You are probably the last of the RU-vidrs that Jody asked to do a review, but I think you provided the best review. By that I mean you went over the most details and provided the most nuances, which shows that you really gave this review some thought. Thanks Ben!
@@gilbertoflores7397 i dont know which ones u watch, some reviewers i dont watch for a reason. the only 2 ive seen who did review the Erebus is ben n just the watch, who actually had similar feedback to ben, esp about the design and the bezel.
@@punkypink83 if you watch Jody's launch video he says who he sent them to, and the first few people who made videos first, talked more about how they're good friends with Jody, say he's a great guy and they really hope he succeed with his brand, not being very critical at all, like they normally are, just pure praise, especially when they can be known to nitpick anything ridiculous, especially names, such as "sounds like an std", it's a Chinese watch so it's trash.
@@gilbertoflores7397 i think i know who u mean, and well, i don't watch those guys. i watch only Ben and Just the Watch out of the ones who've gotten the Erebus for review for a good reason.😌
When Jody said in his reveal video that he would be sending you review samples I knew I had to wait for your review. I really appreciate you separating your personal preferences from the objective review. I think I will pick one of these up after your review as I do quite like the look, I was mainly waiting for your take on the fit, finish and value of the watch which I'm grateful that you provided
I like the watch. Yes, not something new in sense of design but the case finish and form are, together with a bracelet, good enough for the money and largely overpass any Seiko at the same price range. We could say that some big names of Japan watch industry are a scam as often they charge a lot over their names and cutting corners big time? It is just my impression. Unknown microbrands are often the best, sometimes bringing some fresh design, sometimes only quality...
I understand that Jody had to be carefull designing his first watch and investing his hard earned money, but because of this, the watch came out a little bit dull. It just does not have this "something", so I will pass this watch. Specs are not everything. Maybe the next one will make my heart beat faster.
i'm no businessman but imho the first one had to be a people pleaser. and how do you achieve that? with vanilla design. if he sells out, he'll have cash and experience to push the design a bit more. maaahk from long island watches seems to do the same. lot of people pleaser designs while occasionally throwing in some funky ones
I was banned from making comments on RU-vid for 24 hours because he didn’t like that I said that the dial looked just like my San Martin that was $169, it is the same pebbled dial exactly! I lost all respect for him.
Great review Ben, I’ve seen the others review the Origin and I’d say you were the most honest in my opinion. Not that anyone else is being disingenuous. Cheers.
Damn, this review made you somehow even more trustworthy. Appreciate not pulling any punches, definitely not a watch to scoff at but certainly is a sterile first attempt.
The only frankly honest review of this watch. Not that other reviewers were dishonest, but they were being careful not to hurt the founders or Erebus. Jody is a good watch reviewer. Is Erebus Origin an interesting watch? That is another question.
Honest review. I share similar view. I would say it lacks its own character, or the wow factor. Like ticking all the boxes but it still can’t make you pull the trigger
Maybe it looks too familiar to some iconic watches. It makes you feel like you have seen it before. Not an interesting watch. I guess spec itself s not the initial factor that makes people like a watch
@@lcjlcj2739 I agree. If people went just for specs I would stick with homage watches from AE. It does lack the wow factor. Yes, good effort but I think a more daring design, which may also polarise people, is needed to create one's own image and brand. I have recently started buying more Seikos, knowing full well the specs are not great, but also loving the case shapes (and sizes) and dials! As well as Zelos, which are kinda in the same price range...
Although the watch ticks every box and is unbelievable price to quality ratio, somehow it lacks that "something" for me. The design is bland, I guess that's it. There isn't that one design feature for me that makes me want to wear it. Exactly like you said. Maybe a different hand set or markers... But overall, if someone loves the design, it's an excellent deal.
i agree with you 100000% - copy and paste from other well designed diver watches and it turn out like a mutt not pedigree He took bit n pcs from - Pelagos, RZE, Rolex color dials, Seiko, Citizen, Helm as we all know, JOMW supports "homages" - a fancy name for clones/rip off/fakes i did an est - the cost to make this watch in China is ~ USD80
I agree. I own a Helm Vanuatu watch, and as much as I love Jody's channel I don't find this offering appealing enough to purchase it. I prefer my Helm.. this would feel like a copy of an already great microbrand.
