Which is Best? Two incredible GMT's by San Martin and Cronos!
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- čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
- In this video I compare the San Martin SN015-G and Cronos GMT's.
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DEAR CZcams AND VIEWERS!
The watches in this video are originals or homages. These are not fakes or counterfeit. They are perfectly legal and anyone who reports this channel to CZcams for the promotion or selling of fake or counterfeit products is doing so knowing that this channel is not breaking any of the terms and conditions stipulated by CZcams.
Any music used in this video is owned by CZcams and I am also legally entitled to use it. The pictures are my own or I have obtained legally with permission for commercial use.
I have been careful with my use of any trade marked terms in this video relating to any other watches. None of the watches have other brands trademarked terms displayed on them. I have not breached any trademark laws.
Homage watches are legal as long as they do not carry the name or trademarked terms or names of the original maker which no watches in this video do.
Thank you for your support!
Gary
I Like Watches
As a left handed writer who also wears his watch on the left, I totally get where you are coming from concerning clasp thickness.
Yep
The San Martin would be my pick, but I think I actually do prefer the burgundy colour on the Cronos bezel.
Also, surprisingly, the pointy end of the Mercedes hand on the San Martin (9:19 timestamp) seems quite rough compared to the Cronos although it may be left unnoticed to the naked eye.
That is not to say the Cronos is flawless, as we can see later on at 9:54 that there is an imperfection at the 18 marker in regards to the paint application on the Cronos, whereas the San Martin seems flawless all around.
I bought a San Martin ... it was a little bit to small ...I contacted them and they sent me extra links... nice service
Good to hear that!
This is the review I was looking for! Thank you Gary!
I purchased the San Martin on the sale. I picked the San Martin version because I prefer the name and the clasp. You are definitely correct about the size it will fit, this is the first watch ever that I didn’t need to remove any links. The watch is outstanding and worth the price paid, $360.
Great video Gary! Very useful for people who are undecided. I've had both but I sent back the Cronos because of a QC issue, maybe a first batch problem.
I filmed the review of the San Martin long ago, your video pushed me to finish the editing and finally publish 😁
I have the cronos and have to say it’s exceptional at the price . For the first three months it ran around 25 seconds fast but it has since settled at around 7 secs . I own several Rolex modern sports watches and I’m not it any way making a comparison in quality however I would say that I am very happy to wear the cronos as I find it remarkable how they can produce such quality for the money . I just don’t think you can go wrong with either of these
Agree!
I've been waiting for this video for a long time Gary! Thank you very much! Noticed that Cronos offers the Full Lume Bezel for an additional $20. For the next big sales event, one is DEFINITELY being picked up.
Yup, I like the fully lumed bezel but that wasn’t available when I was sent mine....looks great on the SM
I was waiting for this video for so long!
Thanks for this nice review, Gary. 👍👋
And the winner is the San Martin (for me). All saffier, fine movement, great service. No bezel play (which mean “quality”), all luminous (including the bezel numbers).
The red on the bezel of the San Martin is nicer IMO
That San Martin clasp needs to go on a diet, and a couple more removable links ... other than that it is a winner in my eyes. Thanks for the great video Gary! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I vaguely remember last summer that one reviewer had too few removable links on a SM watch but another reviewer commented that their same model of watch had more of these links.
@@CanadianBeachcomber I misspoke, I should of said more links that are removable 🤔
@@Buck380 I am left wondering if others who bought this watch received one with more links. 🤔
I own a Cronos dress watch, and it is very well made. The San Martin has a great reputation, so the decision is a tough one. I do not have a GMT style watch, and am in the market for one. Your review gives the choice to the Cronos for me. I think I will wait for that sale to hit and get the Cronos. Thanks for a great comparison review! As usual you give a great review Gary!!!
Maybe the different shades of red in the bezel insert are proof of the difficulty of production? The passes got to SM and the fails to C.
I have the Cronos, and like it very much. However, if it was to be done again, I'd go for the San Martin, I think, just for the clasp. The number of links and size of bracelets is not a real problem. I recently purchased the San Martin date just hommage, and it has the same "jubilee" type bracelet, with the same small size. My wrist being on the larger part of the spectrum I asked to added links and the supplied me with one (which was just what I needed, giving my wrist diameter).
As presented here, the fully lumed bezel on the San Martin makes it the winner for me. That said, they are both contenders! Well done!
Other way around ?
I think these are both awesome watches. For me, I think, it will come down to whichever has the better price at the next sale (assuming I have any watch funds left). Thank you for the comparison Gary 😊👍
Sorry Gary I've distracted from your video .Great job as ever and very little between them .I slightly prefer the bezel colour on the Cronos so would opt for that one tho both look great quality .
