The SM bracelets are really great. You can buy them separately, at least on the SM Homepage. 45 USD for the 62mas. I doubt that it will fit without problems to other brands due to the end links.
I bought an SM 62 MAS recently & asked for the bracelet. SM sent messages ( 1 with pic.) saying the bracelet on the latest run wasn't fitting right. All a bit strange - not as if they just started making them ; good to see QC checks. I was disappointed & felt that they didn't think the issue would resolved soon & wanted the sale processed asap . I'm going to buy a bracelet from another store.
Any idea where I can get the V1 version, I like the dial without the chapter ring and original second hand much better but can't seem to find it for sale anywhere, just V3😔 so any help where to purchase V1 would be much appreciated thank you!👍
San Martins QC and bracelets really do set them apart from the rest of the AliExpress watches in my opinion. Great video mate. I had no idea there were so many subtle little differences between the different versions.
Yeh i give them they have probably the best QC from all the brands we've all tested and they're bracelets are a winner. Its that next level up in engineering on that clasp for sure and the little design/brushing features on the bracelets
@@TheWatcherReviews That's good. I almost got one a while back, but when I found out the clasp was pressed I decided not to in the end. I suggested to the seller then they should change them to milled ones, as it's not that much more. But vastly improves the overall quality of the watch. So I'm glad they've finally done it. I might have to have a look at some of their newer models now 😉
You know what, the clasp is actually minor compared to the whole watch. Trust me, the quality you get on the proxima and the dial, it is a proper homage on a 'enthusiast' level. For the sake of adding a milled clasp in your cart when you buy a proxima, it's definitely something you should buy. I've got 3 Proxima watches sitting waiting to be reviewed. They still have pressed clasps on NOS but they did sent me one with a milled and said on future models they're using just milled
Great comparison between both versions! I'm loving my v3 62MAS, it feels and looks so high quality that it immediately became my daily wearer. Agree with you on the disappointing bezel action, but the rest of the watch is so good I can live with that one issue.
Very nice these. The one to go for I think. I like the new hex logo....it feels like they're becoming a proper respectable brand now. The right size also. Enough of those 52 lug length versions
For a brief moment the version with the hexagonal logo on the dial came also with the old style second hand. In the San Martin store on Ali. Got sold out in the sale end of August. I was too late to pick one up, to my regret, as I would prefer the old style second hand and if I want to look at the traffic light second hand I look at my 6105 homage. An early version came also with a diver helmet on the caseback instead of the fish. The old caseback is gone, but maybe it is possible to drop the seller a line and request the old second hand on the hexagon logo dial.
54 makes a 38.5 mm the same dimensions as the original for around the same price as these other chines homages so they do exist. These watches were made more in the image of the Sla017 not the original 6217
I’m new to watches looking to buy just one as I stopped wearing one 20yrs ago. I don’t like the magnified date window (not sure what it’s called) on dials. I think it cheapens the look on most watches IMO. San Martin has great lume and I like their Rolex homage dress watches minus the x2 date window
I own exactly the same watch (doesn't have the new logo), and it is excellent. Unfortunately mine has a little bezel back play, but that's all I can fault. The lume, bracelet and overall finish is outstanding. I also own a Heimdallr 62 mas bronze, with a leather strap. Absolutely outstanding watch for the money. PS hate the new logo
Me too 😆 I was not too keen on the original text logo, as I felt they could have chosen a more attractive typeface/font. The hexagonal logo shows that they're slowly evolving their brand identity (though I still don't know how "San Martin" relates to a Chinese company). However, the hexagonal logo IMHO kind of clutters up the dial. It's for this same reason I hold back on buying the otherwise gorgeous Islanders from Island Watches. I'm seriously considering a San Martin with a sterile dial though 😆
I think that the most noticeable difference for me is that the new one has a inner chapter ring with the minute track, instead of having them printed on the dial itself, like the previous version and the original 62mas. Because of this the dial on the new one looks a bit smaller than the old one. Personaly, I like both and I think I prefer the new one, although it isn't a true """replica homage""" but in some ways, has it's own """"originality"""" and personality with those modern features.
