Has PROBLEMS?! - 37mm San Martin BB54 SN0138 - Tudor Black Bay 54 homage - Full Review

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  • Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025

Комментарии • 105

  • @elitedarklordjie
    @elitedarklordjie 11 месяцев назад +52

    came for the watch, stayed for the accent

  • @V3rt1g0s
    @V3rt1g0s 11 месяцев назад +19

    When I first saw the BB54 I thought to myself, "Nice piece. I would jump on it if the bracelet didn't have those rivets and they had kept the pip red". I guess I'm buying a San Martin.

    • @caerphoto
      @caerphoto 11 месяцев назад +3

      Funny how tastes differ - I put a regular Oyster-style bracelet on my BB58 and didn't like it anywhere near as much as the original faux-rivet one. It just looked too plain to me.

    • @RubbelisPro
      @RubbelisPro 11 месяцев назад +3

      Very true, I love that they went with a standard oyster bracelet, no rivets along the edge. The red accent is nice too. Super luminova on the black dial model is a bit green in person, I almost wish I sprung for the blue.

    • @wiseguygazette
      @wiseguygazette 10 месяцев назад

      I have the blue and it is so nice. Lume is stark white in daylight. Best blue diver I have seen in person. So, you might want to look into it next time there's a sale haha.@@RubbelisPro

    • @WillyMcCoy50
      @WillyMcCoy50 9 месяцев назад

      I have an OG 6200 shark crown/custom printed diver (along with several other San Martins). I would never sell my "faux rivet" diver. I did have a custom aluminum bezel insert made that deleted those useless 15 minute hash ticks. I don't dive and know how to count to 15.

  • @KMV007
    @KMV007 11 месяцев назад +8

    This is the first San Martin I really like and is on my list.
    I might go for the blue one though, still undecided.
    Nice of you to include footage filmed outdoors, great review!

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад

      Thank you for watching! 🙂👍

  • @AleCardenasRealtor
    @AleCardenasRealtor 11 месяцев назад +29

    I just went to a watch store in Mexico to buy a watch strap and the store owner couldn't stop complimenting my San Martin limited edition sn004. He didn't know the brand and couldn't believe it cost me less than $200.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад +2

      Thank you for sharing!

  • @dunderhay9169
    @dunderhay9169 11 месяцев назад +12

    Good review, I can see why you were disappointed by the increased thickness, 1mm extra makes a lot of difference.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад +4

      Thank you for watching! 🙂 I'm not actually disappointed but rather surprised 🙂 This watch still wears really nicely! 🙂👍

  • @bestboy897
    @bestboy897 11 месяцев назад +6

    great cam work looks incredible

  • @keresadministratum5008
    @keresadministratum5008 9 месяцев назад +6

    I wish more of these brands would use the Miyota's thinner movements as they can still offer them in low cost options and I know I'd pay more just to have that case thickness trimmed down. They have such a good opportunity with a closed caseback and one of the thinner automatic movements, even no date ones, to make a truly stunning watch. All the ingredients are there because you can't knock San Martin's case finishing and bracelet offerings for the price, nor can you be upset about any other dimension than thickness. If this watch had a thickness closer to 12 (11.7-12.3) I think it would be perfect although I would also appreciate an aluminum bezel insert because they both feel more vintage and take wear over the days so much better to give a watch more character. Something fautina can't do and it can elevate retro designs with honest wear and fading.

  • @mslattery8710
    @mslattery8710 5 месяцев назад +1

    I've just bought one of these watches and was wearing it while watching. This is my second San Martin timepiece. Both of which I purchased as used watches but were in perfect condition. I'm so impressed by the quality. San Martin have a reputation for regulating the Seiko movements in their watches. My SN0138 is testament to this principle. Thus far it's only losing around 3 seconds per day. The 37mm diameter case is so wearable on my not so tiny wrist. This case size was commonplace sixty years ago and takes me back to when I first became interested in timepieces.

  • @GalorOffroad
    @GalorOffroad 7 месяцев назад +3

    The build quality is incredible 👏 San Martin. Thanks for the review !

  • @ccooper8785
    @ccooper8785 6 месяцев назад +3

    Please be aware that Watch Dives have released an extremely similar watch to this but fitted with the brilliant VH31 quartz movement. At less than £100 it has become the favourite in my collection despite the yellow lume.
    It is fantastic that we are all being given this wide choice today.

  • @TheGrenadier97
    @TheGrenadier97 11 месяцев назад +6

    Good to see it's not an 1:1, at least aesthetically. I hope they develop something else in this same size.

