Aqua Terra Meets Grand Seiko for $350 - Erebus Ascent Review
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- čas přidán 7. 05. 2024
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HI Dave, factory has commented that all slight dial perfections will be erased on production units when final case moulds are created. Great film work on the Ascent!
What is the material for the bracelet and the case? It turned out the Origin was misspecified, since it is not 316 stainless steel, but some ferromagnetic kind of (stainless?) steel.
@jddd665 I am curious if you got this magnetic construction information from an uncomplimentary video on another channel. My Origin bracelet and case have no pull when placed next to a magnet. Just saying this info might not be proven as applying to all of those watches.
@@larrydalton2205 yeah, they visited the factory for the first time after the first batch. You could call that an Alibaba project.
Non-stainless steel screwpins on a dive watch is not ok. Mine is going back.
@@jddd665 What? source of information?
my 2 cents on the design is this: if you draw inspiration from 3 different watches maybe your design is not derivative from them but everyone makes the same product, like the polo shirt. Some watch designs are pop culture and people preaty much have fixed expectations. If you put too much originality in a GADA or a panda or a clasic diver you make a different product. People want original watches but also clasic design. In my oppinion this has the perfect amount of originality for the purpose.
Absolutely, and how original can you get? Almost every design, at least the modern ones have been made already, not to mention reinterpretations
100%
Chill, it's a micro brand at the end of the day. 😂
@@oceanzu6585 everyone chill here 👌🏼 it's just funny how he keeps saying un-original, I've watched a lot of his vids and I can bet, almost 90 percent of the watches he reviewed looks similar from the last one 🤣
Truth is: most people on a budget want a design that is somewhat familiar and classic (usually evocative of a more expensive model they desire but cannot obtain) totally original designs definitely sell less as they will appeal to only specific watch collectors
This review sold it for me. I was going to skip this one but your videography really showcased the highlights of the design.
This has also swayed me closer to purchase even though I'd recently thought I'd pass (reluctantly). The problem still remains though...which damned dial? !!!
The finishing through the macro lens looked incredible for the price point. Definitely considering a purchase myself.
I'd watch the review from a very small, independent watch reviewer that goes by the name Watch Lab. Buys all the watches himself and reviews them honestly, and sometimes with brutal results. His review of the Erebus highlights some quality control issues and the poor customer service they provide. The watch he received may not be so common of an occurrence, though.
First Review: czcams.com/video/PsO3_sbEMlQ/video.html
Follow-up Review: czcams.com/video/6qwXVt2iV_M/video.html
...and finally, the answer to which dial is answered...for me, at least. I just couldn't decide between the white and green fume, so ordered both! It also resolves the issue of bracelet choice (1 of each of course) 🙂Thanks very much Dave for your great shots/vid of the green fume - that clinched it for me
“Review”?? It’s a paid for advertisement. It is informative but it was written to sell the watch.
Excellent review... and I agree with your assessment: in acquiring an Ascent you are getting an AquaTerra, SARB & Grand Seiko all nicely blended together for an incredible price! I'll make that trade any day! ... selecting one is the only challenge!?! I went for Black enamel since I already have a few green, blue and purple dials in my collection (and ironically, the black dials I have are only Field and Divers) so it fills a gap in my GADA rotation.
I’ve ordered the aventurine and cannot wait. It’s been a tough choice but it suits me.
The photography/videography of the purple helix makes me feel great about placing an order for one. Great review and insight!
The video photography in this review was superb. Best I have watched to date for this watch. It is so good I could see the imperfections on the polished surfaces of the watches. Great review and it has reinforced my decision to buy an Ascent. 😀
Thanks! I was pretty happy with how that particular shot turned out!
I 2 saw the imperfections on the polishing, I’m sure Erebus will remedy it😜
Yep. Agreed. I spotted that as well and expect it to be finished better in production. Great photography showing off the nice design. I'm seriously thinking of getting one.
