The Most Popular Homage Watch Of 2022

[@ilikewatches]

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[@TheFranticgamer]

I love the simplicity of the watch also I love the hour hands. It looks different. I personally think the hour hand is very attractive.

[@waynesellers4078]

For me the reason is the handset. People are bored of Mercedes hands and snowflake hands are very divisive. I like the longines legend diver and tudor ranger/black flag that use similar hands to this. The lug width would make me go for the 38mm

[@DutchBulldog]

For me: the handset, the slimness and the fact that it has no diving bezel. This makes it a great everyday watch which can be dressed up or down, depending on the straps that you pair it with.

[@marcjames3487]

Yep, I've developed an extreme dislike to those diving bezels.

[@erikvermeulen9295]

For me the hands are good the way they are. I think it is popular because in each of us sits a 'explorer'. It is very versatile, it is a everyday watch, you can dress it up, it will always look good. The simplicity of the dial makes the watch extremely readable. Build quality and finish looks fantastic.

[@laurencehogg6010]

I bought the 38mm version after seeing the Ranger in a local jewellers. I'm enjoying it even more than I was expecting - it's one of those watches that's got some kind of appeal that's hard to describe. Many people say similar things about the Explorer, and this is quite similar to that. Maybe theres some strange rule of threes / golden ratio or other mathematical Fibernacci type weirdness going on.

[@dunderhay9169]

I think the hour hand is liked by the people like me who hate Mercedes and snowflake hands. Let's face it, life would be boring if we all liked the same things. Good comparison 👍

[@MrHyde14537]

Agreed. Don't mind Snowflake hands, but hate Mercedes hands, and don't own a watch with either. Only have pencil, sword, and arrows in my collection, and while I don't really care for the rest of the watch, I really like the hands and dial.

[@jfilm7466]

That's why I love it. It took me ages to accepting the snowflake and the Mercedes became common, and this hour hand is perfect.

[@UnholiestJedi]

I agree completely. I really detest with a passion snowflake hands and Mercedes hands are very just they don't look good. These hour hands on the Tudor Ranger, the Islander Rangemaster and now this San Martin homage, I really like them. I kind of almost wish there was a smaller version on the minute hand as well.

[@contentconsumer487]

Agreed. I found the Tudor Ranger to be perfect. Really like the 12 instead of the v at the twelve of a explorer. Really love this watch.

[@pktsqr]

I'm a huge fan of arrows being incorporated into one of the main hands, and this is such a pleasing variation on the normal sharp shape. I can't easily afford the original watch, but it is the first in that price range that I've actually sat down and tried to figure out a long-term saving plan. Ultimately, I simply couldn't justify it. Almost never buy explicit homages, but I made an exception for this one. Can't wait for it to get here.

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Nice one Gary! Everyone seems to be walking on eggshells due to WR4Crap.

[@avavaviv1]

Almost perfect. The blue anti-glare is a crime tho.

[@lonniesharp9109]

It's so popular because the Explorer is one of the most elegant tool watches ever created. Sleek but not stuffy, rugged but not bulky. The "best of both worlds".

[@danspanos]

It's so popular because everyone loves everything Tudor! As simple as that! Personally, I love the hour hand! I'm so sick of the same old thing they shove down our throats, and this is a nice break from the norm (even if it is just a copy of something another brand came up with!).

[@neillordsnootyhawhaw812]

I prefer this style of arrow head hour hand to the normal Tudor snow flake or Rolex Mercedes hour hand look. I have the heavy patented version and think it looks better than the original Tudor Ranger.

[@itsZdan]

the hour hand with the C3 lume is actually something that really pulls me in, i just like the more vintage look. And im guessing what makes this style of watch so popular is its simplicity, its not a minimalist watch but its not over the top design. also, its design is very versatile, it can be worn as a dress watch and an every day watch and even a a sports watch. i also think its a design that can appeal to a huge age bracket

[@wtp5]

I have the 36. I love it. The original design is simply aesthetically perfect.

[@scotthayes2652]

I recently went with the 36mm with snowflake hand, wasn’t too keen on their Merc hands or the arrow version in this vid. Slipped in on a nato and it’s as light as a kite.

[@scotthayes2652]

🤔 my lug with is 20mm not 19mm

[@jz4087]

That hour makes the whole watch. Without it there is no style.

[@barryvercueil2346]

Much agreed about a 40mm. Would make it better. For me it's the Hour hand. Looks awesome

[@AlexanderB.]

