San Martin SNO12-G bit.ly/3NBVV2K Check out my eBay store www.ebay.com/usr/cheapwatch_audioman Support me on Patreon patreon.com/user?u=80400579 Check out my other channel RUclips.com/cheapaudioman Artem Watch Straps artemstraps.com Check out my watches on Ebay www.ebay.com/usr/cheapwatch_audioman
@cheapwatchman_official if you’re interested in the original of this watch (the helm vanuatu) have one new in box I could give you a good deal on, there is normally a year plus wait list for them.
I've been wearing that same watch for a good year now. White dial 8315 movement. I paid quite a bit less because I only buy those watches directly from San Matin during a sale. So it's a way to save 50-60 bucks. I wear it in a bottling plant and it gets slammed all day. It's very accurate and will run for a least 60 hours. It might be the most legible watch you can buy because the ar coating is good and the lume lasts a good 6 hours. So 3 in the afternoon in direct sunlight - 3am with no light - doesn't matter. San Martin said they use a different method to brush the steel. I think they were going for a very rough - very tool watch look. Mine must be scratched all over but it kind of looks the same. I wear it in the pool, the gulf of Mexico - a true beater/tool. Fantastic bracelet, great value. I have that movement in another watch. Same thing, Accurate and runs for days.
Great review Randy. I own the same watch in black and totally understand your "rough finishing" reference. I think the same but consider the watch a true durable tool watch with a blue collar finish. The lume is also great on the black dial version- I love the watch.
Why did they go with vertical brushing on the sides? Horizontal brushing accentuates the flow of the case much better. With those gauges on it I wonder if scotch brite will be enough to alter it. Some more aggressive means might be needed.... Thanks for the review!
I picked up a San Martin SN0074 for about $250 when it was on sale. One thing I like is that it's a clone of the BR05 but without the asymmetric date. Finishing is good but one of the screws on the bezel is ever so slightly off. I guess that's what we have to expect with SM.
I love mine its a Helm Vanuatu homarge I grabbed it because I have the helm but the helm don't come with the fully lume display it keeps great time ps always buy watches in the sale lol
People always say they're punching above their weight and yes they are punching above their weight With that ridiculous price Maybe with a different movement it might be tolerable and I do mean Maybe Great review as always my friend Thanks 👍
It's funny how some people get enamored of a brand despite overcharging and crazy quality variance. A fine review, I definitely appreciate the style and structure of your reviews.
I do believe, imo, that you could have spent that money on a better option, but having said that, if it makes your heart beat/tick a little faster, then it is money well spent. I have several in line before any from this Marque. Thanks for sharing this with us all and giving us your perspectives. Have a wonderful weekend, Sir. Take care and keep ticking.
@@cheapwatchman_official ; You have mentioned a couple already but here goes: 1) Glycine GL0077, 2) Timex Navi XL TW2U38200, 3) Borealis Olisipo 300m Automatic Diver Watch Miyota 9015, 4) Bulova Men's Precisionist Chronograph Watch 98B212, 5) Deep Blue MILITARY DIVER 300 watch. I hope this helps. Thanks for asking me. I am humbled by your request, Sir.
Oh, those sides... Ugh! Well, I learned from this channel that a tiny square of green Scotchbrite can do wonders for a "custom" finish look. In this case, anything would be better than nothing.
@@cheapwatchman_official 💯 After watching, I gave the Scotchbrite treatment to my Mako II that I wear on a NATO (modded with coin edge bezel and vintage Bakelite insert, sapphire dome). Looks SO much better, much more fitting than that gaudy high polish. Nice and laid back for the weekends 😎 Plus, now it's REALLY mine, a one-of-one. Despite being my 1st and a very low cost mechanical, I find myself wearing it frequently still. I just got my first Sinn (maybe not last?), a 104 I St Sa A (grey dial, H-link brac) and yeah... The high polish even on that - and the finish is of a high quality - but it still seems kinda off for a tool/pilot watch. Like, it works, but... I may have to seek out one of the bead blasted 104 FB limited editions. I can't bring myself to scuff up a brand new shiny bauble. Maybe though, a decade from now when it is showing signs of wear, I might find a pro who could brush the case? 🤷🏼
Had issues with both San Martin's I used to own. Still good for the money. Hey Cheap Watch Man I am going to list my Sinn 856 fully tegimented. Let me know if you are interested.
