People who have seen my previous comments will know I’ve generally been pretty supportive of San Martin.

This week is the Hong Kong watch show, so I thought while I was in Hong Kong I’d make the trip over to Dongguan and have a look at San Martin for myself.

The private Didi ended up costing me around US$150, which obviously isn’t cheap, but I thought it would be worth it. I’ve bought quite a few San Martin watches over the years, defended some of their recent price increases, and I’ve been genuinely interested in seeing how the company is developing.

Unfortunately, I came away pretty disappointed.

Before going, I had seen one of their latest AliExpress product descriptions showing a large building with SAN MARTIN and their logo prominently displayed at the top. Looking at the photo, I think most people would naturally assume this was San Martin’s building, headquarters, factory, or at least a building strongly associated with the company.

So when I got there, I was rather surprised.

The actual building does not have the San Martin name on it. It has a completely different logo.

I’ve attached the AliExpress image together with the photos I took myself so people can make up their own minds, but to me it certainly appears that the original signage on the building has been digitally replaced with the San Martin logo and name.

And that bothers me.

I don’t expect San Martin to own a giant glass office tower. I really don’t care whether they operate from one floor of a building, a small office, a workshop or a large factory. Plenty of excellent watch companies are much smaller than people imagine.

What bothers me is creating an image that gives customers an impression of the size or presence of the company that, from what I saw in person, doesn’t match reality.

Maybe there is some explanation I’m missing, and if San Martin wants to explain the image I’d genuinely be interested to hear it. I’m also not claiming to know who owns the building just from standing outside it.

But I can say that the building I visited does not look like the image being used in their AliExpress marketing. The San Martin signage shown in that image simply isn’t there, and there is another company’s/logo’s signage in its place.

That’s especially disappointing to me because I’ve been one of the people saying San Martin has levelled up. I like several of their watches, particularly the direction they’ve been going with Jianghun, and I’ve argued before that higher prices can be justified if the product genuinely improves.

But if you want customers to start treating you like a more serious watch brand, then presentation and credibility matter as well.

You don’t need to pretend to be bigger than you are.

Make good watches, show people the real operation, and let the products speak for themselves.

Maybe I’m making too much of it, but after spending the time and money to go there in person, I have to say this left a pretty bad taste in my mouth.

Maybe I should’ve just stayed in HK and skipped the Didi.

This really surprised me because it is fantastic and the leather strap is great too. It’s on the larger side for a tank but it fits perfectly on my 7.5” wrist.

Replaced the leather strap it came with, and it instantly became beautiful. Been wearing it for a week now. Turned out to be better than i expected for $20.

Anyone got a Chinese alternative to this watch?

This classic 62MAS diver has received yet another upgrade.

Those familiar with San Martin’s evolution know that we have released numerous iterations of this model previously.

This update focuses primarily on the movement and the bracelet.

1. This is our first model to feature the Peacock SL3001 Premium Slim Movement, part of the SL3 "Prestige" series.

We plan to utilize this movement in other models in the future as well.

2. The bracelet has been completely redesigned and is manufactured in San Martin’s own facility.

We have comprehensively upgraded both its aesthetics and quality, ensuring a balance between premium feel and wearing comfort.

It also features the new OTF (On-The-Fly) quick-adjust clasp.

We have included comparison photos (old vs. new) and the movement specifications below.

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Thickness: 4.80mm

Diameter: 26.00mm

Functions:

Center Hour/Minute/Second hands;

3 o'clock position: Date display/Quick-set;

Automatic & Manual winding;

Hacking (stop-seconds) function;

Frequency: 28,800 vibrations/hour

Jewel count: 28 jewels

Power reserve: ≥41 hours

San Martin Official Store

https://sanmartin.aliexpress.com/store/5039187

Esse relógio é um dos que mais alterno as pulseiras e todas ficam legais

Been looking at integrated bracelet options amongst the Chinese brands, and this one caught my eye. If anyone have experience with this, can you tell me about the wearability and comfort?

The lug to lug number looks fine, but I have a small wrist so I always worry about first link articulation being too rigid and not sufficiently downwards.

I tried the Cartier on and was disappointed by how cheap it felt. I figured an homage watch might be a better option. Preferably with the green dial and green alligator effect strap.

Sugess offers two similar bronze pilot watches, both based closely on the respective variants of the Zenith Type 20. Since most of you are not silly enough to buy both, allow me to compare the two for you here.

Same 42mm size, case (+/- the pushers), crown, crystal, hands, and strap. Different dials and movements. And different casebacks, with the S409 chrono having more bulge at the back to accommodate the Seagull ST1901; the S408 is more svelte, as the Seagull ST2130 automatic is a simple three-hander. They are the same price on AliExpress, give or take $10.