I agree but Jody knows his audience and he needs a safe design to sell to his audience. I think this will really play well to a new too watches person.
I appreciate your honest review. I am glad Jody shipped a solid watch. I do, however, echo your concerns on style, and I am glad you were so frank about it. I think my biggest gripe is the handset, which really is just too simple, and that is exasperated by the white outline on white lume on some of the color variants: makes the hour hand look too thick. Never been a fan of flat bezels either.
I enjoyed your review, it was very detailed, and for the most part fair. I have to disagree with your style rating. I find most dive watches sacrificing readability for "out there" style choices. For example, in your 10 sub $200 dive watch review you linked us to, I find most of those watches a lot less legible and usable than Jodi's Erebus watch. I think the primary goal of a dive watch is to be EXTRA legible under water. The only watch in your dive watch roundup that is close to the legibility of the Erebus is the Orient Kamasu. I find the Erebus's sharp, ultra legible styling more compelling than most dive watches. The design style feels like a Sinn 556 was turned into a dive watch. Nobody calls that watch "plain", but it's balance and ultra-legibility speaks to me. I'd personally give the Erebus a style rating of 9/10. I think the 6.3/10 you gave it is just too low....there is too much subjective bias in your style rating. I've got a blue/blue Erebus on order, and I'm looking forward to adding it to my collection.
Great and honest review Ben. I ordered the purple with strap pack on launch day, both because the design appealed to me, and as a long time fan of Jody’s channel, with spare cash, it felt right to show support. Even if it doesn’t end up as my go to or favourite watch in my collection, it’ll be a solid addition nonetheless!
IT's the fact that it has a decent movement inside it that will make it probably last a lot longer than most people think it will. And as far as small brands, the reality is that almost everyone uses the same half dozen cheap movements in their "luxury" watches. So why pay $1500 for the same movement in some designer brand? :)
I'm surprised that of all the guys who have reviewed the Erebus Origin so far, only Dave at Just the Watch has mentioned the design of the hands and dial, and the satisfying way the hands line up with the indices. It's my favorite feature and to me, it's what sets it apart from being "just another dive watch."
Here's the dirty secret of the industry. Almost all of it is made in China aside from the movement, then assembled in the country of origin, allowing it to be "Swiss" or "Japan" or similar. So It's a basic Seiko movement in very similar case as the rest. I'd certainly rather pay $299 for this over $299 for a quartz Tissot. The market is awash in those cheap little ETA movements with even cheaper cases and bracelets.
Just another Chinese made generic dive watch using Japanese parts. For that price I'd go Victorinox, Glycine, Luminox or something more interesting. But each to their own if you fancy an Erebus
If I were Dr. Jody (and sometimes I wish...), I would opt a safe design also. There is no point in getting clobbered on your first outing. I think the texturing of the dial makes up for the slightly busy bezel, and if I didn't have so may responsibilities I would order one right away!
Totally agree Ben ...it's too vanilla for me too. It's nice....I like it...but it doesn't excite me enough to part with £270. Phoibos, Zelos regularly do force me to part with my hard earned money. This is a good solid start from Jody...but it's not one for me.
Ben. You nailed it. Like you, I'm a Jody fan, I live 20 minutes from where he lives and have been a subscriber to his channel since virtually the beginning. I was excited when he teased his new endeavour but when I saw it a was a bit... meh... It's a great first effort and I fully understand why they released a watch of this style but after buying several dive watches on his recommendations over the years, I don't want or need another diver. A quick watchbox check reveals a Steinhart, 2 x Seiko Prospex, a Helm and a an Bulova/Accutron (pre Jody). Plus my other 6 or 7 other watches. Nice dial, nice clasp and bracelet but for $300 with an NH-35, I can't justify it to myself. Jody, if you read this I hope you kill it with the Origin and aren't a victim of your own success in a much as we've already spent all our money on similar watches you've recommended previously...
Like always, a review full of great insights delivered with integrity ! Your channel and Dave's from Just the Watch are my favourite ones, reasonably priced watches for reasonable folks ! Cheers.
