The Best Submariner Homage on the market - Cronos L6015 -

This is the best Sub Homage that I've experienced and if you want to buy one for your self the I will leave an affiliate link below:
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Below are affiliate links for my absolute favourite watches on Aliexpress. Each of them I have owned and had positive experiences with the stores that they are linked to.
Hruodland Turbine Pilot (The best watch on Aliexpress…… yes I said it):
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San Martin SN004-G (my favorite San Martin Watch):
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San Martin SN0121G (The best San Martin Watch)
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Berny AM038M (The best super affordable mechanical watch):
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Tactical Frog H5 (Simply stunning):
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Escapement Time Type-B Flieger H0292 (Incredible. So well made and a joy to wear):
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Gustav Becker (This one surprised me how much I love it):
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Baltany 1921 (incredibly well made and a percent part of my collection)
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Cronos L6015M (the best subby homage)
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Merkur Skin diver (just incredible)
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Steeldive 1970 (because everyone should have one)
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My favourite engineered bracelet (I use mine all the time):
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Super affordable Leather Strap
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[@sinjinadams2862]

I absolutely 100% agree! This is not an homage, this is basically a clone. It's about as close to the real thing as you're going to get. The date version has an optional SW200 movement but for some reason the no-date doesn't. I own this watch and absolutely love it! Definitely my pick for best Sub homage/clomage. I also own and love the new San Martin Titanium Sub homage. That one is a little pricey but also a fantastic watch.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Pal-us9uv]

I got the 6005 pt5000 version of this. I have many aliexpress watches. San Martin, Steeldive, Seestern, Pagani. But this cronos is getting the most wristtime. I love the looks of it. This is the only watch I need. Its versatile. I will sell the rest. You are the best reviewer on YT asfaik. ❤

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. It is a great watch.

[@sinjinadams2862]

You sound like me! I own a lot of really great AliExpress watches but this is the one I wear most. I'm wearing it right now! If I could only keep one, this would be it.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

In case of Rolex it’s pretty hard to think “save and buy the real thing”. It’s not like you finally get the money and go to buy one.

[@TheGrenadier97]

If someone truly has a plan to eventually buy a $10,000-plus watch, getting a $200-ish homage to "test the waters" along the way won't hurt. The greatest point about all this is that Rolex as a brand simply doesn't deserve my respect and hard-won money, even if i had plenty to spare.

[@WATCHingJames]

Exactly.

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

​@@TheGrenadier97well said

[@yellowblue2479]

Two years ago I had a $60k watch collection. I sold off $50k of it including a DJ36 and DD36. I can easily buy a Rolex again, and I just don’t see the point/value. I own 13 Chinese watches worth $2-3K total and I love them.

[@DFlemming]

Plus when you've spent a few years saving up for one it's doubled in price! So then you have to save some more. It's never gonna happen. Crazy.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@thesolver1970]

I have the 2000 metre Cronos with helium release valve which cost me less than $300 AUD (the reissue of the one tested on the Hydraulic Press Channel) - its bigger, thicker and heavier, but my wrist can take it. Its one of my favourite watches. The L6015 would be a bit small after wearing mine and my supersized grand tuna.. great review!

[@WATCHingJames]

I considered that one too but I don’t think my wrist could cope with it. Hahahahahaha

[@sinjinadams2862]

I also own this watch and absolutely love it! I own all three dial versions, green, black and faded blue to black. The latter being my favorite.

[@sivanstar]

James, you can use a drop of oil and eliminate the squeaking immidaitly. I have a barber clipper machine and with the kit theres really good oil. Just put a drop of oil, let it sit for 2 minutes and wipe it off. Actually i think any oil would work except wd40 bc its solvent and not oil so if you use wd40 the squeaking might return once its fully disolved. If they put an nh38 it would be a great option imo, and ofc making it inspried by and not this close to the original.. Have a great weekend!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I ended up putting a bit on and it made all the difference. It is always a bit of a shame when they don’t use the no date movements.

[@1SaG]

I used a tiny drop of baby-oil on mine and it worked great. I guess the bracelet's worn in now, because I never had to re-oil it and it doesn't squeak anymore.

[@ikeman5774]

I own this beauty, and I love it. My example has the black carbon dial, it has a framed date window at the 3 o'clock position with no cyclops, which I am happy it doesn't have. The movement is a PT5000, keeping very good time. Very happy with the Cronos and it's terrific build quality and attention to detail.