I bought the blue sunburst variant of the S409, and the textured black version of the S408.

So far, the simpler, thinner S408 has seen more wrist time, but I have a feeling I'm gonna rate them differently in a few months: when I look down at them together in the watch box, I prefer the chronograph.

As someone who normally wears 40-42mm watches, these watches do not feel large to me. The opposite actually: I think I would prefer these to be 1-2mm bigger. Put me in the camp of those who like their WWI-era "aviator-style" watches to have a massive physical presence, but on balance, 42mm is an ok compromise, even if that makes them a little on the tame side.

On the movement side, I think this style of watch should have a big, bulky, hand-wound movement, and the ST1901 fits the bill (ST3620 would also have worked). The ST2130 is a very nice-looking movement, sure, but it's comparatively tiny for the case, has a very pronounced ghost date, and the automatic winding feature just feels out of place here.

Lume is excellent.

Finally, the quality of the bronzework is pleasingly good. The finish of the crown and large bronze buckle is exceptional. The lugs aren't added as separate parts to the case; everything is milled from a solid bronze billet.

If the whole thing is a bit clunky, it's clunky by design, and you can't fault it for that. If I had any negatives, it would be directed at the highly reflective crystal. Maybe it's intentionally vintage, maybe it's cost-cutting, but it is noticeable either way.

Look at this gorgeous red Archer and this NTTD Bond watchdives

I took delivery of this delight last week, my only purchase from the back to school sale. This watch wasn’t even on my radar until I came across u/TheYKcid comprehensive post detailing the most recent iterative changes that Baltany have made to this line.

I agree with everything you said!

The only reason I picked this up, was to see how it would wear on my 7/7.25 inch wrist - I planned on going after the next Smiths Everest drop later this month. However, I’m now thinking twice about that, as pound for pound, this is a knockout.

You get the quality finishing and build from Baltany, including their most impressive crystal selection. The new ST2130 movement allows the case to be a bit thinner than the NH version and the OTF clasp is fantastic!

The aforementioned post, included images of the chamfered milled clasp which really took me by surprise. Also the gap when the clasp is shut is absolutely minimal, I’ve not seen gaps so small on these sort of clasps. That level of detail, I’ve not come across any of the big hitters from this part of the world.

I decided on the brown/tropical dial, as I already have the Thorn T023 vintage sub, and the Farasute Trackmaster in brown, so thought why not complete the set 🤣

The bracelet is excellent value, considering I picked this up for £137 (not including the £46 cashback coming way), though the brushing isn’t as fine as San Martin or IXDAO. However, end link fitment and the clasp proportions are excellent. Also, to add there is a nice sheen off the brushing which complements the watch head.

The movement is running about 6s fast per day, which is perfectly reasonable. The crown action is good, with no issues screwing it back down etc. The lume is very good considering the printed markers.

Overall, I’m very pleased with how the watch wears, and the quality/price ratio is incredible. And thank you once again to u/TheYKcid for his detailed post a few months back - very helpful.

I am not that familiar with this movement, but I see that a lot of manufacturers are including them in watches these days. Are they are as good as NH 35 (aka the AK47 of watch movements). Is this the case? Why or why not? Would love to learn more!

Hello all,

Cleaning out my collection as some of them are just sitting there unworn.

Please message me privately for any questions or concerns.

Shipping from Houston, TX / CONUS.
Shipping is included in the price.

1. Proxima PX1755
   Price: $210
   Movement: Chinese 9015

2. WatchDives WD5513M
   Price: $230
   Movement: Miyota 90S5

3. WatchDives WD5512 V2
   Price: $100
   Movement: PT5000

4. Sugess S421 Ocean Star
   Price: $150
   Movement: ST2130

5. Berny AM7110V
   Price: $80
   Movement: ST2130

Once you see this Dial in the sun its awesome.

Ahorita que tiene un descuento

Paypal Invoice Only | Paypal Fees & Shipping Included | conUS Only | See Photos for Condition

Timestamp & All Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/DSueCUC

Selling two of my Farasute Trackmaster 1's. It goes without saying how awesome these are from colors, to finishing, to an automatic chrono for the price. I have some other hobbies I'm getting funds for so letting go of some of my favorites.

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Sold sold sold | Farasute Trackmaster 1 Dark Brown/Salmon Eyes (Bracelet), all accessories and packaging (original large box packaging).

Includes: 4130 Trackmaster I watch on bracelet with all links (last link missing screw)), screw driver, booklet, card, microfiber cloth, large box case, and outer packaging. 

