The SHOCKING Truth About Rolex Watches!

Rolex build quality is incredible right? In this video I show you some macro shots I have taken of a Rolex GMT Master II next to a Chinese homage watch and you can decide for yourselves who did it best!
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How Good Is Rolex Chromalight? Chromalight v BGW9
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WHY I OFTEN DON'T MENTION OTHER BRANDS IN MY VIDEOS.
You may have noticed that I often don't mention the original brands that watches I am reviewing pay homage to. This is very intentional and not meant to offend you or the original brands. I lost my first channel in October 2020 which I had spent 9 months growing and invested a significant amount of money in simply because I had mentioned the original brands in some of my videos. There are people who try to use KZbins lack of understanding when it comes to the difference between homage watches and fake watches to attack other channels and their owners and sadly I fell foul of this in 2020. This channel was also attacked recently and KZbin deleted content simply because I had said 'subby homage' and 'Rolex homage' in two videos despite the watches in the videos being perfectly legal homage watches. Please understand that I can not afford to risk my channel so I will no longer be mentioning other brands when reviewing homage watches.
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KZbins "Fair Use Policy" only applies to certain types of content which does not include watch related content therefore all rights reserved. Publication, reproduction or distribution of this film or any part of this film by any means whatsoever - including without limitation electronic transmission via internet or e-mail, or re-uploading existing videos & re-uploading such material on any website anywhere in the world - is strictly prohibited without the prior written consent of the channel owner.
DEAR KZbin AND VIEWERS!
The watches in this video are originals or homages. These are not fakes or counterfeit. They are perfectly legal and anyone who reports this channel to KZbin for the promotion or selling of fake or counterfeit products is doing so knowing that this channel is not breaking any of the terms and conditions stipulated by KZbin.
Any music used in this video is owned by KZbin and I am also legally entitled to use it. The pictures are my own or I have obtained legally with permission for commercial use.
I have been careful with my use of any trade marked terms in this video relating to any other watches. None of the watches have other brands trademarked terms displayed on them. I have not breached any trademark laws.
Homage watches are legal as long as they do not carry the name or trademarked terms or names of the original maker which no watches in this video do.
Thank you for your support!
Gary
I Like Watches

[@ilikewatches]

This watch was certified as genuine before my friend bought it just in case anyone was planning to accuse me of using a fake!

[@frankyz007]

I Can imagine you have vérified it was a genuine one...

[@Happy357mag]

You should have opened up the case back and shown the movement. Internet people believe nothing unless it's in video form.🙂

[@Rock1111111]

Sorry, but no way this came from Rolex with a scratch on that hand.

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

​​@@Rock1111111other channels have covered imperfections on "luxury watches". Check them out on here and these are fanboy channels

[@YouTube_is_full_of_trolls]

​@@Rock1111111many other videos showing identical issues with qc that's not noticeable to the naked eye and only seen with a loop.

[@stevemoon2136]

My favourite part has been watching people being massively offended that you would even dare compare a Rolex to a San Martin. Good work, keep it up!

[@ilikewatches]

I know, like I’m committing some cardinal sin

[@WparuSlowach]

Are you serious?! 😮😢

[@canadiankrispybacon1450]

My favourite part is reading the responses and childish name calling of anyone who disagrees..making obtuse statements about being “massively offended” and “dare to compare”! If the only expected response to this video is to agree..then who is really being a “fan boy” 🤔 Fan boy is a massively overrated and and over used terminology regurgitated by those who are unable to articulate a coherent argument….they attack anyone with an opposing opinion. IMHO, we should be able to disagree, having debate without childish and emotional statements….and maybe I missed it in the comments, I read quite a few, but admit I did not read all..having said that, I didn’t see anyone ‘massively offended’ 🤔

[@ollyw2897]

Much prefer the deeper bezel engraving on the Rolex. Much prefer the price of the San Martin.

[@RenghisKhan]

They just forgot to add the lume, mate. The engraving is probably comparable so you can always opt for removing the lume on the SM.

[@Luminated67]

@@RenghisKhanhaving spent time with both a San Martin and a Rolex I can’t agree that the quality is the same. For a start the lumes on the Rolex Submariner last longer than the San Martin GMT and the deeper engraving on the bezel looks mint. Then there’s the clasp, the click on its closure is different in pitch to the San Martin but I can’t argue that for the price the San Martin is exceptional and Rolex by comparison is a ripoff but ask me in 10 years time which will have increased in value and it most definitely won’t be the San Martin.

