San Martin is one of the most talked-about names in affordable watches because of what you get for the money. Independent reviewers put typical prices at roughly $100 to $400 for sapphire crystals, ceramic bezels and enamel dials, and every pick below is under $500. That is also why a little care matters: listings change fast, some designs are homages, and service experiences vary. This guide tells you which watch fits you, what its weak points are, and what to check on the listing before you order.
The 7 best San Martin watches at a glance
| Watch | Best for | Key spec | Main limitation | Price | AliExpress |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SN0138 Best overall | Everyday diver, first San Martin | ST2130 automatic, sapphire, ceramic bezel | Price rose over the earlier version | $288.74 | Check price |
| SN0017 Best Submariner-style all-rounder | Classic 40mm dive look | 40mm, ST2130 automatic | Close to a famous design | $252.78 | Check price |
| SN0128 Best NH35 diver | Easy-to-service diver | NH35 automatic, sapphire | Slower 21,600 vph beat | $313.33 | Check price |
| SN0136 Best GMT | Travellers | NH34 GMT, enamel dial | Only 32 reviews | $344.21 | Check price |
| SN0144 Best dress watch | Dress and office | Enamel dial, Miyota 90S5 | Highest price; two sizes | $476.12 | Check price |
| SN0034 Best budget pick | Lowest-risk entry | Ronda quartz, 37mm | Quartz, not automatic | about $110–$125 | Check price |
| SN0087 Best for bigger wrists | Bigger wrists | 44mm, NH35, 300m rated | Too large for small wrists | $363.65 | Check price |
Prices are in USD for the US market at the time of checking. AliExpress prices change with the seller, variant, country and current promotions.
How we chose these watches
- We searched San Martin listings through AffordableThing’s AliExpress product feed, then narrowed to watches with usable review counts and a clear use case.
- We dropped a GMT model that returned “unavailable” when we re-checked it, and confirmed each remaining affiliate link redirects to an AliExpress listing with matching price data.
- Specs come from the listing titles and the independent sources listed at the end of this page.
- We have not worn or tested these watches. Seller name, order counts, shipping options and variant-level pricing could not be verified automatically, because AliExpress blocks automated access to listing pages. Check them on the listing.
What to know before buying a San Martin
Homage or original? Several San Martin designs closely follow famous watches. Others, like the Gada dress watch, are original. Pick based on what you are comfortable wearing.
The movement decides the feel. The ST2130 (built on the ETA 2824-2 design) beats at 28,800 vph. The Seiko-made NH35 family runs at 21,600 vph, is hand-windable, hacks and is generally regarded as easy to service. The NH34 adds a GMT hand, and Ronda quartz needs only a battery.
Match the water rating to your use. One independent reviewer would not trust the 200m rating on a non-dive San Martin. If you swim, choose a diver with a screw-down crown. If you buy the quartz pilot, keep it out of the pool.
Look at warranty and seller. Independent reviews describe San Martin as good value with mixed service experiences, and buyer comments mention slow dispatch and counterfeit worries. Buy from the official store listing where possible, match the SN model number, and save your order details.
Our picks in detail
1. San Martin SN0138 37mm BB54-style diver (ST2130 automatic)
Why we included it: It combines the most buyer feedback of any San Martin we found (4.8 stars from 259 reviews in the AliExpress feed) with the most complete spec sheet: a sapphire crystal, ceramic bezel and a 28,800 vph automatic movement in a compact 37mm case.
Best for: Anyone buying their first (or only) San Martin and wearing it daily.
Key features
- ST2130 automatic movement, 28,800 vph, built on the ETA 2824-2 design (per a retailer listing for the SN0138-GB colour)
- 37mm case, 12.4mm thick, 20mm lug width, 316L stainless steel
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a 120-click unidirectional ceramic bezel
- Screw-down crown, 200m water-resistance rating, on-the-fly adjustable clasp
Main advantages
- Best-reviewed San Martin in our shortlist, with real volume behind the rating
- A movement with a faster 4Hz beat than the NH35 watches below
- Compact 37mm size suits smaller and average wrists
Main limitations
- One video reviewer criticised the price jump over the previous version, which had sold for under $200, so it is no longer the cheapest way in
- At 37mm it will feel small if you like large watches
- The design is openly inspired by the Tudor Black Bay 54 (hence the BB54 name)
Check before ordering
- Colour and dial variant (the specs above come from the green SN0138-GB; other colours may differ)
- Bracelet or strap option and the seller's stated warranty
- Estimated delivery date to your country, and any import taxes
2. San Martin SN0017 40mm 'Water Ghost' diver (ST2130 automatic)
Why we included it: It is the second most-reviewed San Martin we found (4.7 from 187 reviews) and it is a good pick if 37mm is too small. Independent reviewers have long covered the SN0017 as a Submariner-style watch that uses the ST2130.
