Was I Wrong About The San Martin SN021-G?? Well...

[@user-yo3gj2tq6n]

Great review Aviv, very well balanced. Yours is one of the few channels I know I can trust to deliver an actual honest review even when you get the watch for free from the company. Keep it up!

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Thank you very much, it means a lot!

[@watch-box]

Looks no better than the Matic new explorers, and they are half this price! I know Matic is a sister company of Phylida (I originally typed Parnis by mistake), but I’ve never had an issue with their watches.

[@markgrieves1307]

Thank you for that. I'd never heard of the Matic. The dial looks far better as does the movement and price.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I personally don't mind a ghost position... I would love to take a look at the Matic Explorer homage at some point. And I think they are indeed affiliated with Phylida

[@watch-box]

My bad it is Phylida not Parnis Ive changed the original message so as not to confuse others.

[@realestwatchreviews]

There should be 2 versions of this 36mm. One with this case profile, applied indices and flat crystal (if possible I would like a lacquered deep black dial) A second vintage one with slimmer lugs and smaller bezel with this printed dial and domed crystal.

[@finesse49]

I was going to buy this but already had a 1016 homage with a printed dial. When the San Martin with the applied indices and revised case design came out I got one of those as a dressier option. I'm impressed by the fit and finish and the PT5000 is one of my most accurate movements.

[@ramspencer5492]

my problem with it is that it doesn't have applied indices, but doesn't look like a vintage watch from when they we're only printed

[@chrisr8112]

Just taken delivery of my bliger 39mm explorer homage. At £70 it’s an absolute steal, nh35, sapphire Crystal and a decent glide lock esque clasp. It sings elegance…

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Might have to take a look at one of those some day!

[@Trex100]

Good review. I don’t mind the modern case shape and honestly I think the hex logo looks good with the white lume. It would be great with applied indices and arabics, but that is not a deal breaker. It really looks great on your wrist. I agree that the handset could be better. Would it be too unorthodox to use a snowflake hour hand? I think it is a very nice piece.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

It is a very nice piece! With some refinements it could be even better 😊

[@stefbacum4454]

Fair point on the lugs being thick and the bezel as well. I would add a 10% increase in size of numerals and hands.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Thanks for watching!

[@igorR061]

I kinda like the bezel but agree about the numbers that could be a bit bigger and do something about the lugs, some Seiko 5 have better proportions.

[@markgrieves1307]

I think that you are correct in your observations Aviv. The crown size and bezel width are issues. I don't like the dial. As you said the hands need to be beefed up, so do the numerals and indeces need to be made bolder. The logo would look much better in cursive script. Plain script just detracts from what could be a classy watch. I hate the hexagonal logo anyway, and they do seem to be having a branding and identity crisis (I'm not the first to see this) by displaying the name in so many different ways. There's nothing text, script, or logo-wise that stands out to say it's a San Martin like many other brands have (think Mercedes Benz for example). Which one will it be this week it seems to be. Lastly the price. Ouch. Still, I bought a Benyar 'explorer,' a big mistake. Great video Aviv. 👍🙏

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Thanks for watching Mark! I didn't talk about the price in my review bit I feel that it is a fair price for what you get.

[@markgrieves1307]

@@MyAffordableWatchCollection You could well be right Aviv. I think that we maybe are just used to underpaying Chinese manufacturers. I compared my Steeldive Willard to the San Martin Willard though and saw not a massive difference in the quality of the case, back and glass (same movement) so what extra are San Martin giving to the customer? The price rise doesn't seem to be incremental although that is happening across all brands (except Corgeut?). Some of the newer SM models don't seem to be comparative with the older ones, they just have a hefty increase that's happened recently. Mostly we get more than value for money, so perhaps San Martin are just leveling things out a bit, which validates your point of view. I'd have to think twice if I could get the same model by another good manufacturer though. Just not the Benyar explorer in coated alloy and not calibrated. I do go on so. Sorry. No need to reply. 👍🙏

[@eliakuiper4266]

Nice balanced review. I too would like slimmer lugs, but the bezel is fine by me. The hands could always be more legible for my eyes. I'd prefer to pay about $250 as well.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

When it's on sale and if you use the discount code, the PT5000 version should cost you something around $250.