[@WATCHingJames]

That dial would be interesting. Really give it a bit of a point of difference.

[@cosmodoc]

thanks James! I would have loved to see this on the rubber-strap as well though!

[@WATCHingJames]

It would look good but I have just not worn it. So did not want to risk scratching it for the video.

[@goldfools5445]

My Subby homage is the SanMartin milsub with no date and the sword hands. I had the SN017 with the cyclops ond the date, I couldn’t gell with it, so I sold it, this millsub has become one of my favourite watches. I love it. Had it on all week. Getting a few scratches in it now.. love it.

[@Al_Prazolam]

If you're describing the SN0006 with drilled lug holes, it sounds like the same watch I recently purchased and have been quite impressed with. I chose the white dial / black bezel version, and with its milsub sword hands, boxed crystal, inverted end links and slimmer San Martin clasp, it's just different enough to not feel "over homaged," as James calls it, while still retaining the core elements.

[@goldfools5445]

@@Al_Prazolam it’s the SN0111-g-a

[@Al_Prazolam]

@@goldfools5445 ok cool, I've owned the SN0111 in the past also, another fine watch.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m a big fan of the Milsub too. I had the Steinhart version and wore it a lot.

[@Stricko72]

Brilliant explanation of your reasoning for getting this watch. Enjoy the style.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@PocketUau]

Current best homages are the Gr5 Titanium Milsub from San Martin and the 5 digit from Ironwatch. Definitely the highest quality.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@jrbj2000]

I have a Cronos and a Steeldive. I wear the Steeldive a lot more. I just think it is better. I love your videos though. Thanks, James - from James

[@WATCHingJames]

Greats to hear. The Steeldives are great watches. All of the ones I’ve experienced have been fantastic and priced so well.

[@danschlacks7188]

Very nice watch, but I'd miss a date complication.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is very useful.

[@TheBimmer74]

I have three of these in different colors with and without the date. They make super comfortable beater watches. The ergonomics of these watches prove to me why Rolex is so powerful. The design hits all the sweet spots. I will definitely be buying the real thing once I decide on the exact model. This, I believe, is the purpose of homage watches...trying out the design. I had an Omega Seamaster homage and ended up buying the real thing. I also bought an Omega Speedmaster homage and also then bought the real thing. So now Rolex.

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

Hi that's a really good way of getting into that stile of watch with out making a expensive mistake have done this with stinhart before buying a Rolex and it was good for me because it showed me that the bigger case size is better for my wrist size so I went for the sea dweller instead.

[@WATCHingJames]

I think that is one of the best reasons to own one. I’ve done it before and found that they are not for me. Lots of money saved as a result.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Before I bought this watch, I always wanted a Submariner. Now though I can't image spending $9-10k on a watch that is going to look almost exactly like my Cronos. Yes, I know it's a Rolex but it's the look of the watch that I love not the name on the dial. I no longer have that desire to own the Rolex. I think I would regret and feel like a fool for spending all that money.

[@TheBimmer74]

If one has the money to spend, the real thing offers a highly engineered movement. That is why I bought my Omega watches. After all, for me, it's mostly about the movement. That is why we buy automatic watches in the first place vs quartz, which offers much greater accuracy than any automatic. If you are willing to wait, you can get a Rolex at MSRP, and if you ever decide to sell it, you certainly won't lose money.

[@sinjinadams2862]

I agree that the movement is very important but because I am not a professional diver, adventurer or British Secret Agent, I don't need a movement so highly engineered. As a desk diver, a Seiko or Selita movement is perfectly fine for me. 😁😁

[@BCallum]

Thanks for the video. I had and sold 4 or 5 black sub homages. I tried Cronos, San Martin, Phoibos, and Steinhart. I want the Phoibos back...so that is the watch I an hunting.

[@WATCHingJames]

I really like the phoibos watches. I’ve had a few now and they have all been fantastic

[@adk7962]

The Sub is the one Homage / Clomage I just don’t like. But for the price, I think you’re right. This one is the best. I’m hoping Cronos can pick up some more steam. I remember a couple years ago when they used to be SM’s main competitor. Thanks!

[@WATCHingJames]

I had the same thought about Cronos.

