This $250 Automatic GMT feels like a $1,000 watch, but there's a problem...

[@JusttheWatch]

Just got an email from San Martin, they said they're working on a plan to fix the bezel in the next version.

[@joonsup]

Thanks for this update. I will hold off and look forward to that release as well as your review

[@AdAce21]

and as soon as they do I'll buy one!

[@bero2]

38mm Gmt with timing bezel has been on my wish list. This is only affordable one on the market I think. Looking forward to the fix.

[@ryannewby447]

Any ideas by when?

[@fdloop]

The besel is fabulous. 24 clicks is what is needs. Stop criticizing this watch it's unprofessional. You are jealous of this brand

[@geoffy8245]

They’ve fixed this. This model now offers the choice between a GMT bezel, world time bezel, and 60 min timer bezel. Freaking ace how they’ve got this down within a month since this video’s release. Outstanding.

[@WatchMatt]

I was very curious about the fatal flaw and before you mentioned it I was thinking, this is such a banger of a watch, surely it can't be that bad. It is that bad... This is an utterly baffling choice and makes it an instant dealbreaker for me.

[@nikc1313]

Really that bad? It's an aesthetic choice. Let's be honest most people buy a gmt because they like the look of the 4th hand.

[@aaron3890]

Yeah, the watch looks amazing but that flaw is indeed fatal and makes no sense whatsoever.

[@outofdinero]

They've fixed it on the new version

[@Konsaliki]

This screams for two - correct - versions derived from this conundrum of a watch: one 120-click unidirectional "timer GMT/diver GMT" and one 24-click "multi-time zone GMT". Should be an easy fix for a version two and would make this an unrivaled banger in its field of competition. This thing's got so much potential!

[@kiwicory100]

I’d be interested in what San Martin did if anything. Second, I saw a video highlighting Japan origined micro brands which I’m curious about your views?

[@Nutmegger1989]

Wow, what an oversight - disappointed it got into production like that. Thanks for calling this out! Glad they’re resolving

[@chriscon8463]

I actually like having a timing bezel on a GMT. It’s weird they made it 24 clicks! That’s a great watch, regardless.

[@marinoint]

I'm so glad to see a watch < 40mm. Not everyone has a thick wrist!

[@jefferyneu3915]

I love this one! The bezel only being a timing bezel is not an issue to me. The 24 hour scale on the inner fixed scale being 24 hours is the important thing for me. This is a very functional GMT at a great price.

[@StringyPete]

Love the 'Hackiong' typo on the spec page shortly after talking about San Martin making a mistake on the watch 😂 keep up the videos, love the channel.

[@JusttheWatch]

Maybe they'll hire me!

[@livesinshadow4386]

Thanks! Great review. I’ll wait for V2 😊

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

This V1 feels like a collectabke in the making with the unique quirky bezel imperfection

[@everythingautomotiveeta5839]

If v2 was out. I'd buy it now this is a great watch. I've liked all of san martin original designs

[@simonbailey2151]

They’ll sort that weird bezel contradiction in the V2.

[@malzahar33]

The question is how this design has been validated? I always wonder what part of deciders' brains is malfunctioning

[@karlsenula9495]

Greeeeeat ... Another San Martin to add to my wish list 🤦‍♂️ .. once I see if they sort out the V2.

[@JusttheWatch]

They just emailed and said they're already working on it.

[@certainly2509]

Wow, this watch is almost perfect! And it looks original as well. Nice job San Martin!

[@adk7962]

This is my favorite current San Martin. It used to be their Tudor GMT Homages. Always enjoy learning new things. Did not know the NH34 is a reworked NH36. Thanks for the great review!

[@JesterJ]

I think its about time these guys start making their own design. This is a stunner of a watch. Get this fixed and I will buy.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

When they fix the bezel… I’ll be buying this one! I’ve had several San Martien watches and two have found a permanent place in my collection…

[@billmurphy893]

Great treatment of the bezel issue. Thank you for your video.

[@williamhill7312]

Excellent review / video

[@gynechiatrist]

They are a sharp responsive company. It will be fixed. But it’s half the price of the Seiko. I say it’s a go as is but yes, could be better.

[@mikaeljonsson4686]

Great looking watch! For me who'd buy it for looks only, never using the GMT functionality wouldn't care about the 24 click action.

[@ender1077]

I saw this on Alie and was thinking this might be my first SM. Thank you for saving me by advising the bezel issue. Would have been turned off from the brand if this was my first and was that disappointed. I'll wait for a better SM for my first.

