Erebus Ascent - Full Review of The best release affordable watch of 2024

[@adk7962]

Thanks! Love my Ascent. Erebus is releasing a Field and a Chronograph next year. Can’t wait!

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m excited about the upcoming watches too.

[@danieldayton3064]

Thanks, James, and Happy Holidays! My Purple Helix Erebus Ascent is definitely one of the "top-box" residents of my collection.

[@WATCHingJames]

I was so close to buying the purple version. There were almost too many options. Hahahaha

[@dunderhay9169]

Great review, it's nice to see so many outdoor shots 👍. I like the Ascent, they did a great job on the hands/dial / case and the 9015 is a great movement. Sadly when you add 20% VAT and handling charge in the UK it puts it up against some serious competition and out of my hobby watch budget range. If I could win one, that would be fantastic 😁

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m sure Jody mentioned that he was going to be helping with those additional costs. Maybe I’m wrong. But worth checking.

[@dunderhay9169]

@WATCHingJames I think I heard the same, I'll check it out if I don't win the one your giving away 😉

[@SyedaNAnzar]

Ok i must say that your review was the kind of deep dive that felt the most insightful. The dials in all honesty i find the best feature but the in depth profile shots help one really understand the inticacies of the case itself.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I am deliberately trying to show the watching different lights and angles. So you can get a better understanding of them.

[@WATCHingJames]

Yes. I truly think it is that good. Hope you watched all the way to the end to get a sneak peak of something very exciting

[@ajgross67]

I’ve really enjoyed mine. It is my first watch on a jubilee, and I have been reaching for it more that most other watches in my collection. Great job Jody and the Erebus team!

[@WATCHingJames]

I completely agree. Thanks for WATCHing

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

Oooooo aventurine! There are so many great dials in this Erebus model, picking which I wanted to live with was one of the most difficult decisions of 2024.

[@WATCHingJames]

Me too. I considered getting more than one. But realised that’s not the right decision for me.

[@bradleyburton4762]

@@blacktoothstavros2606 same. We have it pretty good. Wishing you a great 2025 as well.

[@johnkem2630]

The Ascent is very nicely designed and well thought out. Perhaps a no date option can be offered in the future. Good review James. Thanks.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@tenkasen]

The Ascent is a beautifully made watch, I very nearly went for one but was swayed by the San Martin SN0144 just for the red dial, and that it was a fair bit cheaper to get one to the UK. I don't regret buying the SM but some of the dial designs on the Ascent are incredible.

[@WATCHingJames]

Both are fantastic watches. I have the blue SM. I’m putting together a head to head between these two.

[@watchsixto]

I haven't had hands-on experience with Erebus. It looks like a decent watch. I like their GMT line

[@WATCHingJames]

They are amazing. I’m very happy that I’ve got one not will not be leaving the collection

[@Trapvision3D]

Oh yeah, you definitely like this watch 😂. A giveaway for 2025 is awesome. I enjoy seeing this type of content. You're the man bro!💯

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks mate. I always appreciate you WATCHing

[@Adrian_3006]

Great camera work James 👍!! The Ascent is a great looking watch. Dial and colours are fantastic. Cheers

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing

[@perthguitar5160]

If Jody could have a dateless solar quartz version of this, inspired by his citizen chronomaster, I’d be all over this watch. It would be a perpetual set and forget. I’d pay 1k for it.

[@WATCHingJames]

I wonder with his love for that Citizen if he will put out something like that.

[@perthguitar5160]

One can only hope. Jody, are you listening. That would be something a microbrand has never done!

[@johndesmond1987]

I noticed the sharp edges on the inner links of the Jubilee bracelet, but then again, my Rolex Datejust feels exactly the same.

[@WATCHingJames]

Ahhhh. Maybe it was a deliberate decision. Hahahahaha

[@Kenzabukuro]

@@WATCHingJames It's an homage lol

[@douglascheesman]

I’m glad that you connected with this watch. I really wanted to. Bought the purple helix, but for some reason I just didn’t connect with it. I normally like “jubilee” style bracelets, but I did not care for the feel of this one. I ended up moving it along and broke even, so I would definitely recommend picking one of these up when there’s a sale- because it’s popular enough that you can get out of the watch and break even, or buy it and wear it knowing you didn’t break the bank.

[@WATCHingJames]

I do like that the watch community has such different preferences in watches. Makes it more interesting

[@ZakDeCourcy]

Thanks for the great review, James. Stunning looking watch. Of all of them, and there seems to be a tonne, I think the blue helix would be my favourite.