Good first effort, I hope Jody sells out but agree the design is not quite yet there for me either. Also hope he considers selling just the case for the modding community, because that is a really good looking case/bracelet.
I have the same sentiment. It's undoubtedly a great watch - and if it was better looking, I'd have bought one. The good news is they seem to have been selling really well, so if the customers do indeed come - and stay - we have a lot to look forward to.
I am completely uninspired by this watch. I realize Jody went for the safe pick here on a first effort but this is waaaay too safe and basic for me. I really thought he’d go for a more distinctive look given the praise he has heaped on other micro brands that have done just that. Maybe I’m too far into the watch game by now and need something different or edgy to catch my interest. Still, congrats Jody for going for it.
I think your review is the best and most detailed review yet. They style is the deal breaker for me here too. Just too generic and comes across as a box ticking design for the people that subscribe to his channel. Something about the printed dial looks a little cheap as well. I see watches like this and I think "still good for the price" but also, "I might as well save up a little more and getting something I really want".....
When Jody did his preview video you knew where his inspiration was coming from so it was no surprise it ended up looking similar to the Helm Vanuatu but without the wait list. It's a great first effort but UK buyers could end up paying around £350 after import costs and there's a lot of decent options out there at that price. I hope it does well and look forward to seeing what comes next.
My time for having a Vanuatu, after two years of waiting has just come and while I'm not getting it, as hype is long gone, this is nowhere near it, mind you. "Inspired"... Yeah, Jody is a businessman, all right, and his partner even more so, but the Vanuatu is absolutely superior to this in every single way, there is no comparison whatsoever. Most of all, there's the take it or leave it vibe that goes with it. This, on the other hand, is a fucking circus that aims to appeal to every single possible customer out there, just for the sake of making a sale. Nothing in the design language is consistent, there is not a single aspect of this that's attractive in an already crowded niche. And I liked Jody more a couple of years ago.
@@procopy I got my Vanuatu a couple of months back after a two year wait and even though it's now a 7 year old design it was well worth the wait. Jody is well aware of the supply issues with Helm, he probably contributed to the hype. I think this is an attempt to poach business from impatient Helm fans as the Origin has many design elements of the Vanuatu including the logo. The watch is okay but it's simply not as well executed.
@@S-Ltd1000 See, problem with waiting lists is, in most cases you can have the thing for a little extra on ebay. As far as Helm is related, there is no shortage of Vanuatus on ebay at any given time - either by flippers or people who have had enough of it. And I like its design, I really do. Should it pop for a low enough price, I'll grab it. I don't like anything about the Origin, though. Not sure what Jody's concept was/is, but this watch looks as generic and Chinese (in every possible sense of that term), as any other diver you'd find on Ali. There is no soul, no character, nothing that can get one going "Man, this is damn cool". To me, it is an example of what happens when ulterior profit motives take over product concept. And I can hardly believe someone who has gone over thousand watches gets aroused by its own creation.
@@S-Ltd1000 Is ‘poaching other companies business’ by copying their design with the excuse that they have supply issues really the ethos you want in a start-up?
Good review of the watch, I did get the watch, just to support Jody on his endeavour. I think it is always great when someone follows his dreams, and all we can do is support 👍🏽
I waited for this video since the first announcement of the Origin, and here it is. The sizing aside you put all in words what I was thinking before. Awesome specs, good execution but just not my cup of tea. Waiting for Jody's next watch and your next review. Keep up the good work 👍
Excellent review of a nice watch (specially the yellow dial), HOWEVER... the $300 price tag means it won't be on my shopping list any time soon. There are at least a dozen or so microbrands offering NH35-based dive watches with similar specs, so Erebus is going to have a hard time carving out some market share in that segment.
Thanks, Ben, for a bold and honest review. Everyone loves Jody and it would be difficult to not gush over his first offering. I too like or admire almost everything about his watch, and agree the bezel is a letdown. While the rest of the watch's design is clean and functional, the bezel's is needlessly cluttered and busy. The numerals look squashed; better had they been simply smaller. But on the whole, a cracking good watch. Well done, Jody - well reviewed Ben.