[@ThemysteriousMrP]

I love mine and I reckon the hexagon logo is by far the best version. Beautiful little thing and very well made. Reckon it’s a very good homage

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

That's great, enjoy it!

[@chinaman1]

This watch comes across like a franken watch. Like San Martin had some attached parts, and then put them together to give you this model.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Hmmm... Not sure about it being a Frankenstein watch, but not all parts fit for sure.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Honestly I dont mind this at all. I would however opt for the NH35 variant as $400 for one is a bit steep... That bracelet is fantastic! Awesome review as always Aviv!

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I wish they'd make an NH35 version of this one and make it cheaper.

[@BryanCheong]

The movement looks really smooth, and that accuracy is impressive.

[@thewatchfemme4051]

Although I do wish my Alpha Explorer had 10ATM instead of 5, and I worry about the longevity of the Seagull movement, this San Martin doesn’t totally nail it. I prefer slimmer lugs also, and the printed dial just doesn’t hit my eye right. Thank you for the review!

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Thanks for watching, I love my Alpha Explorer too 😊

[@watchmebuildit]

This was a great view Aviv. You won me over and I’ve subscribed

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I'm glad to hear that, welcome aboard!

[@Omil7750]

Honest and knowledgeable watch guy, spot on the details and aesthetics of this watch. Thanks for sharing

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words 😊

[@markstanton63]

I went for the printed hex logo .... agree that the applied logo looked out of place on that printed dial. It's a really nice homage ......and I especially like the smaller case size. I recently received a Borealis Adraga V2 (blue fumed dial - no date) .... Absolutely beautiful, but obviously much more expensive ..... and not always available.

[@dunderhay9169]

Great, fair review 👍 . I have to agree, when San Martin made the 39 vintage style one, I thought why not make a new style 36, but when they made it, the proportions just look odd to me, and I must say, I now prefer the 39.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I honestly don't know which one I prefer out of the two, might have to "explore" new directions 😅

[@FouseQuentin]

Yeah I got you, the proportions on the 39 seems more balanced and it's got the domed crystal. But I don't like the fauxtina and the logo. In the end we need a V2 for both of them.

[@cedarcanoe]

Price clearly is too high. Certainly if you compare it to a Smiths prs25.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I'm not sure about that. You do get a lot for that money. I think the pricing is fair. Maybe they could make a cheaper version with an NH35 movement.

[@cedarcanoe]

@@MyAffordableWatchCollection I will explain. For 200 euro I allows printed-on markers, for 300 euro I expect applied markers. Also the fact that there are 3 (three!) different logos on the watch (crown, dial, caseback) is not really fantastic.

[@eugenevedensky6071]

Bezel + lugs + crown make it look boxy...in fact, this is the homage that pushed me to actually getting the new Explorer. I realized nothing would scratch the itch if even San Martin couldn't nail the proportions.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Wish I could get the real thing and not have to settle for homages 😅

[@eugenevedensky6071]

@@MyAffordableWatchCollection I can hardly believe I own it. Chop it up to not having kids to worry about. In terms of feel, I still think the Alpha homage is the closet to the feel of the 36mm version.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Same here 😌

[@davidbarclay3651]

I have the Tudor version with the printed oxigon logo. Better case and hand set. The logo looks like a Tudor rose.

[@davidcoleman2796]

I have the vintage diver and like it . I am thinking of getting this one . I do think it is the best .

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Quality-wize it is hard to beat!

[@davidcoleman2796]

@@MyAffordableWatchCollection what about the Bliger ? I am still on the fence on it . All the reviews have been ok . It is a lot cheaper but the finishing is just not as good . It comes with a few different movements. I would go for the NH35 .