Well the 38 mm was released first as it matches the original Swiss watch in size. San Martin now have released versions with strong faux patina and with stark white hands and markers. This would have been unnecessary had they chosen the right thing which is a more subdued patina in the first place. I absolutely don't mind the shape of the hour hand as its the signature hand for this watch and its nicely finished.

[@waffle911]

Picked up the ISL-153 Rangemaster myself and have been wearing it daily for a couple weeks now; absolutely loving it. Wearing it on a matching "Valor" NATO strap TGV designed for Wrist Candy Watch Club; it picks up the black, dark gray, and red accents of the dial and adds a pop of steel blue. They were definitely meant to be worn together. The Ranger-style hour hand succeeds in improving legibility without trying too hard or doing too much. By literally rounding out the rough edges it all avoids the inelegance of a straight-up arrowhead. The overall design of the Ranger is the functional elegance of the tool watch the Explorer used to be without going full-on tool, like a military field watch.

[@mizsa1165]

Personaly I prefer this hour hand over the snow flake and the smaller size makes this dial look better than the original, it looks less emprty. This design is really close to be a truly gada, maybe with applied indices, like the explorer would make it fit in more classy ocascions, but as it is is a great looking watch.

[@Hrethgir]

I like the hour hand, it's different than the normal Mercedes or Snowflake hand. Just wish the dial wasn't so plain looking, although the San Martin homage actually looks a little better in that regard to the original. The 2 lines of text at the bottom helps a lot.

[@aronboersma4166]

It is a legible simple design that just works. No frills, just time. I have a similar design one from a different brand in 44mm and love it.

[@67NewEngland]

I also prefer a slightly smaller watch. There’s just something appealing to smaller, quality packages whether it be watches,cars etc. 8:12 - yes that’s exactly why I don’t like the hour hand too.

[@philspencelayh5464]

The reason the original is so popular is its basically a homage of its much more expensive cousin. I would happily wear it and the hour hand is a nice change from the snowflake. The San Martin is a way to get that look affordably, its clear and crisp well proportioned and the domed crystal really sets it off . Another reason for the popularity could be its not another diver, plus the availability of the Smiths alternative is patchy to be kind. 19mm straps are easy to come by if you want them so thats not a problem on the smaller one which is what I would choose.

[@user-ig6nu4oo5p]

I'm with you on that hour hand, and overall i dont really like this design.

[@nintendokings]

I think the 12,3,6,9 on a black dial without date is a very appealing look. Perhaps the most appealing generic tool watch dial?

[@cosmodoc]

the Pagani version of this watch is good enough for me at less than half the price!

[@benjohnstonmusic5131]

I really enjoy the simple design of these Ranger types. I ended up getting a great deal on a Cronos Explorer 39mm for my 8” wrist at a decent price as well. Great review as always man, cheers!

[@davidalvarez5929]

San Martin finishing is just beautiful

[@normandbissonnette8865]

I was too late to order the Islander/TGV. I do like the hour hand, it is different than Mercedes hands. I like that they brushed the bezel since my explorer homage is showing some scratches. Thanks Gary.

[@grahamsmith1382]

The hour hand is fantastic, a really nice alternative to the straight style or sharp arrowhead of the Seiko ones (which I also love by the way). Identical to the Tudor Ranger

[@caramel109]

Interesting you don't like the hour hand - it's the snowflake hand on most other Tudors I really don't like, whereas this arrow hand from the Ranger is a nice differentiator. If I was going to stump up money for a real Tudor, the Ranger would be my pick.

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

J&G 2023 prospective tool watch, Gary! You can do this! 🔥

[@leonardotrelles8358]

I really love this brand, San Martín push all the bottoms I want in a watch, I can’t buy a watch in my country if it cost more than 200 dollars so I only have a 62 mass (buyed 5 years ago) and I loved it, this one looks like a Rolex explorer (San Martin is an homage brand and they do it well) so I get the sizes and look. Shame I can’t get one ..

[@statlerwaldorf7130]

I own the actual watch these are homages of and love the simplicity of the dial with the high end movement. These homages look lovely for folks to buy and enjoy without the outlay

[@Bhethar]

This is quality content! In depth review of obtainable watches with fair criticism and spot on details.

[@stevenmccarthy112]

I agree about the hour hand. It looks like a kid in metal shop class made it.

[@jackmcclary2136]

I have both the 36mm shown here and the 36mm Rolex Explorer 114270. Dicey areas or rough activities get the San Martin while more genteel events get the Explorer however both provide the bold legible design and substantial yet medium size wrist presence I prefer with less flashy watches. I recommend the San Martin to new collectors all the time as having Rolex money isn’t universal.

