Why I REGRET Buying This “Black Bay Pro” Homage! | San Martin NH34 Review

[@londonerwatches]

Hey all - thought I’d give you my thoughts 7 months after uploading this video! Do I still think the watch is a copy? Of course. Is it a great watch though? Yes, it definitely is. For all the reasons I stated in the video. Reading all of your comments has been really interesting - I appreciate everyone who has given their thoughts. To be honest, my opinion on has mellowed slightly - wear what you want, enjoy what you wear, and of course wear in good health. I have to say that San Martin have brought out some unbelievably cool watches recently - the SN0116-V5 is a personal favourite. They’re growing, and I’ve noticed an uptick in their activity re creating original designs. Fair play to them. I really want to purchase another watch from them….not sure if they like me very much tho 😳 I’m not really sure if I’m making any sense at all - but just thought I’d share my thoughts with you guys. Despite all of what I’ve just said, I’m going to keep the video up (for the sole reason that it gets me views and comments👀) Thanks!

[@BeatPoet67]

Let's be honest, no one who isn't in to watches has a clue who Tudor are. If you showed them the SM and Tudor side by side they'd likely go "nice watches" and think no more about it. If you think the Tudor will "complete" you then go for it. But we both know, it'll give you a small buzz for a while before you go chasing something else. I know this disease well!

[@londonerwatches]

Interesting point! And yes….this is a deadly disease 🤣

[@philippkitschke5455]

So true… the disease never stops, no matter the price point. At the end you realise its the hunt for the next one u chase not the watch itself

[@edteach3r]

So true. Two years before the Pro was released, I bought a Steinhart Ocean 39 vintage GMT from OLKO as the original Rolex was obviously never going to be within reach. When the Pro was announced, I jumped on the wagon immediately and ordered it from my AD. To make a long story short, the Pro has long since been sold while the Steinie is on my wrist as I type this response.

[@dubester1982]

Very true. I've yet to have the desire for the real thing for any of my San Martins homages, I just can't justify the extra cost, as they both tell the time at the end of the day. I'm perfectly happy with them too, and really don't desire to spend much more. I don't want something that would need an expensive service, swap the movement and on we go down the road. At the end of the day, people don't know the difference, they just don't, and I don't give a hoot about the history personally. I respect folks that do care about it, and get it, you do you. If I like it, I wear it, I don't get much more emotional about it than that.

[@richfeddersen5173]

Interesting thoughts. Each to his own. I like SM and good quality homages. It's like women to me. A Rolex is a costly trophy, an SM is the girl next door you wanna shag. I wonder if this'll get me cancelled?

[@spasev]

The satisfaction of owning a $250 is the same as owning a $5000 watch, granted you worked and earned it by yourself. The only difference is that one company prices their watches reasonably so they are affordable to everybody, while the other one want you to give you false sense of accomplishment by overcharging you for what is essentially a $500 watch. One company spends millions of dollars in marketing to manufacture public opinion, the other one is virtually unknown to the general public. I own both watches and the San Martin is spectacular and its 20 times cheaper, arguably better finished than my Tudor.

[@PaulB__]

100% true.

[@garmin1488]

Couldn't have said it better my self.

[@juanpablosanchezaveleyra6454]

It's all about status

[@alecleamus3280]

I own this watch, because like you you, I fell in love with the Tudor. The difference, though, is that I can afford to buy the Tudor, quite easily. I just wanted to see how I got on with the San Martin first, because, as you say, it’s almost identical. Having worn it, and adding the new on the fly clasp, that I bought in the sale, I can say that I bloody love it. It’s just nuts how great the movement is, running at COSC accuracy. Frankly, the Tudor’s thickness is a no go for me , but more importantly, why on earth would I not keep the San Martin? You do understand the cost of just servicing the Tudor? …not cheap with an in house movement and a GMT function. Now, I wouldn’t ever buy a replica watch. But the San Martin has its own name and logo, not the Tudor logo. It may be close to a replica in many respects, but it simply isn’t one, and it’s perfectly legal to buy. I own a crazy amount of watches, including four Rolex, five Brietling, and four Omega pieces. About a third of these were new, with discounts even on the Rolex in 2015! The rest were all used, but in great condition with papers. The quality of these watches from China is getting better and better. Frankly, if these were available when I bought my luxury watches, I may have gone down a better route. Personally, I’d keep that watch, and save money for another luxury watch, if you want one. You’ll probably learn to enjoy it for what it is, and realise that no one else cares what’s on your wrist.

[@londonerwatches]

Love this comment my friend. It’s great to know that someone who has a fantastic collection still has time for a small brand like SM! A lot of valid points which leaves me something to think about - much appreciated!