[@rickhoevenaars7833]

I’m curious as to why the watch is running backwards at the 14:37 mark?

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

The magic of video editing 😁

[@boldmeregarden637]

I think its the chinese movement losing 60 seconds a minute in that particular position

[@igorR061]

Nice review! If this one had applied markers probably I would buy it, agree with your opinios about proportions on the lugs and crown, but I like the flat crystal. I`m thinking about getting their new 37mm Miyota costing half the price.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I didn't see that one. Will have to look it up. Thanks for watching Igor!

[@richardvacanti4265]

And I’m starting not to like the pt5000 because of how hard it is to wind. The Nh36 is so much smoother to wind up. And the sw200 is to expensive. Give me a miyota 9015.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I don't find it hard to wind. Sure it's stiffer than others, but I wouldn't say it's hard to wind. All movements in the affordable range have their... quirks...

[@johnmuthan286]

I totally agree with your points. Applied indices and logo. Bezel is too big for my likings Something wrong with those lugs but can not say what, maybe they are slightly too large. Crown is too big. Was waiting for their issues of the 37mm Now I will get their 39mm in vintage style and get the matic version in 36mm with applied indexes which seems better than this version

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I might just do the same! Thanks for watching John 😊

[@SD-wg3xo]

Have you considered getting in a Smiths Everest in for review? As homages go, it's a great tribute to the Explorer and yet has enough unique DNA to be a great watch in its own right

[@dannyg6592]

Great review and I agree with you. The proportions of the 36mm do not seem right to me. I prefer the way the 39mm Explorer homage looks visually so I ordered the 39mm version during the 11/11 sale and am looking forward to receiving it.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Let me know how you like it when you get it! I might want to pick one of these up too 🙂

[@dannyg6592]

@@MyAffordableWatchCollection will do!

[@dannyg6592]

@@MyAffordableWatchCollection I received the 39mm version and it is a very good watch. The proportions work well and I measured the case at 38.3mm. The boxed domed crystal is impressive. The fautina lume gives the dial a vintage 1016 feel. Still, I think it would have been better as a 36mm. I may get a Smiths Everest next.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

@@dannyg6592 Thanks for thee update! Enjoy your new watch 😊 The Smith's looks like a great watch but seems to be hard to get your hands on for a normal price. I heard some horror stories about their customer service too...

[@watchalot919]

I own one with the subby style dial. I chose it because it means it isn't a direct homage. I would have liked applied indices, other than that it is quite faultless. I just did a review on the SN026G, which I believe is there best ever watch, and totally unique. Good review

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I'll be sure to check your review out 👌🏻

[@jamesmason4420]

I bought the 39 fontina during the Aliexpress 11:11… bracelet was great… loved the double dome crystal as I enjoyed the distortion of the indices… I returned the watch for two reasons I could t get over… The ring on the case back was so sharp it was shaving the hair from my wrist… the lugs were too long for the female end links, which exposed the razor sharp lug ends… I mean razor sharp! Otherwise was very happy with the Explorer homage option!

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Oh no, that's not a very nice experience 😅

[@DennisBible]

Have you seen the newly released SN021-B with a thinner bezel and applied indices? I would like to hear what you think about that one.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I don't even know where to begin 😂 I'm sure it's a great watch in terms of build quality and value for money, but I just don't like the design. I feel like they missed again...

[@DennisBible]

@My Affordable Watch Collection I would agree about the blue dialed one, but I think the black looks pretty good. They fixed the proportions and it has applied indices. It's not perfect but definitely better than the first version.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

@@DennisBible I think it would have looked much better if they used the modern Explorer style 369. The one they made is neither here or there...

[@kentonkwok7481]

I really like the new design. Thinner bezel, lugs, and crown. Its going for a more classic look, so the old round style indices look great. Im glad i didnt buy the v1 37 explorer.

[@hakki368]

Check out Timefactors Smiths Everest PRS-25.

[@AlexanderB.]