[@louscarpato1440]

Agree, Looked almost perfect. I use my bezel for timing and having that with a GMT would be great.

[@jazzman5598]

Fine vid Dave. Deal breaker. I just got my Zelos Mako lll GMT w the blue meteorite dial and the Miyota 9075 Jump Hour. San Martin needs to step up their game. I believe their strategy is to pump the volume & types of watches and see what sticks. They think their QC don’t stink. How do we enthusiasts know? The prices are now encroaching into Swiss territory like Steinhart, Tissot, Glycine, etc. The 3 I just mentioned have BRAND EQUITY. Let’s see: San Martin: Quality Chinese Manufacturing Proudly Since 2014!

[@ryannewby447]

Omg. I would have never noticed or understood the issue, until you explained it. If correct, and they fix this in a V2 it's a complete killer. Unique design, superb build quality. Am very tempted on V2.

[@jhoag2577]

The bracelet is impressive on the SN0111G they are taking the watch strap to the next level.

[@daynevickers1079]

You're absolutely right... they should have simply used their excellent 120 click uni-directional bezel. Glad you brought that up.

[@HeroAntagonist]

Mine arrived a fortnight ago. Great watch, you didn't mention the crown action, so smooth. And that crown is just perfect. The bezel, I can see that driving some people nuts but I'm OK with it. I'm sure with all the feedback I've been seeing, they will alter it in a V2. However I'm more than satisfied with this watch, good all rounder

[@shawnholloway2410]

It is a nice watch! I just don’t think I would enjoy a San Martin from a branding standpoint. It is amazing what these brands are doing at such low price points. Great video!

[@Nick_6x7]

This is basically a gmt milsub in a Black Bay style case. It’s a cool unique watch. Would really like to see a white dial variant

[@eurabio]

Thanks for pointing it out. I'll wait for V2, hopefully it could be slightly thinner.

[@boombringer4078]

When they sort the bezel this will be awesome!!

[@farookywookie]

Thanks for doing the research and finding the bezel issue. Hopefully, they will sell it cheap to get rid of stock 😅

[@bitta3084]

Very interesting. I also saw on line that San Martin has also produced another GMT with a black and a blue/teal option. For a non-expert like me, what is the difference between this model and the other? Thanks.

[@ErikEmstad]

The bezel is a deal breaker for me. Otherwise a great looking piece.

[@justinc8157]

Reminds me of my Orient Excursionist.

[@Nite-owl]

Personally I buy a watch based on looks and accuracy and rarely if ever actually use the functions, so for me, it's certainly not a dealbreaker.

[@20cent]

Yeah, I've never met an adult or anyone since smartphones exist using their watch for anything else than looking at the time

[@Csibu89]

Hey Dave! Can you get one of the titanium SN0111GA's in for a review? I'd be interested in what you think about that.

[@SpencerGibbOfficial]

I actually like the concept of the 24-click bezel as it provides the option of using the triangle to track a third time zone. With that in mind, I think San Martin should have doubled down (pun not intended) and put additional hour markers on the rotating portion. Because as you point out, it’s pretty useless as a timer otherwise…

[@mobelue]

I think if I understand you, the GMT hand will still function. Say, if I’m in the United States, and I travel to France it will work fine. It will tell me what time it is in France and back home. Sort of like you in Japan keeping up with say East Coast time in America. It’s only when you want to function watch as a diver and start using the bezel for something other than it’s good luxe. That’s where the large clicks don’t allow you to become precise, but the GMT that I just described works fine for 99% of the people. Correct? Thank you.

[@JusttheWatch]

Correct the GMT functions flawlessly!

[@TheBimmer74]

You are correct. I have this watch and the GMT works great. They even regulated the NH34 movement. The 24 hour markers are small and hard to read in low light but it still works. The problem is when you go to use the diving bezel. The 24 clicks do not allow you to set it precisely and it is also bidirectional which would be great for a GMT bezel but not for a diving bezel. Somebody in the design department at San Martin was smoking wacky weed!

[@khairulhelmihashim2510]

I think they wanted to design a GMT watch with 24-click GMT bezel. Then somebody proposed to put a timing scale bezel to enhance the aesthetic. The best compromise is to eliminate individual minute marker on timing scale, replacing it with markers for each 5-minute interval .

[@paullaroumanie412]

Just received the watch, and it is beautiful. Regarding the bezel, it is correctly aligned, that’s all I expect. Do people actually use bezels?

