San Martin Owner Review : Bluffing, transgressive and sporty

A Dive into Homage: San Martin Sub SN017-V3, the Qualitative Alternative I must admit: I was skeptical about getting a so-called "homage" watch. The label "Chinese watch" evoked heated debates: homage or counterfeit, same fight? Chinese watches = poor quality? These clichés, often repeated, kept me at a distance for a long time. But after seeing positive reviews and reading nuanced comparisons, I decided to take the plunge. The result? A revelation. The San Martin Sub SN017-V3, a tribute to the famous Rolex Submariner "Hulk" Ref. 116610LV, not only exceeded my expectations, but it also convinced me of the quality that these models can offer. Impressive Execution Case and Finishing: The 316L stainless steel case impresses upon first glance. The finishing is impeccable, with a polishing and brushing worthy of much more expensive watches. The 13 mm thickness and 40.5 mm diameter give it a balanced and comfortable presence on the wrist. The 120-click unidirectional bezel, with its shiny ceramic ring, is remarkably precise, and the BGW-9 luminous markers cast a beautiful blue light in the dark. Dial and Hands: The green sunray dial, while faithful to the spirit of the Submariner "Hulk", is distinguished by magnificent texturing work. The reflections in the sun are spectacular, although I personally would have preferred a more matte green for a more sober look. The applied indexes and steel hands, covered with luminous coating, are impeccable, even when viewed under a magnifying glass. The Bracelet: This is probably one of the biggest assets of this watch. In 316L stainless steel, it combines robustness and refinement. The quick adjustment system is incredibly practical and rivals, if not surpasses, that of watches worth several times the price. This feature is a real luxury in everyday life. A "Tractor" Movement that Reassures: The NH35 movement from Seiko, known for its reliability and robustness, is here magnificently adjusted. My main fear was to come across a poorly adjusted caliber, but I am amazed by the precision of this watch. With minimal drift, it easily competes with my other automatic watches from more prestigious brands. Thoughts on "Homage" Watches: This experience opened my eyes. If we go beyond the clichés, it is clear that some "homage" watches like this San Martin Sub offer exceptional quality for a very competitive price. I had already been seduced by my Sea-Gull 1963, but this watch pushes my respect for Chinese manufacturers even further. Of course, I understand those who do not accept homages, but I remind you that the watch industry itself is full of inspirations and similarities between brands. After all, should you taste before judging? I tasted, and it is excellent. Conclusion: When Quality and Price Resonate. The San Martin SN017-V3 is not just a tribute. It is a robust, elegant and incredibly well-designed dive watch. It offers unmatched value for money, with features that are sometimes not found on much more expensive models. If you are curious or skeptical, I encourage you to try it. Until my next review, I will keep this watch proudly in my collection, as an example that "chinoiserie" does not always rhyme with poor quality. A word to the wise. 😉