Watchlords

I'd mentioned earlier that I had a couple of "better" Chinese affordables coming, referring to watches more expensive than the Tandorio and Merkur offerings I recently purchased. Here's #2 of the "better" catches of this spring's spree, a San Martin SN0115-G-1 no-date brown dial:

Just like my previous San Martin, this shows the same much higher than expected production values...







Model: SN0115-G-1 // Movement: NH35 Automatic // Case diameter: 39.5 mm // Case Thickness: 13 mm // Lug to Lug: 46.5 mm // Case: 316L Stainless Steel // Bezel: Ceramic, Unidirectional (120 clicks) // Crystal: Sapphire/AR // WR: 20 bar (200 m) // Lugs: 20 mm

The bezel is on point, the bracelet is silky comfortable, and the only quality difference on this and the previous is this has a nicely printed logo, while the earlier has an applied logo. I've heard some don't like the San Martin logo, but I do, either way. Of course, time will tell but my initial impressions are Wow!! for value for dollar. It's plain this has some reference to other watches in the world, but it's not at all a slavish copy, and I'm thrilled to have it.

Second hand, in essentially perfect shape, cost to me of $180 USD. Not even a mark on the clasp. Happy me.

Yeah, that's really nice all round. I'd wear it.

Very attractive.

I like it. Distinctly different

jason_recliner wrote: ↑

April 10th 2024, 5:08pm

Yeah, that's really nice all round. I'd wear it.

WIStful wrote: ↑

April 10th 2024, 5:58pm

Very attractive.

smellody wrote: ↑

April 10th 2024, 6:29pm

I like it. Distinctly different

Thanks, y'all. Everyone here knows I have a lot of affordable watches and the quality/dollar ratio with these is just sick. I could see these being disruptive.

I really like the contrast b'tween the hands/indicies and the dial. Quite attractive.

codguy wrote: ↑

April 10th 2024, 8:13pm

I really like the contrast b'tween the hands/indicies and the dial. Quite attractive.

Appreciated. I think they nailed the colors and the shades. It maybe shouldn't work--but it does.

So these are US$260! That's outstanding value. I'd pay a bit more for a 9015 inside (if it was offered) but, if you want a watch for the beach, surfing, snorkelling, diving, that you don't have to baby and you really want a mechanical, these are extremely compelling.

I like that one. It gives me an erection.

Nice that San Martin SN0115-G-1 with the Brown dial you posted there .. . . I picked up this one below the off white 40MM Panda BB Stainless Steel with Sapphire and ST1901 then let it go to an admirer . .. . I missed it so then picked up another one . .. I was happy enough . .. Then I seen this one about a month ago . .. . and I was puzzled because I was sure it was the same model San Martin BB ... but it had different text on the dial. . . . I bought it ... . . .I did a bit of investigating and apparently the very first batch of these from San Martin had the "GENEVE" dial. Who knew? Both very nice hand wound movement with the ST1901 and the overall quality is outstanding for the price.

You guys have got me looking at SM very closely indeed. Prices are crazy low on some of them, even when converted into Aussie dineros.

"I don't need another watch... I don't need another watch... I don't need another watch..."

I have purchased 11 in total over the years from San Martin. I always use the official San Martin site when buying new .. . . .

AlbertaTime wrote: ↑

April 10th 2024, 8:30pm

codguy wrote: ↑

April 10th 2024, 8:13pm

I really like the contrast b'tween the hands/indicies and the dial. Quite attractive.

Appreciated. I think they nailed the colors and the shades. It maybe shouldn't work--but it does.

Yes, yes, yes. Love orange, usually hate brown but these two go together really well.

What a great looking watch. Would not have tried a tan dial but the orange makes it.

Tartan1 wrote: ↑

April 11th 2024, 5:31am

I have purchased 11 in total over the years from San Martin. I always use the official San Martin site when buying new .. . . .

Sometimes pricing can be better on a company website as opposed to AliX, I expect. I know it's like that with other Chinese brands found on AliX. What's your San Martin experience been like?

MAX wrote: ↑

April 11th 2024, 9:53am

Yes, yes, yes. Love orange, usually hate brown but these two go together really well.

Thank you. The brown has to be right--but it can work. I really like my brown dial Emperor too.

Racer-X wrote: ↑

April 11th 2024, 3:41pm

What a great looking watch. Would not have tried a tan dial but the orange makes it.

Thank you. The design just grabbed me.

jason_recliner wrote: ↑

April 11th 2024, 5:22am

You guys have got me looking at SM very closely indeed. Prices are crazy low on some of them, even when converted into Aussie dineros.

"I don't need another watch... I don't need another watch... I don't need another watch..."

You might

The dal is great and the package looks good on the BOR bracelet. Great value and another good catch, man.

3Flushes wrote: ↑

April 11th 2024, 6:56pm

The dal is great and the package looks good on the BOR bracelet. Great value and another good catch, man.

Thanks, Scott!

I have only bought from San Martin what would be considered to be "homage" watches, ... . maybe I should widen the field and try a couple of there dedicated San Martin original designs.

Mega-sale seems to have finished. Phew - made it through unscathed.

While I managed to stay away from the "Mega sale" . .. .. I am not completely free of the San Martin itch . .. I have a couple incoming from other outlets . .. . ..

I can't find that watch on their website:

bbattle wrote: ↑

April 18th 2024, 5:04pm

I can't find that watch on their website:

Screen Shot 2024-04-18 at 7.00.33 PM.png

https://sanmartinwatches.com/shop/sn011 ... -sn0115-g/

The brown dial SN0115-G-1 was a limited edition, and is now out of stock, so far as i can find.