PROXIMA v SAN MARTIN | WHICH WOULD YOU HAVE?
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- In this video I compare the PROXIMA MM300 homage to the SAN MARTIN MM300 homage.
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Gary
I Like Watches
Proxima, won this one, imho.
To me the PT5000 vs NH35A is not a 1 point difference. 4hz vs 3hz makes for a much smoother sweep and by now the pt5000 is also a well recognised movement.
I also consider the movement when comparing price. If the 50.00 or so price difference is comparing the pt5000 VS the nh35 I would lean toward the pt5000. The smoother sweep is a plus for me
I have had goiod service from the Pt5000s that i own.
I prefer the Proxima Gary. It's monobloc construction reduces the risk of water ingress significantly and IMO it's just a far superior looking piece. Cheers mate.
a casio f91w has enough water resistance for the average watch wearer and it doesnt need a monobloc, screwed back and glued crystal!
For me the proxima is just the far more interesting looking watch. The San Martin just looks like many San Martin watches do. And I do like crystals with bevelled edges. So in spite of the qualities the Sab Martin has, if I had to decide I'd go with the Proxima here no doubt. Nice comparison Gary! 👍
Great minds thinking alike once again mate.
Definitely, you can get the San Martin with the Sellita movement but it's getting very close to Swiss Made watch money, I have a Proxima with SW200 and it's a really solid well made watch. Mine is not the modular version, but everything about it is quality, beautiful bezel action which blows away my more expensive Seikos, and the crown is possibly the best I've ever felt, everything aligns and it keeps excellent time +2-4 seconds per day on wrist and times bang on +/- 0 on the timegrapher. Stunning value for money.
I do not own the San Martin but I do own the Proxima. I love the Proxima. When choosing the watch I looked at both and the look of the Proxima looks a lot better in my eyes. At the time I purchased it, the $50 difference also made a difference as my budget was tighter at the time.
I also believe that offering 3 different movements should have made a bigger difference in the score. Thanks for the video Gary.
Thanks for the comparison Gary. I wore this Proxima yesterday. It's a heavy beast. Wore it for 17 hours. I'd choose the Proxima. Its quite comfortable for is size. The dial and hands are amazing quality. Cheers!
I own all three of these watches which includes the original Seiko 300MM and the Próxima with the PT5000 is the one I wear the most. The accuracy on that movement is amazing. Great video I really enjoyed it. Thank you.
I don't think the San Martin is really a mm300 homage, it's more along the line of the LX line of divers, as the hands, crown, and bezel mimic that more. San Martin use to make the same mm300 monoblock as proxima, it was slightly better, but still cost around what new mm300 cost. The proxima is definitely the better value, it sometimes can be had for less than 150, so like the steeldive range, which is a bargain.
Exactly right Gilberto.....I didn't realize this until someone else pointed that out a few weeks ago.
Even with the SW200 the Proxima is excellent value, there's nothing much between the ones I've seen (if you don't mind the typical wobbly crowns on San Martin) in terms of finish quality but if you want a similar Seiko expect to pay £3,000+ hell on a waffle strap I've seen them exceed £6,000. If you like the Seiko then I think you'll be happier with the Proxima
@@oktc68 the old San martin mm300 was much better than the proxima. The proxima is the best one available now, but the bracelet is it's weakest point, it's where the cost cutting goes, it's very similar to the steel dive bracelet, with a bit better detailing. The heimdallr actually has a slightly better bracelet and similar quality, but cost more, so the proxima is the best value too.
Proxima for me, love the gold hands too!
Gary’s videos are amongst the notifications I like before even watching the video 😁
My proxima arrived today. Couldn't be more pleased. I love the look and feel of quality.
I find any subtle difference to the Seiko as a positive thing, as I am not a fan of direct homages. It's a difficult one, but I would give it to the Proxima for the brown dial and movement
I like the looks of the Proxima.
The proxima is on my list definitely.I really like that coffee coloured dial .
I am actually wearing my SM MM300 (an earlier version than the one you have). I have owned the Merkur, Proxima & San Martin MM300s, the Merkur is the best 1:1 copage with the SM coming next and Proxima last. But all are really good and at $200 it is hard to justify the $3000 for the Seiko.