[@cecilyau4440]

I used to hate the merc hand. Now, I only strongly dislike it 😁. I really like the arrowhead hand, though, so much so I built a Ranger homage with a bronze sub case from San Martin with it 👍😉.

[@wastedaga1n]

Please make a 34mm vintage size watch just for me. The original red letter Ranger was smaller and looks so classy in person.

[@danbrown7857]

The 38 is on its way. I’ll chime in again after I receive it. Love the Ranger look, and it appears San Martin has once again created a beautiful homage to that look.

[@gerechoppers]

I was lucky enough to get a TGV/Islander Range Master. It’s the perfect size, simple, legible, yet still fun and elegant. I have a lot of watches, but my Range Master has had more wrist time than any other in my collection since it arrived.

[@LymanPhillips]

I ended up getting the 39mm SM "Adventurer" watch. I'm with you, I'm not a fan of the hour hand on this one, but the SM finishing on these types of cases is amazing for the price. Love the Adventurer version in 39mm.

[@samwang5831]

I like the smaller one , but at 19mm lug width? Why not just make it 18? That way I can just use my old straps.

[@samwang5831]

@ilikewatches1132 My pleasure. What do I have to do?

[@howardtyree4297]

I truly like your videos. I have this homage in both the Sinn, Pagani and the San Martin sterile dial version. I love this watch so much I can’t take it off my wrist. It’s the dial, Arabic number combo, size, bracelet and fit & finish that’s got me. I plan to buy the Tudor Ranger soon. This combo styled tool watch has grabbed heart. It’s a masculine type watch which reminds me of the one my dad wore. It’s simple in design but “ Rocket Man Cool”. As I stated, I have various verision of this style watch. It’s modern, classic, masculine, “ Rocket man, Shaft and James Bond Cool”. Get on board. Howard

[@johnholkham2420]

I prefer the San Martin GMT , more interesting or the 36mm snowflake hand with the PT5000.

[@J0hnny8ravo]

Maybe this is so successful because it’s not trying to be anything but a simple watch, massively legible and extremely versatile. I like the hour hand, as it makes it impossible to mistake it for the minute hand.

[@jamesminshall4601]

If you are going to copy someone’s homework, please make it better. I like that it hasn’t got the green lume off the ranger but it’s a shame that the hands and markers look a different colour. If it had a porthole date window at 4:30 with black dial I think it would be great. San Martan should copy the clasp as well. Personally I’m not a fan off the hour hand, I think people like me like the design because off the 3,6,9,12 on the dial but we would probably be happier with a 3,6,9, triangle dial .

[@MelvinHughesatp]

I am a huge fan of the hour hand! I also love the Tudor Black Bay/Pelagos hands. But my days of buying watches that expensive are over. Enter San Martin with their homage and I'm set! I have one of their 38mm Rangers and an NTH Barracuda for my BB/P hand fix. I find the Tudor styled handsets extremely easy to read as well as being very attractive.

[@neilpiper9889]

A soft leather 20mm strap can be easily squeezed into 19mm lug watches.

[@rhodes1591]

ye, such a high level of execution and design, San Martin is just brilliant ... I would love another one, even a little bigger: a 40mm, with a 20mm strap ...

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

I went with a Rdunae R6 vintage diver during 11.11 instead of the Ranger homage, but the case finishing on this watch must be a huge factor in sales of these two SMs. As you clearly state. The satin finishing is great. It was tempting, but agree on the hour hand. The Rdunae has 19mm lugs, too.

[@thegorn]

I'm a big fan of the hour hand, even if it does look a bit dong-like. My only niggle is the blue AR. Should be clear AR.

[@dj4play1980]

I think the hour hand is nice, fed up of mercedes hands and no date is a bonus. I'm bored of mercedes hands, sunburst dials and a cyclops.

[@boboneuk]

It's popular because it's a nice, easy watch that flies under the radar. Alot of people don't want a homage watch that screams "look at me" louder than the original watch. Not to forget 38/39mm is the sweet spot for many people.

[@RobinhoodarrowsRHA]

Lets just start by saying youre wrong about the hour hand lol Personal design preferences shouldnt detract from an awesome watch but if we all liked the same thing it would be a boring old world eh 😊 Youre right about the 19mm lug width on the smaller version. Im considering a Smiths Everest (if im lucky enough to secure one) and although the SM has a huge pull on me that lug width does put me off. Great vid as always, keep up the good work! atb, Kev

[@daleclark3138]

Kind of a classic number layout also seen on Hamilton and Tissot models as well as other brands. Kind of a dressier alternative to a full field watch pattern. I like your Mondaine wall clock more. I have several Mondaine watches.