[@WATCHingJames]

I was considering the purple helix as well. Then the blue. But happy I ended up choosing this one.

[@wristopia4101]

Always fun hearing false negatives (I love the Assent by the way) in a review. Very psychological. A double watch travel case for free is probably great for most people, although I prefer ones with a central cushion myself and would never use it. Someone famously once said a date window should only be noticeable when you want to know the date! My gripes are that the crown, and combined rehaut/chapter ring, look a bit cheap. The 'Assent' font is also odd looking, and the clasp looks too rugged (all the screws) for the svelte like case.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

Happy holidays James, my two Ascents are lovely. I went for the purple fumé on J style and then the black enamel (original before the gilt came out!) on O style. Very tempted now my the pink enamel to be a sister watch to my pink Origin 38 😅

[@WATCHingJames]

They are amazing watches. It would be easy to have more than one.

[@ianyoung5619]

I can’t disagree. I ordered the black enamel and blue helix, one with j style the other on o style bracelet. You are spot on regards your comments on the j style. I have subsequently order the black and gold JPS and white Ascent. Beautiful watches, well made and tick a lot of boxes.

[@WATCHingJames]

I could easily have more versions. But I do try to limit how many watches I have. Thanks for WATCHing

[@cosmodoc]

I love the watch, have an orange dial with J-style bracelet. But prices seem to have gone up too much for me now.

[@WATCHingJames]

I was seriously considering that one too. Thanks for WATCHing

[@ElectricShadowsZone]

A great review of this watch. I noticed in your video at about 8:17 the clip of the Erebus Website showed a picture of the Ascent with the specs of an Origin. Weird.

[@WATCHingJames]

I let Jody know about that and I think it has been fixed now.

[@wristopia4101]

Nice to hear Erebus have finally stopped stuffing UK purchasers. Not sure what they have done but I told them they needed to do something ages ago!

[@WATCHingJames]

It seems to effecting a lot of brands at the moment. Such a shame for the UK fans.

[@stephenmundane]

The Spec Sheet Aqua Terra/ The San Jody 😉 Even if you don't like the design it looks to be a very well-made watch. Fair play to him for leveraging his KZbin popularity and obvious passion for watches into what I presume is a successful business. Not on my radar though. Great review as always James.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I just love this one. It has taken a permanent position in my collection

[@Stricko72]

I agree with you its an awesome watch, Jodi n co have nailed it with the Ascent. It takes a lot of design cues off other watches (and they were upfront about this) which tbh not a bad thing, not a hommage more an ode to the best. Ive got the orange fume version and its one of my most worn watches, really enjoy it. The way it catches the light is beautiful, have had lots of compliments about this watch. My moans n niggles, yes the clasp, not too big as its on the fly and they are big, but clean up the sides, get rid of those holes ie make it cleaner looking, and my other is too much choice😂 could have easily bought white, black as well as the orange. As for taxes, well im in the UK and 20% vat plus damned DHL handling fee £11, which is the same as any other watch from abroad. Thanks James.

[@WATCHingJames]

It has been such a shame to see the UK fans have to face these additional costs. I thought it was bad here. But now I see that I’m rather lucky.

[@raka9]

Great review James, I think this is an absolute home run from them 👏👏👏

[@WATCHingJames]

I do too. Thanks for WATCHing

[@au18ert]

The Fortella Engineered Driver was easily the best of 2024. Sadly it was limited edition. The Assent is a great watch. I love them both..

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@thesolver1970]

have a couple of the erebus watch boxes now and don't use them. But the one that came with the forteller engineer I use all the time - it holds 6 watches in a compact case. brilliant! I think the ISO certified, thin, miyota 9 series powered, individually numbered forteller engineer has been my favourite new watch this year. And very cheap for what it is! I do like the purple ascent, but I don't wear it much as it is a bit too shiny.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@LTBallurio]

Great review!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you and Thanks for WATCHing

[@zillsburyy1]

my boderry landmaster arrived today. it's impressive

[@WATCHingJames]

I’ve had my eye on them too

[@michaelbell9811]

I really like my blue helix Ascent. I found that the bracelet is really nice but I’ve got a 7.5 inch wrist and I only removed one link. Also, I find that the seconds hand is sometimes not the most legible depending on the angle I’m looking. But, the bracelet fits me and I don’t spend all day watching the seconds hand so these are small beer.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Trapvision3D]

That dial gives it an exclusive look. I'm sure that I'll get one at some point.