Best for: Buyers who want the classic 40mm dive-watch look with a Sea-Gull ST2130 movement.
Key features
- 40mm case, automatic ST2130 movement (per listing title)
- Sapphire crystal, luminous markings
- 200m water-resistance rating (per listing title)
Main advantages
- A proven, widely reviewed design
- Priced below the SN0138 at the time of checking
- A 40mm size that suits most wrists
Main limitations
- It closely follows a famous dive watch, which matters if you dislike homage designs
- The listing title does not state bezel material or case thickness, so confirm both on the page
Check before ordering
- Bezel type and dial colour in the variant selector
- Case thickness against your wrist and shirt cuffs
- Whether the price shown belongs to the bracelet version you want
3. San Martin SN0128 40mm BB-style diver (NH35 automatic)
Why we included it: The NH35 is widely used in affordable watches and generally regarded as easy to service, so parts and know-how are easy to find. This listing has 91 reviews and a 4.6 rating in the feed.
Best for: Owners who want an easy-to-service movement in a classic 40mm diver.
Key features
- 40mm case, NH35 automatic movement, sapphire crystal (per listing title)
- BB-style diver design
Main advantages
- Common, serviceable movement
- Solid review volume for the price bracket
Main limitations
- The NH35 beats at 21,600 vph, a slower beat than the ST2130 models
- Rating is a little lower than the SN0138 and SN0017
Check before ordering
- Water-resistance rating (not stated in the listing title)
- Bezel and bracelet options
- Delivery estimate
4. San Martin SN0136 39mm diver GMT (NH34 automatic, enamel dial)
Why we included it: The NH34 adds a 24-hour GMT hand to the NH35 family, and this listing pairs it with an enamel dial and sapphire crystal at 39mm. It has the most reviews of the available San Martin GMTs we checked.
Best for: Frequent travellers who want to track a second time zone.
Key features
- 39mm case, NH34 automatic GMT movement, stainless steel, sapphire crystal (per listing title)
- Enamel dial (per listing title)
- NH34: 21,600 vph, roughly 41 hours of power reserve, hacking and hand-winding (per Caliber Corner)
Main advantages
- A GMT hand for under $350 at the time of checking
- Compact 39mm case
Main limitations
- Only 32 reviews at 4.5 stars, so less evidence than the top picks
- The first GMT we shortlisted (SN0134) was no longer available when we checked, which shows how quickly listings change
Check before ordering
- Bezel colour and dial variant
- Whether the price applies to the bracelet or strap version
- Delivery estimate
5. San Martin SN0144 'Gada' classic enamel-dial dress watch (Miyota 90S5)
Why we included it: The listing describes it as an original design rather than a homage, and it has a 4.9 rating from 179 reviews in the feed, the highest among our picks with 100 or more reviews.
Best for: Anyone who wants a smart, slim-looking automatic for the office or formal wear.
Key features
- Enamel dial and Miyota 90S5 automatic movement (per listing title)
- Offered in 36mm and 39mm (per listing title)
Main advantages
- Original design, so no homage concerns
- Strongest rating among the higher-volume picks
Main limitations
- The most expensive watch here
- The listing covers two sizes, and the headline price may apply to only one of them
Check before ordering
- Pick 36mm or 39mm deliberately and confirm the price for that size
- Dial colour
- Strap or bracelet option
6. San Martin SN0034 37mm quartz pilot watch (Ronda 715/6004)
Why we included it: It costs a fraction of the automatics, has a 4.8 rating from 35 reviews in the feed, and quartz means no winding and very little maintenance.
Best for: First-time buyers who want a low-risk way to try the brand, or a simple everyday field watch.
