 and seiko sarb033 or any 36-38mm case size watches with more upgrade than the original right now but at a very affordable price.

[@ejones5782]

I own one as well and it is an excellent watch, stylish yet highly functional. A couple of points on the unusual features people may point out. The origin of the California dial was a method of creating more accurate interpretation under stressful conditions with a domed crystal. I used to think they were weird too but knowing that helps me appreciate the history and frankly I don't even notice it. It adds a slight art deco feel. The elevations of the lugs creates space by the band which actually helps dry an area that would get wet if this watch is used in water. Once again a feature that adds to functionality. If it bugs one, it can be largely eliminated with the right band or a slightly tighter use of the band. Not mentioned in the video, but the real origins of this watch go back beyond unimatic to the Rolex Deep Sea Special in the 60's. For anyone who likes go anywhere / do anything watches, this SanMartin is a cool choice.

[@rickybobbysdriver555]

San Martin has been producing some beautiful watches and the bang for buck is through the roof. I love Seiko watches but have passed them over a few times for San Martin. Great looking watch.

[@ortonphotoart5770]

Fantastic review. Can't believe i had never seen this watch amongst the San Martin offerings. I think it looks so cool with that domed crystal and the beautiful, stylish yet minimal, robust case. I've just ordered myself a grey version.

[@stevev7402]

They have these in clearance I was able to pick one up, the black dial, for $103usd. Glad to hear you really like it

[@chrisarrondelle8181]

The Tandorio version of this (also nh35) is half the price of this 👍

[@jonboy8181]

Yeah but it’s name is….Tandorio.

[@chrisarrondelle8181]

It’s a sterile dial in the same case with the same movement for half the price, funny name or not.

[@jonboy8181]

Chris Arrondelle I’ll look for the sterile dial version. Some of these names, what were they thinking? Cool looking case shape.

[@chrisarrondelle8181]

I bought the bronze case Tondorio Flieger and it has been great even if it does sound like a curry. I know what you mean about some brand names 😂

[@jonboy8181]

Chris Arrondelle man, I’ve been wanting something in bronze. I think it would be fun to watch it patina. Enjoy!

[@hammondwatch2808]

Thanks for the shoutout. Video came out great.

[@marcuschamp1460]

..... the advantage of this San Martin version over the Hodinkee/Unimatic version is it's sterile dial and the fact that it doesn't have the ridiculous diagram on the case back that no one can fathom ... I'm a contemporary sculptor who also happens to collect watches so design wise being left of centre , out of the norm I find this watch is stunning , I ordered the black version pre - 11.11 sale ..... he types wearing his San Martin 39mm vintage style explorer ......

[@markgrieves1307]

It's a beautiful watch Dave, stunning price for a San Martin, but I have the Steeldive SD1936 which is a homage of the Panerai Radiomir watch, I believe from 1936, which had a connection to Rolex. I think that case wise yours is going to be possibly more wearable. An outfit called Baltany makes similar to these without the California dial but they do make one like the Steeldive with that dial for about the same price. I just love the Steeldive. Because the original was a two hander, the second hand is dark against the dial to create the illusion of two hands without really looking. Great video, videography and presentation. Thank you Dave. 👍

[@stevefox8605]

Gifted one of these to a mate, really impressed with the quality/value. Not a bad watch at all, & pretty original . Cool 👍😎

[@commentjedi]

I don’t see anyone mentioning Hodinkee…..So is it a Unamatic Hodinkee?

[@TheDonCucaracho]

California dial, tudor black bay/ rolex explorer field watch homage?

[@Vginoda]

Tudor oyster case aqua solar type?

[@watchchimp3102]

I bought one, which was kind of against my principles, but it is a Homage to a Homage, so it seems rather harmless. I am not sure how Unimatic feel about it? I'd gladly paid retail for the Unimatic version if they were available, but they aren't. Additionally, the SM comes in different colorways than the Unimatic. AND like you I was not aware of the Unimatic until I saw this watch and as a result I ended up ordering a real Unimatic. So, maybe Unimatic will get a sales boost as well?

[@peugeotpeugeot8243]

It is a Rolex. Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Reserve 32 hours. 1941-1943.

[@strandvaskeren]

Got one of these and love it. I'm usually into bigger dive watches, so 38 mm is a bit on the small side for me, however due to the lugs this watch feels bigger. I've got a Seiko Tuna which is a big watch that "wears small" due to very compact lugs. This watch is the other way around, it's a small watch that "wears big" and I really like that. By comparison every time I wear my 38 mm Boldr Venture I wish it were slightly bigger, 40/41 mm or so, but the San Martin manages to work on my big wrist despite being the same size.