[@WATCHingJames]

Km very happy that I went with this one. Definitely my favorite option.

[@Shri_V]

I love this watch and I love the aventurine variant. Unfortunately customs makes it difficult to justify buying it in India where I'm from.

[@WATCHingJames]

Make sure you enter the giveaway next year. You might end up with one for free. Launching the giveaway in the first week or two of January.

[@DrRonP]

Easily one of my favorite watches and a fraction of the price of my Swiss timepieces.

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m excited to see what they come out with next.

[@DrRonP]

@ me too! They say a field watch is coming which is right up my alley. Thanks for the great content on your channel in 2024. Happy New Year!

[@andrewd7586]

I bought the malachite dial version James. A stunning watch!🤩😎 P.s. I’m wearing the GMT Origin atm.👍🏼

[@WATCHingJames]

Very nice. Thanks for WATCHing

[@richfrommitch]

Very tempting range of dials there.

[@WATCHingJames]

Almost too many options.

[@stuartdavies7351]

Funnily enough I did put the Erebus with Aventurine dial in the basket when first released, but failed to pull the trigger before they were sold out. I think I was slightly hesitant at the time due to the prolific amount of AliE watches which were in my basket that were cheaper, and were calling me just a little bit more. Long-term perhaps I should have gone for the Erebus, rather than the short-term satisfaction, but hey-ho. TBH I’m a little oversaturated by AliE right now, so have started looking elsewhere… My watch for 2024 is the Momentum UDT. Mine is second batch which is free of the niggles as mentioned by the likes of Jody in his review. I do like a utilitarian tool-watch, and this fills the void of an original UTD I stupidly let go many years ago.

[@WATCHingJames]

They are very cool watches. Make sure you enter the upcoming giveaway for that adventurine dial. Might end up with one in your collection if you win.

[@cancinju]

Nice video, I was looking to buy the black enemel Ascent, I was thinking on a different bracelet then the one you displayed on your video.

[@WATCHingJames]

They are amazing watches.

[@LTBallurio]

Wow this is awesome!

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a fantastic watch. I’m soo happy with it.

[@mikkoluo]

I would have already bought two, but eu and taxes raise the price to the level where there is competition. Dial Aventurine does interest me a lot though :D

[@WATCHingJames]

I’m fairly sure Erebus is now helping out with those costs. I heard Jody talking about it.

[@MrBacchus18]

I think an Ascent is in my future

[@WATCHingJames]

Make sure you keep an eye out for the giveaway and you might get one for free. Thanks for WATCHing

[@MrBacchus18]

@ adventurine dial 😍

[@johndesmond1987]

It has to be a very difficult decision between the Erebus Ascent and the San Martin SN0144. I have both of these and love them.

[@WATCHingJames]

Stay tuned for a head to Head video of those two.

[@vincentrobinet2713]

Has there been a camera upgrade? The watch footage looks very high res!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I’m using a better camera now for the macro shots and using a different setting for the footage of me.

[@gillyharwood]

It's probably the best release in Australia but thats it. It's a very nice King Seiko homage ..

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@watchalot919]

I believe the San Martin SN0144 offers even more is a fair bit cheaper. It is indeed a nice watch

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@frankdirscherl2345]

It's a fine watch, but hardly the best release of 2024. I'm waiting for the 36mm Ascent, which is coming soon.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@piotrszmidel]

Hadnt San Martin very similar release 1st?🤔

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@villagranvicent]

I can understand the hype / bias because Jody is a very dear member of the watch community...

[@WATCHingJames]

It is an amazing watch. One that will be staying in my collection long term.

[@geopapak2632]

very nice good looking watch affordable and i think maybe an alternative of Grand Seiko!!!!(At least on appeearance and who it looks!!)👍👍👍👍👍

[@WATCHingJames]

It feels like it has filled that spot in my collection. But also just love it for what it is. Thanks for WATCHing

[@Trapvision3D]

If I didn't know any better, I'd say you enjoy this watch.😅

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahaha. How did you come to this opinion 😂😂😂😂

[@olliefuture]

How much they pay you ?

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahahahaha. You are funny. Thanks for WATCHing

[@olliefuture]

@WATCHingJames 🤑

[@wristopia4101]

San Martin SN0144 left the chat 😂

[@WATCHingJames]

Definitely not. A side by side with it is coming soon.