I was thinking the same thing throughout the entire video. Fantastic job
And I agree with above gentlemen. A truly great shot, and a great video over all (as usual).
Love that the watches have a quick release on the bracelet. Many times, the bracelet can be difficult to remove or you don't want to risk scratches while trying to remove it, so the watch tends to stay on its bracelet even if we feel like changing over to a strap. This eliminates that fear and makes it super easy to change between bracelet to strap and vice versa.
I hate quick release. This makes the end-links not tight enough and some say that the push buttons touch the wrist.
I was already sold and have one on order, but this was an informative, fair, and insightful review. Thank you and keep doing what you're doing!
These watches are BEAUTIFUL! Well done Jody and Mr P!
I've ordered the purple helix on the J style bracelet, so happy to see it here and it's really confirmed my choice.
I have ordered the blue helix but that purple looked divine.
I'm torn between the two purple dial, really hard to make a choice. It even tougher when it's two different shades of purple too.
It is a fantastic effort by Jody and Steven to offer so many colour variations, however like all of us you are suffering the same problem, deciding which to go for. I have already emailed them and changed my order for one of the watches I ordered from Orange Fume, to green fume, to blue helix. I do not dare go back to them again and change it to the purple helix though!!! Good luck making your choice.
@@ianyoung5619 in this situation, they should offer extra dials for sale. It's too hard to pick.
That will be my choice too despite being a bit disappointment in my purple origin.
Thanks for the great review Dave! ❤
Love your review - your detail, photography and content is superb. I always look forward to your unbiased reviews. And go Jody!!
I almost immediately bought that exact purple helix watch/bracelet combo so seeing a specific review of it made me really excited for it and got you a sub.
I’ve preordered the purple fumé, on o style bracelet with black leather strap pack. Very tempted to also grab a white enamel dial with j style bracelet ❤
I’m going to order the purple one!
Looks superb.
Great comments on the Ascent, as ever your reviews are honest and straight forward. I think they have nailed it. My order is in for the Green Helix on the Jubilee.
I did purchase a black Origin and am happy with it. I am really enjoying having on-the-fly micro adjustment clasps on my watches. I was torn by all the attractive dial choices for the Ascent, but decided to get the Aventurine on the J bracelet, even though I already have three Zelos watches with Aventurine dials. I considered ordering more than one Ascent, but decided to show some restraint.
Wonderful review. I always enjoy your evaluations, and I love this channel.
Dave I’m an Aussie & I didn’t go for the first model either. But immediately on launch I ordered the malachite on the J bracelet!👍🏼😎😍
Nice choice!
As usual, great review, great shots and sensible comments. Keep it up!
If anyone is wondering about the imperfections it appears here 3:35 . I am sure the final production models will not have this basic level of polishing imperfections.
I really like the dial options.The helix is a winner for me but also you mentioned the Malachite being unique every time is pretty cool.
I’ve ordered the Black helix with both the O and J style bracelet to swap between. Dont have a watch like this at the moment so really looking forward to it landing.
Great photography in the review 👍🏻
Oh man, the shots of the green fumé dial...So nice. 🤤
Really like that they lumed the counterbalance. Very nice touch
How was the AR on the sapphire? I ended up choosing the adventurine and j style braclet.
Nice review, honest and clear. I've loved these since their release and to me they have a Grand Seiko-ish more Presage Sharpedged look about them - fantastic looking watches and definitely on my 'dressy' watch top 5 list.
Great review Dave!
Thank you for showcasing the green fumé so much in the the video. I've already put my money into that one, but it felt good to confirm that I picked the right one for me.
Another great review. I think they've done a great job with this watch. I have an Omega Seamaster and that doesn't have an on the fly adjustment which I would love to have on it. I've ordered the green fume dial with the 'O' bracelet. Can't wait receive it.
I think this would be so great as a dive watch. Love these dials, the Malachite has really grown on me.