[@daleclark3138]

@I Like Watches⊕①②⓪②⑨⑥⓪②③④⑥ I started collecting watches about forty years ago with a couple of Orient automatics and a wind up Soviet watch bought at swap meets in San Diego one summer. Never had money for Rolex or Omega but have acquired a few from Hamilton, Tissot, Rado, Glycine, etc. in the past few years. Thanks in part to your reviews I have added a couple dozen Chinese homages, including one of the first limited edition Cronos homage to Rolex Deepsea like the one in your review. Mostly collect dive and chronograph watches with a few dress and field or aviation watches on the side. Now that I am retired on a fixed income I mostly stick with the less expensive luxury homages which mostly have reliable Seiko movements which is why I enjoy your videos. Thanks for that.

[@pauldi7268]

I definately like yhe hour hand more than the snowflake one on other tudors and their homages.

[@goldfools5445]

How easy would it have been to duplicate a lot of the components. They chose no to though. That is more impressive than might seem. A quality builder for sure.

[@sinjinadams2862]

This style of watch isn't for me but I think the appeal is just in the very clean simple classic look of the watch. A watch that you can dress up or down and wear in multiple situations. It's a very versatile watch.

[@lpsalsaman]

Gary blame Tudor for the "hand" they were the ones who came up with it first. The homage watches are just mimicking them on their homages. Other than that, both of the watches seem very good as SM really does some great pieces. Anyway, nice vid!

[@jonboy8181]

I wish the 36mm version had a 20mm lug width as well.

[@Box_13]

They are so popular for the many reasons listed below, but also because it seems field/sport watches are white hot right now. Completely agree with you, the hour hand puts me off. It looks like someone couldn't color in the lines correctly. It is really interesting this watch style is so popular since, more than a few, reviewers of the Ranger said they disliked multiple aspects of the watch. May perhaps it is because the SM is roughly 1/10th the price?

[@AdAce21]

LOVE the look of these!!! The choice of handset is fantastic; I hate the snowflake hour-hand. The faux-tina seems too yellow on this one though, so for me the white one looks much nicer. I'll more than likely grab it during the next big sale. Does anyone know how it compares to the PD one (I know Gary no longer reviews PD watches). The faux-tina on that version doesn't seem nearly as yellow.

[@chrisdavis8399]

💯…I ordered the Pagani version for much cheaper. Why doesn’t Gary review PG anymore? Cheers!

[@AdAce21]

@@chrisdavis8399 he's afraid of getting copyright strikes due to the "Pagani" name. Better safe than sorry, I guess. How do you like the PD version?

[@Mrcxlixo]

I agree 100% with you Gary, I would also like to know the hype around this watch. It's a very plain design in my opinion. Neither 36 nor 38 mm are sizes that interest me but if they had the 40 I don't think I would buy it either. An example, the price of this watch in Portugal is slightly over €320, as you can imagine for that price there are much, much more interesting ones. Thanks but no thanks.

[@Chris-de2qc]

EDC tool watch is why it's so popular.

[@DeeKay84]

i completely agree about the sizes, as a fat boy with a 8.75"wrist a 40mm is a minimum, so a 36 and a 40 would seem ideal.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Hi ILW. As you like clocks too, I got the new Mondaine WiFi Stop 2 Go today, and it’s AWSOME!!

[@christopperlondel3318]

Love the fact that they don’t have a date function. Makes the dial perfectly balanced.

[@MrShibaMX]

I like that the hands don't look like yet another derivative of the Cathedral or Mercedes hands. They look playful and unpretentious.

[@franciscomoliner1296]

Simple, very usable design, like the handset (love the BB but hate the snowflake).. Would like the option of a PT5000 or Miyota 9000 series high beats. Might consider the Pagani Airking homage instead because o this. R3gards

[@jz4087]

Can you review the cartier crash homage. No one has reviewed it I want to know if it's any good.

[@demetrisgrigas4810]

It isn't that bad of a hand the hourhand, don't know what the big fuss is about it. Good looking watch all around.

[@coldude2559]

I agree with you the hour hand just doesn't do it for me...🤔

[@garyk8285]

I prefer the watch shape and design of the Explorer, but I like the handset on these.

[@neilbotha3527]

I think It is stunning. Simple yet not boring ….

[@wilsonzhaows]

I prefer the 36 mm for my 6.25 inch wrist. Such a pity it got a 19mm lug width, a total nightmare for strap selection 😮‍💨 Really hope San Martin will modify the next version to 18 or 20mm lug width

[@erikknudsen2971]

To me, this design is just 'ok.' I will say it has some differences that make it stand out some but I can list another half dozen field type watches I'd take over this one.