If I'm not mistaken, there's a Hong Kong based micro brand by the name of Armida that produces a dimensionally faithful reproduction of the 62MAS. I think the model number is A12? However they may cost twice the price of the San Martins.. don't know if I'd be willing to pay double the money to shave off a few millimetres 😆 but still a LOT cheaper compared to getting an SLA017 or an original 62MAS
@@TheWatcherReviews looking forward to it! The FiftyFour was a real prospect for me, but the red 'F' for Fifty and Four put me off. I believe they've amended that in the latest version where it's all white. Sadly no grey sunburst dial and the indices look a bit 'fatter' in my opinion 😆
I was wondering if that V3 had a chapter ring, aha! If you go even deeper into their version timeline, one might say there are more than 3.. V1 had 120 click, drilled lugs, plain crown, and divers helmet caseback.. V2 had 90 click, NO drilled lugs, and the new shark crown and caseback.. next, they went back to the drilled lugs and 120 click, but retaining the shark logos like you’ve got there- so many variants lol
I wish they would have did a blue lume bgw9 version and or vintage lume version. This really is a great watch though. If this had an Eta movement and was swiss made you are talking $2000 watch easy.
So which one would you choose? San Martin v3 with lumed pip on besel or Heimdallr 62mas? How much would they differ to make almost $100 price difference?
Thats the question and what you need to think, i would either choose v1 or heimdallr. You get alot from heimdallr but more refinement from san martin , minus the bezel ofcourse Check this comparison i did on heimdallr vs san martin czcams.com/video/X5OnckNoJdo/video.html
Thanks for "lightining fast" reply, bro! :) I've already watched your vid with SM and Heimdallr comparison, and still I'm a little bit confused. Now looking at Aliexpress and Heimdallr website store those watches are pretty close with price (SM v3 with bracelet and lumed pip ~$233, Heimdallr with Sapphire, steel bracelet $199, with mineral glass instead sapphire $179), Aliexpress offers a bit cheaper tho. Still a tricky pick :)
Does the V3 also come with just pip lumed? I have the fully lumed inserts on my Steeldive 62MAS and 6105 and iI wish they wouldn't.... On a side note: My Steeldive 62MAS makes the same horrible bezel sound while my 6105 is smooth and has very different sound. Wondering if they might have changed the bezel construction? I might find out when me replacement bezel and dial arrive...
The v3 does have a non fully lumed ceramic. The reason for the sound is purely based on bezel construction. The 6106 has a denser bezel compared to the 62mas on SD & SM, they seem light and hollow. The spring pin used is probably too strong and thick thats why it resonates like that
Any idea where I can purchase V1, like the larger dial without chapter ring and original seconds hand, looks much more authentic like original 62mas but can only find V3 for sale, any help will be much appreciated sir 👍
Hi Ian You won't find any as they are all discontinued, the one's that were left were on other stores and NOS. Its a shame as they should have continued to make them
I personally find v2 more classy. The logo font could be a little more interesting, but the yellow luminous bezel markings and the seconds hand on v3 just ruin it for me. I don't know what they are thinking at San Martin and change the second hands (and sometimes the entire handsets) lately. They did the same thing with their black dial Tuna version too. I had to cancel my order because of this...
@@TheWatcherReviews Even though they are arguably the highest quality chinese brand at the moment, they still haven't figured out that details like these matter to real watch enthusiasts. If i buy a Tuna homage, i don't want it to have the same seconds hand with my turtle or my 62mas! It buffles me that they mess a good thing so casually, even though i can give possible explanations...
A man after my own heart here. Yes i agree 100%. If they are seeing success from making watches inspired by Seiko then stick to that style. This is why i like alot of what heimdallr do. The only reason these brands are popular is because of Seiko
You don't need to get the lume bezel, they have the option of with or without lume.. and yeah the lume makes it more yellowish.. I'm thinking of getting one and still on the fence as to get lume or no lume
I'm very surprised about the mechanism of the bezel !! I always thought san martin watches have a better mechanism and a smooth bezel than the other brands ... They have a superior clasp and bracelet and even i like their dial the most but that bezel sound !!!!!