[@IansModRite]

You can actually grab the case by itself, unbranded on eBay. I’ve got one coming to do a cool little build with so it’s nice to see a review to get some better views of the the case details and how it wears.

[@emdblues]

Can you post a link?

[@Strideo1]

What did you search for to find it?

[@IansModRite]

Now go forth and mod, my friends!

[@JumpingWatermelons]

What is the dial size?

[@IansModRite]

@@JumpingWatermelons 28.5

[@jefferynghoeheng6286]

Hi May I know what color is this?

[@AliasEveWatches]

This is tempting for sure, $165 (or $130) for San Martin seems like a really good deal. I like it but i imagine the lug ends would be floating on my 6.25" wrist.

[@Strideo1]

I was also thinking the straight lugs might really make this watch fit awkwardly on slimmer wrists.

[@Bob_Smith19]

It’s a hard pass for me w/ a 6.5” wrist.

[@Jikaninja]

Thinking about this one and waiting for 11.11 to pull the trigger, too. Btw, it is more like a Canadian marathon watches homage.

[@zaskarclf]

I hope San Martin does a non Cali dial with a 6 o'clock date.. if they do, I'm all over it.

[@markbyrum4743]

I have the standard Unimatic Model Duo. Great watch, but it is too long for me lug-to-lug. This one must be a bit smaller. The domed crystal is excellent! Good vid. Keep at it!

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Hello Dave I recently bought this watch in black great little watch . Nice Review !

[@Galdring]

This looks fantastic on your wrist. It is just the right size and color for you. My wrist is only 6.75 inches. I suspect that that is too small for this watch. I'm also not sure how I feel about homage watches. They they can make for pretty awkward conversations when people ask you about your watch. Great review

[@thomasmargolis6057]

I ordered sn029g in latest 11 11 2022 sale. The That is being cleared out of inventory and turns out priced accordingly. Looking forward its receipt and comment. Value.

[@djapojunior]

It's a really great looking watch. I was really surprised this one didn't get more attention and praise. 🤔

[@Alias_Anybody]

It's ugly, but in an appealing way. Like a Platypus or something.

[@edteach3r]

Awesome photography, Dave. Thank you for the video.

[@karlsenula9495]

I'm also looking to get my first San Martin in the sale ... probably will pull the trigger on the blue SN039. Unique look to that one too.

[@willywantoknow2563]

Isn't that a spinnaker homage? Hull tactical vid#52.. i remember you had a giveaway of that a while ago with really cool dial texture.

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Dave I checked out your store the 🧦 Socks are killing me 🌝 - it wouldn't surprise me if San Martin didn't make the Unimatic !

[@MrSeedi76]

No, they don't. It's just a cheap copy. The cases look similar but there are a lot of differences. The Unimatic is made in Italy, the San Martin in China. It's a copy of an already inexpensive watch. It's a shame really that Unimatic can't do anything against this. This is what's killing smaller brands. Rolex might not care if their watches get copied. For smaller brands this is far more of a problem.

[@zanzabar7878]

Thanks for the review. I was so set on getting the alba you recommended but not I can't decide :D

[@jims4539]

Little late but I have this case and dial from Tandorio with the PT5000.

[@Vader965]

Is there a difference between this and the tandorio ones at 50-70?

[@MrSeedi76]

Yes, the Tandorio has no AR coating and horrible lume compared to the SM. Don't buy it. Better yet, get a Unimatic. The model with the normal dial is no longer a limited version.

[@javierpatricioromero8564]

Nice watch, but that california dial it isn't my cup of tea

[@japd7897]

La esfera California es precisamente lo que le da la gracia, bueno junto con el color y la forma, pero la esfera es una parte fundamental. Yo la encuentro genial.

[@stuart150]

Do you know how this compares to the SN-029? The other SM Unimatic homage...

[@halfpastblog]

The more I watched this video the more I fell in love with this one. 👍

[@Nefville]

Did you get a new camera Dave? Looks really REALLY good.

[@JusttheWatch]

Nope, same camera. Was playing around with some different lighting setups though.

[@martintanz9098]

I was thinking this is an homage to California dial Rolexes. Given the price, and the minimalist branding on the dial, I am tempted to get one. The Nylon strap looks great for summer, but I was thinking something like a Horween leather strap might be just the thing for fall and winter.

[@martintanz9098]

Update. I bought one and I am disappointed. Way too thick for a vintage military style homage. And, BTw, not sleek at all. This has to be biggest wearing 38 mm watch I have ever worn. It wears close to a 42 or even a 43 mm with those long upturned lugs.