[@Ted_Kenzoku]

@@Luminated67 I don't think anybody will say a 250$ san martin is the same quality as rolex. but it's surprisingly closer than you may think. And rolex's quality doesn't really match the price. a lot of flaws for that price

[@Luminated67]

@@Ted_Kenzoku Rolex has a cult following which the brand itself has created, how many can actually walk into a store and buy a new Rolex so all of them sell “second hand” ones at inflated prices. Completely nuts but that’s the world we live in. There’s lots of lovely expensive watches in and around the Rolex price point but very, very few increase in value like Rolex does so as an investment they aren’t that bad a choice if you can afford one.

[@RenghisKhan]

​@@Luminated67I consider it a risky investment. Buying rare whisky might be a better way to invest money. Anyway, I buy watches in order to wear them so they'll get scarred which would hurt the investment value. The fact that wearing them in the wrong place at the wrong time can be a 'thing' would also be an issue for me. The thing that bothers me most however is the pretence of Rolex being 'superlative' timepieces when they actually are not. If I were to spend over a thousand euro for a watch it'd be for a Sinn, a Tissot, Squale, a Longines maybe, or something along those lines, because they are just more interesting, I prefer the design, the innovations and I'd rather wind up in an unexpected conversation with someone interested in one of those than with someone who has the uncanny ability to recognise a Rolex. Different motivations, different watch, I guess. 😂

[@spicydragon3881]

I have both a Rolex Sub and a San Martin equivalent. The finishing on the San Martin is VERY good, I was honestly shocked when I got it. Because of people willing to do bad things to you to rob you of your Rolex, I wear the San Martin MUCH more. But keep in mind, the San Martin would not exist if it was not for the Rolex. This was a very fair comparison, thank you.

[@Ted_Kenzoku]

the people who will steal your rolex will probably still steal your san martin and only realize afterwards it's not a rolex

[@Luminated67]

It’s why I wear my San Martin GMT when on my hols, it’s only a few hundred $ if someone robs you and it does indeed look the part.

[@WetLettuce-kc2qm]

@@Ted_Kenzoku Exactly! I've never heard of a mugger examining a watch closely before stealing it from someone's wrist. They'll just see a guy wearing a Rolex, mug you, take it and run.

[@helmutsilver5006]

Just think... You might encounter people who do bad things for the lookalike Chinese Rolex on your wrist and then you suffer the indignity of being able to tell everyone you got your arm lopped off at the elbow by a Somalian with a machete for a very well finished San Martin Rolex knock off...

[@eddieworley3409]

San Martin wouldn’t have to exist if Rolex could make a watch let’s just say for under a grand

[@wingi7722]

Wow!!! Whilst I always knew that SM has excellent finishing I wasn't expecting this. But I guess that Rolex is resting on it's laurels whereas SM is out to impress - which it is doing very well indeed!

[@dunderhay9169]

Great video 👍. I think the problem is Rolex watches used to be utilitarian tool watches, but demand and subsequent price increases have moved them too far up market. They have improved finishing and particularly bracelets over the last 30 years, but they are still machine made mass produced watches. Ironically, San Martin probably use more hand finishing and make substantially fewer watches. The San Martin is a great watch at a low price, but I do prefer their original designs to their homages. Rolex is the original but not £8000 better.

[@1SaG]

Couldn't agree more. IMO, Rolex prices should be about where Tudor prices are (at least for the stainless steel models). You'd have a very hard time explaining to an alien why a Sub Date is EUR 10,000 these days or a GMT Master II is 11,000 (MSRP, har, har!). Especially when you consider that Rolex sell more than a million watches per year and more watches than any other single Swiss "luxury" brand (I think their market share is a little over 30 percent ATM). I don't see how SM would be able to put out anywhere near those numbers... and yet.. they somehow manage to offer incredible quality for a fraction of the price. :)

[@jakeizlove]

Everyone kind of forgets that Submariners or GMTs were the entry level “I’ve arrived” sports watches 20+ years ago. They held value because people were trading up for A Daytona, two tone Sub, etc… at authorized dealers. Tudor was something to pick up if a Rolex was out of your budget. Subs and GMTs didn’t become the standard until Omega (and others) started making tons of homages. Rolex’s hold their value better than most watches, but sometimes people forget the price has essentially tripled from 20 years ago.