[@fergusmccarthy7736]

Was very close to buying the Seiko 5 GMT for a while now but not the greatest lover of the jubilee. Bought this one despite the flaw. Couldn't resist at the sale price. I reality I don't need to track a second different time zone and if I do need to use a timing bezel accurately, I'll wear a different watch.

[@AnyoxB.D.]

You can float the 24 click bezel in between clicks to get the exact time

[@petercharron3268]

A timing scale on the bezel provides for a 3rd time zone, which is seldom used and kind of overkill. What they’ve done instead is sort of provide a timing bezel. I think that has some utility. Weird, but functional. I love the two part bezel.

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

Problem is that the timing bezel is essentially non-functional as is. Also, the hour scale on the bezel only provides a 3rd time zone if the dial has 24 hr markers on it. This watch does not so it needs it on the bezel.

[@peterbedrosian622]

i like the 2 part bezel maybe it can teach us a new way to read it sort of like a gmt diving watch in one

[@malikknows3510]

Nice video, thanks. I actually have that watch in the all stainless bezel variation. I agree with your categorization of the watch as great value and overall a great buy. I agree that the 24 click on a timing bezel is a strange choice. Not a deal breaker for me, though. I love the 38mm size and find that size difficult to find in a gmt. Overall, very happy.

[@fsdafdsafdas]

Great homage of the Seiko gmt divers that go for 1.2k for the same product! (When they fix that bezel lol)

[@viiideeeooo]

Beautiful watch, including that split bezel, hopefully San Martin corrects the error asap. I could maybe overlook it on a sub $100 watch, but not on this one.

[@stavros_katsopr]

"Nice bezel! What do you count with that?" "Two dozens of stupidity, bi-directional though..."

[@ricardochaveste7367]

It's almost perfect. What bumer,but unfortunately, it is what it is, great value, if San Martin fixes the bezel, things would be difference 😳, because I do own few San Martin's, great watch for little money,,for every day, and you don't bank, great content as always, looking forward for more watch content...greetings from St George Utah ✌️. Until next time..

[@ravigopaul6729]

Hi, Dave love your video's your reviews are awesome, how much do you know about the smith & wesson watch? I bought one a few days ago but am waiting for it ti reach.. If you know about it can you please give me some insight thanks. I hope I didn't make a bad choice.

[@junwoojang2941]

Given that there is a inner ring indicating the 24 hour marking, I'm okay with this. Breitling colt gmt that I had has the same concept. The dial contained the 24 hour marking to make use of the gmt hand, but the bezel is used as timing function like a diver. I just hope that they fix the bezel to a normal 120 click bezel,and utilize the 24 hour click bezel for another gmt watch.

[@simonbailey2151]

Looks-wise I think there’s a bit of influence from the Serica 5303 GMT.

[@spicydragon3881]

I thought the exact same thing when I saw it. I have the Ipose (Serica homage) and its a winner. I wouldn't trade that for this.

[@icemagic7579]

The hands are borrowed from the Rolex MilSub.

[@MJFallout]

yeah, dang. If only this was a 120 click or friction bezel, this could be an amazing holiday watch, looking just as good on the beach as it does in a (casual) restaurant. And you can always track your home time, and also, at the same time time your I dunno, tennis lesson, or some stuff.

[@benjaminhardy153]

I hear ya on small details ruining a watch. I have a Merkur FOD chronograph, again a. Chinese watch from Ali. The chronograph minutes sundial has.... 12 tick marks. Not 10, not 15, definitely not 30, ... 12. It's so obnoxious to read and makes me feel cheap every time I remember that. I still wear the watch a couple times a week, though, so I suppose it isn't a deal breaker for me! I think I'd feel the same about this bezel. The size, specs, and price check so many boxes. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@shj2000]

If the outer bezel was set to Greenwich mean time wouldn't that give you a third time zone reference?

[@JusttheWatch]

I guess you could move the triangle there, but it's kind of confusing because the markings on that portion of the bezel are 60 minute markings instead of 24 hour markings, so they don't match up well with the GMT hand (or any of the hands for that matter)

[@twitchyjambo]

Great review mate👌 spot on😊

[@karlsenula9495]

Just thinking maybe two crowns? One with the 120 click out bezel and one with an inner 24 click bi-directional bezel? Or Visa versa. Not sure how hard that would be to produce.