Awesome and informative video again!!
Great review gary , thanks!
Great review! So tempting!
Great video. You really covered the most important details. For me the San Martin edges it in overall build and finish. In the wrist shots there, the San Martin seems to have more 'pop' from that brighter red and what seems to be a sharper looking dial......might just be my eyes though. 😉 San Martin do a great looking 'Batman' GMT as well - not sure if that version has the lume filled bezel though.
I bought the Cronos when it came out for the 11.11 sale as at that point the Cronos was in my opinion much better. The SM only had an oyster bracelet, 120 click bezel rather than GMT bezel. It seems like SM have put a lot of effort into refining the watch where as the Cronos seems basically the same. If I was buying now I would probably get the San Martin.
Chronos is for me the best buy 👍
Did I ever mention that you have some of the best reviews in the business 🤔
Thanks Nico...appreciate it
If I were interested in Rolex homages any longer I would go for the Chronos simply because I like the clasp so much better.
i own several st martin and i absolutely love them, they give me all the feel of the real thing without the price, they just ooze quality
Same man, same.
The all red GMT hand is also something that can push people away from the SanMartin but both seems to be very very nice
Thanks you Gary
Two great GMT homages with not a lot between them. You’ll get a solid watch whichever you choose.
For me the San Martin just edges it. I prefer the applied logo, I like the sharper look of the grip on the bezel and I prefer that clasp for this style of watch.
Love the non-lumed bezel inset on the Cronos and the visible micro adjust holes on the clasp though 👍
Personally the San Martin wins here all be it in very slight ways. Negatives for Cronos, frame around the date window, mineral magnifier,unsigned clasp. Only real negative for San Martin is possibly lack of links in bracelet. Both stunning watches though and I’d love to own either! Great comparison👍🏻
The bezel inserts:
The San Martin has a fully nested insert....
whereas the Cronos insert sticks out just enough to bug me.
It's one of the first things I notice and fix on my watches.
3:38, 12:22
Nice vid. Check 11.10 you said the Cronos has the sapphire date window. Might warrant a little correction text ;). I want one.
I would love to see a comparison between a San Martin and an entry luxury watch from the likes of Oris, Formex or something similar. I'm currently in the market for a time piece in the 2k range, however I'm not really sure they will meet my expectations. Their name doesn't have any prestige to non-watch people and looking at my San Martins they are already very, very good. Are they really worth like 5x (with a SW200) to 10x the price? Sadly everything is currently closed where I'm from and I can't look at any of them in the flesh.
I've had my San Martin for a few weeks, and the logo on the clasp came off! It appears to have been glued on. And you weren't kidding about the bracelet's length. SM is sending me a newer replacement clasp and some extra links. Other than that, I was really impressed with it.
I went with Cronos for the Pepsi and the Sanmartin is the Batman..equally great
I have a Steinhart Pepsi GMT, the supplied jubilee is huge, but I wear my watch on a red, white, and blue NATO. It looks fantastic! 😎
it's a nice looking watch. I wonder how the lume from the Steinhart GMT compares to SM and Cronos though
@@shawn1928 my own experience is that the lime on the Steinhart is really very good.😎
@@bassmanbowman3266 good to know!
I like the Cronos brand name more than San Martin, but in this case your outdoor views pull me more towards the San Martin.
Yes, there it is, thank you!!
That Cronos GMT keeps calling to me. I think I'd like the slimmer, smaller clasp too, over the San Martin clasp. I recently got the San Martin "Sub" - the latest 41mm version - and while I like the clasp, it's also rather chunky. I think I prefer slimmer, old-fashioned clasps.
Yup....agreed!
The Cronos just pops ! I really liked your Cronos video which made me buy mine. Dare I say they both derive from the same company, being assembled by the same people?
They do look subtley different enough in details that I doubt that.
Both companies deny it and are completely separate other than collaboration on the bezel
@@ilikewatches Right. This assumption may not be too fair, as one also might expect the decision making on production itself come from different places. Anyhow, they both offer a lot of bang per buck !
Cronos now has an applied logo and has removed the framed window.
I think something people tend to forget is san Martins sub case has horrible sharp lug ends and sides, my v3 water ghost did. I don't know if thats something that's been changed now? Also you can get the date window on the cronos removed, just write a msg to lgy watch store while ordering. Cronos has made a new applied logo and new bracelet so look forward to seeing that change.
hard to chose wich one is the best... very hard. thanks for the review mate!