[@philspencelayh5464]

​@@jakeizloveWhen I bought my Rolex about 35 years ago I was torn between the Tudor next to it in the window about £50 or so cheaper and the Explorer I eventually payed £600 for, they were both new.

[@jakeizlove]

@@1SaG It’s like the saying about “a rising tide lifts all boats”. Rolex’s brand recognition, crazy prices, and value retention created markets for other luxury brands and homages.

[@jakeizlove]

@@philspencelayh5464 Grabbed my Sub date in 2003. Could have picked up the “Hulk” but decided to go classic. Had no way of knowing how much that hulk would have been worth, LOL!

[@technoboy21]

We really need this in 4K!

[@baloosd]

You can get the same results comparing a Sugess Top Chronometer to a Rolex Daytona, or a Haofa Tourbillon to an ultra-luxury brand. Chinese manufacturing quality is world-class when it wants to be.

[@mrmagoo.3678]

Shockingly Shocked!😮 Didn't expect it to be so close!.

[@jay_watch]

When one can hear the silence getting louder 🤫👏👏 great video mate, thank you for sharing

[@ilikewatches]

Thank you

[@Box_13]

Impressive and cool video, thanks. You have validated some folks purchases of their San Martin watches and rubbed some of the Rolex fans fur the wrong way. You showed that quality can be found at an affordable price, but where value is another, more subjective (and maybe emotion based) aspect.

[@tonyd223]

Thanks Gary, unfortunately no suprise here. My SN019 is stunning. I had the SN017 first on NH35, but the 19 on SW200, and I expect the movement in the Rolex is better, but the cost of servicing the Rolex is more than I paid! So, it's a way of protecting money, not a watch

[@seanhickling7340]

I so hope Nico and a few of the other rediculously biased KZbinrs watch this. I would love to hear their thoughts but you can guarantee none of them will say a word.

[@SampleTracks2224]

Nico will blare and scream and bits of his breakfast will fly off and land on the camera lens. So no change there

[@seanhickling7340]

@@SampleTracks2224 😂

[@fontyyy]

What Nico is against are the 100% fake in all but branding clomages. Something like an SN0017B is a fake Submariner. If it was a Chinese car and that close a copy of say a BMW (IE, apart from the branding, you cannot tell with the naked eye) then we'd say it was just a fake. Something like a CW C63 GMT is a genuine homage, most San Martin's are just fakes. That they're sold on the likes of AliExpress where you can buy real fakes just adds insult to injury.

[@Barsomn]

@@SampleTracks2224 Thank you, I watch some of Nico's content and respect the lane he's in but needed a good laugh all the same. 😆

[@antonysmith9173]

Blimey! The San Martin seems the better watch in almost every comparison! Thats quite shocking,given the vast price difference.

[@user-ig6nu4oo5p]

Yeah its not but the Rolex is overpriced for sure!

[@Heisenberg_747]

You are just paying the marketing money to Rolex and the actual money for watch is minimal.

[@tangentradio7272]

This is an example of the Quartz Revolution 2.0. This time it's about finish quality not the movement. I hope the Swiss are very worried.

[@mattcroxford5671]

Great video and great channel. Comparison videos are always fascinating.

[@SunsetSheen]

Just imagine how much more amazing San Martin quality will be in another couple years..

[@laurencehogg6010]

Cheers Mr W. This aligns with my personal experience. The finishing gap has been closing for a while but every so often SM or Cronos seem to take a leap forward - it happened last year with that SM white sand dial gmt. IMO the only area Chinese watches lag slightly behind now is dial 'finishing' (for want of a better word). Its hard to describe but dials on more luxury watches pop with detail - it's almost like they're in 4k while less expensive watches are in 1080p. I don't know if it's the fineness of the dial printing alone or a combo with the crystal/coating, but I thought you could see a clear difference in printing fineness at 6 mins in this vid. I honestly reckon SM will get there though. Thanks again for doing this.

[@SuperMooMooFarm]

I think it's the AR coating. A San Martin with Proxima's crystal-clear AR coating would be a dream.

[@jumperpence]

I don't understand the appeal of Rolex watches when you consider truly handmade brands like Blancpain and Glashutte with just as much heritage and amazing designs.

[@uaziz7]

Great comparison shots Gary! Love your vids! 😊

[@ilikewatches]

Thank you

[@jackn4853]

The damaged index and scratched hand, totally unacceptable at any price. Like you said external damage occurs over time but not under the crystal.