    • @dutchcoiner
      @dutchcoiner 9 месяцев назад

      I agree. Love the smaller sized divers we see a lot nowadays, but I don’t like the vintage yellowish color

  • @RicardoValdes-r6w
    @RicardoValdes-r6w 9 месяцев назад +2

    You continue to provide an excellent presentation with the reviews and for that you are setting a standard for a direct unbiased presentation of a broad spectrum of quality and affordable time pieces. Congratulation for setting a standard in the broad outlined number of time piece reviewers that of course with so many personality trades one out there can like or dislike what is been presented with each mannerism however your presentation is quite different because it does not come across as something as a push over or selling point but indeed allowing a well rounded fair good thinker to activate further and deeper an easy resolution to making a sound choice.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  9 месяцев назад

      Thanks, I appreciate your feedback! 🙂👍

  • @indyawichofficial1346
    @indyawichofficial1346 10 месяцев назад +2

    The case looks very similar or nearly identical in measures and shape to the Cadisen 8206, a 37.9 mm homage of BB, crown seems also to be same looking- relatively flat and not very pronnounced in detail, and height of the case with 12.5 mm differs to the watch revieved in the video by only 0.3mm. Nevertheless these San Martin's are geourgeous addition to their catalogue, as well with their other models offered recently. Thanks for (another) great review !

  • @RicardoValdes-r6w
    @RicardoValdes-r6w 9 месяцев назад +2

    I have two of the San Martin SN0138 BB 54 in the black dial and thus far these two said watches are good ..!

  • @charliealva4833
    @charliealva4833 11 месяцев назад +4

    Great review, thanks! I’m glad that there are more reviews on this model as I’m seriously considering getting it. It’s just that not so black at certain light conditions dial and bezel that keep me from buying it.

    • @Sunwil
      @Sunwil 7 месяцев назад

      I bought it and i think i like it over the black because the color makes it more unique

  • @Friedkiing
    @Friedkiing 8 месяцев назад +3

    Great video! I got the black variant and this is one of the best from SM I own.

  • @Charlie_alpha_romeo
    @Charlie_alpha_romeo 5 месяцев назад +2

    I put mine on a nato and absolutely love it
    My wrist is a weird size where if I keep a link it’s a bit too big and if I remove a link it’s maxed out on the adjustable clasp

  • @daynevickers1079
    @daynevickers1079 4 месяца назад +1

    This watch eliminated most all of my negatives from my 6200; the bezel foregoes the shiny 'ring', plus the fact the bezel has a bevel, making it reach up from the side view (also like the bead-blasted finish of this bezel). It also has the on-the-fly adjustable clasp. All good, but... they could have made it thinner I believe, or at least made the sides of the case thinner for lighter weight as well as to prevent digging in on the wrist when worn snug.. Congrats to them for retiring the crystal of the 6200 series. I never liked the terrible distortion it offers. I just purchased a 37mm Watchdives BB54 'homage' with the Seiko VH31 quartz movement. It is only 11.3mm thick, and the movement does a good job of mimicking an automatic movement; but, it does not have the level of fit and finish of San Martin (it was only about $100, so they're forgiven, lol). I wish SM would use the VH31 as an option on their models like this to be able to reduce thickness, weight and cost. That might open up an entirely new market for them. Thanks for your review, I always enjoy your perspective!

  • @eliotsalandybrown
    @eliotsalandybrown 7 месяцев назад +2

    🤩 I really enjoyed this balanced and insightful review 🙏

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  7 месяцев назад

      Awesome, thank you! 🙂👍

  • @itsmoey
    @itsmoey 11 месяцев назад +2

    I ordered one and it arrived nor working, so they sent me another one and just waiting for it. Only played around with it for few mins not to scratch it. But excited to wear it when the other one arrives.

  • @philiproberts1473
    @philiproberts1473 11 месяцев назад +5

    I've had this for a few days now and agree with all you say. A really great watch with a few niggles but what watch is perfect?
    I like the colour which can look black, dark grey or even a dark coffee brown depending on the light and I'm glad the bezel has the gold numerals and red triangle, rather than the white of the OG. It's running about -4 secs/day so very pleased with that also.
    My main issue is with the bezel. As you pointed out the action is light. Combined with the sharp coin edge and it has been accidently moved once. Also SM describe it as bead blasted ceramic to give the matt finish but I have already managed to scratch it, possibly when I moved the bezel. None of my other ceramics show any marks, so I am disappointed that the treatment gives a less robust finish.
    Despite these small issues I think the watch is a winner and I love the look and feel of it on my wrist.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад

      Thank you for sharing!