Thank you for a great comparison Gary 😊👍
The old San Martin version had the best bracelet of all the homages; all the other ones uses the cheaper bracelet that a steeldive would use. I found myself buying almost all the mm300 homages, heimdallr, both San Martin, steeldive, and proxima, and the old San Martin wad the best; proxima being the better one to buy now; as the old San Martin isn't being made anymore. However this new SM is absolutely stunning in green it has a green enamel dial that is just stunning.
I started with the San Martin myself because I saw an amazing value in it and the thicker bezel was eye catching. But, the dial and the higher build of the Proxima out aesthetically performed the San Martin. I use each for separate occasions. San Martin for dressier days and proxima on nato for more casual days. If that makes sense. Thanks for the comparison. I agree with this review.
Great comparison Gary, honestly would be happy with either one of these to be fair. Think I would sway slightly towards the proxima as its a little more affordable.
Gary mate. What a show... I realy might have to get a Proximas.... Its got all the style,the lume and the tingle in the winkle I like. Happy days
Lol….who doesn’t love the tingles!
If X Factor is the deciding point, after two years of hearing the San Martin name as a brand, it just sounds like a vacation resort on an island in the Gulf of Mexico to me. That small thing has caused it to lose some of its appeal.
Cheers and have a good weekend.
Yea, the Proxima is the winner for me. I love the depth of the dial, the uniqueness (is that a word?) of the Proxima case and combined with the more genuine Seiko look is enough to make me pick it.
for me, its clearly the Proxima both great watches I own 2 SM and 1 Proxima the Proxima is just better and cheaper
Because of the standard PT5000 movement and the various options I think I would have weighted Round Three (the movement) more heavily in Proxima's favor (10-8) it is not that the NH35 is bad but this is not an overall rating but a head to head.
On most other categories I'd agree with your rating - however as a result of the movement, mono-block construction (which is different), the build and look being closer to the original, nicer clasp, colorway (which is again different) AND price (which when they are this close DOES make difference to me) I'd go with the Proxima.
I would probably agree except the bracelet on the San Martin is at least 2 points ahead of the Proxima and so is the bezel action!
I've been impressed by Proxima and more recently, Seestern. All the "High Tier" Ali watches present excellent value.
Holy Toledo ;-) Great Video and Comparison Gary. You did it very well and professional.
I bought both watches due to your honest and good reviews and can’t wait to hold them in my hands. Please, keep up the good work…
My San Marin is on the way. This Proxima is very good...but I really don't get the modular case at all. They used to make a perfect monobloc but when I tried to buy one they'd completely fiished making them. Have a look at the Seiko LX Gary, it's, apparently what the San Martin is actually based on....and a slightly different watch, although similar at first glance. I think the LX is as high end as Seiko go before morphing into Grand Seiko. They've called it the MM300 though for some strange reason (and their Sumo the MM200). They did actually use to make a bang on MM300 and Still have a Bronze one on their site I think. I love the Proxima Gilt dials. Lovely. I really wish they still did the nice single piece case. I think Seiko may have taken some companies to court....or threatened to do so. Heimdallr still do a full monobloc which is lovely......but no gilt version. So frustrating.
I really like the Proxima version. There's a great selection of dials for them 👌🏻
I own a Proxima. I think the details on the bezel and dial resemble the mm300 more and since I really like the looks of the real thing I love to wear my Proxima.
The bezel on proxima has a bit less width which allows it look like a bit compact watch. I don't know if it just looks like it, please confirm if you can Gary. I agree with you Gary, if you are buying a homage, it better be a homage not some one's interpretation of a original watch.
I have Proxima and would pick it again. I like blue crystal coating and gold hands.
If they still make it, maybe avoid my version with bronze bezel numbers. Look nice on pictures and for first 2 weeks and later turns so brown it is almost invisible.
Once again an excellent video, and good timing. In the market for a brown watch and think the Proxima may be the one. Keep up the good work Gray. Love the comparison videos.
Proxima all day and that price difference could be put into the many customizations that Proxima will do for the customer and that is key Customer Service Thanks for another great video my friend 👍
Proxima for me. Got the gilt version and will get the green dial PT5000 and the PVD black model too- they are so good. Did have the original but had to sell it. The Proxima text is more classy than the San Martin.
Well honestly I was wanting the Proxima before you finished the video so your reaction does help me a little! Great video!
Both are great watches! You couldn't go wrong with either one but I'd get the Proxima but then I'd get the San Martin. Ha! Seriously though. The Proxima gets the win for me.
