My first SM was about four years ago when I bought a 52 MAS homage. At the time it was the best automatic watch I had ever owned, and was blown away by the quality, although the bezel action was poor. I have had several since, including a very nice square non homage watch with a striking blue dial. Unfortunately because of the shape it wore far larger than the dimensions indicated, so it got sold. I also owned a 36mm quartz watch which was almost faultless, but boring, so that went as well. Up until recently I had a GMT Master homage, but it was too much of a homage (if you know what I mean) and the Cyclops was crooked. I now own the vintage diver 38mm with the burnt orange dial. I bought a very good used one for a good price, and to be honest it's excellent. The dimensions and finish are terrific, and the YN55 movement is incredibly accurate. It is my belief that they need a sub brand for their watches that aren't homages, in order they can attract larger customer base.
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So How Good Are San Martin
CallMeSir
1 - 20 of 24 Posts
Joined
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268 Posts
My first SM was about four years ago when I bought a 52 MAS homage. At the time it was the best automatic watch I had ever owned, and was blown away by the quality, although the bezel action was poor. I have had several since, including a very nice square non homage watch with a striking blue dial. Unfortunately because of the shape it wore far larger than the dimensions indicated, so it got sold. I also owned a 36mm quartz watch which was almost faultless, but boring, so that went as well. Up until recently I had a GMT Master homage, but it was too much of a homage (if you know what I mean) and the Cyclops was crooked. I now own the vintage diver 38mm with the burnt orange dial. I bought a very good used one for a good price, and to be honest it's excellent. The dimensions and finish are terrific, and the YN55 movement is incredibly accurate. It is my belief that they need a sub brand for their watches that aren't homages, in order they can attract larger customer base.
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3,110 Posts
Looks like they are moving the whole brand towards more original designs.
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179 Posts
I have that same watch but with the black dial. Build and look are excellent on this model. However, my stupid bezel is about 1/2 second misaligned. Maybe they had Seiko install it.
Their customer service sucks though. I tried sending it back because of the bezel, and they said it was within "specs". I might try and remove it and reinstall because it bothers me.
Their customer service sucks though. I tried sending it back because of the bezel, and they said it was within "specs". I might try and remove it and reinstall because it bothers me.
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11,547 Posts
Yup! I think I recall the Brand Owner Posting as such early this year.
I don't feel that is all to necessary - SM built a brand off of homage watches demonstrating good build quality at a good price. At the same time, they used the platform they were creating to demonstrate design differences and tweaks that they were adding to some of the watches. They have now built enough brand recognition and capital to move away from homages as the Bread-and-Butter and focus on their own designs which is what they started doing this year. Time will tell how popular those original designs turn out to be, but so far, their business case appears to be working for them.
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121 Posts
Never owned one but considering it.
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350 Posts
Own several, they never disappoint.
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2,952 Posts
We’re thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying our watches.
We’re always striving to improve our products and your feedback is invaluable.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thanks again for your support!
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268 Posts
I would love to see the more original designs with PT5000 or Miyota 9015 movements inside, no more than 38mm.
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20,633 Posts
I have never been disappointed with SM quality, and comparing a Tudor BB36 directly with a SM 36mm Exp I copy design, quality is way closer than it has any right to be.
Been consistently satisfied with better quality than I thought I was paying for.
Been consistently satisfied with better quality than I thought I was paying for.
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1,335 Posts
Own 17, none have disappointed, quite the contrary. Some surprised me how good they are!
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268 Posts
I also own a BB36, and the case finishing on SM watches as well as other Chinese made watches such as Axios and Second Hour are equally as good in my opinion. Because of the massive price difference many people would tell us we don't know what we are talking about, but I have been an enthusiast for many years and believe I know what I am talking about
I have one and a Tudor. Obviously the tudor is superior in every aspect. Even though I prefer the bezel action on the SM. But since a OEM Tudor NATO is more expensive then a SM watch I strongly doubt I’ll ever spent Tudor money on a watch again
Combine that with being completely carefree about wearing a 250e watch and their focus on own designs and, hopefully, more ‘improved homages* I will very likely be returning customer
*homages with diff specs like size, color, material, micro adjust, added GMT functionality etc. Not just one-on-one copies with a diff logo
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Combine that with being completely carefree about wearing a 250e watch and their focus on own designs and, hopefully, more ‘improved homages* I will very likely be returning customer
*homages with diff specs like size, color, material, micro adjust, added GMT functionality etc. Not just one-on-one copies with a diff logo
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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6,058 Posts
More than happy with the 22 I've got 
I would say the quality is getting even better with the new releases too.
I would say the quality is getting even better with the new releases too.
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2,158 Posts
Recently got the Watchdives x San Martin Milsub SN004 (no crown guards and no date). It appeals because it's not a blatant 5517 knock-off, rather an amalgam of the 6538, 5517 and 124060. TBH I'm amazed at the specs and the overall build quality. I don't know how they do it for the money. I'm very picky, and even I cannot find anything to even remotely critisize and plenty to genuinely applaud. I even like the hex logo...
Raises some very awkward questions about how much we're spending on branding or just to have 'Swiss Made' on the dial.
I wish them continued success, richly deserved.
Raises some very awkward questions about how much we're spending on branding or just to have 'Swiss Made' on the dial.
I wish them continued success, richly deserved.
Joined
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48 Posts
I am wearing watchdives x san martin sn0121. It’s incredible what we can get at this price point nowadays.
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