Its the Empire Strikes Back or Dune 2 of Erebus Watches.
i am starting be fall in love with Orange Fumé variant of the Erebus Ascent watch.. (bit of retro looking watch for 40years old man, simple nice looking watch what i can enjoy the rest of my life) never will leave my collection.
I have been trying to figure out which dial to order. Leaning now towards the black enamel on the Jubilee bracelet. Thanks for the great review and camera work!
Classy choice.
Thank you for your review. I am struck by the consistent comment from many reviewers about these watches being nothing original.
Is it even _possible_ to be *original* any longer? Hasn't just about every design element been done already on some other brand? And for those others like myself who do not pay attention to classics from any era, we wouldn't know a homage watch from any other. But we do know what we like AND what we can afford. If a design looks good to me and the specs are acceptable along with the price, then I am sold no matter if its a direct copy of some famous model from a famous brand or not.
I ordered the Orange Fumé on day one. I also have a black ostrich strap waiting to complete my GADA package. Come on September!
Have fun everyone. Enjoy our hobby!
Its something the reviewer has to state if they are being honest. The inspiration from Grand Seiko especially is crystal clear, but when GS only makes those whirl pool dials in very limited numbers that cost 10k on the secondary market and this watch puts the date and the more symmetrical 6 o'clock position and it is available for a fraction of the price there will be plenty of takers for this offering.
OMG, it´s round! And look, it has indices! And there I can see hands! They copied from Rolex!!! CALL THE POLICE !!!!!!!!!!
Great review and videography!
I really like this one. Now, which dial option. By the time I decide....
It took me a sec to catch the blooper - hysterical! I literally laughed out loud at that one . Scared the dog!
I ordered the green fumé on the J bracelet, so it was great seeing it in such detail. Great review!
I was going for black but after seeing that green fume, I’m not sure.
I'll be buying one. Tempted to go with two. Like the black, and the Helix.
By the way, Saint Martin IS the manufacturer behind this watch.
That would make sense. How do you know?
Claims without evidence are bullshit.
That's definitely not a bad choice IMHO
Great looking watch. Yes it draws from other watches, but they blend so well and something understated and somewhat familiar is perfect for a GADA watch IMO.
I think they played it safe again but I honestly feel this is a much better timepiece than their first model. I really like this one. Another top review as always Dave.
Hi Dave!
I picked the blue Helix on a J-style bracelet. This style of watch is perfect for everyday wear. The Origin wasn’t my cup of tea. But the Ascent is a very nice GADA watch. Owning way too many black and grey dial watches the blue one is going to give me more options to match my clothes. The shipping and import taxes adding another 100 Euros to the original price but I suppose the Ascent is still worth it.
Best wishes,
Claus
That's a very complete review, thanks for that! When the Ascent was released I was not impressed by it, since it seems too generic and this style of watches is not really to my taste. But now it really grows on me and I can appreciate the quality-to-price ratio. I think I'd personally go for the Blue Helix option on the J-bracelet. ⌚
I'm a fan of display casebacks as well for mechanical movements, but most Miyota movements tend to be quite dull and workhorse in appearance, so a solid caseback is the better play in terms of both cost and keeping a slimmer profile IMHO.
Also I just ordered the Ascent with the purple matrix dial + jubilee bracelet. I originally wanted the CW Twelve Ti purple fume dial, but I think this will scratch that itch at a much more reasonable price point.
Same here! Love purple and the matching color date window (like on the Twelve) is very attractive! I trust the helix will be an interesting dial choice
That helix dial is insane! Love it!
Great review Dave your content and video is excellent as usual. Maybe u missed the Power Reserve on the Miyota 9015 ? (42hrd).
Should we assume the pitting in the polish is the production finish? Did you check that wasn't just a prototype issue with the guys?
I'm wondering the same thing. The pitting in the case would put me off. And the photos on the erebus website show what appear to be some finish imperfections on the jubilee band. Hopefully they sort that stuff out for production run.