For me there is no ideal version in terms of the branding. I think that block capital font of the logo is just too large and written in an uninspired font. And I can comprehend your criticism of an applied logo on an otherwise fully printed dial. For me the least offensive option on this particular watch is the hexagon logo in the printed version.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Like you said, there's no ideal version. Each one seems a bit off... Thanks for watching 😊

[@pol5561]

I agree all the way Aviv,i dont like the printed dial and those thin hands, overall is a good watch for what you paid off. If you have the time take a look on those Citizens AW1620-13X - NJ0100-38X and share your opinion,thanks😃😄

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I didn't know the AW1620 so I looked it up - it looks amazing! And the NJ0100 is definitely on my wish list! Thanks for the tip!

[@FouseQuentin]

I've got one but with hex logo and limited dial (sub like). I can't stop wearing it. I'd love it even more with smaller bezel a dome sapphire with applied indices.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

It's a great watch to wear 💯

[@FouseQuentin]

@@MyAffordableWatchCollection yes the short lug to lug and female endlinks really make it wear great.

[@scriner11]

It was an honest review, well done!! I am the opposite on the name on it myself, and prefer the logo, as to me the words are just straight and flat, but if you like it that way, that's all that matters. Enjoy wearing it!

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Thank you Chris! Different strokes for different folks as they say 😊

[@jackochainsaw]

I'm going to be mean on this one and say it looks incredibly sterile (which might be great for some but is a bit of a nope for me). I bet it is nice and comfortable though. They need to spend a bit more time on the dial. Comparing to the 39mm, I agree with you.

[@scollyutube]

It is simply too expensive for what it is. Compared to their 41mm Sub homage, same movement and nothing else included. I agree also, that the bezel is disproportionate and too thick.

[@Mountain_dude_]

Yo does a watch with both the analog and digital function drain battery faster then a watch with only digital?

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Not necessarily, some of them have larger capacity batteries and some have two different batteries for each element

[@Mountain_dude_]

@@MyAffordableWatchCollection thanks a lot :D

[@riverfishing2051]

great review. I looked long and hard at the San Martin Explorer homage offerings ... but the logos are just flat out horrible. Love the specs, but there is a fundamental flaw in the design of their logos. Even the scale is not right.

[@lowersaxon]

Well, yes , design isnt that persuasive.

[@mjf2377]

Some how I realy prefer the Alpha Explorer. This San Martin looks so bland and in some way off to me. For this price i'll stick with a good old Hamilton...😁👍

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I love my Alpha Explorer 👌🏻

[@Leventgursoy11]

Too expensive for a chinese watch. Smiths is the best alternative for 1016

[@richardvacanti4265]

2 things. Absolutely shame on SanMartin for there new Packaging. Just a bad choice. You might ask why. Well when you got all the plastic floating around in the ocean killing the wild life and SanMartin does the most irresponsible thing you could do and makes your new packaging all plastic are you kidding me. Should have done what pagani design did. They made a deluxe watch box for there more expensive models. SanMartin Should have made a very nice deluxe watch box for all there watches.

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

I see your point and I do care about these things too (one of my favorite watches in my collection is a Triwa made from recycled plastic recovered from the ocean). However I don't think people will throw these away, and the worst case is that the box will gather dust in some closet...

[@jbb483]

The dial should be a deeper black. The crown is too big ( deep ). All of the San Martin logos are all hideous and the San Martin name itself is just cheap and cheesy as is all that ridiculous, wasteful packaging. The yellow printed indices on the 39 mm made much more sense. 20mm lugs is perfect and should be standard. The caseback is perfect; clean understated and proportional. Just make a 1/1 of the vintage explorer! Why is that so hard?

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍🏻

[@donkykon2094]

get a second jaaaaarb, drive uber, sell a kidney, i'm sure soon you can afford the real McCoy

[@MyAffordableWatchCollection]

My kids require food, clothes and education, that seems to be in the way 😂

[@tmt7912]

China movt is bad.price too high than others