The design is clean and straightforward so I went for the more interesting blue helix dial and I am not disappointed. I find the dial mesmerizing, especially in strong light. It really draws you in. I also opted for both the j-style and o-style bracelets so I can change the look of the watch. I find it very comfortable on both bracelets.
Good review 👍🏻 I purchased the Adventurine dial with the J style bracelet. I am enjoying my purchase 😊 The only needed improvement I would point out would be to soften the edges of the twin pushers on the clasp.
Hi Mark! The second watch of Erebus is exactly the kind of watches I like! A real GADA watch which could easily be your one watch collection if you choose the right color. Your enamel white dial is this kind of choice. I picked the blue helix dial for myself because it has a bit more eye candy. Best wishes, Claus
I have owned the Ascent for a month and so here's my take on it so far. Great overall package for the money which ticks a lot of boxes for me including great size, lume, smooth(ish) winding, smooth hand movement when setting, great dial and great clasp. However, the biggest disappointment is the jubilee bracelet due to the very sharp and uncomfortable edges, which have actually marked my wrist. I appreciate that at this price point, it's asking a bit much for a fully finished, chamfered bracelet, and it's the main area that let's micro brands down, from my experience so far - poor finishing on bracelets and clasps. I would also suggest removing the logo from the caseback as that is also sharp and just have it smooth. The only other mild gripe is the date window , which is a tad tight on double digits. After 20 years of buying and selling watches, if the watch is not comfortable, I move them on. Maybe the Oyster is better but alas, this watch is not for me. All the best for the brand!
I bought 2 of the origin and now this black enamel accent. Happy with all of them. A commenter here started that the bracket is a sharp edges potato Peeler. I got the Jubilee bracelet and it's very comfortable with no sharp edges anywhere on either clasp or bracelet. As for the rest of the watch, very well finished on the case and dial. Miyota movements are accurate and reliable high beat movements so no complaints there either. Untouchable at this price point IMHO.
From what I can tell, it seems to be a solid, well made watch. For $400 you get a well regulated movement which is more than I can say for the SPB 317 I just bought and those go for $900. The only complaints I saw in the Erebus Facebook group were about DHL.
I bought the same configuration as this. I think for the price it was excellent. I have a very, very slightly misaligned bezel, but it takes a hard stare to notice. (If I had it on a nato I don’t think I could notice). As a “gada” watch it needs to be quite tame, “boring” and safe. I think the issue I will have in the future is their watches that have their own design language, as I find my tastes differ from Jody a lot based on his JOMW videos. Love the watch, not taken it off since I got it. I WOULD like to get the O bracelet in future to dress it down a little, but import costs blah blah. We will see. Might just throw it on a grey nato.
Mark, how about a video of the Ascent v Citizen NB1050 white dial v white dial? I had that Citizen watch but could not get a great fit. The Erebus is better because of the claps, I believe. Can get a terrific fit. Both watches are very similar. Your thoughts?
Did you post this video en Sept. 30th? Because on Oct. 1rst, Ascents’ initial discount ended and they went to their original retail price. Not $399 anymore, but still a bang for your buck.
I have this watch but I will admit it’s a box checker design. Granted I’m very happy to finally have all those Boxed checked but it ends up appearing generic and uninspired. It is a wonderful baseline from which to build a brand.
My first visit to your site. Suggest you take some ideas from other reviewers. Get it down to 12 minutes or so. You're talking too much 😊. As far as the watch the same general comments I'm getting ready to send to Jody. Great case and dial. Mediocre J bracelet with great although very large clasp. Any mechanical movement needs an exhibition back. A custom rotor with the helix pattern would be outrageous! Also needs a nicer crown like a "muffin". And finally a quartz option for those of us who value accuracy and convenience over the "romance and nostalgia" of rotors, springs and gears. I would love to see comments please. Cheers!!
This is a fine watch, but I’m conflicted. It ticks all the boxes. Is it ugly? No it’s not - it’s quite attractive and well made. But I just can’t get excited about it. It just lacks an edge. It’s too safe. Too mainstream. Boring even. I don’t get excited about a datejust either. But each to their own. Well done Jodie + life partner, but not for me.
I like my Ascent Blue Helix. I was so excited about the bracelet, but then the nasty surprise: sharp edges and corners everywhere - a real potato peeler... I'm so disappointed. This is chinese quality for 150.- The bracelet is useless and I don't want to know what it would do to the shirt sleeves... now i use an FKM strab... what the heck... And don't you always compare it to brands like Rolex... that's lightyears away...