[@martinharrison4245]

Got 2 tudors, 2 rados , 2 high end seikos, and a tag heuer. I got this white faced gmt version today , and for £200 it actually questions my sanity in paying 3k for a swiss watch. I actually prefer the san martin to my tudor. Its slimmer and wears better. The fit and finish is close to the tudor, obviously the movement isnt as accurate, but for the money , the san martin is just amazing . And the best thing of all , is not having to think about that expensive servicing that the swiss watch will eventually need. Honestly if i started my watch journey again i would just get a few san martin models and call it a day . The black bay pro is just an homage to the rolex explorer 2 afterall !!!

[@LooptroopRocker]

I enjoy my Tudor black bay 58 and 3 San Martin Tudor homages all the same. Sure, they don’t feel as special since they are copies but offer incredible quality for the money and even improve some aspects of the original models. I love the diversity I get for not a lot of money.

[@j.schaefer5622]

The San Martin is a very well made watch. It keeps good time and will last a few years. Its a fun watch for not much money. After having 2 IWCs, 1 Omega Seamaster, 2 Submariners and 10 other watches including Seikos Certinas Tudors and Microbrands my conclusion is: a watch is just a watch, no matter how much you spend for it.

[@ubergaard]

At the end og the day.. its a Watch. And it works! Having had Omegas and Tudors. Its fantastic the first 2-3 weeks, but after that it’s just a watch like everything else. New iPhone.. new expensive car.. The honeymoon period ends quickly..

[@drdr76]

The way I see it, these companies that charge an outrageous price for their watches--are being taken to town by other capitalist companies that are saying, "Oh yeah, we can make a watch that looks just like yours with high quality materials and movements, at a fraction of what your are charging. You are ripping the consumer off. We are not. We offer a great value."

[@winstonchurchill3597]

If you bought a Tudor it would just be a matter of time before you were wishing it was a Rolex. Just be happy with the San Martin and know if it breaks you can buy another one for way less than even having a Tudor serviced.

[@nbcuni]

Lol not true at all. People love Tudor.

[@danonthestrings]

In my eyes, San Martin like most other “micro brands” so to speak, their business model is make great quality homages that people will appreciate, gain reputation withing the watch community, to then at some point be able to fund the production of their own designs. It’s much easier to sell an already established design but made affordable, than an original design at the same exact price.

[@nex.ph90s]

My first San Martin Watch is SN008 (BB58 Homage). I really like the build quality of the watch and also the green leather circular case that comes with it. I know for a fact that it's a homage but I am happy because I felt that the money that I have spent (USD 270) was justified by what I bought. I guess its up to you on how you will appreciate it.

[@drewsykes8152]

I’ve got this watch and couldn’t be happier with it. Amazing quality for the price, comfortable, well proportioned and 95% of people don’t care or perceive any difference between it and the Tudor whilst I love not having to worry about knocking it about a bit or it getting stolen. Makes my life easier and leaves me more money to invest and spend on experiences that matter more than any material asset. Luxury watches just are not worth it unless you value the opinion of the few that give a ****.

[@stevenwillis3839]

Personally I think the whole point of the homage watch is to be a placeholder for the actual watch. If you can’t get the actual watch for some reason or you’re on a wait list or something, I see no issue with getting a good quality. I’d certainly prefer people to get an homage then get a counterfeit.

[@londonerwatches]

Thanks for your thoughts! I certainly agree with the sentiment 👏

[@johnp6142]

End of the day it's just a watch. Imagine damaging a 4k, 10k, 20k watch? I'd be paranoid. Rather wear a £200 high quality homage like this.

[@michaelkaldani5141]

EXACTLY!

[@blackhawk5950]

"homages" are not new, they have always existed: all watches during the 50s and 60s were "the same" and nobody cared. The SM is an homage of the BB pro but is not the BB pro an homage of the Rolex Explorer? Personally I like homages but not replicas

[@Daniel-y5p6w]

Exactly!! People seem to forget that Tudor was initially often called "The poor man's Rolex" -not to say that it is- but most Tudor designs were homaging Rolex designs like This model which was inspired by Rolex explorer ll. So, when speaking of originality you should first know what Tudor was all about first cuz definitely they were homaging Rolex in the first place 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@TheRudeboyrebel]

Some would say buying a Tudor is for people who couldn't wait for a Rolex and wanted the next best thing? I personally love the Tudors but can't bring myself to buy one knowing the money involved, and it's so close to Rolex. Weird. I know.