[@fakenewsisthenews3542]

I love your hair. Like a surfing logo on top of your head. The Seiko wave. :)

[@joostkiefte7683]

Good, enthusiastic review Dave! I have had this watch sitting in my cart for some time now, and I guess I will have to pull the trigger one of these days. BTW: Unimatic also uses the NH35 movement in the U2 Classic, regular dial, which is on pre-order now for 400 euros (ships in January 2022). And while I am sympathetic to microbrands from Europe, I don't understand that when they have their watches produced in China anyway they should ask more than double the price. I would be fine with a bit more, but the gap between 150 euros and 400 euros is, in this instance too wide to make any sense to me.

[@alxtaco]

Please link to the hoodie

[@alxtaco]

Never mind, just went to ur store, duh

[@johng.6222]

I just received mine. The hands on mine match the cream colored numerals on the dial. However.. the strap provided with it is too short for my seven and a half inch rest but I was glad to see that they included a NATO type band which I prefer with the purchase. Unfortunately the lugs are 20 mm and the band is 21 mm and will not fit through the spring bars! Who the hell makes these kind of decisions to include a watch band that will not fit the watch? San Martin's a good watch I already own one.. but it really detracts from the experience when I have to buy a separate band for a new watch.

[@kosmar]

bubbleback?

[@Nothingtoya]

San Martin and Cronos both do a really good job with their watches. San Martin also has a factory tour video, here on KZbin, if anyone wanted to check it out.

[@ИгорьЛ-б8р]

Well, pretty nice watch, but yesterday I got my Seiko snzg11 from Jomashop for the same money, so, what can push me next time to buy Chinese homage instead of original brand? I don't know.

[@fergusmccarthy7736]

Nice review. Both cases borrow quite a bit from the seiko 6105 8000 I think? The San Martin in particular

[@pcprincipal1401]

Where did you get that hoodie?

[@JusttheWatch]

It's one I sell in my store, I designed it! justthewatch.com/products/suba-dude-hoodie

[@skalarhaubitze]

Love the case shape, the dial and the crystal, I'm not sure about the simple finishing yet but unfortunately my tiny wrists are the final killer for this watch

[@jpsrandom6943]

Is the nh35 a good movement on long term? Or should I worry about possible issues with it?

[@MrSeedi76]

It's the next generation of the Seiko 7S26 which is trusted and reliable. Also very cheap to swap. Cheaper than a service. But it is supposed to basically run for a long time without any service.

[@jamesmurphy9845]

Is it one of those ultras deepsea Rolex’s?

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

I love the case design but I just can't get on board with the Cali dial. If they offered it with just Arabics I'd definitely snap one up.

[@WesWatchRoom]

I quite like it, not something you see everyday on AliExpress. The Cali dial is awesome and the case is fun too. Just wish they'd have kept their watches a little more affordable though.

[@crvols]

I am purchasing almost an exact version of this with a PT 5000 on the Thanksgiving sale. It is under the brand name "tandorio" and is $96! Seems almost too good to be true but their 62 MAS has been getting good reviews so I am taking a chance,

[@kentan8536]

Just a 2 episode ago you were bombarding Aliexpress watches, now ur reviewing one. So which is it? Im confuse...

[@tactofu]

Bombarding? What do you mean?

[@JusttheWatch]

In that episode I said I'm not against Aliexpress homages, and that there are many that I like. I think that they definitely can have a place in affordable watch collection, but there's some things that should be considered before going all in on them.

[@bifflee3603]

You getting confused with his Kickstarter video???

[@craig2100]

Very Interestong watch...may have to add this to my 11.11

[@garethbain7477]

It's bloomin stunning Dave! Great review....these are such good value...I've got my eye on the field type dial of this...wirh bead blasted case...but I like the California dial too. There is no better value watch out there. I love San Martin...they produce exceptional watches.

[@thelocodude01]

The case shape and profile is similar to some Vostok watches.

[@woonfaseng8737]

yes. one look can tell is a Unimatic homage.

[@karlsenula9495]

Sorry Dave ... you spoiled me with the Alba Titanium ... especially with thg hat full lum dial ... as of right now still hunting for a decent price for one and it is my current grail field watch.

[@andonakis77]

Would’ve been perfect if the color of the hour markers was the same as the hands color

[@PabloMontero1976]

That intro is great. I love your channel

[@vicentelopez3526]

Gran vídeo. Gracias. Mucho trabajo de investigación para encontrar el modelo original. Quizás por eso no has encontrado el MISMO modelo pero con mecanismo automático PT5000 más barato en Tandorio.