    • @dunderhay9169
      @dunderhay9169 11 месяцев назад +2

      Rough ceramic is hard and abrasive, it may be that the mark is material from the object you knocked that has adhered to the bezel, so it might be worth gently trying to brush the mark with a tooth brush to see if you can remove it.

    • @philiproberts1473
      @philiproberts1473 11 месяцев назад

      Thanks I'll give it a go.

    • @Vance-m9l
      @Vance-m9l 11 месяцев назад

      Were you able to remove the scratch? It would be a shame if this bezel could be easily scratched

  • @johnmonachelli5256
    @johnmonachelli5256 11 месяцев назад +6

    I have the original with the rivet bracelet and capped hand stem can't beat it for a few shillings

    • @patrickhartmann1540
      @patrickhartmann1540 11 месяцев назад +2

      I had the same “retro diver” with the rivets for a few years and loved it. It was the perfect size for me, and when the black bay 54 came out, I bought it and gave the retro diver to a friend. I always felt they should offer it with the PT 5000 and keep it slimmer. Similar to their vintage explorer, which I also own and is an excellent daily wearer

  • @erykirawan4290
    @erykirawan4290 6 месяцев назад +1

    I love this watch, and, luckily I was able to get a rubber strap which perfectly fits the case. Initially I checked out an Amazon affordable rubber strap for Moonswatch. Surprisingly, it fits the lug and case of San Martin SN008 👍👍

  • @iammeweareyou
    @iammeweareyou 2 месяца назад +1

    San Martin has started selling a new version of this watch (model SN0138GW) with a printed logo (!) and two new color options: green bezel with black dial and pink bezel with black dial. Unfortunately, there isn't a single review of this new model on RUclips.

  • @Thevictorgg92
    @Thevictorgg92 6 месяцев назад

    Bought mine a couple months back, such a great watch!

  • @andrew4274-q4m
    @andrew4274-q4m 11 месяцев назад +2

    SN004 is the best I think, very similar but a tiny bit bigger and printed logo instead of applied.

  • @rionnsrcchannel6769
    @rionnsrcchannel6769 11 месяцев назад +2

    I like some things most dont seem.to favour.
    Size(depth) doesnt really bother me unless shopping for a dress style watch
    And i love the applied SM sigbn on the dial.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад +1

      Thank you for sharing! 🙂👍

  • @AWATCH-4U
    @AWATCH-4U 5 месяцев назад +1

    I really liked the rivet bracelet but it had its problems i read...Mine is the slightly cheaper NH35 variantion 40mm i love it the lume is fantastic best ive got...But not the best homage lume ive ever had which was the Heimdallr orange SKX i had and sold....wow the lume was insane... I do like the MATT bezel insert mine has not got so more like the real version..Great review...

  • @1SaG
    @1SaG 11 месяцев назад +4

    Not sure about 13mm of thickness on a case this small. Just to put things into perspective: The original is only 11.2mm thick. I was looking at Cronos' 54-homage and that one too seems to be that thick (quoted as 13.2mm on their web-store). Which makes me wonder if those two cases are coming from the same production-line. In any .... case (har, har): Would be great to see a comparison of the SM 54 and the Cronos 54, especially since the Cronos has some interesting features you can't get on the SM. Like 4Hz movements only and the option to get it with an aluminium bezel-insert. It's also less expensive and I do prefer the fact that they seem to have gone easier on the fauxtina (no "aged" paint on the matte ceramic bezel-insert). What's holding me back is that, even in their own pics, some of the proportions look a bit off. To my eye, the rehaut looks too tall, but it's hard to tell if that would be an issue in the flesh.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад +1

      Thank you for sharing 🙂 Despite the 12.9mm case height it actually wears really well. In terms of rehaut height - it is will managed. It definitely didn't stand out to me as out of proportion. In regards to Cronos comparison - it looks good and I'll try to get one in, however I don't see any obvious advantages over the SM. The proportions are almost identical, SM clasp is better IMHO, and PT5000 vs NH35 is pretty much at parity imho too, if anything I find NH35 smoother in operation and less costly to replace if need be. Thank you for watching! 🙂👍

    • @V3rt1g0s
      @V3rt1g0s 11 месяцев назад +1

      I have the same problem with the Cronos version of this watch. The rehaut looks SUPER thick.

