Yes if you are a regular to this site then you know I have a relationship with San Martin. They like to send me watches without warning to review on YouTube.
This one turned up and I am so happy it did as its become one of my all time favorites from them. Just look at the detail in this watch!
I think its getting most of its inspiration from Grand Seiko but man do San Martin make incredible watches for the money. This is an all stainless steel watch with some of the highest quality steel finishing I have seen from them to date. You have a mix of brushed and polished surfaces that even under macro are very impressive.
on this one its all about that dial! It has a sand dune effect and a texture to it with what I can only describe as a metallic flake in the paint. This dial is decorated with really nice designed indices. Too often on microbrands you see round or baton index which I think are generically made and sold to these companies to use on their watches. San Martin here have developed a baton with a taper at the end and a stripe of lume down the middle. This feature seems to be missed by many reviewers but I do look for the less obvious. Clearly San Martin are trying to constantly up their game and its in the fine detail like this.
This is apparently San Martin’s own design too which is really nice to see. These macro shots you get a good look at the indices, the hand set they have chosen and the chapter ring they have opted for. Using a chapter ring like this also gives them more room to show off that dial!
As you can see it is also a GMT and yes its using the reliable and forever affordable Seiko NH34 movement which will keep on going for years without the need for any maintenance.
This watch is not without some negatives, these are my personal criticisms based on my own preference. Firstly the bracelet. Its really well made with screwed links etc but the centre link polishing I think is a bit over the top and on a watch like this it is a bit too shiny and blingy for my tastes. That being said since producing my review on YouTube (link at bottom) they have now made a newer version of the SN0129-G-GMT which is supposed to have all brushed bracelet now.
The only other criticism is due to the colouring and polishing when in bright sunlight the watch is a bit to dazzling to actually read the time well. Its a shame but the rest of the time I cant stop looking at it and how the light plays with the dial.
This model is 39mm in diameter which is a perfect size for a watch like this as it will look good on small and large wrists alike. The watch is also very affordable, as of writing this post its available for £232.00 and that is not in any AliExpress sale. Delivery is free but you may have to pay tax for your country at checkout on Aliexpress. This will mean that it arrives safely and without any unexpected charges.
If you want to check them out here is my affiliate link, for transparency I do earn a commission for any purchases made using this link. It will not cost you any more.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dm5VYNj
Here is my YouTube Review. I look at this watch literally under a microscope!