Great video.
Cheers!
Outstanding video Gary! There is just something about that Proxima coffee dial that I love. I can't believe I actually purchased a brown dial watch, but I did! Your videos of the Proxima is what persuaded me to do so.
Glad you felt better enough to make this one Gary. Take care and Merry Christmas.
Love my brown dial monobloc Proxima. Great comparison and agree that the Proxima is more akin to the original Seiko MM. Out of interest do the Strapcode replacement bracelets and rubber straps fit the Proxima?
Love the construction of the Proxima. It looks more interesting too. Plus cheaper with arguably a better movement. Sounds like a winner to me.
Great video. I recently went for the san martin and first impressions were great but I have noticed some back play in the bezel and it is even a bit wobbly! I was shocked as my other san martins have had no play. Sadly I noticed it on my bb58 to! Not impressed :( ironically though despite the flaws in them It hasn't put me off and I think they are great watches. Proxima with the steel bezel is on my list.
I already own this San Martin in green whch I bought right after ILW's unboxing - thank you Gary! Likely get a Proxima now after this review, but maybe in Bronze.
To me the San Martin is more LX than MM300 but is better proportioned than either MM300 or LX - thinner so better dial to case size ratio, weight balance is also more even.
What my hope is - San Martin sells a lot of these and makes it a regular in their line up so they can offer a V2, V3.. adding a 3 piece link bracelet (same style) with polished sides and offer it with different movement options like they do with the Rolex and Tudor homages. Ok maybe 1-2 more dail colours.
Proxima is killing it with dial and bezel options and you can even buy a Bronze MM300 with a coffee dial - its drop dead georgous.
How much do you like the green dial version?
@@Shri_V I love it! Its been 2 months and it gets far and away the most wrist time of my 6 or so watches. The blue is the same sunburst dial and bezel colour as my SM Sumo so I am sure that would also be beautiful if you prefer blue. I have 3 blue dial divers...green is a ncie change
@@chrisgravel7157 I'm expecting the green to arrive in a couple of months and was curious about the shade of green used on the dial. Do you mind adding a picture somewhere? I saw a video about it on another channel but I'm not sure whether that shade was due to the camera/lighting or whether it actually looks like that in person.
these videos are more fun than a hollywood movie
Great video Gary. However, your scoring system has always struck me as odd. Why use a scale out of 10 if all the ratings are only 9 or 10? Why not make full use of the rating scale?
Because that's how you score a boxing match; a 10 point must system. He's making them go "12 rounds" like a boxing match.
San Martin for me, the dial seems bigger and there is not all that "Scuba Master Professional" nonsense on it.
Am I dreaming or was there a Proxima mm300 homage review video with the coffee dial I watched on your channel before this comparison? I can't seem to find that anymore?
I like the Proxima better,purely based on looks.I think they both are probably fairly equal in reliability.I am a leftie also,but i wear my watches on the right wrist, makes adjusting on the wrist a little awkward, but the crown never 'digs' in and annoys me.
I like the looks of the Proxima more.
Proxima for me!
A brilliant review with an unexpected out come, I thought you'd favour the SM, BUT that just goes to show etc! They are quite different watches, but both quite exceptional too. However I think for many of us 'watch guys/gells' you've just blown the N+1 to N+2? Keep it up, I'm loving the channels and content, please don't go all 'corporate and serious' on us, that's not why we follow you!
Well, the Proxima is a straight homage to the Marine Master 300, the San Martin is a generalised "bits here, bits there" design. The monobloc case is a major part of the MM300 design.
I don't think you mentioned the dimensions. The Proxima appears to have a 1-2mm smaller diameter, and be significantly thicker.
I would love to own either of these watches and am glad that I don't have to choose which is better here, but I am honestly struck by that Proxima. It is on my list of watches I really want to own. I think my call will be to pick up this Proxima and one of San Martin's other offerings. But I don't know that I could call the Proxima better... just my preference... In Gary's words it gives me more of "the tingles"
Okay, although I don’t own either, I am going to say that the SM will win it by a head.....that’s on experience of watching so many reviews. As the under dog, I would like to see the Proxima edge it. Let’s see how the video pans out.
both nice watches think i would go for the san martin cheers
Another great review, thank you. I however prefer the look of the San Martin. I looks more sleek than the Proxima.