[@NathanChisholm041]

I agree about the hands its weird and would of preferred a more traditional arrows head hour hand.

[@John-P]

Nice review and I really like the overall design, as for the hour hand I like it , if nothing else it's a change from the snowflake and Mercedes, as for it's popularity could it be that people are just getting fed up with divers, I certainly hope so.

[@Mobynord]

My appeal to this model came from just missing out on an echo/neutra model with the same style hands im definitely over mercedes hands and i think the white arabics set this off

[@TinBin-Craig]

very nice watch... on my to get list the 38mm cheers

[@markstanton63]

Phallic Hour-Hands all the rage then

[@STW1964]

Love the design and style as a homage to the company that cannot be named.....but 42mm is my size, 36, 38mm just too small for me

[@weerobot]

Background Looking Cool...

[@jailer14]

Love the Michigan shirt Gary!

[@jz4087]

The green guilt is definitely a way better watch truly stunning. However this watch I would only buy the pagani version. This watch is a beater watch. A tool watch.

[@pinikpikantv3555]

Good job SM. Definitely the one to be beat in the chinese watch market. The homage King indeed. Definitely the best maker of homage to a homage to a homage. Kudos to Seiko for selling there movements at extremely affordable price. Now more people loves SM as they have seiko in their DNA coupled with very great designs at affordable price.

[@marko0marko0marko01]

3:38 Its popular because its 'boring', or better said, because its classic looks.

[@shanephillips8735]

Thank you! I'm another one who can't see past that hour hand, I just dont like it

[@larrylacostjr.2075]

Although I have a tremendous amount of respect for your candor and honesty, as well as the production of this channel, I cannot believe that the most popular watch in 2022, that pays any homage would only yield as a worldwide total, under 80 pieces each. You should fix the title of this episode.

[@paul64774]

Great review as always. Know what you mean about hour hand. Could’ve been better but not a dealbreaker for me. I’d deffo go for the larger one due to the strap width. What we’re they thinking of, 19mm? 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️ Love the watch though and very tempted to order one. Like the more famous version form the big brand and this fills a hole brilliantly. Keep up the good work.

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

Elizabeth Grant snagged one for a review and liked it so much she bought it. 10mm, using a Miyota 9039 no-date auto 38mm watch is nicer than a NH35 with ghost position.

[@philspencelayh5464]

It always puzzles me, people's attitude to a ghost position, I agree it's better not to have it but it wouldn't stop me buying a watch.

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

@@philspencelayh5464 I think this time the praise was for using a slim movement to achieve the 10mm thickness! The ghost position is my issue, I'll cop that.

[@FRST2012]

I think this is certainly more of an under the radar watch, a tool watch. While it is clearly based on a certain watch, it isn’t a ‘look at me’ homage. The bb36 style is more obvious. After having a bad first experience I decided to give a second chance and ordered the bb36 in dark blue. I don’t really like the hour hand. That being said, the finishing on these for c.£200 is crazy.

[@FRST2012]

Revisiting my original comment and this R style. The hour hand is growing on me, as is the 12, 3, 6, 9. For £5-8.5k less than a 36mm explorer, I may just give it a try. The blue faced bb36 style that I purchased is staying. Amazing for the money. The watch its based on has just had a price increase over what I paid for this watch itself! What is most impressive is that the fitting of the bracelet (end links and link joints) are better than a £2k luxury watch that I have recently seen. That just shouldn’t be the case.

[@josephkelly1909]

Gary..the mic in this video is just fine compared to the latest video. Can you send back the big Shure mic and get a refund? It’s only slightly better

[@the14thearlofgurney84]

They do some lovely watches. Less is more sometimes

[@richard.j]

Thanks for the review - alternative straps where do you norm go for leather ? Or rubber

[@jfilm7466]

When I first saw the "Rain Jer" it was live at first sight but the price... So now very happy and looking forward to getting the right model. That San Martin logo still bugs me and the sterile version loses balance. So looks like it will be a Steel Dive version for me.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Just was given a San Martin, great watch! Only problem...the bracelet is way way too short, 19 cm, so hobbit size :( My wrists are 24 - 25 cm, so I e-mailed San Martin to order one or two extra links.... How hard can it be yeah? To my surprise, they do not want to sell them to me, I could buy a second watch, or a whole bracelet maybe, but loose links? NO WAY.... So folks...don't buy these watches if you have average Dutch wrists.