    • @1SaG
      @1SaG 11 месяцев назад +1

      @@V3rt1g0s Whew... thought I was the only one.. :)
      Case-thickness and rehaut height in particular seems like the next area the Chinese brands need to catch up in. I'm not even sure why they make them this tall/thick. The Sugess Sub for example isn't more expensive than the Cronos or SM models and it has a much less pronounced rehaut and an overall slimmer case (if only it wasn't called "Seaman" on the dial...lol!). Same goes for the Steinhart O1 models with flat crystals - whose rehaut is also nice and slim and whose overall height is somewhere between 12.5 and 13mm, according to my calipers.

  • @brianmsahin
    @brianmsahin 11 месяцев назад +2

    This is a very nice watch. Thanks for the great review ! Wish they'd use the NH38 though. Price of the movements are almost identical.

    • @JesusisLORD77778
      @JesusisLORD77778 10 месяцев назад

      So, what practical difference does it make? Genuinely curious. Is there just a "ghost" date wheel you can feel or accidentally trigger when setting time?

  • @haromaster6086
    @haromaster6086 9 месяцев назад +3

    If they put a Swiss movement in, I’d pay $1000 for this watch. I’ve had more expensive watches that had less in the aspect of quality and fit and finish than this San Martin. Great watch.

  • @anthonyodwyer3261
    @anthonyodwyer3261 11 месяцев назад +3

    Thanks for the review, my preference is the larger model. Can someone give the SM Purchasing Manager directions to the NH38 factory😂

  • @haniahammed9367
    @haniahammed9367 8 месяцев назад +2

    what’s your wrist size ?

  • @dontflyspirit6535
    @dontflyspirit6535 4 месяца назад

    Nice video!
    Do you think there's enough links to remove to fit a 6 inch wrist?

  • @tomzurbi
    @tomzurbi 3 месяца назад

    Great review, great shots! Can you please tell me the diameter of the crystal?

  • @marko0marko0marko01
    @marko0marko0marko01 5 месяцев назад

    Do u prefer this or san martin 6200? Which is better quality?

  • @Vance-m9l
    @Vance-m9l 11 месяцев назад +1

    Is this considered a dress watch or can it be worn with casual wear?

  • @Itzhak_Hasson
    @Itzhak_Hasson 9 месяцев назад +1

    You should try the Octopus Kraken BB58, you'll be surprized of it's quality.

  • @Bellaciaao
    @Bellaciaao 10 месяцев назад +1

    How many links can be removed?

  • @distarterhabennagen
    @distarterhabennagen 6 месяцев назад +1

    great presentation, thanks for sharing

  • @andal7404
    @andal7404 11 месяцев назад +3

    I bought it yesterday for £167. That is about one twentieth of the OG cost.

    • @jesusmartinmusic
      @jesusmartinmusic 10 месяцев назад

      I bought 2 for £78 (91€) from San Martin Store 3 weeks ago, one blue, one black . I couldn't believe how the set that offer out, but I jumped on it straight away hehehe. Best value for money watches I've probably bought in my entire life...

  • @WatchesnguitarsDK
    @WatchesnguitarsDK 10 месяцев назад +1

    Does anyone know if the SM bracelet would fit a Tudor 54? Just as an extra bracelet when the rivets need a little rest.

  • @RabbitWatchShop
    @RabbitWatchShop 11 месяцев назад +4

    My biggest problem with San Martin right now is their outright refusal to make half-links for their oyster bracelets. I can currently get a good fit on my SM watch, but I know as I continue to lose weight, I won’t be able to. Others fail to get a good fit despite the tool-free clasp. Many have asked SM for half-links, but they always respond with horrible excuses.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад

      On a fly adjustable clasp is their possible solution to half link absence, I guess 🤔 Thank you for watching! 🙂👍

    • @RabbitWatchShop
      @RabbitWatchShop 11 месяцев назад +1

      @@ShinyThings it’s not the same amount of travel as a glidelock found on Rolex. Half link is therefore still needed. People have this issue with Tudor’s T-fit. Lack of travel caused consumers to purchase Uncle Straps half links to get a good fit

  • @williamsipe1151
    @williamsipe1151 11 месяцев назад +3

    This would be on its way to me right now if it had a riveted bracelet and a sub-11 mm case height. Put in a 9039 and give us a proper watch.

    • @caerphoto
      @caerphoto 11 месяцев назад +1

      Even just the 9039 would be enough for most people, I think, just to get the case thickness to where it should be on a 37mm watch.

  • @bulldozer0612
    @bulldozer0612 7 месяцев назад +1

    SN0138 or SN004 V2? Which one is better?