Ridiculous price for a watch with that movement (Miyota 8215) from 1977. For about $3 more their cost they could have put a Seiko NH38 in it. This is a sub $100 watch trading on their name. I like the dial and hands and only annoyed that I cannot replicate those and build my own version..
It's actually the 8315. I have two of them. They are both better than any of my Seiko NH's. More accurate and a 50% longer power reserve. I leave them in watch boxes for days. Take them out and not only are they still running, I don't have to adjust the time. Fantastic.
I came here to say this. It is indeed very heavily inspired by the Helm Vanuatu. I personally find it far more distasteful when homage companies rip off designs from microbrands and smaller independent brands.
@@adammordo I actually agree but i will say in this case it took me almost 2 years to get my vanuatu. I cant say I blame san martin for taking advantage of Helms lack of production.
@@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen I understand what you’re saying too. I’ve pretty much given up on getting a Vanuatu at this point. This homage isn’t an alternative for me though. It would only be a bitter reminder that I don’t have the real thing.
That was an exhaustive display of mental gymnastics at its finest. I'd tell SM to either rough it up or polish it. This in-between garbage is not okay.
I bought mine used on ebay for £125 and it also came with a san martin leather strap, black with white sutures. Mine also has blue crap on the crown, I thought the idiot who sold it to me did something to it. I love it, it's defenately my favorite san martin
I'd really love to see you review the Yelang V1213s Sea Overlord. I've had one now for about 3 weeks and it seems pretty damn good to my layperson's eyes. Tritium, stainless steel, Sapphire Crystal, solar Seiko movement, textured dial. It's pretty sweet.
@@cheapwatchman_official I am super stoked to see a review. Nobody's talking about this brand and I'm sure it won't be to everybody's taste, it's not perfect, but darn is it hard to go back from Tritium once you've experienced it.
Sorry but to me it looks like the whole dial is a bit off to the right side. Just compare the gaps between the minute markers and the chapter ring.... or am I wrong? Greetz from Germany
Really sorry to burst your hope of finding an original design san martin. It may not be an original but its even worst its a Homage of a Homage. This is homage of Helm Vanuatu which is a homage of Sinn U1. I think this San Martin is copy of two different watches Boschett Harpoon and Helm Vanuatu. I think you got fooled by there claim that its an original.😐I guess you can still give them credit instead of copying a watch one to one they have taken two different watches and merged them into one which is not a small feat and which most micro brands do these days.....😀
I agree with the above comment this watch is still a rip off, all be it of a microbrand. The Chinese just can't seem to be original in watch design. I don't own a San Martin and I am not sure I ever will. I do own some other Ali Express rip offs with mixed feelings. However your review is really informative. I like your style of presentation. You don't talk down to the viewer and you sure as hell know your stuff. Love to see you review some more microbrands. Thanks buddy 👍
Looks like a less refined and (to me) less visually appealing Sinn U50. Which is to say, it looks better than most, and much more unique than every Tom, Dick and Harry's Sub, Explorer or BB wannabe. Edit: That said, there is no disdain in my heart for affordable, Seiko or myotta powered clomages. [Typed after setting my SD1970 Capt. Willard on retro chocolate bar strap]. The issue with SM to me is that they are trending more and more upmarket. 😕 300.00 USD is about the ceiling for a straight-up clomage. Anything more would be uncivilized...
@@hgr.7857 I bought a new , hacking Citizen Promaster NY0040 for $180, new. Of course it has no sapphire crystal , but I put on a round screen protector. Great lume, inky black dial, I wear it with a dark grey tropic strap. It looks great. Nice finishing. I feel a San Martin should cost less than that.
San Martin has become the Tissot or Seiko, I mean they have increased prices and providing miyota movement. They were never original but a value for money homages but now they are just behaving like any other overpriced' brand'.
Hate to break it to you... this is almost certainly an homage to the microbrand HELM (which could also be considered somewhat of a Sinn homage, but in the traditional sense of the word... as in, not an exact copy). Nice try SM. But we caught you.
thanks. a lot of other viewers have mentioned the same thing. I should have caught that. was really excited that they made something somewhat cool on their own
Easy way to remove the blue tape on the crown - put some scotch tape on it and rub it in, then remove it and the blue stuff is on the scotch tape. Great channel, keep up the good work!
