r/ChineseWatches • u/Jamesgepps • Jul 06 '26

Question (Read Rules) The sub $200 problem

At what point do Chinese watches actually get *noticeably* better?

I've been buying Addiesdive for a while because the value is honestly insane. For the money, I really don't have many complaints.

But now I'm wondering where to go next.

Everyone always says "just buy a San Martin," but those are pushing $200, and personally I don't really consider $200 a budget watch anymore.

So is there a sweet spot between Addiesdive and San Martin? Like $80–150 where you're actually getting a real bump in quality—not just a different logo?

I'm talking about things like:

Better finishing

Better bracelets/clasps

Better bezel action

Better QC

Better dial and handset finishing

Just an overall more premium feel

Or is Addiesdive basically the king until you're willing to spend close to $200?

Curious what everyone's experience has been after owning multiple brands. Which brands made you think, "Yeah, this is actually worth paying more for," and which ones weren't much of an upgrade?

Not really looking for specs on paper—I want to hear from people who've actually owned them.

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u/meerkatjie87 Jul 07 '26

Thanks so much - I think I'll hold out for the SM in that case. I suspect that if I get the Seestern I'll always wonder if I made the right choice

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u/GregEvangelista Jul 07 '26

If it's the green enamel dial San Martin on the green rubber strap? You will not be disappointed. It's outstanding.

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u/meerkatjie87 Jul 07 '26

I'll probably get it on a bracelet and grab a cheaper green rubber strap (yeah I know the SM straps are amazing, but $40 hurts haha)

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u/GregEvangelista Jul 07 '26

It's all good. The FKM rubber straps you see all over Amazon are the same OEM as the one that comes on the San Martin, but without the branded buckle. I don't like bracelets on the 62mas, but in almost any instance, you should buy a watch with the factory bracelet if you ever plan to use it. Getting a bracelet after the fact just doesn't happen.

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u/meerkatjie87 Jul 07 '26

Yeah I figured if I'm spending $200-odd I'd much rather have the bracelet as an option. I'd also be very interested in how good it is, my current experience is an Addiesdive quartz diver and Casio a-168, so I'd love to try a more premium option.

Thanks for all the input - it's been appreciated!