Random Thoughts

San Martin SN0148 vs. Christopher Ward C60: A Dive Watch Showdown For a little while now, some enthusiasts have claimed that San Martin watches rival entry-level Swiss timepieces. I recently picked up the San Martin SN0148 37.5mm dive watch , marking my first San Martin diver in a couple of years. It felt like the perfect moment to compare it against my one-and-a-half-year-old Christopher Ward C60 38mm . I’ll be rating each watch across several categories using a 10-point must system , with ties expected. The goal? To determine whether the San Martin delivers comparable premium quality at less than one-fourth the cost of the Christopher Ward. Dial, Hands, and Indexes These elements form the visual identity of a watch—the first impression when you glance at your wrist. The C60’s date window at 6 o’clock is more balanced than the San Martin’s 3 o’clock placement. Both watches feature well-applied markers, but the C60’s batons are more visually engaging than the San Martin’...

Although I own a few mid-range straps, I tend to seek out and collect affordable ones for two key reasons: first, lower cost allows for greater variety; second, since I often find myself between holes on leather straps, I’m far more comfortable customizing a budget-friendly strap than altering one that costs $100. Below are some of the straps I’ve found particularly interesting.   Binlun MN strap     $15.99 plus 15% discount     I’ve tested other budget marine straps from AliExpress, but I consistently prefer the Binlun straps for one simple reason: comfort. Some of the AliExpress options tend to feel scratchy or stiff, whereas the Binlun straps are noticeably softer and more wearable. While they may cost a bit more—$15.99 compared to the ultra-budget listings—they’re still a fraction of the price of premium options like Erika’s. At this price point, it’s easy to experiment with different colors and styles without breaking the bank.   Bisonstrap Vin...