@budmiller3823 I did ask Steven Parker and he said the production watches would be better finished
I am getting the aventurine on the J and the orange on the O. The white dial looks incredibly good, and I feel is one of their best, looks great on a jube, too...
Looks like another winner. I'm a fan of purple dials, but that green fume looks so elegant and smooth, I think I'll go with that one. Or black enamel. I still don't have a simple black watch.
I really like these watches. I am very partial to the black dial, but I really like the bracelet and clasp.
Brilliant review thankyou sir 🍀🍀🍀
Hi Dave, great video as always!!! I noticed the sides of the case of the malachite watch had little pits/dents in it. Did you notice this on any of the other colors. Just wondering if that was damage from the other reviewers or if that is the finish quality. Please let me know as I am definitely interested in picking up a couple of theses. Thank you
I didn't put all the cases up to that level of macro footage, so I'm not sure. But I don't believe that putting could have been caused by wear on the watch, pretty sure it's the finishing out of the factory. But it was something that you couldn't really see from a normal distance.
A design inspired by some greatly beloved models .
A unique Tribute Watch wonderfully imagined in its Entirety of Design .
I appreciate the Solid Case-back myself as it adds thinness to the overall profile .
Though I could easily wear this watch if it was down to 36mm or up to 41mm, the 39mm size is perfect for me and a larger number of wrist sizes.
Thanks for the review. With a wristwatch, it is pretty difficult these days to offer anything "original". With this watch, Erebus has taken design elements from high end watch brands and then added their own unique dials. I love that purple helix design and am probably going to order one.
Very difficult to choose. Thank you for your excellent shots of this watch. Being a GADA ideally I'd like an enamel dial. I have too many black watches, and I like the white enamel. But the purple fume dial was the one I really wanted. Also, the orange looks amazing. I'm not sure how much I'd like the helix designs.
Great review 😎👍
The fume green is a gorgeous watch.
Hi Dave. Excellent review as always. But a question for you (or perhaps Jody?): the case finishing (at 3.35) seems to have some imperfections. Is this a trick of the camera or a problem with the prototype?
I like the black enamel and green fume Atm!! Oyster bracelet is my preference. Although jubilee and black rubber suits them very well too! Beautiful watch with lots of value IMHO 👍👌🙂 👑 🎯 All the best to everyone!
Design elements of Omega Aqua Terra, Grand Seiko and Seiko Sarb 033 sounds pretty good to me! Also I prefer the lug design on this to most Grand Seikos and definitely more original design than nearly all Aliexpress watches. I think this is a hit!
These are beautiful, and they somehow knew I'm a sucker for green dials haha.
Sweet review, that malachite is certainly a bit different and highly appealing
My first impression is a budget version of a Chris Ward Sealander, including the quick adjust clasp. Hard to say on dial choice, but I think first would be the sparkly one, and last would be the spirals.
Nice Watch, good value with great specs. The only thing missing for me is a Display / Exhibition Case-Back (with that is a go).
If these guys can turn out a GMT with a rotating bezel they can just take my money. This has very similar specs to my Christopher Ward sealander and it even offers that same micro-adjustment in the bracelet. Bravo guys.
I ordered the aventurine dial version j-style. I am looking forward to getting it. 🕐⚙️🍸
I ordered four of the Origins for me and as gifts. I and my gift recipients were certainly pleased with those. Likewise I have ordered several Ascents - a malachite and two aventurines - with both style bracelets. Two for me and one as a gift. These certainly won't set any records or win awards for originality, but spec/value they are killers!
Great review. I agree with some of the other commenters about your design comments: even the most original designs have similarities to other watches in one way or another. So is Erebus being held to an unreasonable standard to earn original design designation versus implied homage classification emerging? For example, I have a SARB 033 and I don’t recall that narrative, although the watch definitely shares the design language of Rolex and others. Is this a double standard for micro brands?