Got to be the Proxima Gary as if you want a homage this is the better of the two.
Been itching to patronize San Martin, that kind of quality for $ should be rewarded.
San Martin for me, though mine is branded "Himq" which to this day are the best quality if you can still find one.
Outstanding review. I'm more confused than ever. Both are fantastic watches. I like the the dial, endices, and handset of the Proxima. I just wish the diameter was the same size as the San Martin. I really like the chunk and heft of the San Martin bracelet vs the Proxima. I also like the bigger crown of the Proxima vs the San Martin. Lume bezel is a plus for Proxima as is the mono block case, however, I like the teeth on the San Martin bezel better than the Proxima. I guess the deciding factor for me is the logo. I'm not a fan of the San Martin hexagon, but I do like the Proxima name. So, I would have to go with the Proxima. Great review, I enjoyed it.
I have the San Martin in green. It's a real grower. The bracelet tapers a bit too much for my liking and the date numbers are not always well centred. As mentioned by others, it isn't a homage of the mm300. It's a slimmed down LX prospex homage.
I had a HIMQ proxima a couple of years ago, but returned it. The bezel could be removed just by lifting it and the lug holes were so misaligned that the end links wouldn't seat properly. Judging by the happy proxima owners, I'm guessing that those issues have been resolved. Heard too many bad things about pt5000 movements for me to get a watch with one inside. NH35's may be ubiquitous, but not without good reason. Not had any problems with them (so far). Thanks for the comparison 🙂
I’m a bit bored with nh35’s fantastic as they are. Proxima 3 options of movements , I’m surprised all the micro brands build and price put Seiko to shame. Cheers Gary
Two very nice pieces , personally I prefer the Proxima. My only argument with your scores would be on design. Neither watch deserves points for copying an original design. In fact, the Proxima being so close should get zero points and the San Martin which did try to change it a bit should get a couple of points for the effort! All the other scores, I totally agree! These watches are not replicas but they're extremely close and who would give design points to a replica?
I have the same opinion. Gary does brilliant reviews but points for copying a design shouldn't be there.
Based on customer satisfaction as quoted on AliExpress storefronts Proxima is more popular with customers. Also when you buy a watch from Proxima they send you pics of your watch going thru QC complete with timegrapher result. Having seen both, they're both excellent but for me Proxima edges ahead simply for value, an SW200 for the price of San Martin with a PT5000. Proxima also have more options and a more faithful to the Seiko look. If you want a SW200 in the San Martin you're getting awfully close to serious Swiss Made competition, that's a battle that they just cannot win. I didn't think that the quality of the case's finishing was any better on either, both are excellent, but you get a monocoque case with Proxima, another plus point. Sure the San Martin is homaging a newer model, newer and inferior to the original (case) I think there's a couple of standout bezel inserts with the Proxima, I'm not so keen on the rest. I don't really follow your scoring on this Gary, these are homages, any deviation from the original should get a minus. I've heard a lot said about the quality of San Martin watches but my only experience of them are the 5 owned by a buddy, 4 of those have really wobbly crowns and the 5th a misaligned bezel insert. I also think that the modular Proxima case (with interchangeable shrouds) isn't quite as good as the original case. Both brands are available with all 3 movements but the San Martin is a bit too much money with the Sellita, another £50 and you can get Swiss Made on the dial if that floats your boat. Good video despite my difference of opinion 😋
San Martin are superbly built but lack charisma.....I have 2 that I can't fault in any way but don't excite me either! The Proxima just has that extra dimension and visual interest......Great comparison Gary, thank you! 👏
U can buy the proxima for 160usd in sales
I prefer the Proxima but only because it copies the original more closely. Both are solid good looking pieces though and your scores are about spot on, but like another comment here, it's really unnecessary to give homages design points for copying an original watch design. There is no work involved in using a photocopier. If I was a Seiko designer I would be insulted than someone got 9 or 10 points for copying my hard work! As the SM has some differentiation I might give it a point for that, but the Proxima is a zero for design. It's really a category I personally would stay away from altogether when it's a homage, or more accurately a copy. I'm not anti homages, I have addies pilot, Steeldive tuna, Cronos Turtle etc, but I would give none of them a design point.
Really like the San Martin
nice head to head comparison. but you forgot to compare the crown...
very interesting and informative, many thanks.