[@adk7962]

First, there is place in the world for both watches, but am very glad that San Martin exists for us normals. I knew San Martin would be fairly close, but I didn’t think it would be “better” in so many instances. Thanks for the great comparison!

[@Andrew-yy2ye]

San Martin are brilliant for the price even not for the price congratulations san martin

[@MrGeirSteinar]

Excellent work, and quite shocking to see how close these watches really are….

[@frankyz007]

Thanks for this review. I would definitely buy a San Martin for a fraction of a Rolex and finally better quality made... On most of aspects they offer a better finishing than the swiss brand. Very disappointed by Rolex who IS surfing on thé famous name and too high prices reserved to richests but finally lower finish quality... Thanks Gary for this démonstration!!! 😊😊😊

[@waffle911]

Now if only San Martin offered a chronometer movement for better timekeeping.

[@aethelwulfwarlord1475]

​@@waffle911they used to sell a lot of models with the SW200 option, sad truth is they just don't sell as well

[@lordcharfield4529]

@@aethelwulfwarlord1475to be honest, I have 2 watches with the SW200 - One gains 3 seconds per day, one loses 3 seconds. My Geckota Pioneer with the NH35 movement is just as reliable, so I would decide on price!

[@frankyz007]

@@aethelwulfwarlord1475 yes unfortunately. Because it's for my opinion thé best choice for this model. A high beat automatic swiss movt. Therefore you are near the standard of the original. Now Rolex will probably upgrade level of finish to keep there réputation of excellence, clients and money... If they don't they are stupid!

[@waffle911]

@@frankyz007 Rolex doesn't care what some company in China making $300 watches is doing, so long as they aren't putting the Rolex name on things they shouldn't be.

[@pageophile]

Thank you for the honest and forthright review good sir!

[@trogpo]

Now some reality-deniers will claim that this particular Rolex is in fact a fake.

[@ilikewatches]

Authenticated as genuine before my friend bought it

[@trogpo]

@@musik4u343 What signs do you see?

[@MosheFeder]

Bravo, Gary! Your willingness to look closely, see clearly, and speak plainly are everything we want from a watch reviewer. Most of us have had at least moments of suspicion that some iconic brands are over-charging for their watches. Your research proves that suspicion justified, at least when considering objective quality rather than the vagaries of fashion and reputation driven supply and demand.

[@ilikewatches]

Thank you…appreciated

[@Fahrenheit1407]

Can't wait to see how the rolex apologists spin this one! Clear to see there's a lot of false hype

[@vem4o]

Is this the 40 mm maxi case ? Do sean martin have one on a oyster with adjustment on the fly ?

[@gabrielscheer255]

Stunning video mate. I am looking forward to your continued sublime work. More power to you!

[@ilikewatches]

Thank you

[@MrsVanB]

Genuine question, have any of you had your SM watch serviced at a jewelry store? If so, would you mind sharing what the costs were? I might consider getting a SM DJ homage for daily wear.

[@JoeyTen]

It seems like we're in sort of a "wristwatch Renaissance" and I'm loving it 🙂

[@jaimemello17]

Thanks for sharing this. Appreciate the detail you put into this. Some great designs by Rolex but I have always felt there were a bit overrated. Definitely says a lot about SanMartin. For the prices of Rolexes I would rather purchase a vintage Vacheron or A Lange.

[@robertmckinlay7242]

Thanks to your friend for loaning the Rolex. The brand as we know is the justification for the Rolex costing around thirty times the price of the San Martin. Your macro lens positions both watches on an equal footing in finish which is nice given I'll never buy a Rolex.

[@ilikewatches]

Yes, in these vids I take new fresh pictures one immediately after the other to ensure conditions are identical

[@a0r0a7]

This video says it all. I have held many Rolexes that come into our workshop. End of the day it is a watch, it really does not feel any different to many other quality watches out there. That's why GS trounce Rolex under macro, seriously stunning finishing from GS. Rolex designs are iconic, every model is known by so many which is something other watchmakers can't really say, they have the odd few in their ranges that are known but nothing quite as iconic, maybe Omega. Great video Gary and looking forward to another homage comparison👍

[@nicocalimero]

Great honest and interesting review, thank you for the quality of your video and explanations.

[@blipjockey3100]

Nicely done Gary. I think most of us would love to have a Rolex, I know I would, but just can't afford one or are not willing to put that much money on our wrist to get knocked about. It's nice to know that we can have the same look and feel at a fraction of the cost.

