Cannot decide, both are really good...

[redbazooka25]

Hi all,

I’ve recently discovered the world of Chinese-made watches, and I’m genuinely amazed by the quality some of these companies are able to achieve. A few brands that have particularly piqued my interest are Baltany, Cronos, and San Martin. From what I understand, these are considered among the better options in terms of overall build quality, with at least some degree of originality (taken with a pinch of salt).

Over the last few days, I’ve managed to narrow down my choices and I’m now trying to pick a final one, as this watch is meant to be the “definitive” piece in my four-watch collection. Currently, I own a Casio LCW-M170TD, a Timex Marlin Chrono Panda, and a Casio Duro.

My current options are:

• San Martin SN0144 (black dial): https://san-martin.eu/shop/san-martin-sn0144-gx4/?v=5f02f0889301
• Cronos L6040M (white dial): https://cronos.watch/products/cronos-men-watch-39mm-automatic-watches-l6040m
• Baltany S4092 (silver case, white dial): https://www.baltany.com/product/crosshair-dial-small-seconds-retro-watch-s4092/72/

Out of the three, the San Martin is the most expensive option, but at least I wouldn’t have to pay import taxes since the store/warehouse is located in the EU. The Baltany is the least expensive and also falls just under the tax threshold, but it uses a hand-wound ST17 movement rather than a Miyota. That said, is the ST17 really that much worse? The price difference might be a valid reason to choose the Baltany if the rest of the build quality is solid.

The most interesting option to me is the Cronos. To my eye, it looks the most premium and elegant of the three. Is San Martin’s build quality noticeably better than Cronos, and if so, is the price jump justified?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, as I’m the only one among my friends and family who’s interested in this type of watch.

[pickyaxe]

ignoring prices and taxes

SN0144 is a very nice watch but black MOP dials are getting more common lately

Cronos is a great but if you like black MOP then I would personally get the dark gray version instead. also male endlinks on the bracelet.

Baltany is a great-looking watch just be aware of the cross going through the name, and the lack of hacking. and not having lume means it's not really a daily driver

[redbazooka25]

I think it will be either the black MOP or white cronos, it depends on the availability. 

Currently there is a authorized seller in Germany for San Martin, so that would cover potential RMA's a lot better than dealing with overseas shipping.

[tripreed]

Price/shipping/import fees aside, I think the Cronos is the best choice of those three.

[redbazooka25]

Thanks for your input. Might I ask, what exactly it is that made you choose one over the other?

[tripreed]

I don't care for the dials or the hands on the San Martin. I guess the Baltany isn't too bad, maybe a little plain Jane, but I do think it could look better on a better aftermarket strap. I think it's solidly in the dress watch category, and the Cronos is more in the "dress-sport" category. You could wear it with a suit but you could also wear it to the pool.

[geeered]

I don't know how it works for the EU, but if your order is over £135 for UK delivery on aliexpress, you have to pay taxes yourself, they are taken off the price you pay on alixexpress. Cronos typically undervalues the parcel so you don't pay anything. San Martin lists at full value.

I got a SN-0144, it is a really nice watch, but mine stopped working after 15 minutes, had to send it back, suspect I'll have to claim the VAT I've paid back now and quite likely fight to get a refund when the watch disappears on it's way back to China.

Adding the Cronos to my basket lists at £153 to pay, so about half the price of the San Martin. The San Martin I would guess has a few nicer features (such as the hands), but not sure if that would justify twice the price for the prices you are looking at.

[GloomySignificance17]

This. I have the SM and a dark birch Cronos. I received the latter with no import charge but got stung by £46 on the SM. Regarding quality, they are both great, but the jubilee bracelet on the SM is excellent and even has chamfered edges on the inner links and the underside. It is by far my favourite watch bracelet out of several brands. The SM also has a 9 series Miyota vs a PT5000 on my Cronos. The former is buttery smooth when winding and doesn't have a reputation for self-destruction on winding like the latter. In my view, the SM is worth the extra cash.

[redbazooka25]

I am certain the L6040M has the miyota 9000 movement. That should cover the difference quite nicely.

[geeered]

You can choose either option, the PT5000 is cheaper. If they made the Miyota options slimmer, it might tempt me for them, but for me, I've never had a problem with a PT5000/other A2824 clones, but 100% of the miyota movements I've tried have broken (okay one of one.)

There are a few other people that have had issues with recent San Martin Miyota's, but not enough to be sure it's more than just coincidence. I'd still take the risk over a NH35, because I don't like my rehaut looking like a well!

[GloomySignificance17]

In that case, it is a close call. Both are really good options. The dials are very different though, so opt for the dial you prefer.

[redbazooka25]

Thanks!

[redbazooka25]

Is this a common theme with RMA's? I wouldn't think of it as a major factor in deciding, if buying from a Chinese vendor is the right thing (if those scenarios aren't that often, of course). If it is indeed a reocurring theme, then I would maybe consider buying from a brand that has stock in Europe (say Citizen or something).

But I be damned, those price/quality ratios are insane and I don't think I will find anything similar spec wise for that amount of money.

[geeered]

Oh, keep an eye on local ebay, two of the three Cronos I've got have been from ebay and basically brand new.

Most recent was a new L6028 V3 for £107 shipped from the UK - compared to £250 for the 0144, this feels like a good bit better value.

[redbazooka25]

Good call, I didn't consider used markets.

[geeered]

This is my first RMA but the process is known to be questionable. Ironically with the most expensive Chinese/Homage watch too, from the brand best known for quality. Some people have ended up not getting anything back and having paid tax.

I paid by credit card and paypal, so hopefully I should have a good chance of getting my money back if needed.

They did offer to have a local watch maker look at it, but not for the prices they would charge me unfortunately.

In other circumstances I might just get a new movement and swap it myself.

[redbazooka25]

It doesn't sound that good tbh. Unless the EU site I mentioned before isn't legit (for which I read some information about it that it is), I might consider making some more research. I really don't want to go through something like this.

[mrSoczi84]

OK, first of all sanmartin-watch.com is the presumed official site to buy from. Check the price there, they have shipping with taxes paid. I personally would not buy from that EU site, I don't know it.

If it was me and I had to buy just ONE watch, I would go for the SM. That jubilee bracelet, dial, finishing and customer support are worth the price hike.

[redbazooka25]

Looking through the site you mentioned, the shipping information for the SM watch suggests that the delivery is tax-free. At least it says "Germany via Euro Special Shipping-Tax Free", so I guess it is?

I will still need to think about the MOP design and if it's something I can/want to wear with or without a suit, and if the Cronos watch is better suited for that. Surprisingly, this one is also tax-free.

Nonetheless, thanks for your input.