    • @ThatOneGuy0807
      @ThatOneGuy0807 7 месяцев назад

      I trying to decide between these two right now 😂 which one did you decide to go with? They’re almost identical

  • @drewsykes8152
    @drewsykes8152 3 месяца назад

    If they manage to make a thinner otherwise identical update I’m buying two.

  • @c.s.herman860
    @c.s.herman860 10 месяцев назад +1

    Do they have a 40mm version with this matte bezel ??

    • @indyawichofficial1346
      @indyawichofficial1346 9 месяцев назад

      If I am not mistaken they added 40mm version with matt ceramic bezel not only in black / blue (which is also slightly different tone than the polished original), but also green / grey. Enjoy !

    • @ThatOneGuy0807
      @ThatOneGuy0807 7 месяцев назад

      @@indyawichofficial1346what’s the model number? I wasn’t aware of this

  • @sinjinadams2862
    @sinjinadams2862 11 месяцев назад +2

    Beautiful watch! Unfortunately just a little too small for me. 39mm is my limit.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад

      Luckily the 39mm is still available and with different movement variations! 🙂👍

    • @ThatOneGuy0807
      @ThatOneGuy0807 7 месяцев назад

      Look at the SN004 V2 San Martin x Watch Dives collab. It’s almost identical to this watch, only difference is it’s 39mm at the bezel

  • @9426sunny
    @9426sunny 5 месяцев назад

    Well made..The only problem is people don't like Tudor.

  • @lwood5375
    @lwood5375 10 месяцев назад +1

    Damn that sucks about the thickness i wonder if its possible to mod it to make it thinner

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  10 месяцев назад

      I've been wearing this sn0138 for a week now. The watch is well proportioned and thickness is not a problem, not for me anyway 🙂

  • @pavo45
    @pavo45 11 месяцев назад +7

    San Martin, if you are going to use a movement with a date complication just use it !

  • @tngchinghwa
    @tngchinghwa 11 месяцев назад +3

    the gilt is too yellow and the black is not black enough. I own 4 SM, this model still need a few more iterations to get it right.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад +1

      Thank you for sharing! They did much better job here than 3 years ago on the 6200 which came out with weird protruding end links and problematic clasp due to the rivets. But still it was their best seller at the time 🙂

  • @turnbasedtoddy7664
    @turnbasedtoddy7664 11 месяцев назад +2

    It’s beautiful, but that yellow around the bezel is pretty bad. I think the blue one is the way to go.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад

      Thank you for sharing! 🙂👍

  • @user-sumptemi52
    @user-sumptemi52 11 месяцев назад +2

    Rivets as on Cronos

  • @Dirtywesterner
    @Dirtywesterner 9 месяцев назад

    I've hoped for years they would release a monochrome version like the new Tudor, I don't care for anything gold on my watches ,the faux rivets don't bother me one way or the other

  • @wspanialymenrzu3436
    @wspanialymenrzu3436 11 месяцев назад +1

    If it was 11.5 thick I would've consider it. 13 is way to much for me.

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад

      Lol 😂 I had 36mm Titanium Tissot in late 90th and actually thought it was on a larger side 😶 what was thinking 🙅‍♂️Thank you for watching! 🙂👍

  • @micaljimenez7381
    @micaljimenez7381 11 месяцев назад +1

    San martin are nice homage to other brand,but i think they began to be too expensive when we think they are only copy or homage, of course they are better tha pagani design who have a life durability very short,but i insist ,they become too expensive.the idea for this kind of chinese brand is to be a good gadget for people like me with very cheap budget,so if they want to have a seiko or citizen price,i prefere to buy seiko,citizen or orient

  • @TheTrueSolesurvivor
    @TheTrueSolesurvivor 9 месяцев назад

    Indices could have been bigger

  • @stevenmccarthy112
    @stevenmccarthy112 11 месяцев назад +2

    Too bad about that case slimness.

  • @ssnerd583
    @ssnerd583 11 месяцев назад +1

    Give me the rivets!!

    • @ShinyThings
      @ShinyThings  11 месяцев назад

      🙂👍

    • @andrewbreton7062
      @andrewbreton7062 11 месяцев назад +1

      I picked up the Chronos variant. Has the rivets, choice of guild or not, on bezel. And the PT5000 movement I got, is shockingly accurate. It's also a strap monster.

  • @praveennair9501
    @praveennair9501 11 месяцев назад +2

    ghost date position kind of a turn off

  • @wspanialymenrzu3436
    @wspanialymenrzu3436 11 месяцев назад +2

    If it was 11.5 thick I would've consider it. 13 is way to much for me.