Both watches are too big for my wrist so neither for me. I do however like the video's format. This type of comparison gives information that is hard to get in a straight up review. Thank you.
Hi! You have made a video about the proxima mm300 homage with coffee dial. I do not find it now. Have you deleted this video?
Both look great to me. Sadly both too big for me. Agree the SM clasp needs to go in a diet. I have it on a couple watches and you can often feel it.
I prefer Proxima, monoblok, great dial, great lume, depth dial. ❤
I'd give this fight to the Proxima. The color of the dial against the hand set is very nice. I wish I had seen this one on the 11/11 sale. I would have gotten it over the 1000m Addiesdive diver.
I feel like you didn't want to say the Proxima won when it clearly did 🤔
Proxima is the clear winner for me they so much choice of colours and movements ( San Martin is also great)
Proxima looking cooler to me, so i'm considering ordering, just can't pick the color
Thanks for the details comparison. No way to discern these differences from the website!
I love the deep set face of the Proxima, but stiff bezels with bad grip defeats their purpose. There's no such thing as a perfect watch 🙄
After watching the video and seeing the two in comparison, I like the Proxima better than the San Martin. However, looking at the versions on the Proxima site, I greatly favor the silver over the gold accents.
YOU are marking down San Martin for deviating from the original. When in fact they are faithful to the Seiko LX Spring Drive range. Proxima are good though and i have both .
Must admit the Próxima does take the cake in my case… I have only one issue: - what happens if it doesn’t come properly regulated and one wants to regulate it? I can, in my limited ability, easily open a case back and regulate a movement to become more precise, but without a case back? Not so sure…
I like the Proxima logo better I'd choose it over the SM just a nicer looking watch .
So how would you rate Proxima to a Seiko?
It’s great, Seiko is better for sure but on 15x the price better…
What’s the best tuna homage brand?
I prefer the San Martin. The quality is amazing!
Would like to see more variation in San Martin's dials.
You're right about that Proxima dial, Gary - it is beautiful.
A black-dialed diver is very versatile, but I'll almost always pick the more visually interesting option.
Makes the choice is an easy one for me.
Really good job with the production in this vid, btw.
👍👍 ✌❤⌚
Hello Gary, greetings and happy holidays, have you had the opportunity to try out a brand of Aragon watches? I'm starting my collection and I am fascinated by the Divemaster Evo 4 model with 3D index covered in superluminova, it is a diver for less than 200 us dlls and has excellent features and a king of Lumen, I would like to know your opinion or if you could help me with your point of view of this brand and model. Thank you very much, greetings from Mexico.
I think there is a reviewer who had a bunch of aragon watches, and dabbled in the aliexpress watches too, can't remember his channel, but I'm sure a quick search would help you out.
It's a hard decision, I have never heard about proxima, but I think it is a interesting option
Regards
That bezel on the San Martin is very subby alike. Although I like the matching coloured date wheel, it looks like a Subby made in a wind tunnel.
The Proxima has more character although it's a more faithful homage. For me Proxima wins.
Based on movements Proxima!
I think the San Martin is actually based on Seiko's LX line Gary.
I am planning to buy seiko mm300 homage in aliexpress. I have 6.50 inch wrist. And i want the watch that give me more qualities, which one should i buy?
The San Martin is slightly better finished but the Proxima is a more accurate homage…both are very good
@@ilikewatches can you tell me the quality of Proxima, is it more like a usd300 seiko quality or more like usd150 pagani design quality?
The Proxima looks like the watch it is paying homage to and the SM frankly doesn't. The Proxima is the clear winner when it comes to the MM300 homage.
Firstly, I don’t like 4 o’clock crowns.
Secondly, these brands are far too expensive for what they are: Chinese hommage makers.
Pagani Design does the same thing but at a much lower price.
Blue AR is a very big annoying thing...I developped allergy to that... As nice the watch may be...
Sting Rays over Sharks!
Proxima just because of the SAN MARTIN logo
The SM is more of a MM200. That watch has a regular case back
Both are homage to the Seiko Marinemaster where the Proxima comes closest and de San Martin misses the mark. So if you are a fan of the priginal Seiko marinmaster you go for the Proxima. Period!!
The proxima wins it for me. Why? Because on my proxima, the date wheel actually lumes!!!!! Don't know why yours did not.
Morning, Gary. Just an FYI, the WhatsApp scammers are active again.