@@TheWatcherReviews honestly you have my full attention !! I always believed there's a huge difference between san martin and the other brands ... the Bezel action at least but now how can they justify the pricing ?? Because other than the bracelet and maybe the dial nothing comes to my mind even if you tell me the finish of the case and the hand that's not enough for me ( i'm taking about the 62 mas homage not the brand itself ) ...
@@sary171 the difference isn't huge. I think there's alot of hype created by reviewers around san martin because a) they haven't tested the rest or b) SM ask higher prices so if you run affilate links you're more likely recomment them.. They are quite a bit more refined and they pay a bit more attention. Put it this way, the price difference isn't relative to the quality. They're best feature is the bracelet and cases..their dials for the most part are basic but they use good lume
@@TheWatcherReviews waww !! So much going on here ... Really man thank you for that !!! You gave me something to think about ... You just changed my perspective about the review game ..
I wish San Martin would separately sell their good quality bracelets to fit various watches, give Strapcode some competition
The SM bracelets are really great. You can buy them separately, at least on the SM Homepage. 45 USD for the 62mas. I doubt that it will fit without problems to other brands due to the end links.
I bought an SM 62 MAS recently & asked for the bracelet. SM sent messages ( 1 with pic.) saying the bracelet on the latest run wasn't fitting right. All a bit strange - not as if they just started making them ; good to see QC checks.
I was disappointed & felt that they didn't think the issue would resolved soon & wanted the sale processed asap . I'm going to buy a bracelet from another store.
Any idea where I can get the V1 version, I like the dial without the chapter ring and original second hand much better but can't seem to find it for sale anywhere, just V3😔 so any help where to purchase V1 would be much appreciated thank you!👍
San Martins QC and bracelets really do set them apart from the rest of the AliExpress watches in my opinion. Great video mate. I had no idea there were so many subtle little differences between the different versions.
Yeh i give them they have probably the best QC from all the brands we've all tested and they're bracelets are a winner. Its that next level up in engineering on that clasp for sure and the little design/brushing features on the bracelets
@@TheWatcherReviews Proxima should really upgrade their bracelets or at least their clasps to milled
Agreed. They've started using milled clasps on newer models and are using them going forward.
@@TheWatcherReviews That's good. I almost got one a while back, but when I found out the clasp was pressed I decided not to in the end.
I suggested to the seller then they should change them to milled ones, as it's not that much more. But vastly improves the overall quality of the watch. So I'm glad they've finally done it. I might have to have a look at some of their newer models now 😉
You know what, the clasp is actually minor compared to the whole watch. Trust me, the quality you get on the proxima and the dial, it is a proper homage on a 'enthusiast' level. For the sake of adding a milled clasp in your cart when you buy a proxima, it's definitely something you should buy.
I've got 3 Proxima watches sitting waiting to be reviewed.
They still have pressed clasps on NOS but they did sent me one with a milled and said on future models they're using just milled
Great comparison between both versions! I'm loving my v3 62MAS, it feels and looks so high quality that it immediately became my daily wearer. Agree with you on the disappointing bezel action, but the rest of the watch is so good I can live with that one issue.
Yes you can and the bezel action is down to the fact the bezel is thin
Absolutely excellent job buddy. Very thorough vid, thank you
Nice one brother 👍
Very nice these. The one to go for I think. I like the new hex logo....it feels like they're becoming a proper respectable brand now. The right size also. Enough of those 52 lug length versions
Comprehensive review. Everything one needs to know about this model; great watch.
For a brief moment the version with the hexagonal logo on the dial came also with the old style second hand. In the San Martin store on Ali. Got sold out in the sale end of August.
I was too late to pick one up, to my regret, as I would prefer the old style second hand and if I want to look at the traffic light second hand I look at my 6105 homage.
An early version came also with a diver helmet on the caseback instead of the fish.
The old caseback is gone, but maybe it is possible to drop the seller a line and request the old second hand on the hexagon logo dial.
54 makes a 38.5 mm the same dimensions as the original for around the same price as these other chines homages so they do exist. These watches were made more in the image of the Sla017 not the original 6217
Good review, now I finally know what the differences are between the different versions.