My pleasure!
Hi. Thanks for this comparison. But I can’t help to notice the watch you are wearing, looks really good. May I know which watch is this?
Cronos red bezel half is similar to later MK2/3 BLRO models w/ darker hue. SM is more like original MK1.
Clasp is definitely in SM corner, need to see if can swap out Cronos for an oyster clasp on AliExp.
Dial logo/text better on Cronos.
Cronos GMT silver arrow > SM GMT red arrow
Request a no frame date window & it's a Cronos FTW for me. I just ordered one.
Ditto on the left handed and the only time I put a watch on my right wrist is when my left wrist already has a watch on it Cheers
At 9:23 the San Martin's Mercedes hand looks scratched up. At 9:58 Cronos on the bezel the 18's paint looks sloppy. Also the mineral crystal Cyclops looks a lot taller. The cyclopses usually the 1st thing to get scratched. I think I would go with the San Martin with the Cronos's clasp.
The cronos logo looks better
SM has custom logos ;-)
The San Martin is all the watch you will ever need. To me the San Martin is pretty much perfect. My only doubts would be, maintenance in time, in case of parts needed, such as bezel, crown, and more important the movement, no easy swap NH35 here, so where to go, as there are no expendable watches.
When you have the two side by side the Colored bezel on the Cronos is a fraction wider making it look much more accurate to the Rolex. The New version of the Cronos has the same clasp as the SM. I prefer the Cronos with that fraction wider bezel, I guess its due to the case being 40.5mm instead of the 40mm. Both punch way above their weight as homage watches to its MUCH dearer sibling.
Good video!!
Great side by side comparison. I will wait for Cronos 2.0 without date frame and with full saphire. I tried SM with new logo but that hexagon it did not grow on me.
Who said it come updated? They won't change it...
Hi, I have the Cronos on order and chose it for a couple reasons. For me, in real world use the quality is insignificant for me. The four main reason I chose the Cronos are: the applied log on the SM is distracting from the dial, the red on the Cronos besel is much better looking, the clasp on the Cronos looks much more comfortable and last of all the price. But I think it is a win win situation. Why pay more for the lesser quality Steinhart gmt?
SM is better for the sapphire cyclops, applied logo, lumed bezel, case thickness, bezel action, paint finishings on bezel numbers, clasp style & logo, and end links (cronos end links are not flush).
Those pluses are worth $100 or more
I prefer the cronos, the deeper red works better so would be interested to know wether it's a batch or permanent thing....also the bracelet, SM could be too tight....of course what we really need is a San Cronos, use the best of both....🏴⌚🏴⌚
Can you test and tell me if the san martin bracelet fits on the cronos? Would be appreciated✌🏼
How does the HG6460 movement perform compared to its swiss counterpart? Is it reliable?
Both pieces are pretty much equal. My thought is, if you have a 7.5" wrist or larger, go Cronos; in most cases you won't need additional links. Not many companies out there that I know of off hand that will send you additional links at no cost (I've only personally experienced this with 2 brands).
My thought is, if the case is 40mm+, supply a bracelet that will support up to a 9" wrist.
Indeed, it's a lottery as whether they will send extra links. Sekonda and Sugess were the only two companies that have sent me extra links free-of-charge.
@@waynegoldpig2220 The two brands I experienced this great customer service with:
1) The first was a brand called Reactor. They actually did this for me with 3 different watch models. In each instance, I received an additional link over what I requested.
2) BALL - When I received my watch from the A.D., I could tell links had been removed. It was a butterfly clasp bracelet. Spec's indicated it should have fit at least an 8" wrist. Mine is just under 8" & I was not able to close the clasp. I emailed BALL in Switzerland directly explaining the situation. They responded immediately (taking time difference in consideration), very cordial and professional, including apologies. I answered a couple questions with her final response being that she was sending me 1-full & 2-half links - 1 half link more than I requested. A few days later I received a package from Switzerland with the links.
It is still a tough call: Advantage San Marting, better looking dial insert, slightly smaller dimensions, sapphire cyclops with no date frame. Advantage Cronos: Bezel appeared to be better aligned, I prefer the polished tip of the GMT hand, personally I prefer the more petite and supposedly more comfortable clasp of the Cronos over the more in keeping and more functional but also bulkier clasp of the San Martin.
Exactly my thoughts too 🤔
SM is better, 1. Clasp is more beautiful and functional, the adjustment holes are hidden and quick extension is possible, 2. Ceramic bezel colour is more accurate, I suspect the incorrect red color on Cronos is due to applying red paint over a blue bezel, 3, More Lume.