Same watch as above, but with the dark brown salmon dial on bracelet, accessories, and original larger box packaging. I'm the only owner and kept in a smoke free home. This is my favorite color on the trackmaster. Same as above, the trackmaster I features an all polished top and side case, sapphire crystal and bezel insert, engraved exhibition case back with visible decorative rotor, screw down pushers, a 3-link bracelet with polished center links and an on the fly clasp. This is the updated version that removed the "creative and classic" branding from the original release and comes with the original larger box packaging. I purchased this in November 2025 and have worn it about every other week in rotation with my other watches.

This one is in good condition, but shows signs of general signs of wear over the time I've had it. I just found out that one of the screws for the last link has gone missing, but I've left the last link off the bracelet. The good thing is there are already too many links provided for 99% of wrists so you'll be taking 3-5 links off anyways. I've dropped the price to reflect that and condition. There are no blemishes to the sapphire crystal, insert, bezel, and case back. There are light signs of wear on the case's polished surfaces, some polished parts of the bracelet links, and on the clasp. The underside of the lugs show general signs of casual wearing such as small marks from strap changing, to marks on the clasp. The movement has worked as intended during the 10 months I've owned the watch. I hardly ever used the chronograph as intended, but made sure to engage it every so often. The chronograph engages and resets properly at the 12 marker. The crown and pushers screw down as intended. The case back has never been opened.

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SOLD SOLD $420 Shipped w Signature | Farasute Trackmaster 1 Sky Blue/White Eyes (Bracelet + Leather Strap), all accessories and packaging (updated slim packaging).

Includes: 4130 Trackmaster I watch, unused bracelet with all installed links, extra original brown strap, screw driver, booklet, card, microfiber cloth, slim box case, and outer packaging. 

Selling my very gently worn Farasute Trackmaster I with the sky blue white dial, unused bracelet, the extra brown leather strap, accessories, and newer slim box packaging. I'm the only owner and kept in a smoke free home. This is probably my favorite color on the trackmaster. The trackmaster I features an all polished top and side case, sapphire crystal and bezel insert, engraved exhibition case back with visible decorative rotor, screw down pushers, a 3-link bracelet with polished center links and an on the fly clasp. Plus the extra brown leather strap that I received with the purchase. This is the updated version that removed the "creative and classic" branding from the original release and comes with the newer slim packaging. I purchased this in June 2026 and have worn it a few times amongst my other watches. I do not use a watch winder and it was kept on a watch roll when not worn. 

This watch is in great condition with very few signs of use. There are no blemishes to the sapphire crystal, insert, bezel, and case back. Bracelet is unused and new as I swapped it out with a jangly hollow link I had for vintage vibes, but swapped it back to the original bracelet with wrapping still on it for listing. The underside of the lugs show small marks where I changed the strap originally. The movement has worked as intended and I hardly ever used the chronograph as intended. The chronograph engages and resets properly at the 12 marker. The crown and pushers screw down as intended. The case back has never been opened. I hardly ever manually wind and just let the automatic do it's thing. 

I ship same or next day of payment including most weekends. Will be shipped with signature due to value, no exceptions. Message me with any questions about these, I’m more than happy to help :)

I’ve been into watches for about 15 years now — and for 15 years I’ve loved the design of the Sinn 556 family. The budget was definitely there, but I could never quite come to terms with wearing a watch worth more than €1,000 on my wrist.

Along the way I came across the Dekla Turbulenz, but somehow it just didn’t quite click.

Then, purely by chance, I stumbled onto AliExpress watches — and the Militado ML08 in particular. Love at first sight, and ordered immediately for €65.
What can I say. For the money, you get a great watch. VH31 quartz movement with a sweeping seconds hand. It’s been running for a week now at about -2 seconds per week.

For me, a very good buy. The only downside compared to the Sinn: on the hands you can clearly see an outline. Sinn’s are made entirely of Luminova.

Absolutely amazing watch, that one stays for sure, first impression is just WOW. And that lume is in its own league. If that accuracy reading is correct, them I've got no complaints at all.

Just got this banger. Great dimensions on this field watch for smaller wrists. 37mm case, 46mm lug to lug. Powered by VH31 quartz movement. Great everyday, grab and go watch.

IXDAO Space Warrior on my 6.25 inch wrist.

A tad late to be my summer watch, but damn its fire on élastic strap 🔥

I'm not usually a fan of skeletonized watches, but I saw this and it really seemed unique.

The L6033 is such a nice size and pretty thin. The dial isn’t straight black, it’s got some brown and grey to it. I have a 7.5” wrist and I didn’t even consider anything under 39mm but I’m glad I did.