The purple helix with the J style bracelet is 🔥🔥🔥. Unfortunately the release has come at a bad time, so I'll wait and pay extra when finances allow.
Ordered the purple helix. Jumped the gun before the reviews, but so far hearing good things from all of them.
Great review, nice and honest. Perhaps this is an optimum design choice? All other watches do the same thing, it fall short somewhere, but Erebus manages to nail everything? It reminds me of a Hamilton Jazzmaster, but with a bracelet: impressive. My choice: Black enamel, no question.
I enthusiastically agree on the black enamel!
Ordered the black enamel on the jubilee bracelet as well. I'm looking forward to having it on my wrist.
It was so hard to decide but I went for the aventurine with the O bracelet and the black leather strap pack. I am very very close to ordering a white enamel also! 😅
I really like this! I wasn't fond of the diver they brought out but this is one I'll definitely buy. The two green dials and the black one are my favourites. I do not like that purple stamped one..
For someone looking for a well specced, easy on the eye and are I say 'affordable' then the Ascent ticks my boxes. Probably more than anything (same as I did for the Origin* ) I'm happy to help keep some money flowing back (at least half of it I'm guessing) into the Australian economy! Yep, too many choices (is that a bad thing?) so I wanted at least three (well five actually) of them but to settle on 'just one more' watch I went for the Adventurine Ascent. I cleared out two watches (a GADA and a Dress) to make way for the EREBUS so I'm content. *I went overboard but dive-watches are really my thing.
I went for the malachite on a J style band. Seems my first watch collection will be Erebus (I bought the diver to), I do hope they release a GMT next! preferably more tool than sport mind you.
I bought the same exact one
Glad you review it. To small for me. I buy two if they make it in 41-43. Sorry i can't buy it...🙁
How thin is the watch ?
I heard dial size n lug to lug but no mention on thickness.
It's hard to fault the value of this watch, but the problem is it's generic without offsetting that with pride of ownership. Still on the fence though because it's such a good value, but I also feel I won't be compelled to wear it much after the honeymoon period.
I'm waiting for the "Just the watch" watch.
I think that you should have a shot, not like the spaghetti scametti, but even if you went for a quartz.
I got myself the blue dial Eribus origin and might get the blue helix Ascent and I'd have a serious look at any you had to offer.
Nice review! I'm still trying to decide which to order myself. These reviews are not making it any easier!
This watch is getting a lot of buzz, thanks to the great reviewers we are fortunate to have. Lots of good comments here, but I will add my take on a couple of things people are saying. First, regarding originality, I agree with those who say it is very difficult to execute a design that is original. Most all designs are derivative. Some are blatant copies, but pretty much anything you can do with a face and a few hands has already been accomplished. To me, the art is to blend existing things into something special, if not unique. Something that when you see it, you pause, and then look at it again. It just "looks right". And I believe Erebus nailed it here.
Regarding choices, it is old conundrum of how many are too many and how many are too few. Like the restaurant with 8 pages of entrees, it becomes confusing. However, there are also times when the choices seem wanting. I am with those who are having a hard time deciding. For example, I love green dials, and here there are three options if you choose to go with that color.
In the end, it is a tremendous offering, both in style and value, and a marked improvement over their debut. The real question is where will they go from here? If they improve yet again, it will really be something! I wish them luck!
I ordered the Adventurine with the J Style bracelet.
0:43 I wonder if that pitting will find its way to the production models
Exhibition case back would have been great
It's a lovely looking watch especially the white ceramic dial version but 38mm with that short lug is too small for my taste, 40mm would of been much better. To be honest it even looked small on your wrist. Price is $535 in Australia so its not cheap for a Chinese factory built watch. Anyway it looks like a winner and I'm sure it will sell well which is great for Jody and Steven ... Nice fair review also..
I'm the other way around. 37mm is my go to size for a perfect fit. Could go smaller or bigger but 39mm would be the absolute maximum. The sad fact is that most watches are too big for me. Even this watch is too big. 36mm and 10mm thickness would be perfect.