Great review and I am with you on this. To my eye it's the skin diver size bezel on a full size dive watch which makes the markers look a bit small. I'm a fan of JOMW and it's great first watch, but I'll wait and see what's next.
I like it very much, got that rugged Pelagos tool watch look and looking at it, it will probably take a good hammering in its stride. The black dial version is my favourite. My only gripe is that old Seiko movement, charge me a little more and give me a Miyota 9015. Just as robust, higher beat rate, smoother second hand sweep and more accurate than the Seiko. Said the same thing on Jody’s channel at the launch. Pity as I really do like this watch.
Great and very honest review. I admire what Jody has done here. The quality looks extremely high for the price. I hope in the future he brings out a more dressy type of diver, perhaps with a sunburst dial and some polished areas which is more to my style, imagine how good the square link bracelet would look if there were some polishing on the inner surfaces of the links (like the Royal Oak). I know it’s a dive watch but total mat finish is just a bit too bland for my taste.
I'm surprised Jody hasn't commented on this review, as he's commented on all the others. Of course it must feel slightly personal when he's put so much into it, but of course he wants honest feedback! Overall it felt very accurate and I don't think it would put anyone off buying the watch. I'm such a big fan of JOMW that I would order this no matter what, but your review definitely hits on the head why I didn't buy it right away. It's slightly too big for me and it isn't weird enough! But anyway, I'm getting the white polar dial version! Love both your channels, many thanks.
A decent spec watch at a reasonable price from someone I feel i can trust to have put the work in regarding the reliability of the watch. Looking forward to the "blue one" when it arrives!
All respect to Jody. Seeing as its easy to generate various renditions of a watch design, i would try first declutter the bezel markers or just use single baton. Then soften all those facets/angle transitions.
I agree with the black bezel feeling out of place with the color dials, but I did order the blue one. It closely resembles the Pelagos but that’s sort of what I like about it. Very clean look with a reliable movement, and the micro-adjust puts it over the top for me at that price. I’m more in to the bland, “sterile” style of watch though, so this ticks every box for me.
No way I would pay 3hundred dollars for this watch. I would choose a San Martin for that kind of money. Forget about it Jody. Money is too tight to risk it on a youtuber watch.
I think keyword is “tool watch” and hence the more vanilla styling. I ordered the black dial and I will relegate it’s duties for everyday wear doing everyday things. When I just purely need something unoffensive and low key on my wrist to tell the time. Best review of the Origin so far, bravo!
Probably the first reviewer who mentioned sterility of the design. I'd say Jody played the first round way too safe and the product looks good on the paper but way too sterile to become appealing. Plus not applied indices or date window for $300 is a bit frustrating. But I still wish Jody a good luck with his new watch brand and looking forward to see bolder moves in the future, as impactful and community-dividing as Omega-Swatch collaboration :D
Completely agree. It is a very safe option and I'd actually go further and say it's a little boring. That being said, it's no lemon. It's a good watch, I'm just not buying one but I very much doubt that it will affect the sales.
I understand. I buy and sell a lot of watches, always in the search for the one that meets all of my design interests. If I could build my own I would do it, and make it exactly like I like it. Jody's watch meets almost all of the design cues that I like. Other manufacturers could do it, it wouldn't be hard, but they just don't. I'm sorry but I can't find any complaints about it. I like the looks of at least 5 of the different variations, it would be very difficult to choose.
I the watch. Good statistics! Great bracelet & an adjustable clasp. Clean textured dial with great lume. & a decent price. If id changed anything. It would be the name & logo would be smaller. It seemed crowded in like an after thought. & maybe something different on the bezel with different numbers & marker styles. The dial has great readability with out any mess to look through. Kinda makes me think field watch. Only with blocks replacing the numbers.