[@3signets]

AWSOME detail and analysis. Thanks so much , from New Zealand

[@ilikewatches]

My pleasure

[@pallu83]

No mention of the movement and the regulation? On the aesthetic side, I really miss the rehaut lettering on the SM Please do this comparison about the submariner and the SN019 with pt5000

[@redbarchetta8782]

Rolex would make a huge splash in the watch-world if they actually released an affordable watch.

[@echochambers8418]

Personally,I’d rather have the 250 watch that does the same thing as one for 20k.I can use the money for other things and I don’t have to worry about someone trying to steal it.Great comparison video!!👍🏻🍀👍🏻🍀

[@grahamliggat7193]

G thank you - good balanced and objective presentation with obviously v interesting and surprising results. Nice too that you’ve had such good mileage out of the Rolex. Presumably you’ve just the Hydraulic Press channel test left? 😉 G

[@ilikewatches]

Lol

[@lulul]

this is not fair, you should have objectively compared the most important aspect that defines the quality of a watch: the marketing budget. joking aside this was unexpected. you do get a rolex movement in a rolex but still, a rolex should be better than this..

[@ilikewatches]

Lol

[@gavinw3277]

Even then, Rolex movements aren't anything special, not in the league of the real high-end manufacturers.

[@Cur8or88]

I always think that the printing on my San Martins could be finer. See how the Rolex has thicker hour marks with thinner minute marks in between. I like that contrast.

[@ilikewatches]

Yes I agree…there are many elements that Rolex excelled but I think that is expected…

[@syniekos]

Great video - pictures clearly paint a thousand words !

[@MusicianGreg]

This vid is much appreciated! Thanks!

[@ccooper8785]

I have had a rolex owner witter on about the quality of the box that it was packed in as if this somehow made it a better watch. I do wish San Martin and other homage makers offered all their watches with meccaquartz movements in addition to the autos for those of us who value accuracy. I hope roly owners offer you the chance to do more comparisons with Aliexpress specials.

[@lihanou]

Could you also do a san martin vs GS heritage model comparison? I'd like to know if I wasted money on sbga211 lol

[@originalboondi]

Money never wasted buying gs.

[@MirrlyonTime]

Well done, excellent video Gary!

[@andrewd2012]

Brilliant video, confirming what we all know really. Even giving some consideration for age difference (how would 2yr old sm compare) and the steel differences (although purported to be harder to polish by R I don’t believe there is any metallurgical reason it should be and with higher chromium content it’s likely to have a higher achievable polish) the sm is really impressive. The question left over is whether Rolex’s old designs and name is worth the price to buyer? For very expensive watches I think there has to be an emotional/sentimental component, some personal providence to elevate it.

[@Me-pz5by]

😱 I didn't expect that Rolex bad finishing or maybe San Martin is doing so good 🤔

[@scottc8355]

Great video. More of this content would be awesome. 62 mas three way? New Seiko, SM, and Seestern?

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Not sure how much old Rolex compares to modern Rolex watches but my Sub circa 2000,isn't better finished than SM, Cronos and Seestern watches I own.

[@prospect_joe9813]

Every time I tell people that my Octopus Kraken *feels* like a better watch than my late 90's rolex, they always look at me like I'm crazy.

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

@@prospect_joe9813 Exactly, mine still has a stamped clasp inner. The big thing is that in 99 I could walk into an AD, point at a watch, and then buy it.

[@dgar715]

Well done, Gary. You’ve captured the essence of both watch brands. Rolex with great history and designs REALLY riding their rep for all it’s worth; San Martin with marvelous workmanship (and subsequent value) but derivative designs. The only shame in wearing the San Martin is actively acknowledging the homage factor. One of the best values available to the proletariat!

[@PheasantPluckersMate]

Good for you, Gary. Great video and yep, somewhat surprising. But then production at factories in China and elsewhere has been improving exponentially, whereas I’m guessing Rolex are doing the same kind of finishing techniques for decades? The rest of the world has caught up!

[@nextonthewrist]

Good video Gary, 100% food for thought 🙂👍... The trusty watch price 'scale of diminishing returns' just took a sharper upward curve in my mind. How does the San Martin compare to some other luxury watches I wonder, like the SeaQ and the Tudors I wonder which they also homage. That would be great to see how much better or worse... if you ever get the chance!