I’m new to watches looking to buy just one as I stopped wearing one 20yrs ago. I don’t like the magnified date window (not sure what it’s called) on dials. I think it cheapens the look on most watches IMO. San Martin has great lume and I like their Rolex homage dress watches minus the x2 date window
I own exactly the same watch (doesn't have the new logo), and it is excellent. Unfortunately mine has a little bezel back play, but that's all I can fault. The lume, bracelet and overall finish is outstanding. I also own a Heimdallr 62 mas bronze, with a leather strap. Absolutely outstanding watch for the money. PS hate the new logo
Me too 😆 I was not too keen on the original text logo, as I felt they could have chosen a more attractive typeface/font. The hexagonal logo shows that they're slowly evolving their brand identity (though I still don't know how "San Martin" relates to a Chinese company). However, the hexagonal logo IMHO kind of clutters up the dial. It's for this same reason I hold back on buying the otherwise gorgeous Islanders from Island Watches. I'm seriously considering a San Martin with a sterile dial though 😆
Great comparison 💯💯
Looks like mineral glass on your V2, because the light play on it looks bumpy.
Sapphire on V3, which looks smooth and very magnifying near the edges.
Dont have a V2 in the vid. Its a v1 and it is deffo sapphire. It's due to the camera only being able to properly focus on 1 object at a time
I think that the most noticeable difference for me is that the new one has a inner chapter ring with the minute track, instead of having them printed on the dial itself, like the previous version and the original 62mas. Because of this the dial on the new one looks a bit smaller than the old one. Personaly, I like both and I think I prefer the new one, although it isn't a true """replica homage""" but in some ways, has it's own """"originality"""" and personality with those modern features.
looking forward to seeing it next to the Heimdallr and SteelDive
It will go up against the heimdallr but the steeldive is out of the race for me. Bezel action isnt too great and the thickness is too much.
@@TheWatcherReviews Wonder how it stacks up against the HIMQ/Proxima 62MAS or the Fifty-four 62MAS.
@@possumsam2189 i will be getting the Prxima 62mas soon and im also working on getting the 54 version too
I'm not a fan of the yellow colour on the lumed bezel... they have a V3 without the lumed bezel, which may look better.
If I'm not mistaken, there's a Hong Kong based micro brand by the name of Armida that produces a dimensionally faithful reproduction of the 62MAS. I think the model number is A12? However they may cost twice the price of the San Martins.. don't know if I'd be willing to pay double the money to shave off a few millimetres 😆 but still a LOT cheaper compared to getting an SLA017 or an original 62MAS
Yes you're right they do and it is very over priced. Hang tight for the 54 Watch version!!
@@TheWatcherReviews looking forward to it! The FiftyFour was a real prospect for me, but the red 'F' for Fifty and Four put me off. I believe they've amended that in the latest version where it's all white. Sadly no grey sunburst dial and the indices look a bit 'fatter' in my opinion 😆
I was wondering if that V3 had a chapter ring, aha! If you go even deeper into their version timeline, one might say there are more than 3.. V1 had 120 click, drilled lugs, plain crown, and divers helmet caseback.. V2 had 90 click, NO drilled lugs, and the new shark crown and caseback.. next, they went back to the drilled lugs and 120 click, but retaining the shark logos like you’ve got there- so many variants lol
I wish they would have did a blue lume bgw9 version and or vintage lume version. This really is a great watch though. If this had an Eta movement and was swiss made you are talking $2000 watch easy.
ooooo. this should be a good one!
Great review - thanks.
Is san martin homage for sbp143 cos I have ordered strapcode jubilee bracelet(sbp143) and curious to know that it fits for San martin62mas?
So which one would you choose? San Martin v3 with lumed pip on besel or Heimdallr 62mas? How much would they differ to make almost $100 price difference?
Thats the question and what you need to think, i would either choose v1 or heimdallr. You get alot from heimdallr but more refinement from san martin , minus the bezel ofcourse
Check this comparison i did on heimdallr vs san martin
czcams.com/video/X5OnckNoJdo/video.html
Thanks for "lightining fast" reply, bro! :) I've already watched your vid with SM and Heimdallr comparison, and still I'm a little bit confused. Now looking at Aliexpress and Heimdallr website store those watches are pretty close with price (SM v3 with bracelet and lumed pip ~$233, Heimdallr with Sapphire, steel bracelet $199, with mineral glass instead sapphire $179), Aliexpress offers a bit cheaper tho. Still a tricky pick :)
Hi, will the aftermarket seiko dial fit in it just like in the heimdallr?