[@AlbertoMerelo]

The Tudor version is also a Homage, at least the shape/design. Even the Rolex submariner is possibly a "copy" or homage of the Squale Blancpain, as they claim they came out with that design before Rolex did. My point is that at the end of the day is all about the brand, we perceive a Swiss brand better than an Asian one. And we want to show off, basiclally. But is a fact all brands copy each other in a way. Notice that almost every single brand has their own Diver watch... And all of them look pretty much the same.

[@JohnH-zq7vm]

It's a good point that gets overlooked

[@mikelboudica5389]

Homage is different from a replica. Homage is valid, replica is a fake and you know is fake but are pretending you have the real thing. I get your point of wearing a stolen design, but if you look closer Tudor is copying the Yathmaster

[@geoffy8245]

the BB pro is a homage of the explorer 2.

[@kabysummit5801]

It’s a perfectly good to great watch. Quality build and fine movement. I wear a homage and two microbrand watches on the regular, and the two fancy ones as desired. Works for me.

[@AndreiLucaa]

It’s all psychological, bro. I respect you putting your journey online, not easy. For me, I have the money to spend on a Tudor, but I just can’t come to terms with the idea of buying overpriced objects 😂 San Martin does it for me.

[@londonerwatches]

@@AndreiLucaa haha got you bro I will say this San Martin have definitely stepped their game up recently - some of their new designs are class!

[@darrenfry4695]

Yes i agree saving up to get a grail watch is something to be admired, i done the saving up etc and i got a rolex sub, but ive also got a few san martin watches and im blown away with what you get for the money and i felt a bit down hearted with all my saving up for age and ages just to find a watch thats so like it, for me san martin watches do more than scratch a itch theyre pucka watches fall stop ,start loving your watch again bro. Youll love it just like you will a tudor when you buy one and you will end up pulling the trigger on a swiss made watch so good luck with your collection in the future bro.

[@snowrabbit9558]

It’s a epic watch now on sale! From Saint Martin! I’m buying 😍 I don’t care about branding! Saint quality speaks for themselves

[@londonerwatches]

Buy it bro. Actually I saw that they recently posted a photo of one of their new models on instagram. Looks insane. Red dial. I love it

[@garylangford6755]

Hahaha imagine working all those hours and saving all that money to donate it to a Tudor 😂. I rather give San Martin a days salary

[@londonerwatches]

@@garylangford6755 fair point Gary!

[@grahamyoung622]

Thanks for your review. Great watch for the money, unfortunately I'll never be able to afford a Tudor - so homage type watches which are well executed and built will just have to suffice on my meagre budget. However, love the Casio on your wrist. I actually have the exact same one (is yours the bluetooth?). I HIGHLY recommend that you check out the GBD200 range, esp. the lime green one. The advertising photos on websites selling these do not do this beauty justice.

[@janreeves5443]

I hope everyone realizes that this San Martin watch is an homage of another HOMAGE. The Tudor bb pro is an homage of the Rolex Explorer II.

[@londonerwatches]

Very good point!

[@donmarciano1981]

Tudor is a part of Rolex company I think...

[@K.J.H_]

I much prefer the "homage" watches that dont obviously 1 for 1 copy the original. This BB Pro one for example, i wish they say did milsub hands with a triangle pointer gmt hand in red. Would be a bit bb pro, a bit of the 2 older explorer II's and some mil sub. Would love that sort of thing. I have a pagani design that puts a steel blue coloured sub layout dial in a case similar to a 39mm explorer 1 and its just different enough to be its own thing. No one ever thinks its something it's not and it's a great looking affordable watch that runs within cosc. Plus i dont fret about wearing it anywhere.

[@petervernelen6784]

I like and appreciate a good homage which are in my opinion very different from a fake/replica I just buy a certain design I like and it happens to be dive style let's face it these types of watches look similar from most brands, quality and specifications are just more important to me than the brand name thx for the video.

[@goldfools5445]

I have a few SanMartin watches. Mostly homage some original “ish” I just appreciate the quality and the feel of the watches. Gives me a chance to wear watches I either can’t afford or can’t justify the price. I fully get the history and horological significance of some brands and watches. I have a couple of vintage watches with that history. I just don’t enjoy the lesser quality in comparison to modern watches. Great review. I will subscribe to your channel.

[@londonerwatches]

Many thanks for your comment - I definitely see your point of wearing watches which one cannot afford. It gives people an opportunity to enter the hobby and see how it feels to wear a ‘luxury’ model on their wrist! Also i appreciating you subscribing - pushes me to keep putting content out there. Thank you!

[@aintnoshookone]

This is a bit of a dumb take. You clearly don't have a problem with the watch. You have a problem with homages. Judge it for what it is

[@londonerwatches]

What’s your opinion on homages?