[@petrolbokehlicious]

My L6015 (blue dial with date, blue bezel with only the pip lumed) came with very sharp bracelet edges that I had to file, sand, and polish down to make it bearable for me to wear. The case also has very sharp edges, but since this watch sits floating on my wrist because of its thick caseback, I am not bothered with that. This is my first Chinese brand watch, and I bought it specifically because other reviewers have mentioned that it has soft bracelet and case edges, so obviously I feel mislead by them. I then bought a bunch of Pagani Design DD40 and DJ41 homages and those have even worse offending bracelets but surprisingly soft cases. A cheap Mini Focus bullhead homage I bought for my kid also came with a bracelet with sharp edges. And the titanium Watchdives by Saint Martin Pelagos homage that is in transit is also said to have sharp edges. The only Chinese brand sub homage that everybody consistently says to have soft edges is Sugges but I only found out after I purchased this Cronos, and they don't make a blue dial/ blue bezel. This Cronos' saving grace is its outstanding finishing, especially its beautiful enamel dial.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

Hi james as a Rolex owner this watch is insanely good for the money and if you want a really good looking watch that most people can afford this is the one.but homages are like buying costume jewellery they look great but it's not the real thing a bit like glass and diamonds but if all you are interested in is the look and not the brand the history and horology this is the watch for you. great video thanks John.

[@mianrowan]

That might be a little harsh 😂 more akin to buying a diamond from Tiffany's to a real diamond from a no name brand youre basically getting the same materials. Probably the highest end of those materials but still the same materials. It is very much a real watch. Youre payinga huge markup for the brand name.

[@WATCHingJames]

I really like that we have these options and I particularly like that I get to “try before I buy” with a homage.

[@daleyfamily2179]

@@mianrowan Nooo, a diamond is still a diamond no matter wear you buy it. A Rolex is still a Rolex whether you buy it from an AD or a grey market dealer lol. A diamond and glass are two different things. The glass may look like a diamond but its still glass, fake not a diamond. SMH Good Lord lol. Facts are still facts even if no one wants to believe it lol.

[@giusepperocchi2979]

@@mianrowan So a NH35 and a 3235 are the same thing because are made of the same material ?

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Not bad James! It has a good balance between quality and price!

[@WATCHingJames]

The perfect comment for this watch. I could not have said it better.

[@cedarcanoe]

Hi James, I believe the Ginault is the best Rolex homage in my opinion

[@WATCHingJames]

The Ginault is the best I’ve come across. And it’s funny how many Rolex owners I’ve now met that also have one in their collections

[@1SaG]

... I'd second that if they offered it with Mercedes hands and without that red seconds-hand. :) Case-wise it's pretty much my perfect homage because it's based on the best iteration of the Submariner to date (the 5-digit case).

[@andrewd7586]

I’ve got this same watch James & was wearing it yesterday! I also have the Sprite GMT & the Diver 2000m, which was tested to 3000m.😱 I have a deep bath tub!🤪🤣👍🏼

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. Very deep

[@martinowl]

My sub homage is a Pagani PD1661. Gives the experience homage buyers are looking for at half the price of the Cronos. It’s decent quality, so I wouldn’t pay much more for a sub homage. Something it did confirm for me, is that dive style is not my favourite & personally I prefer to wear smaller size watches.

[@martinowl]

If you want the sub look but want to steer clear of homage or AE watches, can’t go wrong with Orient divers. Ray or Mako, not expensive.

[@WATCHingJames]

You can’t go too wrong with a Pagani.

[@nicacioalencar5560]

I really like to see the green version of this watch. The no date Hulk.

[@TheBimmer74]

I have it. It's great. It has on the fly micro adjust

[@WATCHingJames]

It does look good in green too

[@vincentferreira1135]

You can also get this with a PT5000 movement or a Selita SW200. Obviously the price goes up if you go Swiss, but that’s what I’d go for, honestly.

[@sinjinadams2862]

For some reason, they don't offer the SW200 with the no-date version.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@bestboy897]

the thumbnail is funny lol

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahaha thank you

[@josetarafa4400]

Beautiful homage I own the cronos gmt Pepsi homage and the jubilee bracelet is as good as the original

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve been considering that one too

[@aminechtioui3106]

Sugges Submariner is the best hommage and the closest one to Rolex and better than Cronos in terms of Lugs, case shape ad the build quality is so good

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve not experienced that one. But have loved the couple of Suggess that I have owned.

[@charliebad]

Still have a Cronos in my wishlist. Well, there's loads lol

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahaha me too.

[@larrydalton2205]

I have and prefer the San Martin SN0111-G-A which is about $189. Similar high quality but I prefer the clasp and logo on the San Martin. Also you can get it with Mercedes or sword hands.