Yes indeed
I´m waiting of the Steeldive Ploprof Review. I have one :-)
Its too expensive to be honest. I wouldn't be buying that anytime soon
Does the V3 also come with just pip lumed? I have the fully lumed inserts on my Steeldive 62MAS and 6105 and iI wish they wouldn't.... On a side note: My Steeldive 62MAS makes the same horrible bezel sound while my 6105 is smooth and has very different sound. Wondering if they might have changed the bezel construction? I might find out when me replacement bezel and dial arrive...
The v3 does have a non fully lumed ceramic. The reason for the sound is purely based on bezel construction. The 6106 has a denser bezel compared to the 62mas on SD & SM, they seem light and hollow. The spring pin used is probably too strong and thick thats why it resonates like that
Any idea where I can purchase V1, like the larger dial without chapter ring and original seconds hand, looks much more authentic like original 62mas but can only find V3 for sale, any help will be much appreciated sir 👍
Hi Ian
You won't find any as they are all discontinued, the one's that were left were on other stores and NOS. Its a shame as they should have continued to make them
Hi, thanks for replying! Yes it's a shame
I'll keep an eye on eBay 👍
Fifty four makes a 37mm 62mas.
Yes I'm aware. Trying to get one in soon
I personally find v2 more classy. The logo font could be a little more interesting, but the yellow luminous bezel markings and the seconds hand on v3 just ruin it for me. I don't know what they are thinking at San Martin and change the second hands (and sometimes the entire handsets) lately. They did the same thing with their black dial Tuna version too. I had to cancel my order because of this...
Yes i agree, as versions have developed they seem to have gone away from the 62mas in terms of the dial
@@TheWatcherReviews Even though they are arguably the highest quality chinese brand at the moment, they still haven't figured out that details like these matter to real watch enthusiasts. If i buy a Tuna homage, i don't want it to have the same seconds hand with my turtle or my 62mas! It buffles me that they mess a good thing so casually, even though i can give possible explanations...
A man after my own heart here. Yes i agree 100%. If they are seeing success from making watches inspired by Seiko then stick to that style. This is why i like alot of what heimdallr do. The only reason these brands are popular is because of Seiko
You don't need to get the lume bezel, they have the option of with or without lume.. and yeah the lume makes it more yellowish.. I'm thinking of getting one and still on the fence as to get lume or no lume
They are making it so hard to buy just one watch lol
I'm very surprised about the mechanism of the bezel !! I always thought san martin watches have a better mechanism and a smooth bezel than the other brands ... They have a superior clasp and bracelet and even i like their dial the most but that bezel sound !!!!!
Wait until you see the comparison with heimdallr. The bezel is thin and due to the mechanism used it will make that rachet sound
@@TheWatcherReviews honestly you have my full attention !! I always believed there's a huge difference between san martin and the other brands ... the Bezel action at least but now how can they justify the pricing ?? Because other than the bracelet and maybe the dial nothing comes to my mind even if you tell me the finish of the case and the hand that's not enough for me ( i'm taking about the 62 mas homage not the brand itself ) ...
@@sary171 the difference isn't huge. I think there's alot of hype created by reviewers around san martin because a) they haven't tested the rest or b) SM ask higher prices so if you run affilate links you're more likely recomment them..
They are quite a bit more refined and they pay a bit more attention. Put it this way, the price difference isn't relative to the quality.
They're best feature is the bracelet and cases..their dials for the most part are basic but they use good lume
@@TheWatcherReviews waww !! So much going on here ... Really man thank you for that !!! You gave me something to think about ... You just changed my perspective about the review game ..
Fifty-Four watches do a 37mm version wrwatches.com/collections/fifty-four/products/fifty-four-62mas
Are you on the floor lol?
Hahah nah , i used some left over bathroom floor vinyl on my table. 😂😂
Throw those watches away - NOT suitable for diving - bad-sounding bezels!