Key features
- 37mm case, Swiss Ronda 715/6004 quartz movement (per listing title)
- 10 bar water resistance and luminous markings (per listing title)
Main advantages
- Lowest price of any San Martin here
- No winding and minimal maintenance
Main limitations
- Quartz, so it lacks the sweep and mechanical appeal of the automatics
- 10 bar is for splashes and swimming at most, not diving
- Only 35 reviews
Check before ordering
- Dial and strap variant
- That you are buying a quartz model (this is not an automatic)
7. San Martin SN0087 44mm MM300-style diver (NH35 automatic)
Why we included it: At 44mm with a listed 300m rating and a 4.7 rating across 49 reviews, it fills the gap for readers who find 37 to 40mm cases too small.
Best for: Larger wrists and buyers who want a big, deep-rated tool watch.
Key features
- 44mm case, NH35 automatic movement, sapphire crystal, 300m water-resistance rating (per listing title)
Main advantages
- Size and rating for bigger wrists
- A solid review count for a niche size
Main limitations
- 44mm is too large for smaller wrists
- Priced above the smaller NH35 model
Check before ordering
- Case thickness and weight against your wrist
- Bracelet width and clasp type
- Delivery estimate
A cheaper alternative: Steeldive SD1970
If your main goal is a good-looking automatic diver for less, the Steeldive SD1970 'Captain Willard' diver (NH35 automatic) is a lower-cost option. Forum discussions tend to rate San Martin’s finishing above Steeldive’s, and the question is whether that is worth the extra money. It uses the same NH35 family of movement as several picks above. Confirm size, bezel and variant on the listing before ordering.
Which San Martin should you buy?
- One watch, no regrets: SN0138
- Prefer 40mm: SN0017
- Want an easy-to-service movement: SN0128
- Travel a lot: SN0136
- Need something smart: SN0144
- Spending as little as possible: SN0034 (or the Steeldive SD1970 if you want an automatic)
- Larger wrist: SN0087
Before you click order
- Choose the exact size, colour and bracelet in the variant selector, then confirm the price updates for that variant.
- Check the SN model number in the listing matches the watch you want.
- Look for the official-store label and read recent buyer reviews with photos.
- Confirm shipping cost, delivery estimate and any import taxes for your country.
- Look for coupons or sales that apply to your order. See AliExpress coupon codes and the best time to buy on AliExpress.
Frequently asked questions
Are San Martin watches good quality?
Independent reviewers generally rate the build quality highly for the price. Two Broke Watch Snobs called the case finishing surprisingly good for a watch in this range, and noted sapphire crystals, ceramic bezels and enamel dials across the lineup. Reviewers are more divided on service and on whether San Martin counts as a brand or a manufacturer, so read the seller's warranty before buying.
Where are San Martin watches made?
According to Two Broke Watch Snobs, San Martin watches are made in Dongguan, China.
Which San Martin watch should I buy first?
For most people, the SN0138 is the safest first pick because it has the highest review volume and a strong spec sheet. If your budget is tight, the SN0034 quartz pilot is the lower-cost way to try the brand.
Are San Martin watches homages?
Many are. Several designs closely follow famous watches, while others, such as the Gada dress watch, are original. If homage designs bother you, stick to the original designs.
Can I trust the 200m water-resistance rating?
Treat ratings as a guide and match the watch to how you will use it. One independent reviewer said they would not trust the 200m claim on a non-dive San Martin model. For swimming, choose a diver with a screw-down crown and avoid submerging the quartz pilot.
San Martin or Steeldive: which is better?
Forum discussions tend to place San Martin ahead on finishing, while Steeldive is cheaper. Whether the difference is worth paying for is a personal call. Our Steeldive alternative below costs well under most of the San Martin divers here.
Is it safe to buy San Martin watches on AliExpress?
In 2022, Two Broke Watch Snobs described AliExpress as San Martin's official store, but counterfeit and service complaints exist in buyer comments. Buy from the official store listing, match the SN model number, keep your order records, and use AliExpress Buyer Protection if something is wrong.
Our verdict
For most readers the SN0138 is the best all-round San Martin to buy today, and the SN0034 is the smart low-cost way to try one. Choose the GMT, dress or 44mm model if your needs are specific. Whichever you pick, check the variant, seller and delivery details on the listing first.
Check the current SN0138 price on AliExpress →
Sources
- Two Broke Watch Snobs: San Martin Watches review (2022)
- Retailer listing for the San Martin SN0138-GB (specs)
- Caliber Corner: Seiko NH34 movement specs
- Video review discussing the SN0138 price increase
- WatchUSeek: Steeldive vs San Martin Willard thread
Prices, ratings and availability change. AffordableThing may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Commission does not decide which watches we include or how we rank them.