The reality is that he is using his youtube for a money grab on a watch line. I would respect what he is doing if it were decent price. I mean $299 should be everyday price after presale then run sales at 50 off. $199 would be a fair presale price. The specs are average, same as 200 other brands. Most of the comments seem people are buying mainly because they like Jody, not because it's a bargain. The reality is this watch landed cost with packaging to Jodys door is $85USD. That is max! The movements are like $25 if you buy 1000 for production. At $199 after shipping and credit fees its more than 100% net margin. At $299 you're a sucker if you buy it. He has no advertising cost because of his large youtube following except for giving a few watches to other you tube reviewers. If he had 500 made he will be ok. He will have 500 suckers out of 300K followers on you tube. If he made 1000 you'll be able to buy it for less than presale price within a year as he will have to dump the rest somewhere. Based on the drawings I can tell you the exact factory in China he used to make them. I know the artists. The march delivery date also means he has no capital to do this and basically is using presale as crowdfunding because the factories in china are currently dead. These can be made in 45 days currently. 1000 units. Jody also likely is out of touch with the finicky watch market as far as pricing and the economy. Selling watches/owning a brand and you tube reviews are not the same thing. The economy on luxury retail is bad right now half what s was 3 years ago. So it might bomb and only sell200 units. He probably has the price jacked as he made deal with factory no minimum order Qty, they will just charge him more if he only makes 300. So he padded the price for this purpose. We shall see. if no second line ever comes then we know this one flopped.
Dissapointed with some of the over-the-top reviews of these watches. They are basically Phoibos watches but not as good looking! A little bland and forgettable for me!
Oooo I have one of these on order! In yellow too! Can't wait to see your honest review of it! also u technically did beat jody to the punch in launching yr own brand of watches 😂
Nice job on your review. Honest and spot on IMHO...with similar observations as I have regarding the logos on the dial and basically not falling for it enough to buy. I'd also much prefer 40mm these days for a diver, though 41mm is fine. I understand most all their choices from a commercial perspective. Good luck to Jody and Mr. P.
That yellow dial is really appealing to me. If Jody comes out with a dateless SKU I'd quite like one. Although if he could squeeze it down to a 38mm dial, that would be even better.
I have pre-ordered one purely because this is a first attempt and is "vanilla" to appeal to the largest possible audience and to give him a base , but I believe Erebus's next watch will be much more interesting😎
I strongly agree with this review. Reminds me of this girl at school. Pretty eyes, nice facial structure, good looking hair, but overall - not a stunner. This watch has many pleasant enough components (and I do agree with the criticism on the busy bezel), but all in all, just meh to look at, especially at this price point. I think Jody's biggest enemies may well be the Chinese homages he's rated so highly on his channel for years now. Similar specs, arguably better aesthetics at times, and far more affordable prices. One also has to wonder how long it'll take the Chinese to actually homage Jody's effort, at which point this watch will be truly and utterly done for. Props for the effort. Curious to see how this fares long-term.
Appreciate the very honest review. I think Jody will be first to agree he didn’t push the envelope on this design. I still got the white one though. I have a a feeling his third or fourth watch will be much more unique. Thanks again!
Basically it's a standard Seiko or Citizen type watch but with most of the cheap elements or issues fixed. Safe, acceptably priced, and overall a winner. My only gripe is the colors look - I'd rather they be a bit more fancy and less grainy. I'm personally waiting to see what he comes up with in a more dressy watch in the future. Also, props for the colors, though. When was the last time you saw anything other than white, black, or maybe blue?
Liking this one. Two sads though. My wrist is close to 19cm, and I still prefer 39mm over 41mm. That and, I'm completely aware these watches don't ship from Australia but this South African is a bit sad that my fellow Southern Hemisphere compatriots operate a company that doesn't ship to my little corner of the world.
Id say its a good first offering from jody, but i do agree that i dont like the bezel. Id prefer a cleaner less cluttered bezel insert with minimal numbers save for the 0-15 min markers. I do like the proportions of the hands and the indices. they interact very well with alignment and size as the hands pass over them.
It's a good looking watch with great features for the price, but as you said I'm not really feeling it so far, your review it's probably the most honest I came across so far, now will see what the mad watch collector have as his first watch is due to launch soon as well
It's a very tool tastic template design, kind of like the Tudor Pelagos, the Sinn watches, RZR, BLDR and so. Not a bad design for first watch tho. But still doesn't compare with my spaghetti scammetti 😂. Thank you for the video.
I like it, but being in fancy faze right now I try to wait for version with polished chamfere edges, applied indexes, and silver hands. Than Ill throw 500usd at them.