[@youtubewatcher2006]

Didn't someone expose them for not using genuine 316 L steel? Who knows what kind of materials go into those watches when there's no QC.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@mfrankel8321]

Great review James! However, I don't think you need those side shots. They are distracting, and work best for somebody who is being interviewed.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thank you. I really only use them to cover breaks in my talking. Helps to cover any jumps in footage. But it’s a work in progress. Still looking to improve my content.

[@elmoelms2743]

Excellent watch but to expensive because of living in the U.K.

[@WATCHingJames]

I think they are now covering the taxes for watches going to the UK. Because of this issue. Check out their website. I’m not sure of the specifics of this. But I’m sure I hear Jody talking about this.

[@GaryHayward-ix6lf]

I have the assent purple helix is it a good watch, yes. However I dont think it is the best watch I have purchased in 2024 far from it.

[@WATCHingJames]

Wow I’d love to know what your favorite release is. If it’s better than the Erebus I might have to get it. Thanks for WATCHing

[@GaryHayward-ix6lf]

@WATCHingJames I would have e to say I best purchased for 2024 is the Mühle-Glashütte Sportivo Chronograph. Probably not a fair comparison but none the less far superior in every way.

[@ThemysteriousMrP]

@@GaryHayward-ix6lf😂😂😂 it’s 4kusd!

[@scatterbrain9490]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@rcthor1066]

UK buyer here... Have pre-ordered the Red-Helix dial Ascent on the Oyster bracelet for April delivery I think. You are correct, they have now included all taxes in the cost of the watches when shipping to UK so we can actually see if it's worth buying. Mine is costing £503 inc shipping and all taxes (all depends on exchange rate when you pull the trigger I guess) I think that is still a pretty good deal when you compare to other similar quality brands. Roll on April 2025!! I like the look of this watch brand so will be watching for further new releases over the next few years :) One comment I have is that maybe they should have put a lume dot on the second hand?

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@alexsdg3441]

the dimensions & fit & finish are all top notch, but I really do hate the dial design. Probably that is a personal choice and opinion. But to me, just too busy and it cheapens the entire watch look. Thanks for the review, James. Happy New Year.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@johnwheat5199]

Let's get something straight here, the "Micro Brand" business model is nothing new, get something made very cheaply in another part of the world, in this case China, and sell it on for a highly inflated price. And another point, how can anything be described as "Independent" when its very existence DEPENDS on someone else to make it?

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@thomas316]

Had the GMT but flipped it. It's a very competently executed watch in terms of design and manufacturing, a really good first effort akin to the better offering from Phoibos or San Martin, but I wouldn't describe it as particularly interesting which is why I didn't keep it. I limit the number of mechanical watches in my collection for practical reasons, had it been a solar quartz it would have made the cut but you have to really love a mechanical GMT because its a lot of stuffing around to set it up if you only wear it once a week.

[@WATCHingJames]

Hahahahaha. I’m constantly winding and re setting watches. But I rather like doing it. Thanks for WATCHing

[@robc8892]

Looks like a cross between a Rolex and a grand Seiko, but made in china with charm and originality removed.

[@WATCHingJames]

Don’t forget aqua terra. Thanks for WATCHing

[@jsw-d6p]

I don't think so

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@gerrylindley7874]

I beg to quibber...This Erebus is too much like so many other watches out there. When I first saw the watch release, it was a real let down. Sorry Jody. Too safe & boring...

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@Not_me9791]

Be honest! This watch is just an homage! All is done in the same place of another 10000 watches🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ nothing against the brand, but this is just BS

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@jsw-d6p]

It's another boring watch

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@DJModsChannel]

ugh...no shame

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@cinargey6873]

Overpriced. It is a rip off. It is not as well made as San Martin but double the price. It is a GS homage. Cronos makes better GS homages and half the price.

[@ashleyb66]

😂😂😂

[@ThemysteriousMrP]

Bollocks

[@bradleyburton4762]

Have you held one?

[@stuartdavies7351]

@@cinargey6873 hardly a rip off… Very few can complete with the buying power of SM. Their pricing & profit margins will be much much lower than startup micro-brands who have taken all the risk. They still need to make a living.

[@TXLogic]

LOL every San Martin that costs half (more like 3/4) the price of an Ascent is running on a chonky old Seiko NH3x movement. No comparison with the Miyota 9000 series. One of the few (maybe the only?) San Martin that does use that movement, the “JianZhan”, is roughly the same price.