San Martin offer exceptional value for the money. Who cares if they ape the big dogs with style. I own this watch and the finish is beautiful. We will agree to disagree.
@@cheapwatchman_official yes the sides look exactly the same and they don’t show fingerprints and I think the watch is extremely high quality for the 250 bucks I paid for it
The sides of the case look awful. This is so not San Martin. Are they slipping QC...? If this is a trend, they will feel it soon enough. Nobody will buy San Martin watches anymore, they just go to other brands that have to proof they can do the same quality as San Martin (used to) do. Sugess, Proxima, Cronos, to name just a few are willing to take over in minutes.... Get your act together San Martin and just send a replacement watch to this guy, for free, with a bunch of flowrrs for the partner of the bloke...
I have 8 SM watches and they are all perfect, no Quality issues. This review showed me a decline in QC @ San Martin. This kind of finishing would have been impossible 3 years ago. Apparently it is possible today and that makes me sad and worry some. SM did great things in the past 4 years. They should be able to carry on for much longer and lead the way forward and stay on top of things.
I have absolutely no idea what the Delusional fan boys see in them. I had one with a deep scratch in and got totally ignored. I paid 300 plus import tax of 60 pounds so I expect a competent CS at the price.
I do not own a single Chinese run company watch. I just can't bring myself to trust them enough. I'd rather look at/shop at companies with legacy and heritage. Having said that, I have built one watch from Chinese parts. The one thing I can guarantee from that watch is that since I built it myself, from parts I picked and inspected, I know what's in it and what to expect from it.
@@marcustulliuscicero9140 You are right. I should have said, "I'd rather buy from long established companies who I trust." and not mention the "heritage and legacy" because I realize now, people loose their shit when they disagree. I do not trust the Chinese, or the Swiss, for that matter.
San Martin SNO12-G bit.ly/3NBVV2K
Check out my eBay store www.ebay.com/usr/cheapwatch_audioman
Support me on Patreon patreon.com/user?u=80400579
Check out my other channel RUclips.com/cheapaudioman
Artem Watch Straps artemstraps.com
Check out my watches on Ebay www.ebay.com/usr/cheapwatch_audioman
Sort your cluttered intro out. Cool channel otherwise.
@cheapwatchman_official if you’re interested in the original of this watch (the helm vanuatu) have one new in box I could give you a good deal on, there is normally a year plus wait list for them.
I have 4 San Martins and no issues. My Omega P.O. has issues with the crown not screwing in and my Brietling chrono 13 has shit for a bezel
I've been wearing that same watch for a good year now. White dial 8315 movement. I paid quite a bit less because I only buy those watches directly from San Matin during a sale. So it's a way to save 50-60 bucks. I wear it in a bottling plant and it gets slammed all day. It's very accurate and will run for a least 60 hours. It might be the most legible watch you can buy because the ar coating is good and the lume lasts a good 6 hours. So 3 in the afternoon in direct sunlight - 3am with no light - doesn't matter. San Martin said they use a different method to brush the steel. I think they were going for a very rough - very tool watch look. Mine must be scratched all over but it kind of looks the same. I wear it in the pool, the gulf of Mexico - a true beater/tool. Fantastic bracelet, great value. I have that movement in another watch. Same thing, Accurate and runs for days.
Good honest review. Well done. Still watch your audio channel which I have done since before I started my own watch channel :)
I appreciate that!
Great review Randy. I own the same watch in black and totally understand your "rough finishing" reference. I think the same but consider the watch a true durable tool watch with a blue collar finish. The lume is also great on the black dial version- I love the watch.
I'm glad you like it and thank you so much for watching!
Why did they go with vertical brushing on the sides? Horizontal brushing accentuates the flow of the case much better. With those gauges on it I wonder if scotch brite will be enough to alter it. Some more aggressive means might be needed....
Thanks for the review!
I picked up a San Martin SN0074 for about $250 when it was on sale. One thing I like is that it's a clone of the BR05 but without the asymmetric date. Finishing is good but one of the screws on the bezel is ever so slightly off. I guess that's what we have to expect with SM.
I love mine its a Helm Vanuatu homarge I grabbed it because I have the helm but the helm don't come with the fully lume display it keeps great time ps always buy watches in the sale lol
Use nail polish remover with a q tip to get rid of the blue on the crown
This is a homage of Helm!