Thanks Ben for an honest review, this dial is just not cutting it for me, for you it was the Bezel, I agree a bezel that accentuated the dial may have helped, hell I would take that yellow/fold version and through a nice black leather band on it, but that would clash with the bezel, maybe I would go with the Mr. Wonderful Red Band. But alas, I only viewed this because I am ordering the II version you just reviewed, a much improved effort, and I don't even know this cat, but I know a good watch when I see it, that watch is going in my collectors bin. Its a keeper, I see it more as an evening watch however.
I think it’s a great launch watch with great specs. plus great value too. The logo does not bother me and was oblivious to your observations of it. I do think the design is a bit safe but then why limit your appeal? Only reason I’m not buying one is I have way too many divers plus some pre-owned micros are around this money. I also really like Jody and have been a massive fan of his channel for years, I wish him all the best because this is a winner. 😁
I kinda like the design but I’m not a fan of square markers for the hours or the biggest for very angular industrial divers. It’s a decent-looking watch, but my tastes are just different. I do like the fully indexed bezel tho! I love a useful bezel
I like these. The teal colour doesn't do it for me but then pretty much all my watches are back and white, so that's not saying much. Generally I would have one, and yes probably yhe back and white. For a 1st release this is not bad at all as far as I am concerned.
I think for the money he’s designed a decent enough watch. But it’s another diver which I know is popular but how many divers does one need in their collection? I’m interested in seeing what Jody comes up with next. I personally would love to see a 39/40 mm dress watch.
The Erebus had a ghastly fate 😬🥶, logo is very sniper-ish. Looks like these guys had Chinese consultants both on design & branding 😅. Or wait - what if they actually mean it 🤔!?
An honest review with none of the toadying seen elsewhere as Y'Tubers blow smoke up each others a***holes. Like Facebook you only get a lot of likes if you do a lot of liking. If we'd got a boys club review from Ben I would have despaired. For me the reviewer I trust most to say as he sees. I've said before he's wasted sticking just to the affordable end of the market. There's much more BS talked by reviewers the higher in price you go as the review fees plus freebies (all to be sold on minutes after the glowing reports) colour opinions. As for the watch it's a safe first go but nothing exceptional. Jody has spent a lot of time talking about good value Ali brands who are beginning to move away from just clomaging the icons. He shouldn't be surprised if people make comparisons in design, manufacture and price with that output.
I love Jody’s channel but this watch is a Helm Vanuatu “with the photo copier set to 95%”. I realize they had to play it safe in the first one. Hopefully the next model takes a little more risk.
This watch is a spec monster, was obviously built to high standards, and checks all the right boxes.... At $299 and even $329, it seems an absolute bargain for what you get. Unfortunately, despite being amazing on paper, as a whole the design just doesn't appeal to me and falls flat. I agree with you Ben, I was hoping for something design wise that spoke to me. This gets the job done, but would only have me looking at my wrist to tell time instead of to enjoy the view.
Hey Ben, it is a $300 watch, not $3,000! Seems Jody took design cues from other affordable watch brands and made this watch. Kudos to Jody for making it affordable and using colors and texture on the dial to make it fun to wear.
This falls in the category of being well done and appears to be a solid build. Based on the video there are no real gripes or detractions for me..but at the same time, it just doesn't draw me in or wow me in any way, which as you pointed out is purely subjective. The specs, price, build, dial color options, etc. are rock solid and commendable for a...hmmm. Origin point. For someone who doesn't have many watches, (specifically dive watches) this would be a great first or second watch. For a collector that has 12 or more watches and a few dive watches already it doesn't do much to separate itself from a sea of ...dive watches. I'm almost trying to convince myself that I like it better than I do because I like Jody and have followed his budget watch reviews for some time. Going to pass for now though.
In fairness, Seiko isn't going to give you anything other than hardlex and trash bracelets for 299 and you're likely going to have quartz in the citizen options with similar compromises for the autos. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the Seiko stuff (hardlex and trash bracelets notwithstanding) even at this price, because they've at least got heritage and iconic case and dial designs, but you are getting a really high level of finishing and quality (solid link and solid end link milled bracelet, full lume bezel, sapphire, etc.) for the price.