[@aintnoshookone]

@londonerwatches I have bought a few high-end pieces in the past, which I loved initially, but after a few months, I ended up selling because I'm now lukewarm about their style. I think homages can be a great way to try the style before you commit.

[@BassJournal]

Lol the issue is it is the same watch at a cheaper price. Some people need to pay the full amount to feel satisfied I guess.

[@waltwearswatches3056]

It’s a solid enough watch (I own one), and it is cheaper than the Black Bay Pro, but it is not “the same watch”. Movement, finishing, quality of materials, heritage, are all superior with the Tudor, and the workers at Tudor are paid appropriately and have workplace benefits and protections (unlike the Chinese workers). Now we can argue whether all those differences justify the Tudor’s price, but nothing is gained by falsely stating the San Martin and the Tudor are the same. They’re not.

[@andrebann1620]

Not being a big head myself but I own 3 Rolex watches and have been scared to wear them noticeably outdoors… now I have multiple San Martin’s, Cronos and Octopus watches I switch them day to day and enjoy them even more and don’t have a fear of losing a few hundred quid as opposed to tens of thousands

[@ArtoftheDial]

BB Pro looks an awful lot like the Explorer II about as much as the SM looks like an BB Pro. The San Martin costs less to buy outright than to simply service a BB Pro and with the Seiko movement in there, it might last as long before needing a service. I love Tudor as a brand but this (unlike a BB58) isn't one I think is worth the price and therefore think SM is a better value. If the Tudor itself felt like a truly original design - "homage aspect" might have some credibility. I've got one and I like the thinner case and my particular version there is also an adjustable after market clasp option.

[@Daniel-y5p6w]

People seem to forget that Tudor was initially often called "The poor man's Rolex" -not to say that it is- but most Tudor designs were homaging Rolex designs like This model which was inspired by Rolex explorer ll. So, when speaking of originality you should first know what Tudor was all about first cuz definitely they were homaging Rolex in ghe first place 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@londonerwatches]

@@Daniel-y5p6w fair point!

[@Harudes]

I would seem as San Martin are making more and more original designs. I just wish, they would start making some with higher beat movements - Selitta would be great and worth a slight increase in price.

[@londonerwatches]

I’ve noticed that too recently - there has certainly been a shift….I would love to see them be more creative. Now that I think about it, making homages was a great way for them to get their foot in the door of the watch world. But now they need to really elevate….they’re on par with Seiko quality. Perhaps even exceeds Seiko. Agreed. I think Sellita is a great shout!

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

@@londonerwatchesfar exceed Seiko for the price. Their bracelets alone leave Seiko in the dust, not to mention I’m yet to have a San Martin with a misaligned bezel and chapter ring, something which Seiko gets wrong on the regular, and for half the price of a Seiko with Hardlex mineral crystals, you’re getting sapphire on a San Martin.

[@CrocodileJock]

I hear what you’re saying. I personally am lusting after a Rolex Explorer 2, with the polar dial, but honestly not in the financial position to afford one of them anytime soon. I’ve looked at the San Martin homages, and been really impressed with the build quality etc… and I think you get 90% of the watch for 10% of the price… (or less!). But it’s that final 10% that makes the difference isn’t it? I’m still considering getting the homage watch to “scratch that itch” …and maybe I can do some mental gymnastics and use it as a motivation to “spur me on” to achieve… whenever I see it on my wrist I’ll be reminded of my goals… Or maybe I’ll go for something in between - like the Christopher Ward Sealander GMT… an Explorer “inspired” design, but with enough personality of its own not to live totally in the shadow of it’s inspiration… Good video, thank you.

[@stevelufc64]

Very few watches are truly original in design and every manufacturer steals from other manufacturers if it said Tudor on the dial then it would be a knock off it clearly says can Martin in several places.

[@doobeedoo2]

how would you feel knocking about a $5000 - $10,000 watch?

[@marlonwright521]

Putting in all that work to making someone else rich? That's a consumer's mentality.

[@JohnH-zq7vm]

It's a good point made well - I like the honesty

[@roumdesivir]

Are you buying watch because you like it when you see yourself wearing it, or you just want others to see that you are wearing it?

[@londonerwatches]

Both

[@dmks2146]

SMs are kinda fun, and I own a couple myself, but even a 100$ G-shock feels more "real" to me.