People always say they're punching above their weight and yes they are punching above their weight With that ridiculous price Maybe with a different movement it might be tolerable and I do mean Maybe Great review as always my friend Thanks 👍
It's funny how some people get enamored of a brand despite overcharging and crazy quality variance. A fine review, I definitely appreciate the style and structure of your reviews.
San Martin watches are great. Amazing quality for the price especially during the sales
Why is it so hard to find watches which are not so glossy today ?
I am wondering if the QC was skipped on this watch. That seems odd to release a watch with such poor finishing.
I do believe, imo, that you could have spent that money on a better option, but having said that, if it makes your heart beat/tick a little faster, then it is money well spent. I have several in line before any from this Marque. Thanks for sharing this with us all and giving us your perspectives. Have a wonderful weekend, Sir. Take care and keep ticking.
let's hear them, my friend. give me the list and I'll make sure I get them in!
@@cheapwatchman_official ; You have mentioned a couple already but here goes: 1) Glycine GL0077, 2) Timex Navi XL TW2U38200, 3) Borealis Olisipo 300m Automatic Diver Watch Miyota 9015, 4) Bulova Men's Precisionist Chronograph Watch 98B212, 5) Deep Blue MILITARY DIVER 300 watch. I hope this helps. Thanks for asking me. I am humbled by your request, Sir.
Pro tip, to get the blue sticker off the crown, use scotch tape, press down hard then pull off quickly
Oh, those sides... Ugh!
Well, I learned from this channel that a tiny square of green Scotchbrite can do wonders for a "custom" finish look. In this case, anything would be better than nothing.
yeah. I was actually going to mention that my home brewed scotch brite special had more consistent brushing than this one had.
@@cheapwatchman_official 💯 After watching, I gave the Scotchbrite treatment to my Mako II that I wear on a NATO (modded with coin edge bezel and vintage Bakelite insert, sapphire dome). Looks SO much better, much more fitting than that gaudy high polish. Nice and laid back for the weekends 😎 Plus, now it's REALLY mine, a one-of-one. Despite being my 1st and a very low cost mechanical, I find myself wearing it frequently still.
I just got my first Sinn (maybe not last?), a 104 I St Sa A (grey dial, H-link brac) and yeah... The high polish even on that - and the finish is of a high quality - but it still seems kinda off for a tool/pilot watch. Like, it works, but... I may have to seek out one of the bead blasted 104 FB limited editions. I can't bring myself to scuff up a brand new shiny bauble. Maybe though, a decade from now when it is showing signs of wear, I might find a pro who could brush the case? 🤷🏼
This one is also an homage, it just isn't in the rolex/tudor/omega family. They do seem to have a bit of a waitlist to get an original though.
It looks like the protective stickers are still on the sides of the case!
Had issues with both San Martin's I used to own. Still good for the money. Hey Cheap Watch Man I am going to list my Sinn 856 fully tegimented. Let me know if you are interested.
Ridiculous price for a watch with that movement (Miyota 8215) from 1977. For about $3 more their cost they could have put a Seiko NH38 in it. This is a sub $100 watch trading on their name. I like the dial and hands and only annoyed that I cannot replicate those and build my own version..
It's actually the 8315. I have two of them. They are both better than any of my Seiko NH's. More accurate and a 50% longer power reserve. I leave them in watch boxes for days. Take them out and not only are they still running, I don't have to adjust the time. Fantastic.
This is actually a rip-off of the helm vanuatu. Not an exact copy, but they definitely took "inspiration" from that model.
ah. makes sense.
I came here to say this. It is indeed very heavily inspired by the Helm Vanuatu.
I personally find it far more distasteful when homage companies rip off designs from microbrands and smaller independent brands.
@@adammordo I actually agree but i will say in this case it took me almost 2 years to get my vanuatu. I cant say I blame san martin for taking advantage of Helms lack of production.
@@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen I understand what you’re saying too. I’ve pretty much given up on getting a Vanuatu at this point. This homage isn’t an alternative for me though. It would only be a bitter reminder that I don’t have the real thing.
@R0CC0_ so because Helm doesn't make a lot of watches its okay to rip them off?
That was an exhaustive display of mental gymnastics at its finest.