Too bad it switched around with clasp and cronos offers full lume bezel now too
@@MarkDanger777 They are probably made in the same factory. I have a San Martin, but looking at this video the physical properties are more like the cronos, like the slightly higher crystal size and the tooth on the bezel are less sharp like the Cronos. Also the clasp San Martin use now is the same, just with a logo put on it.
I have the Cronos, but wanted to ask you if yours winds easy, mine takes some work, and when the crown doesn't pop when unscrewing it, I just wondered if it was just mine, or that's how this movement is? Great comparison video!!! Have a great day!!!
Mine is stiff....other than that seems fine
I just got my first cronos watch and I love it. But I got two san martins and I feel their quality control is better. Cronos had a bit of backplay on the bezel (sub homage) and the date is not centered. I want a gmt Pepsi, love the color tone on the bezel, but I feel san martin is a safer choice. ILW could you maybe review the new san martin GMT with oyster bracelet?
Loving that San Martin. But I'm a big San Martin fan boy right now - it's like they can do almost no wrong in my eyes.
Ended up picking the San Martin but finding the bracelet is a little tight, already using the diver extend but in the heat my wrist is swelling and have to take it off. Asked SM for some extra links but still no joy, any suggestions on how to get some extra links?
Gary
When you fit that clasp on the Exciton 2, will the sides be polished or brushed ?
The clasp looks great but prefer it to be brushed to go with the finish of the rest of the watch.
Also will it be plain or signed ?
Cheers
It will be signed and not sure about the brushing....
I sympathize with Cronos, but in this comparison it was owned by San Martin I guess. They made a nicer watch with only 3 downsides:
- higher price
- I have a 8-8,5 inch wrist
- if only they use the more classic looking calligraphic logo instead of the cube
Cool video! Thanks, Sir!
Yes, the cube logo is enough for me to hate the SM. It's so ugly (imo)
Great comparison video Gary! Just a quick question, do you know if the coke version of the San Martin also has a ceramic bezel?
They are all ceramic...
@@ilikewatches Thanks!
Great great great video 👌
Thanks Cedar! Always appreciate the feedback!
oooooh that red is nice on the Cronos.....very much like the Rolex. Very hard to get right.....and a 'Deal Maker' for me. Firmly on my 'to buy' list as of now. I'd never have noticed this had you not done this 'side by side'.
Glad it helped!
@@ilikewatches I've been waiting for some time to see if someone would actually attempt to replicate the Rolex Red and blue colours....both of which are actually very subdued and classy. This is the closest so far. Everyone else is doing primary Red and blue...which is actually way more 'garish'. I like the San martin a lot...but here the Cronos logo also suits a little more. I like the clasp/bracelet on the San Martin though. Both extremely nice.
Fast forward to June 2024 - and it now costs $189. Crazy Value.
If I were in the market for a Pepsi GMT homage, I would have to go with the Cronos because of the length of the bracelet.
You go for the bracelet ? Strang...IMO the watch is more important.
@@scooby0000 the reason that I would have to go with the bracelet is the size, the San Martin would fit an eight inch wrist, which would be fine for me in the morning but in the afternoon the watch would be too tight.
I'd prefer the San Martin except the GMT hand being all red bothers me. I'm hoping a new version of the San Martin updates the GMT hand as they've updated the seconds hand on their 62 Mas Homage with the V4.
Both look great , decide which one you what Gary , I’ll have the other . ATB, stay safe all.
Thank you!
Personally, I like the Rolex GMT homage of the Pagani Design PD-1662.
My issue, or potential issue, is the movement used in the "lower tier" GMT Masters from Pagani Design, Parnis, etc. They're essentially called Pearl GMT movements; iffy reliability, unregulated, and prone to erratic accuracy reports. Though I am no expert on Chinese movements, I've heard enough complains to scare me off, ranging from it outright died or that it's gaining a whole minute a day. Unlike the NH35 Subs from Pagani Designs, which I hear are all-round solid, these GMTs are far more unreliable things. I feel like it's a genuine coin toss.
The San Martin logo is too blocky.
Can move links be removed from the cronos to better fit smaller wrist?
That seems a bit high considering the movement. I picked up a Pagani Design GMT for $89 a while back. It's definitely a step down from these but it's also a third of the price. Maybe it's just me but for that price I would expect a Seagull at minimum (actually thinking more like a Miyota 9000 series). Or are those days of the Chinese watches for dirt cheap coming to an end?
Odd question- how do you measure the max wrist circumference of each watch available?