[@WATCHingJames]

I do like the option of sword hand.

[@1SaG]

I'll repeat myself yet again and recommend the Cronos to anyone who is looking for a "modern-Sub" homage. Personally, I would prefer a faithful 5-digit homage, but since I don't think anyone is making those at the moment, this is the best option for someone who doesn't want a vintage-Sub look-alike. I own/have owned quite a few Steinharts and while I prefer their smaller and more "discreet" footprint (39mm version, the 42mm ones are a bit of a saucer on my wrist), they really fall off vs the Cronos when it comes to certain features. For example: No piano-black/lacquered dial, much flatter and simpler indices (they might even be simply pressed into the dial and not truly applied on the Steinharts), way less lume and a much simpler clasp with no on-the-fly adjustment. Also, since I own the date version: Much weaker cyclops than on the Cronos (which has 2.5x magnification). Slight caveat with the Cronos: It seems fairly common for the hands' and indices' daylight-lume-color to not match (indices can be a little more off white than the hands) - this is the case on my example from the summer of 2023 and I've also seen it on newer ones featured in YT-videos. It doesn't seem like they all have it, but some seem to - so probably a QC-issue.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@thetimewhack]

These watches are becoming insanely good for the price point they come in.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@griggsbuild]

Thanks! How would it compare with the San Martin SN0017?

[@WATCHingJames]

I would love to. But not sure if I’ll be able to afford more of this style as I’ve just bought a few others recently.

[@yellowblue2479]

How does this compare to the Sugess submariner? Which is known to be the “best” of the bunch

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve had a few sugess watches. But not their sub. They make great watches.

[@jamesbyles7070]

I’m not really a fan of Rolex, and therefore not a fan of Rolex homages either. Nice for what it is, but not for me. As always I enjoyed your review James.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Bought one today 30/5/24 on the Cronos website for $149.00 +$10 FedEx shipping

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a great watch and amazing for the price.

[@stevenmccarthy112]

I like that no date dial.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is my preferred version

[@paulelliott5600]

LOVE IT.....WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT ON THE OTHER BAND

[@WATCHingJames]

You are not the only one to say that.

[@SkyDive-pp8pj]

Why didnt you get the PT5000??? Its a high beat 28000vph, NH35 is 21600 vph.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve come to realise that I prefer the NH35 in this price range. Nothing against the PT5000. I just like the Seiko movement

[@SkyDive-pp8pj]

@WATCHingJames I would have thought you would have chosen the higher beat movement. I've also come to believe that the PT5000 has proven itself a good movement, But I do understand the old NH35 Battleaxe does have its place I. I've actually seen it's accuracy rate on the machine be O , yes O , yes zero, I was amazed.

[@hiramabiff885]

So about a year ago I bought my first Cronos, the Subbie "Starbucks" version. Two weeks ago I was working on my workbench and caught the bracelet on a drawer pull, the pins snapped and the watch fell face on straight down. I picked it up and it appeared undamaged but the next day it quit. The Aliexpress sale was on and I bought the same watch with the full lume bezel for $235 US, about fifty bucks cheaper than my now dead no-lume bezel version. It arrived today. Incredibly fast delivery. I previously owned two Rolex Sea Dwellers. Neither one was even close to COSC accuracy. My first Cronos was accurate to 20 seconds per week! I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. All aspects of this watch are superb including the glide-lock bracelet. If you want a superb subbie homage and a wonderful movement this is THE WATCH. Pay a bit more for the PT5000 movement, it's worth it.

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s great to hear. A shame the first one was damaged but better to damage this price range watch vs something more expensive

[@daleyfamily2179]

So let me get this straight you bought a cheap Chinese watch and it broke. LOL. All that needs to be said lol.

[@watchalot919]

An accurate NH35 runs at +7spd dial up.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve found most run around plus 5 to plus 10. Which I’m happy with.

[@jazzman5598]

I want to take a look at this watch. Still, I have yet to own any San Martin. What do you think James (I also own a STEINHART so homage is not a problem. ) Poor quality however, is. Fine review James!

[@WATCHingJames]

I really like the Steinhart. I had their milsub and loved it.

[@bestboy897]

great review

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you

[@arriearrie940]

Do you have san martin too? How is it compared to cronos?

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve had a lot of the SM watches but not this particular variant. It would be good to see them side by side.