I'd tell SM to either rough it up or polish it. This in-between garbage is not okay.
Hi the brushed casing is awful for that price shame its a cool looking watch keep your reviews rolling all the best from the UK.
Thanks, will do!
It's not an original design. It's an homage to the Helm Vanuatu
I bought mine used on ebay for £125 and it also came with a san martin leather strap, black with white sutures. Mine also has blue crap on the crown, I thought the idiot who sold it to me did something to it. I love it, it's defenately my favorite san martin
I actually like the new Breitling Super Ocean with the Turquoise dial color. Try and get someone to send that into you. You might like it.
I just got my SM SN019, it's amazing, I compared it side by side with a Rolex Sub, and don't know if I'd ever buy the Rolex now
I really like the bracelet.👍
it's really nice
I'd really love to see you review the Yelang V1213s Sea Overlord. I've had one now for about 3 weeks and it seems pretty damn good to my layperson's eyes. Tritium, stainless steel, Sapphire Crystal, solar Seiko movement, textured dial. It's pretty sweet.
just bought it and another. thanks for the tips!
@@cheapwatchman_official I am super stoked to see a review. Nobody's talking about this brand and I'm sure it won't be to everybody's taste, it's not perfect, but darn is it hard to go back from Tritium once you've experienced it.
It's a Helm Vanuatu knockoff. Loving the videos BTW.
Sorry but to me it looks like the whole dial is a bit off to the right side. Just compare the gaps between the minute markers and the chapter ring.... or am I wrong? Greetz from Germany
I’ve had this in my AliExpress cart for a while now. After this review I think I’m gonna have to pull the trigger during the next sale.
Really sorry to burst your hope of finding an original design san martin. It may not be an original but its even worst its a Homage of a Homage. This is homage of Helm Vanuatu which is a homage of Sinn U1. I think this San Martin is copy of two different watches Boschett Harpoon and Helm Vanuatu. I think you got fooled by there claim that its an original.😐I guess you can still give them credit instead of copying a watch one to one they have taken two different watches and merged them into one which is not a small feat and which most micro brands do these days.....😀
could be homage of a monta watch....not sure.... probably just we have not yet seen the source design
It's an Omar to a helm watch
Really good video. I agree. Its cool.
I agree with the above comment this watch is still a rip off, all be it of a microbrand. The Chinese just can't seem to be original in watch design. I don't own a San Martin and I am not sure I ever will. I do own some other Ali Express rip offs with mixed feelings. However your review is really informative. I like your style of presentation. You don't talk down to the viewer and you sure as hell know your stuff. Love to see you review some more microbrands. Thanks buddy 👍
Add $50 and 2 years you can get Vanuatu with awesome quality and value for money. 🤔
I love San Martin
Perhaps you got a "Friday Afternoon" watch.
I think I got a friday after happy hour watch...
Looks like a less refined and (to me) less visually appealing Sinn U50. Which is to say, it looks better than most, and much more unique than every Tom, Dick and Harry's Sub, Explorer or BB wannabe.
Edit: That said, there is no disdain in my heart for affordable, Seiko or myotta powered clomages. [Typed after setting my SD1970 Capt. Willard on retro chocolate bar strap]. The issue with SM to me is that they are trending more and more upmarket. 😕 300.00 USD is about the ceiling for a straight-up clomage. Anything more would be uncivilized...
I like the way it looks for sure.
@@cheapwatchman_official also similar to the Helm Vanuatu. I would consider it for $150/175. If it was made by Seestern it would be 150. Does it hack?
@@stefpix TRUTH
@@hgr.7857 I bought a new , hacking Citizen Promaster NY0040 for $180, new. Of course it has no sapphire crystal , but I put on a round screen protector. Great lume, inky black dial, I wear it with a dark grey tropic strap. It looks great. Nice finishing. I feel a San Martin should cost less than that.
Yeah that just looks it’s just machined and not brushed. To be honest I’d rather spend that sort of money on a Seiko, citizen etc.
For $250 Seiko will give you something with 20 hours less power reserve, an mineral crystal and a braclet you will immediatly throw in the garbage.
Hate to break it to you bro, hut this is a homage to the Helm Vanuatu
San Martin has become the Tissot or Seiko, I mean they have increased prices and providing miyota movement. They were never original but a value for money homages but now they are just behaving like any other overpriced' brand'.