I've *NEVER* seen a Rolex homage that gets the chapter ring angle quite right.
Awesome review! one question though, what is the closest to the rolex pepsi in terms of the bezel color?
Good question but sadly I’ve never seen the original in person so I couldn’t say for sure...
Cronos is closer to original rolex colour.
@@soundtrap1812 thanks man!
Did you put them on the timegrapher? I'd be interested to know what kind of performance one can expect from those Chinese ETA-clones...
For the full reviews I do...
@@ilikewatches Tease .... :D
I'm equally interested! I feel like it's a topic that isn't spoken enough of in AliExpress reviews; largely because even the reviewers don't entirely know. However, I looked into the Pearl GMT movements in the "lower tier" GMT Masters from Pagani Designs, etc, and it was enough to scare me off of them. Inaccuracy and unreliability defeat the whole purpose of having an extra-capable GMT function.
I beginning to wonder if San Martin and Cronos are one in the same company, with the person/persons at the top spliting the technology between 2 groups of watch makers.
I like the look of the San Martin, and think I would go for the red/black version, but I can't bring myself to spend 300 sovs on an Ali-E watch, no matter how good the quality, it is still a homage after all. Can get Glycine, Certina and Tissot for that money.
SM finishing leaves those swiss watches in the dust! I own a Certina DS-4 great watch with its own look but it's not even close to the SM finishing!!
Saludos from Spain
I like when people pay if forward! There are a few things I like about them both the San Martin does have the better clasp but I like the colors on the Cronos bezel better the rest are such minor details it's not a deal breaker for either. They are a little small for me but if I were to choose I like the Cronos one the best. I saw some vids in the past and they take a beating and come out smelling like a rose.
Considering the price difference today, this is a no-brainer
I'd go for SM except the clasp thickness
I almost won the Cronos on Ebay, for a steep discount! I wouldn't have bought the San Martin if I had. Ultimately, the SM's refinements, especially the clasp, were enough to sway me towards it.
Hi Gary. Will you still be doing the San Martin SN019 review? Waiting for your review before I bite the bullet
Yes...soon...just having a little break from divers for a week or so as people get a little sick of them...next week it will be posted
I just received the Batman version and It’s not keeping time I’m losing 25-30 minutes since receiving it. Anyone else having problems with theirs keeping time?
The cyclops window magnifier on the San Martin looks like it has AR coding under it where the Kronos doesn’t, can you check on that please?
Yes, the San Martin has clear AR on the main crystal and blue AR on the cuclops
@@ilikewatches That’s exactly what appeared when I watched your video. Thank you so much for responding so promptly.
Regarding the dateframe, I simply asked if it was possible to have one without it, and they sent me one without :)
It makes this watch a really nice piece. Only downside would be this little bit of play that the bezel has. But the watch is great on so many other aspects
That's the type of customer service you wish all watch brands had! A simple win for Cronos and you, as their customer :)
I bet this took them 30secs of time to fix for you on the factory floor...
"Hey Bob, we've got an order for a dial with no date frame"
"Sure thing Sid, I forgot to put one on this dial, anyway" 😂
Perfect combo. I want the old logo but the date window is terrible. Give me a shout should you consider flipping it!
I'm surprised there aren't more CZcams reviews of the Cronos GMT, to be honest. Yours seems to be the about theonly one, and certainly the only in-depth one available.
Dude, you need to update this comparison.
Incredibly how fast Chinese horology is developing. Various companies are putting effort in innovation and optimization at the same moment
Nothing innovative in these companies.
Ref. Number of the watch you are wearing on the video?
I find it hard to believe that san Martin are making this watch and it won't fit anyone with a 6.5 inch wrist??
Old vid, but since I've been looking into Cronos as of late, this might be of interest: It seems that they've ditched the Hangzhou movement and switched to the NH34 for this model. I think the price is a bit lower as a result, but I'm not sure this is the smartest move they could've made. For one thing, it's a downgrade from 4Hz to 3Hz and I for one am not overly impressed with the NH34 in my SM GMT. Seems that quite a few Chinese watches with that movement suffer from poorly aligned GMT-hands (my example does).
The Cronos has gone up in price but still a steal when on sale.
11:04-11:12 You said the Cronos comes with a sapphire cyclops and then immediately said it comes with a mineral cyclops. The San Martin comes with a sapphire cyclops: the Cronos has a mineral cyclops, as you correctly said earlier in your video.
Thanks...yeah I missed that
The san martin for me!! but my opinion!! San martin shud go back to the writing on the dial.. the logo?????????? 🤷♂️