San Martin SN0109 Coke Bezel
Add the San Martin jubilee for a robust daily
Though on the more expensive end for Chinese watches you can find on Aliexpress, the San Martin BB homage is every bit deserving of it’s nearly $300 price tag.
This 39mm solid stainless steel watch sits a little larger on the wrist due to its 49mm lug to lug, but still works on small wrists like mine.
Chinese watches have a negative connotation for the uninitiated but some brands (Sea-gull, Sugess) create affordable and well-made pieces. San Martin is among these brands.
Beneath the sapphire crystal and applied lumed indices a trusty Seiko NH34 powers the time, date, and GMT functions.
Speaking of GMT, the SN0109’s aluminum bezel both clicks nicely and looks great.
The watch is an impressive homage to the Tudor and while I wore it out, someone even mistook it for the BB.
The screw down crown helps this watch achieve 100 meters of water resistance, though sometimes it does look like there’s more room to screw in. I’d be hesitant to really test the watch’s ability to keep its innards dry, so no diving, but I’d wear it in a pool without a doubt.
While we’re nitpicking there is the occasional less-than-smooth edge, though it’s only felt when leaning my wrist against something hard like a desk. Perhaps five more minutes rounding out some of the edges in the factory would’ve done the piece good.
Finally, the watch comes standard with an oyster bracelet which looked and felt great, but San Martin also sell a jubilee that really elevates the watch. Unfortunately, despite being made for this specific model, I couldn’t buy the watch with the jubilee, I had to purchase separately. I even messaged San Martin beforehand to see if they’d sell the watch to me jubilee and not the oyster but the answer was a no. Keep in mind if you want the jubilee bracelet, you’re forced to purchase the watch with the oyster as well.
That being said, the watch itself feels great and should be easily serviceable. One day I’m sure I’ll feel the Tudor in person and can compare the build quality (probably only in the boutique) but for now, this scratches that itch.
I recommend this watch!