A review of a watch that cost the reviewer nothing and was sent to him by someone he wants to stay on good terms with. Reviewer is very honest about this, very early on too, so not criticising him but it does render the whole review pointless as he’s basically telling you he is advertising this watch. Value??? He got it for free so in no position to judge value and shouldn’t try. Only $399… and half that in a month when you realise you haven’t worn it since you bought it.
It does cost me something, my time. And I value my time. I don't have to make any of these videos, I enjoy making them about watches that I enjoy. Just buying something doesn't somehow hyper-qualify your opinion on it. Someone who's never owned a watch, say's this one is good or bad and purchased vs. someone who's owned and experienced hundreds of watches and received one as a loaner or gift. I don't know about you but my Mom gifted me a Movado once, I didn't have any problem telling her I didn't like it although I had every incentive to stay on good terms with her and I've seen some I don't particularly like wearing a watch I do think is nice and I also had no problem acknowledging that the watch was good, without any extra incentive to like it. Buying something doesn't remove personal bias either, I share my personal views regardless of how the product is received. I don't sell my watches either, so I don't gain from any hype around liking particular models. It's all about a shared experience for me, just like word of mouth I'd pass on about a movie I liked and wanted to recommend.
The watch didn’t cost you time, it was free. Making the video cost you time, surely it was your choice whether to make the video? All fair enough but this is very much pitched as a watch review and this does appear to be a channel that reviews watches so you can understand why I thought this was watch review.
@@Caesarean736 did you read my response? Yes, it was my choice to make this video, which cost me time, thus spending time with the watch. You keep implying that this isn't a review. So can nothing else be reviewed if not purchased at retail? Tech reviewers can only review their personal gear and car reviewers can only review their daily drivers?
@@Caesarean736 you should try to create your own review. I do the most basic with just my phone. No editing. No script. A 20 min vid can take me an hour just to set up and film. That's valuable time when I have a full time job and two kids. Everyone's time is valuable and used mostly in trade for monetary recompense. If it weren't, no one would have a job.
So, can MKBHD only review the one phone he bought? I mean if he ever has to buy a phone ever again in his life. Or what about all of the car reviewers, do they only feature their personal daily driver? Just because people can be shills doesn't mean that everyone is one. I own hundreds of watches, do you think the motivation of one more for free really carries that much weight over my opinion? Like the prospect of owning a $400 watch not comparable to my Grand Seiko SBGR017 is some type of incentive for me?
I won’t own this because of other options. But damn, this is on par with the Rolex Explorer II on GADA vibes. I put this on a fair level to the Traska Commuter Date, which is almost twice the price. Except more Grand Seiko looking.
In Toronto canada I buy a super super clone I bring it to a rolex expert he say it was real rolex . Unbelievable. Your super clone look just like mine. You a expert but a regular person like me will never know. Imagine on MAMACOO
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
This brand delivered everything I need in a watch. Already bought a Origin, will surely make a sweet combo with this one.
The design is clean and straightforward so I went for the more interesting blue helix dial and I am not disappointed. I find the dial mesmerizing, especially in strong light. It really draws you in. I also opted for both the j-style and o-style bracelets so I can change the look of the watch. I find it very comfortable on both bracelets.
Good review 👍🏻 I purchased the Adventurine dial with the J style bracelet. I am enjoying my purchase 😊 The only needed improvement I would point out would be to soften the edges of the twin pushers on the clasp.
I bought the black enamel version and can attest that the many thoughtful design elements really work well together for a great wearing experience!
I have the black enamel model. Is it a LUXURY watch NO. People should enjoy it for a $400 watch. I like mine and that is what is important.
Hi Mark!
The second watch of Erebus is exactly the kind of watches I like! A real GADA watch which could easily be your one watch collection if you choose the right color. Your enamel white dial is this kind of choice. I picked the blue helix dial for myself because it has a bit more eye candy.