[@originalboondi]

Have a sm ranger clone and I can say without a doubt it is as good as a tudor version. Had both side by side under a 15X loop and there was no difference to be seen. Only negative for sm was the nh35 instead of eta 2824. Saving over 3k made me smile though....

[@DanMcCudden]

Seeing this leaves me thinking my Steeldive Turtle stands up to the Rolex very well. I had an Air King at one point and I remember it having very coarse finishing. Esp the brushed parts.

[@bidipbo]

Beginning at 2:51, and continuing to the next shot @3:17, we get to see the difference in sheen between the 316L case of the SM vs. the sheen of the 904L Oystersteel of the Rolex on the right. Thank you for that, since I can share this to someone who believes it is an imperceptible difference. In the case of the indices comparison. I think it's fair to say that the SM indices are stamped versus the Rolex, which are flat pieces of gold that are shaped. The difference is that there is but a shallow bed that the SM lume is applied on to, leaving very little variation in application. This is because the index is stamped into shape and the metal that the lume is applied to is only just below the border of the index's raised edge. Whereas the index of the Rolex has a much deeper reservoir for holding lume that is injected. That variation in manufacturing process accounts for the difference. And likely, Rolex still does that by hand. Having said that, it just proves the superiority of BGW9 over Chromalight, given there is obviously more Chromalight being applied than BGW9.

[@drdesign6886]

So what’s the point in the extra lume? Because their lume is crap they have to over compensate. And if anyone things Rolex are hand shaping the indicies on their watches needs a massive reality check. Everything is automated. Everything.

[@shanephillips8735]

I'd be very surpised if the lume is hand applied on the Rolex, everything will be a machine process on mass produced models

[@bidipbo]

@@shanephillips8735 The imperfections REGULARLY seen on Rolex indices cannot be attributed to automation.

[@dscotp185]

Hmm, who knew? Excellent macro shots! Well done.👍

[@ilikewatches]

Thank you

[@nintendokings]

The deeper bezel engraving looks so much nicer on the Rolex. Also, not sure they intended for a crisp line on the bezel?

[@ilikewatches]

Yes, the deeper bezel engravings are lovely

[@onyekaonyia8395]

I’m not trying to hold fort for Rolex, but your comparison is somewhat unfair. You’re comparing a 2 year old Rolex to a box fresh San Martin. That Rolex I suspect has been polished in its 2 years of being worn; the bracelet clasp is completely devoid of any scratches. The only way that’s possible is if it’s unworn or if the watch has been repolished… which would completely render your comparison void as it’s no longer the factory polishing on the Rolex.

[@ilikewatches]

The Rolex has one previous owner and there was evidence it had been worn all over the watch which tells me it had not been refinished. The hands and indexes certainly couldn’t have been worked on

[@A_Friendly_Robot]

@@ilikewatches "The hands and indexes certainly couldn’t have been worked on" - If it's been serviced (i.e. the movement and dial taken out of the case) then there is not insignificant likelihood that the hands and indices could have been scratched.

[@Ted_Kenzoku]

@@A_Friendly_Robot you don't service a 2year old rolex. Unless it had a defect from the factory but then it passing QC is very low

[@enriquesanders]

Great video Gary! I heard 904l steel was a bit harder to brush and polish. Maybe the difference in materials is the reason?

[@quarters-eye8922]

San Martin finishing is clearly superior. Keep in mind that San Martin started making watches only four years ago. Rolex has no excuse. And to think Rolex has the audacity to sell their watches at ripoff prices.

[@originalboondi]

904 is easysier to polish, thats why roly chose it. Make watch look nice again after polish and service. 😉

[@MrJumpol48]

how San Martin compare to Cronos or sugess ?? Do you have any opinion?

[@ilikewatches]

Cronos build quality is excellent…close to San Martin…I’m not as familiar with Sugess but I have seen a couple and they were also close!

[@peachlandtaxi919]

My SN121 in steel has the best end links in the business plus a matte bezel ....so much value !

[@ender1077]

Not the results I was expecting, and kind of sad when you think about it. I was never in the market for a watch in Rolex's price range though.

[@steaknzp7855]

Between the scratch on the hour hand and the mark on the index I feel like this watch has had a movement-out service. It’s too new to need a full service, and I don’t think a regulation requires the movement to come out so maybe there was some sort of warranty work done on this.