[@londonerwatches]

Can’t beat the G-Shock bro. I bought one a few weeks back and it’s already my favourite in my collection

[@redtill1]

It’s a watch …. It tells the time & looks good & is built well…..marketing is brilliant

[@rafaelacosta304]

I understand your point when you say that you’re wearing a replica. When you bought it you know you have a big difference between movements and prolly the dial arrangement looking similar but still noticeable. I own a collection of more than 20 watches Rolex, Omega, Tudor , and Breitling. I will tell you I bought a San Martin Pro because I want something to be reliable and nice looking but When I travel overseas I would like to wear a watch that I can beat it and in case I lost it I won’t regret I have to replace it with a chunk of money to keep the collection on the same status. Wear the watch for what you like it o because is a replica. San Martin movement is a seiko reliable that can stand for years and is decently accurate.

[@londonerwatches]

Very insightful comment - thank you!

[@K_j_M]

I have the Sugess version and love it. My most worn watch. I'd like the Tudor but, I'm just not that emotionally invested in trinkets enough for it to upset me that it's a homage

[@billrhea]

Here is a thought. It looks like a watch to me. Is your point to prove to someone that you are a baller? No one cares. Man save your money. 😊

[@londonerwatches]

No doubt for a lot of people having an expensive watch is a status symbol! Fair point though!

[@billrhea]

@@londonerwatches as you hit your 50’s you’ll start to realize that no one cares. No one will remember you because you had an expensive watch. I really think and this is just my opinion but showing off for others acceptance is why this country is a mess. Look I mean I get it. My favorite watch is my most expensive watch but I didn’t buy it for other I just really like it. Seiko 5 GMT orange. I could have got a homage for $125 but for $450 I’ll get the Seiko. Now when you are talking about a $200 vs $15,000 uhhhh no way. They both tell time. Why would anyone spend that kind of money? 99.9% of people could care less lol. Anyways brother sorry for the rant. I loved your video

[@londonerwatches]

@@billrhea Love that - can't dispute most of what you're saying to be honest! I definitely think that spending a ton of money on a watch won't necessarily result in a greater level of satisfaction. Even when I look at my own collection - I probably get more value from my Casio MTP than I do from the Omega! Also you're right. Most people don't care at all. In fact, the people who care the most are the ones trying to rob you.....much appreciated for your detailed response my friend!

[@clivebarker2317]

Tudor are only copies anyway....... 😉

[@londonerwatches]

Really stirring the pot there Clive 👀🤣

[@alanmckinnon6791]

There's many reasons to buy San Martin and other watch brands, here's 2 that most people can relate to: 1. You absolutely can never afford a Rolex or Tudor, but you like the design 2. You can afford the Tudor but maybe you undecided or you'd need to save up a lot but could do it. Lot of money to drop on a watch so buy the homage first and wear it for a month to see if you really like that style. The trick is to know what category you are in and not think like the other one, And if you don't like the homage after a while, sell it! Good market for them. I have that with the SM 62mas homage - great watch but sits uncomfortable on my wrist as the engraved/etched caseback presses and hurts. I have thin skin - side effect of an operation and meds I now have to take. And the SM is getting sold.

[@vincentteng3591]

Like the BB pro. For me if I have the money I'll get both

[@B2359]

Bingo. That is the reason I won’t buy a San Martin or any ripoff. It will just remind me that I can’t afford the original. San Martin seems to have their QC covered, now they just need to invest more on getting original designs.

[@RichwoodPLAYER]

4:48 is literally a Direnzo 04 ripoff, not their original design. I hope they start being more forthcoming about their inspirations with some of their "original" stuff and actually put in the effort to design something from the ground up

[@mb9472]

Sorry I'm not sure why you have mentioned the Direnzo 04.

[@RicardoValdes-r6w]

Solution to the dilemma Get up and go to work two jobs as I did some 68 hrs per week and you can buy the real thing even if it cost you $10,000 lol !

[@nbcuni]

For about another 150 you should have juat bought a clone rep of the bb

[@londonerwatches]

Good lord

[@nbcuni]

@@londonerwatches I have one San Martin. The simple Black Bay 36 homage. It's nice but it only made me want the actual Tudor. I own a genuine Tudor BB Heritage 41 on leather and love it. All the other San Martin Tudor homages look terrible to me including the one you have. I'll probably never get another sm. Especially not until that awful logo is redesigned.

[@londonerwatches]

@@nbcuni agreed - I think they’re very impressive for the price but I need more originality from them if I’m going to buy another

[@stevei3471]

No personality? This coming from someone who THINKS he is a watch expert and wearing a casio, LMAO!!!!

[@londonerwatches]

Not a watch expert. Just a watch lover 😀

[@princeajaz9167]

Sell it to me......

[@londonerwatches]

You can dm me on instagram: londonerwatches