I kinda want them all... well done Erebus
I don’t think of the watch as stealing ideas but evolving from the Rolex that Jody said they should never have had discontinued, incorporating the best bits from other brands.
So pleased they went for the high beat, sweeping action of the Miyota 9015, personally it just lifts the watch up a notch.
With so many dials to choose from, I have narrowed it down and ordered the black enamel on a oyster and Blue helix on a jubilee. The black enamel is to fill the void left after rather stupidly selling my SARB033 years ago. The blue helix because it pops and is just different.
Puple helix on a jubilee actually looks amazing.. I just worry that I have practically no clothes that would match that colour.
The thing that makes it difficult for me to choose is that I already have a watch to fill the shoes of "the blue watch" and in fact, two watches that have black dials. (Admittedly, one of them is the golden version of the Casio Duro, which also functions as my "golden" watch.
Probably should go for white at this point, but that doesn't come in helix pattern. Argh, so many options!
I like it, there will be one, or two, on my wrist. A white enamel on J style and probably an aventurine on O style. 😎
Brilliant. I love them
I've "put my money where my mouth is" so to speak, and have ordered one. That's what I think. Good vid. Keep at it!
Thanks for such a thorough review, Dave. A question, if I may...will the J-Style bracelet accommodate a 7 3/4 inch wrist? Did you have to remove any links to fit your 7 1/2 inch wrist?
Should be no problem! It was pre-sized when I got it, probably from a previous reviewer, but there were plenty of extra links in the box.
@@JusttheWatch 😇Thanks, Dave, I genuinely appreciate your feedback. I had ordered the Purple Helix on the J-Style bracelet. Just to be on the safe side, I sent Jody and Mr. P. a message that I would be willing to pay for a couple of extra links.
It will fit out the box mate
@@ThemysteriousMrP Many thanks!
While the design takes some inspiration from a Grand Seiko, unless the quality is a massive step up from the Origin, then they are still miles apart, as indeed you would expect given the price. I bought an Origin and own a GS and the bracelet in particular is simply nowhere close. The Erebus has great specs for sure (quick adjust, quick release spring bars etc) but the feel is so different.
Be interested to see which watch you choose Dave. As a minister or maybe it's just your taste, you seem to tend towards plainer looks from my reading of your reviews but if you like the Malachite I'd go for that. After all, if you get a dud slice on your actual watch, I'm sure Jody would swap it for you. I'm looking at the purple helix (as per on the GS with a helix dial) on the J bracelet.
Great review & stunning macro footage, although macro that good does show you the watch in detail that we will never see in real life!
Love the Erebus Ascent. A side by side comparison with the Traska Commuter would be nice too
Its great that buyers have a choice between :
€6000 MSRP breaking down into €2000 of actual watch, €2000 of fancy boutiques, ambassadors and sponsorship and €2000 of retail margin
And
€600 MSRP breaking down into €450 of watch, €50 of photo shots, goodies, pre production models sent to reviewers, and €100 of retail margin.
The best AT budget alternative is the Tissot Gentleman. Hands down..
Wondering if I should get this watch, a Citizen Tsuyosa small seconds or a Tissot PRX. I know they are all different but if you guys had to pick one watch to wear everyday which one would you choose ?
The citizen is super overrated. It feels cheap in hand, it's definitely feels like a sub 200 dollar watch, it's just new so the prices haven't settled. Wait for that one, the prx might be the choice for an integrated bracelet. Can't fully back the erebus since I've never handled it, but might be the best choice if it is as good as the videos suggest, the main question would be if you have big or small wrist, the prx is for bigger wrist and this one is for smaller/average wrist.
@@gilbertoflores7397 thank you ! This is very insightful, I also started looking at glycine watches. Mostly combat subs. I know it’s totally not the same style but I think they look good.
I personally think it looks very small on your wrist 😊