[@ilikewatches]

The watch is showing signs of being worn for 2 years so it doesn’t look to me like any work was done, if it was well then it isn’t obvious

[@WatchtheTime]

Good video mate and I complete agree with you on San Martin. For the money, they have become undeniable 👍👍

[@ilikewatches]

Thanks bud!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Nice work mate

[@gavinwilliams1687]

Definitely not £9k better!

[@WetLettuce-kc2qm]

The San Martin doesn't cost £1000. You're looking at a £9800 difference.

[@gavinwilliams1687]

@@WetLettuce-kc2qm I was just going by the retail prices stated in the video Rolex 9350 San Martin 300, granted it was in dollars but a difference 9k, oh and 50.

[@RIOLOGY]

Love this, do more detailed comparisons!!!

[@mell3109]

San Martin hands down. I have a Rolex and a San Martin. The San Martin TC4 is a titanium watch and I’m stunned at the quality

[@sinjinadams2862]

I completely agree! I own the San Martin and am wearing it right now. A Titanium Rolex Submariner has always been my dream/fantasy watch so when I saw the San Martin, I bought it immediately. I absolutely love it!

[@MisterTurtleTime]

I'm not the biggest fan of all these AliExpress brands for various reasons, but it is impressive to see how good they've become! Great video work and explanation Gary, keep up the good work!

[@ilikewatches]

Thank you

[@watchalot919]

I own a Rolex OP and a Tudor BB36. To be honest San Martin finishing is comparable, as is the bracelet and clasp. The movement in both luxury watches is obviously far better, but apart from that it's just the name we pay for. When I look at my SN0131 I am always amazed how good it is

[@bikeman123]

The movement is everything. Cheap seiko movements aren't comparable.

[@watchalot919]

@@bikeman123 I own a Rolex and. Tudor, and whilst the movement is arguably the biggest aspect, it certainly isn't everything, and the ridiculous additional cost certainly isn't justified

[@enriquesanders]

I own a Submariner bought new and directly from an AD and the rehaut doesn’t line up with the dial markers at 12. I can send you a picture if it helps.

[@ilikewatches]

Would love to see it thanks [e-mail]

[@jasonw1207]

Thanks for this - looks look I’ll be buying yet another San Martin!

[@Emaratilfy]

The only thing Rolex has going for it is their inhouse movements. They're accurate and reliable (but also expensive to service). I wish San Martin would use Miyota 9000-series for their GMTs. Too many NH movements out there

[@Phafanapolis]

You mean Seiko’s iN hOuSe cALiBeR?!?!

[@Emaratilfy]

@@Phafanapolis you're a tool if you think a caliber 3235 isn't better than an NH35. You can hate on Rolex but just don't be stupid.

[@Emaratilfy]

@@Phafanapolis you're saying a 3235 isn't any better than an NH35, or what are you trying to say?

[@Phafanapolis]

@@Emaratilfy More or less, yes, I am saying the Seiko NH35 and the Rolex iN hOuSe cALiBeR are roughly equivalent in performance, and any substantive differences and not at all worth the 10, 25, 50 or 100x multiplication of the price. I am a Swiss watch and luxury watch industry hater. The world of whoreology would be significantly further ahead if the Swatch Group didn’t “save” the Swiss manufacturing and rebadge it with a veneer of faux craftsmanship and exclusivity. Modern Swiss “manufacturing” is just building model parts kits out of south East Asian produced parts.

[@jonathanyng]

​​@@Emaratilfy 3285 and nh34?

[@bobbob-xf3yg]

Rattle the cages. I walk down Dublin Grafton street every morning and compare my sm's with the posh watch jeweller. There is no difference in construction quality from 1 foot away

[@Uneducatedopinion57]

Great comparison

[@ilikewatches]

Thanks

[@teapeabartle4046]

This was a real eye opener for me maybe a future San Martin customer here.

[@ilikewatches]

Awesome they’ll be happy to hear that I’m sure

[@Roy-vh9rp]

This was an eye-opener. Also, be aware that the newer Rolexes with the 32xx caliber have unresolved issues. The watches may slow down and lose amplitude after about a year of daily use.

[@Phafanapolis]

But but but, I thought these luxury Swiss watches are supposed to be generational purchases that’ll last a thousand lifetimes and just keep ticking?!