[@SirWow1990]

First I understand about the flaw I almost screamed with frustration. How come you can do something so exquisite and mess it up so badly at the end. The moment they sort it out I’ll buy it like crazy. Fingers crossed for V2.

[@samwang5831]

I like the looks but I am not sure about the bezel. i think it can still be used as a timing bezel but it might be turned accidentally in either direction by 2.5min max. In the meantime SM has issued a new global city bezel insert which rationalizes the design but it looks a bit too busy to me.

[@arpithkuruvilla4467]

Looks Amazing

[@Xoan-Diaz]

They are copying the double bezel from Serica, but got it wrong. Can you review the SM gmt homaging the Tudor BB gmt? It improves the original in size and gmt/seconds hands design. Thanks for the review

[@neilbotha3527]

I think the bezel is great. You can track 2 time zones and still time a dive or ribs on the bbq 😅 The action though is a problem

[@teslammvii]

You can stop the bezel anywhere you want actually, it is not that it is attracted to the clickpoints, so no problem for me. Plus, bi-directionnality is a huge bonus in real life practicality.

[@turbyoulance]

Piece Unique for the price. Cheers Dave.

[@ramspencer5492]

Right. Just seeing the watch. Before you started talking.... I know that on this watch, the bezel rotates like a GMT bi-directional style bezel.... But it's a dual bezel design.... the inner GMT bezel is fixed and the outer bezel, which actually turns has a timer style bezel insert.... That then can't be used properly to time. This was not the watch to put a GMT bezel insert on. Though they're are a lot of cheap GMT watches with 120 click uni directional bezels that I wish had this one. It's a great designed watch otherwise! I don't rotate/use my bezels enough for it to really be a deal breaker for me .... But I wish they hadn't made that mistake.

[@MichaelV89]

As per watching other channels that is a homage of an old tudor model and not a Pelagos, Sam Martin have the tudor pelagos homage with matte finishing.

[@BJester91]

As someone with large wrists, I would love to see a 42mm version.

[@anonanon9440]

They changed the bezel to one with 24 hour markers a couple of days ago btw

[@kaunas88]

I prefer the bi to unidirectional bezel because it is simply easier to use if the bezel goes both ways. I find the rotating bezel to be very useful for timing things.

[@cantbreakdance2849]

Well if you only need to time to the nearest 2½ minute mark then you're all good with this watch.

[@jonboy8181]

If you’re timing something with the bezel you’ll only be a max off of +/~ 1:25 seconds. That’s close enough for me when timing chicken on the grill! Haha but I see your point. V2 I’m sure will address this.

[@Klunker1]

What percentage. of people use that bezel feature? Not a deal breaker to me.

[@moisesrosario7083]

Really who times something with their watch. If I need to time something I'll use a gshock.

[@waynesellers4078]

Make both sets of numbers on the bezel turn and make it a 120 click and it would have been fine.

[@1SaG]

I see another problem with this one... same as on my SM 0109 GMT which also has an NH34: The GMT-hand never hits the markers properly. Visible on this example in the shots where the watch is showing roughly 10 to 7 minutes to 0200/1400 hrs, but the GMT-hand is sitting bang on the 11oc position on the bezel-insert. It should be just a hair off that marker in this situation. My example will also do this and not in a consistent way, meaning the GMT hand will always deviate, but not by the same margin at any given time. From around 8 or 9 to about 12 on the dial, the deviation is less pronounced, but the hand will always be "fast" in relation to what the main hand-set is displaying. I took it to a local watch-maker and he suspected that it's "sloppiness" in the movement itself, rather than faulty application of the hand-set on SM's part. He said that he thought he could reset those hands all day long and it would probably never line up properly. I've seen other NH34-equipped GMT-watches on YT where the hands do line up perfectly, so I guess this might be either bad QC on the part of Seiko or a built-in flaw that only affects a certain percentage of NH34s. It's not a huge deal for me, but it's one of those things you can't unsee once you've spotted them... :)

[@monologic4806]

Thanks , great video

[@MarkM58]

Truth be said, how many people really use the timing bezel anyway? My OCD requires for the bezel and indices be lined up. LOL

[@aworminmybook8234]

Everday lol! Try it when cooking, laundry, etc

[@BetamaxBabe]

That bezel would annoy me, but all they would have to do is switch the scales of the inner and outer bezels to fix it. Fortunately, SM just released another original(?) GMT that not only comes correct but also looks good.

[@zachg9065]

Yeah that timing bezel needs to be 120 click, not sure why they want with a GMT bezel that has a 1 hour scale.