[@WATCHDIVES]

Great review

[@stevepapa]

Ooo this looks nice!

[@3rdstone1]

Great review as usual, Dave. 48mm L2L usually works on my broom stick 6.5" wrist, but with that specific flat side profile I'm not sure. Not really a fan of the California dial design, but otherwise it looks really great (typical SM quality ), and a clever homage. I'd love to see more well thought homages/designs like this from AE brands, if not purely original at least not the most obvious homages. But of course the latter will sell way, way more.

[@chrisb5986]

I would rather have the Unimatic.

[@tiagopereira5260]

Hi Dave! About that case... the edges sure look a bit too sharp... are they?

[@JusttheWatch]

No! They are sharp visually, but smooth to the touch. Finishing is good all the way around.

[@tiagopereira5260]

@@JusttheWatch thanks for the reply! I really like the look... maybe i'll give it a go

[@autostereoptic]

Definitely a Unimatic x Hodinkee homage

[@VersedNJ]

Which is a homage to Nomos.

[@MrSeedi76]

@@VersedNJ the Unimatic is a homage to the Rolex bubble back California. The San Martin is a blatant rip-off. It's really not a homage. None of the Chinese copies are.

[@williamhill7312]

Excellent video

[@waqarhaider2226]

cool video but the dial color is a bit bland imo

[@tomcruz3774]

Pretty sure the unimatic has the nh35 with a ghost date too lol

[@JayseabeeSTL]

Lol, now I'm sitting here with my Unimatic x Hodinkee U2-H on my wrist considering doubling my money on it since I got it for retail and then getting one of these San Martin's instead.

[@japd7897]

The San Martin is nicer than the Unimatic.

[@jasonlim1409]

I prefer SM's 20mm lug width to Unimatic's 22mm lug width.

[@jameshaury2716]

It is a Cali dial. Homage of an RXW?

[@SpecialAgentBuzz]

Nothing put me off a watch more than a ghost date.

[@friendlynomad9840]

What do you think of San Martin as a brand? On AliExpress, it looks like all of their watches are 1:1 copies of popular luxury watches. I'm not seeing much originality. That makes me uneasy.

[@darekciech92]

Nice intro! :)

[@khackett7]

Tandorio too. What is happening.

[@DouglasRosser]

I prefer the Arabic dial version of this, but the Cali dial is the only one with a domed crystal. Irritating, but saves me from buying another watch I guess.

[@phalanger1]

Homage is a euphemism for designs like this. 'IP theft' would be a more accurate description. I don't think you should be advertising for this sort of thing.

[@alanmckinnon6791]

I could be tempted, even with that peculiar side profile I could still be tempted. But that weird dial combinaion of arabic and roman numerals is just too weird even for me. So thumbs down from me

[@shcmoly]

I was going to say Rolex Datejust

[@VersedNJ]

They're copying Nomos now?

[@keysersoze503]

Just can't get past the 2 different types of numbers on the face. Looks weird.

[@KOTYAR1]

Lol. Шикарная футболка, чувак!

[@holtmoore5313]

Well done.

[@renngretsch]

Own the other dial version San Martin make. Nice watch.

[@Super3xtr4]

And an other copy watch. That's no hommage.

[@1959Berre]

How anyone can like the San Martin SN031-G is a mystery to me. Roman and arabic numerals on the same dial, seriously? The bezel looks like the lid of a jar. Wrist presence? Indeed, but in the ugliest way possible. It has the elegance of the behind of a baboon in heat.

[@RUSHx51]

gimme the San Martin. Unimatics are criminally overpriced. an NH35 movement and a case with very simple finish for what they charge? no thanks

[@Bob_Smith19]

So I can pay less money and send money straight to China or pay more and the money doesn’t go to China. I will gladly pay more.

[@oceanwatchesclaudejolly1742]

I agree with Alias this field watch is ugly and I Don’t trust Ali express and San Martin these cheap Chinese companies can close anytime like bankruptcy not like well established companies like Phoibos, benarus, Zelos , boldr off course You get the watch for free if the watch stop after few months you will not cry as you know in Japan the post office stop to send package overseas you have to use DHL or FEDEX one friend of mine residing in japan as myself sended a letter format A 4 by DHL to Europe he has to pay ¥6000 around $55 as the post will refuse can’t imagine if the watch stop to work how much will cost to email it to China as they will not pay refund for the shipping

[@peterkull8354]

A good looking rip off bubble back with a ghost position........................not for me !

[@jonboy8181]

Love.