Best wishes,
Claus
I have owned the Ascent for a month and so here's my take on it so far. Great overall package for the money which ticks a lot of boxes for me including great size, lume, smooth(ish) winding, smooth hand movement when setting, great dial and great clasp. However, the biggest disappointment is the jubilee bracelet due to the very sharp and uncomfortable edges, which have actually marked my wrist. I appreciate that at this price point, it's asking a bit much for a fully finished, chamfered bracelet, and it's the main area that let's micro brands down, from my experience so far - poor finishing on bracelets and clasps. I would also suggest removing the logo from the caseback as that is also sharp and just have it smooth. The only other mild gripe is the date window , which is a tad tight on double digits. After 20 years of buying and selling watches, if the watch is not comfortable, I move them on. Maybe the Oyster is better but alas, this watch is not for me. All the best for the brand!
I bought 2 of the origin and now this black enamel accent. Happy with all of them. A commenter here started that the bracket is a sharp edges potato Peeler. I got the Jubilee bracelet and it's very comfortable with no sharp edges anywhere on either clasp or bracelet.
As for the rest of the watch, very well finished on the case and dial. Miyota movements are accurate and reliable high beat movements so no complaints there either. Untouchable at this price point IMHO.
Thank you Mark!
Very nice! Good choice going with Miyota too, in my experience very accurate and reliable!
From what I can tell, it seems to be a solid, well made watch. For $400 you get a well regulated movement which is more than I can say for the SPB 317 I just bought and those go for $900. The only complaints I saw in the Erebus Facebook group were about DHL.
Lots of people complain about the bracelets on both the Origin as well as the Ascent.
@@kresimirpleic you probably shouldn't buy one then.
@@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78 I won't.
@@kresimirpleic ok
Would like to see a comparison against the sharp edge series
I bought the same configuration as this. I think for the price it was excellent. I have a very, very slightly misaligned bezel, but it takes a hard stare to notice. (If I had it on a nato I don’t think I could notice).
As a “gada” watch it needs to be quite tame, “boring” and safe. I think the issue I will have in the future is their watches that have their own design language, as I find my tastes differ from Jody a lot based on his JOMW videos.
Love the watch, not taken it off since I got it. I WOULD like to get the O bracelet in future to dress it down a little, but import costs blah blah. We will see. Might just throw it on a grey nato.
looks great. I would like them to invest in a more original bracelet design, something just a little different than the stock J and O options.
I ordered a blue enamel and sadly it got stolen from my doorstep. So I never received it. But I may end up reordering, if they come back in stock.
Oh, forgot. I have the purple helix on the J and love it. Looking for a cordovan leather strap in purple for less than $50 USD. Any ideas??
Mark, how about a video of the Ascent v Citizen NB1050 white dial v white dial? I had that Citizen watch but could not get a great fit. The Erebus is better because of the claps, I believe. Can get a terrific fit. Both watches are very similar. Your thoughts?
@@bolts4006 that would make for a great video, thanks for the idea 💡
@@AverageBrosthrow in a sarb033/35 and make it a threesome 💦
Did you post this video en Sept. 30th? Because on Oct. 1rst, Ascents’ initial discount ended and they went to their original retail price. Not $399 anymore, but still a bang for your buck.
@@Roberto68n correct, shot last week and posted this passed Monday Sept 30th
I have this watch but I will admit it’s a box checker design. Granted I’m very happy to finally have all those Boxed checked but it ends up appearing generic and uninspired. It is a wonderful baseline from which to build a brand.
Hey, even Porsche has to sell a whole lot of SUVs to afford to keep making sports cars, right?
@@AverageBros not to mention their sports cars look like a most generic sports car))
I like the Citizens better. Who was the chubby guy in the video 😮
I'll just keep my SARB 033 and 035
This looks way nicer than our SARBs but at least we got the heritage on our side lol
Baby Grand Seiko
My first visit to your site. Suggest you take some ideas from other reviewers. Get it down to 12 minutes or so. You're talking too much 😊.
As far as the watch the same general comments I'm getting ready to send to Jody. Great case and dial. Mediocre J bracelet with great although very large clasp. Any mechanical movement needs an exhibition back. A custom rotor with the helix pattern would be outrageous! Also needs a nicer crown like a "muffin".
And finally a quartz option for those of us who value accuracy and convenience over the "romance and nostalgia" of rotors, springs and gears.
I would love to see comments please. Cheers!!
"Doesn't feel like a direct homage to anything."
My brother in Christ if the Aqua Terra and Datejust had a child, this would be it.
Inspiration from those two maybe. Not a direct homage.