[@roybrolsbeak]

its funny, now they changed the bezel it doesnt look as good anymore. the bezel in this video is nicely done

[@MeriBadger]

love it, want the brushed steel bezel version but would prefer it with a 4 o'clock crowm... wish the inner / outer bezel were reversed or 120 click bi or uni directional

[@ScottAlanAnderson]

Yep. That bezel sticks out like a sore thumb. I noticed it immediately. With the other GMT options out there right now, including the SN0116 that San Martin just introduced, this one just doesn't rate. I've been waiting for some more creative GMT's to come out, and San Martin really did a great job with the SN0116. But, I wound up purchasing the new Islander Calabro instead.

[@fdloop]

The besel is fabulous. 24 clicks is what is needs

[@johndesmond1987]

I suspect San Martin pays attention to reviews and will correct this mistake quickly. I'm looking to buy one once it is corrected.

[@dxace1]

Has San Martin changed the bezel issue?

[@mikewikstrom9506]

with you on the bezel. don't care about uni- or bi-derectional, and prefer a dive-time on gmt like your example, but 60 or 120 clicks is a must. fix that and i'm all in.

[@unaibb]

I don´t mind the minute scale, but really it´s a very big mistake. I´d like to have more colour options too, like a white, silver, cooper, light blue...

[@Jerm2512]

If they put a countdown bezel on it, that would be even better...and make it all the more unique

[@nicholaskoh9046]

Is the bracelet sharp or comfy just like tudors one?

[@khackett7]

Is San Martin good for the watch industry? Because this is gettin kinda crazy.

[@flyingrocket3879]

That’s still a great looking piece

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

Oops - San Martin

[@lukewalker1051]

My take is...the overall aesthetic and value of this watch trumps your GMT bezel concern but I am not a GMT purist and in fact don't like that complication. All said, to me, the biggest short coming of this watch is its size. For your 7.5 inch wrist is looks undersized and too dainty for sports watch. Even though I have 7 inch wrist or so, I wouldn't wear it. 38mm watches are fine that are all dial like many chrono's for example but for a dive watch I prefer 40-42mm and mostly what I own.

[@pavo45]

The bezel issue now identifed, for me makes this watch not fit for purpose, but if San Martin were to address this issue I would go for this otherwise beautiful example!

[@jroobz]

This looks so nice but the bezel is a complete deal breaker

[@edotedy]

Fatal flaw, fix the bezel pls San Martin because this is the first watch from them that Id like to buy! Great design. Would also be great if they can get a miyota 9075 on this

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

I like the dive bezel 24hr gmt scale combo. Hate the hour hand. Which means I'll have to pass and move on to a different San Martin gmt.

[@Robespierres_Ghost]

Oh 24hr click is weird. 60 or 120 for the gen 2 i assume.

[@geoffy8245]

24 he clicks is meant for gmt/world time. The easier fix is to change the bezel for those functions. The cases would’ve been machined already so 24 clicks is hard baked in this version. I prefer 24 clicks as I prefer tracking more time zones rather than needing a timer.

[@OFD]

Cool watch. 120 click bezel will fix the issue. Thanks for sharing Dave!!

[@JusttheWatch]

Yeah, I hope they fix it in future version, but now I really want to see that 24 click bezel used on an actual GMT bezel from them!

[@shaunmclaughlin5167]

@@JusttheWatchin a way, “mistakes” like this are part of the charm of Chinese brands like San Martin. If it were a 60 click bezel I’d understand, but 24 click is just a bit too silly. For me though, the colourful SN0116 was the easy pick.

[@jumpinspider6489]

At 45mm (or above) THE perfect watch for me ...

[@irvhara5683]

Whether I use the timing scale on the bezel or not it will be in the back of my mind that San Martin made a mistake or took a short cut in constructing the watch. Call it what you will, the watch has this flaw and I would not want a watch in my collection that is compromised in this way.

[@SubCapt]

Ouch. Someone forgot the "form follows function" rule of good design... Could it be that the designer of the first version of the Tactical Frog Doxa 300 homage now works for San Martin ? 🤔🤭

[@scottgordon6740]

Interesting look but after buying a few different GMT's, I have come to the conclusion that a GMT watch without a rotating 24 hour scale (internal or external) is not that useful to me. I want to be able to set the 4th hand to GMT and then be able to track a different time zone by just rotating the bezel. With this configuration, you would have to stop the movement and reset for every different time zone you would want to track. Nice try though.