[@peterlandbo2726]

Pretty as it is and overpriced as a Rolex is, I would save my money for an original tool watch. Glashütte, SINN, Tutima. I would buy a used one without worry.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@jcshannon7388]

That's alotta watch for the money. Rolex, long ago, priced themselves out of the save for it market as JOhnny8ravo already pointed out. What's a watch lover to do? Thanks James! I love your set, but what the heck is that yellow thing on the top shelf? Nosey watch nerds, like myself, want to know.👀

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. It is a Lancer, from a game called gears of war. I’m not really into games or guns but I just think it is a cool thing to own.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

That is a very impressive homage, specially for that price point.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve been very impressed.

[@davidsonviray1403]

How about the sugess?

[@WATCHingJames]

I have not had hands on with the Sugess version. But their watches are very good.

[@tonyd223]

San Martin 019 with SW200... Had the 017 on NH35, but the 019 is more... And now I hardly ever wear it

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@vincentferreira1135]

I would buy this because I don’t have the 10 grand for a Sub and probably never will. And I probably wouldn’t wear one anyway out of the house.

[@WATCHingJames]

For me I would not want the original. There are many other luxury watches I would prefer. But this Cronos at this price. It makes sense to me.

[@jontpt]

I love the Mona Lisa, so I think I'll get a bunch of repros and hang them throughout the house... 🙄 That said, Cronos does make nice watches, however the NH35 is really the wrong movement for a Subby cloneage...

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@sinjinadams2862]

That's funny because I watched a 60 Minutes episode years ago about the Chinese art market. They are famous for their artists reproducing great works of art like the Mona Lisa. They were actually quite good and very reasonably priced. I had seriously considered buying one but didn't.

[@williamsipe1151]

I don't know how, or why, but the Rolex, having the same dimensions, wears smaller than it is.

[@WATCHingJames]

I was able to try on the Rolex a while ago and did not notice that. But I did not have them side by side.

[@cowinwatts9025]

Woo Hoo yeah

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@daleyfamily2179]

I love how everyone bitches and complains about Rolex. Rolex this, Rolex, that, price, build, time keeping blah blah blah. But people buy the cheap Chinese clomage of the Sub. LMAO. Then then they sit here and say they would never buy a Rolex, so they clearly have never owned one, then tell how great and better the clomage is than the Rolex. WTF? lol. Ok man whatever people need to tell themselves to feel better. Good Lord. Just cause you cant afford something doesn't mean its not worth it or a piece of sh*t. Just state you would love to own one but cant afford one end of story period. We only live once, we are not coming back so enjoy your life wear what you like, if you don't want to own when then fine. Move on Marine.

[@WATCHingJames]

For me. There are many many other watches I would buy before a Rolex. Yet I still like the design of the sub. So this is a way of experiencing it whilst not eating into my savings that will be used towards other watches that I will buy

[@daleyfamily2179]

@@WATCHingJames totally agree. Not every watch is for everyone. But hearing people say this Chinese clomage is better than a Rolex and never owned one just kills me. Like someone saying oh my Kia Stinger is way better than a Porsche 911and cheaper lol. Ok if you say so. Thanks for the video.

[@sinjinadams2862]

HaHa! You brought up a lot of good points! I will never say that this watch or any Chinese homage/clomage is better than a Rolex. But, and I think it's a big but. When you put this watch next to a real Submariner, it just doesn't make any sense at least to me that the Rolex costs over 50 times more. It just makes me ask myself, what am I actually paying for?! Just having the name Rolex on the dial is not nearly enough for me. It just doesn't matter.

[@zillsburyy1]

i finally aquired a timex marlin with ss bracelet

[@WATCHingJames]

Nice

[@pzwolski]

Although I have watched the video until the end, I stopped being interested in this watch when you showed the offcentered bezel.

[@trappedindc8678]

@pzwolski what your’re seeing as an offset bezel is an illusion caused by only seeing the watch on video. He would nave called it oit if it was offset

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a shame.

[@johncoote5134]

The bezel is very Seiko…. It’s misaligned ffs

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@scatterbrain9490]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@nonamename638]

No date - ghost position...

[@WATCHingJames]

Yes

[@jeremiahlee6335]

i can easily do better than that. I just put on a real submariner. What kind of fakes would wear counterfeits?

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@geneparadiso6258]

Ginault is better.

[@WATCHingJames]

100% they are. But also a lot more expensive.