@@chrisnguyen8132 a combo of two designs wouldn't be a direct homage of either ;)
Killed my hobby. I won't buy another Seiko. I think I'll buy the bigger one when it comes out and I'll be done with the hobby.
This is a fine watch, but I’m conflicted. It ticks all the boxes. Is it ugly? No it’s not - it’s quite attractive and well made. But I just can’t get excited about it. It just lacks an edge. It’s too safe. Too mainstream. Boring even. I don’t get excited about a datejust either. But each to their own. Well done Jodie + life partner, but not for me.
Look at the ones with the textured dials for an edge.
Life partner? Are they gay?
They made it as a GADA watch. As such it needs to tick the boxes and be on the safer side..
I like my Ascent Blue Helix. I was so excited about the bracelet, but then the nasty surprise: sharp edges and corners everywhere - a real potato peeler... I'm so disappointed. This is chinese quality for 150.- The bracelet is useless and I don't want to know what it would do to the shirt sleeves... now i use an FKM strab... what the heck... And don't you always compare it to brands like Rolex... that's lightyears away...
Oyster or jubilee ?
Jubilee
@@Zonediver Ok good to know
They had a pop up showcasing their watches including this. I agree with you, especially with their Origin, sharp edges everywhere
A review of a watch that cost the reviewer nothing and was sent to him by someone he wants to stay on good terms with. Reviewer is very honest about this, very early on too, so not criticising him but it does render the whole review pointless as he’s basically telling you he is advertising this watch. Value??? He got it for free so in no position to judge value and shouldn’t try.
Only $399… and half that in a month when you realise you haven’t worn it since you bought it.
It does cost me something, my time. And I value my time. I don't have to make any of these videos, I enjoy making them about watches that I enjoy. Just buying something doesn't somehow hyper-qualify your opinion on it. Someone who's never owned a watch, say's this one is good or bad and purchased vs. someone who's owned and experienced hundreds of watches and received one as a loaner or gift.
I don't know about you but my Mom gifted me a Movado once, I didn't have any problem telling her I didn't like it although I had every incentive to stay on good terms with her and I've seen some I don't particularly like wearing a watch I do think is nice and I also had no problem acknowledging that the watch was good, without any extra incentive to like it.
Buying something doesn't remove personal bias either, I share my personal views regardless of how the product is received. I don't sell my watches either, so I don't gain from any hype around liking particular models. It's all about a shared experience for me, just like word of mouth I'd pass on about a movie I liked and wanted to recommend.
The watch didn’t cost you time, it was free. Making the video cost you time, surely it was your choice whether to make the video?
All fair enough but this is very much pitched as a watch review and this does appear to be a channel that reviews watches so you can understand why I thought this was watch review.
@@Caesarean736 did you read my response? Yes, it was my choice to make this video, which cost me time, thus spending time with the watch.
You keep implying that this isn't a review. So can nothing else be reviewed if not purchased at retail? Tech reviewers can only review their personal gear and car reviewers can only review their daily drivers?
@@Caesarean736 you should try to create your own review. I do the most basic with just my phone. No editing. No script. A 20 min vid can take me an hour just to set up and film. That's valuable time when I have a full time job and two kids. Everyone's time is valuable and used mostly in trade for monetary recompense. If it weren't, no one would have a job.
After reading the comments here I’m worried about the sharp edges/hair pulling of the J bracelet
Average review
I'm getting tired of YT watch reviewers being handed "freebies". Makes the "review" an advertisement and therefore pointless and impartial.
So, can MKBHD only review the one phone he bought? I mean if he ever has to buy a phone ever again in his life. Or what about all of the car reviewers, do they only feature their personal daily driver? Just because people can be shills doesn't mean that everyone is one. I own hundreds of watches, do you think the motivation of one more for free really carries that much weight over my opinion? Like the prospect of owning a $400 watch not comparable to my Grand Seiko SBGR017 is some type of incentive for me?
Cry more
@@Emaratilfy impartial means they don't have a vested interest.
Then don’t watch the video
I won’t own this because of other options. But damn, this is on par with the Rolex Explorer II on GADA vibes. I put this on a fair level to the Traska Commuter Date, which is almost twice the price. Except more Grand Seiko looking.
In Toronto canada I buy a super super clone I bring it to a rolex expert he say it was real rolex . Unbelievable. Your super clone look just like mine. You a expert but a regular person like me will never know. Imagine on MAMACOO