[@samwang5831]

Haha, if it were a SM some people would say ’you get what you pay for‘

[@venkyorg]

Barring the “904L steel” claim of Rolex, San Martins is actually one that has more bang for the buck

[@DrBrito]

Put a Steinhart next to them to check together! 🔥🔥🔥

[@ilikewatches]

I compared a San Martin to a Steinhart 4 years ago on my first channel that got deleted and the San Martin dominated the Steinhart.

[@AdAce21]

@@ilikewatches that may have been true, and honestly still may be. However, the 39 ocean GMT titanium is an incredible watch with amazing finishing and an elabore grade SW-330 for well under $1000 (I got mine during their Black Friday sale for under $600!!). Wait, here's an idea, maybe compare the Ocean One Vintage GMT to an Explorer 2?

[@ilikewatches]

I’ll take a look, thanks

[@sinjinadams2862]

Brilliant video! I love comparison videos like this. There was nothing shocking about this comparison to me. Over the last 2 or 3 years, San Martin has upped their game tremendously. So have other brands like Cronos, which I actually like better than San Martin. I think the one thing left that San Martin could really improve on is the bezel insert. It really doesn't compare to a Rolex.

[@S-Ltd1000]

Rolex fanboys won't like this.

[@PaulewingStHelens]

Superb video Gary. I’m not that surprised with San Martins quality but I am shocked at how bad the Rolex is. The damage to the hand and indices is extraordinary when you think how much you pay for a Rolex.

[@therichieboy]

Can you please do this very same video with two different watches from each brand? Just for consistency.

[@Oghuzian]

I love the thumbnail 😍 Can you compare the bracelet? Iike the sharpness of edges, weight, clasp, and overall quality?

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

Funny the polishing as well because 904L is supposed to polish up more brilliantly than 316L…

[@masuz3972]

I wouldn't say the San Martin has a better bezel insert, even with the fuzzier color transition. IMO, the embedded bezel markers look way better than the applied lumed markers.

[@ilikewatches]

Yes overall the Rolex is better

[@JohnDoe-pm9cg]

Awesome Job. I love comparsion Videos. Rolex's Design influenced the World of watches so hard, but they are never worth that much. Cant wait to get my 1st SM. TY

[@dirkdutzmann9250]

Your video shows me (and many others) what no one wanted to know but was clear to everyone. Asians simply have a way of building things to perfection! Thank you for that and goodbye Rolex.😎

[@BoleDaPole]

Wearing a Rolex I know that others are so envious that they are willing to literally murder me for it, this brings an extra level of thrill and suspence to the rolex wearing experience which San M*rtin could never hope to accomplish. You never know if today is the day you'll be beaten and robbed by several "youths" on your way to the local Starbucks for the daily order of a delicious quad long shot grande in a venti cup half calf double cupped no sleeve salted caramel mocha latte with 2 pumps of vanilla substitute 2 pumps of white chocolate mocha for mocha and substitute 2 pumps of hazelnut for toffee nut half whole milk and half breve with no whipped cream extra hot extra foam extra caramel drizzle extra salt add a scoop of vanilla bean powder with light ice well stirred.

[@ilikewatches]

😂

[@bobbob-xf3yg]

Nice one gary

[@mk84142]

I like the concept of this video. Really interesting. I enjoyed watching it. I do think that your tone towards rolex is that of disappointment which I would be too but it then does come across a bit biased in what is meant to be an objective comparison with all your great footage. I think the whole video would feel objective and neutral if the tone matched it as well. Also including movement comparison which I assume rolex would be clear winner but again adds to the sense of objectivity in my view. I respext your perspetives though and it is disappointing to see rolex quality is not top grade for the amount of money they charge!

[@_RJ_Z]

Yeah, youre pretty much paying most of the price in heritage, materials, branding and status with Rolex. Rolex makes a great watch, but for the price and the time you have to wait…. Nope, better options out there. And damn, those numberings on the Rolex bezel is perfect!

[@mattinmalaga]

Wonder how many of the SM hating Rolex fan boys are leaving comments from their 'made in China' iPhones? 🤔

[@erikknudsen2971]

Not surprised given that the chinese manufacturing is getting better and better. And, leys face it, about 80% of the price of a rolex is tied up in advertising or marketing. I dint think theres more than a few thousand dollars of parts in a rolex, but they charge 5x on that at least.

[@Terion-82]

Finally!! a good comparison between Rolex and San Martin! I love watching these videos, they are eye openers, and it makes me see how good my decision of buying a San Martin really was :D

[@ilikewatches]

Thanks