What are you talking about? Man you are wrong 😂
Me too. I only by their original design. We are being fucked by prestige brands.
I don’t get it. I own 4 and they’re all really good in finish. Bracelets are way better than my Seikos.
Hate to break it to you... this is almost certainly an homage to the microbrand HELM (which could also be considered somewhat of a Sinn homage, but in the traditional sense of the word... as in, not an exact copy). Nice try SM. But we caught you.
thanks. a lot of other viewers have mentioned the same thing. I should have caught that. was really excited that they made something somewhat cool on their own
If a watch is misaligned, I think you can almost consider it defective
???
Would never buy a watch with a logo that bad
Easy way to remove the blue tape on the crown - put some scotch tape on it and rub it in, then remove it and the blue stuff is on the scotch tape. Great channel, keep up the good work!
Thanks for the info!
@@cheapwatchman_official I've also used packing tape to get the blue stuff out of the crown before. It worked well. Thanks for the review!
that's still a homage tho
San Martin offer exceptional value for the money. Who cares if they ape the big dogs with style.
I own this watch and the finish is beautiful. We will agree to disagree.
do the sides of your watch look like the sides of mine?
@@cheapwatchman_official yes the sides look exactly the same and they don’t show fingerprints and I think the watch is extremely high quality for the 250 bucks I paid for it
Mon-diver, Official Submariner Railway Chronometer ;)
You will add some gouges so who cares. You like it, roll with it.
I like san martin brand.
But it's a Helm Vanuatu clone.🤷♂️
The sides of the case look awful. This is so not San Martin. Are they slipping QC...? If this is a trend, they will feel it soon enough. Nobody will buy San Martin watches anymore, they just go to other brands that have to proof they can do the same quality as San Martin (used to) do. Sugess, Proxima, Cronos, to name just a few are willing to take over in minutes....
Get your act together San Martin and just send a replacement watch to this guy, for free, with a bunch of flowrrs for the partner of the bloke...
lol. very kind of you to say.
I have 8 SM watches and they are all perfect, no Quality issues. This review showed me a decline in QC @ San Martin. This kind of finishing would have been impossible 3 years ago. Apparently it is possible today and that makes me sad and worry some. SM did great things in the past 4 years. They should be able to carry on for much longer and lead the way forward and stay on top of things.
It's NOT an original design!! It's a clone of the Helm Vanuatu!!
I don't think its an original , it looks very like a Helm Vanuatu to me ?
yeah. I wasn't familiar with that watch. was giving them points for originality but it looks like that was too soon
As far as the protective plastic that is stuck on the crown, try WD-40, and a course toothbrush.
It's a Helm homage, sorry.
Mondaine diver 🤣🤣
I have absolutely no idea what the Delusional fan boys see in them. I had one with a deep scratch in and got totally ignored. I paid 300 plus import tax of 60 pounds so I expect a competent CS at the price.
Don't go rubbishing our San Martin or there'll be hell to pay! :P Just kidding. Great bang for buck watches.
Cheap audio is now cheap watch...this is just sad.
keeping the brand cohesive my friend. Watches are also much easier to box back up. that you for sharing in my misery
Wow, that's a lot of money to pay for a watch with a $25 movement...
I have this same watch with the 8315. It runs about 5 seconds a day fast and the power reserve is 63-64 hours. Crushes most $500 watches.
@@danielsavadel2151 So does any cheap quartz movement, but that's not really the point...
I do not own a single Chinese run company watch. I just can't bring myself to trust them enough. I'd rather look at/shop at companies with legacy and heritage. Having said that, I have built one watch from Chinese parts. The one thing I can guarantee from that watch is that since I built it myself, from parts I picked and inspected, I know what's in it and what to expect from it.
What legacy and heritage did the Japanese watches have back in the 60s and 70s? Very little compared to the Swiss...
@@marcustulliuscicero9140 You are right. I should have said, "I'd rather buy from long established companies who I trust." and not mention the "heritage and legacy" because I realize now, people loose their shit when they disagree. I do not trust the Chinese, or the Swiss, for that matter.
Am here on Canada day rock in my emotivas and watching 1 of the 2 best channel the other 1 sorry but the 1 is cheap audio man
thanks, brother!