Erebus Origin First impressions - the best value watch?

Hi everybody!
I'm sharing my first impressions of the Erebus Origin. this is the first watch design created by Jody of just one more watch, of whom I've been a fan for a long time.
I think this is overall a fantastic watch and I am extremely pleased with it. But no watch is perfect, so what have I noticed in the first 12 hours with it?

[@sergious_null]

Good watch, but it's no speedmaster.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

No shit, Sherlock.

[@sergious_null]

@@DanAndreiVladut Dude you only have like 203 views. Also keep digging WATSON!!!

[@morganthedruid1]

I think his reply was because the two watches are so different. This is a cheap diver and the Speedmaster an expensive chronograph so the comparison is ridiculous. Maybe you meant Seamaster?

[@sergious_null]

@@morganthedruid1 I'm being slightly incendiary--maybe a bit more. The Erebus looks good, but the dial is missing something. Don't know if its the texture. Comparing it to a speedmaster was a slight joke.

[@wristopia4101]

@@sergious_null Its no joke, its turrets! You Speedmaster guys cannot help yourselves 😂 Do you even own one?

[@Audittr2108]

Back luck on the bezel, mine aligns perfectly and the finishing is perfectly.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

I'm glad. It's just my luck.

[@jhoag2577]

DHL says my Orange will arrive Friday. I’m in the Disney state as well so will keep an eye out for your White Erebus lol. Make it my life goal to spot a Erebus on the street. Enjoy!

[@DanAndreiVladut]

​@@jhoag2577 Haha, good luck. Let me know what you think of the orange, please. I was stuck choosing between these two and I went for the white for discretion.

[@mmcdonald8897]

Mine is aligned perfectly and finish is perfect.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Super! Do you enjoy the watch?

[@darioscomicschool1111]

Looks Great!

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Thanks!

[@stephenisaac7140]

Mine showed over a week ago. I like it quite a bit. Came regulated, no alignment issues and the watch itself is comfortable, especially on the rubber. I do have some complaints, one being the bracelet. It’s nice, but the edges have no chamfer and it’s literally sharp. Second, I wish the chamfered edges of the watch were polished, but that’s just a personal preference. Last, the bezel. While it aligns perfectly, you have a little bit of back play to line it up after you reach its mark. Pretty good overall for a first shot from Jody. Hope for some more watches from him.

[@mcidor]

Mine came early this week and it is absolutely beautiful. I don’t have any blemishes or alignment issues. It’s been on my wrist since it arrived breaking my streak of wearing a different watch every day this month. I just can’t take it off new that it has arrived.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

I'm glad you love it. What color did you receive?

[@mcidor]

@@DanAndreiVladut I have the black dial.

[@TheTrueHasenfeffer]

My bezel is perfectly aligned. Sorry to hear yours isnt. Also, looking at yours, I'm glad i got curved links instead of flat links. I am extremely impressed. I wonder if you can reach out to them. You paid for a watch to be shipped to you in perfect condition. That's what I got. I'm sorry you didn't.

[@tenntrains]

My blue one is great, perfectly aligned and no blemishes. Wearing on the blue rubber strap. Have not adjusted the round H bracelet yet.

[@karmicneurot9829]

I understand the disappointment with the bezel alignment, having several Seiko divers and only one actually aligning perfectly, and with that being one of Jody's "niggles"... My Erebus aligns perfectly, the finish is top notch, lume amazing, and is dead on daily. This arrived two days after my Helm (2 year wait) and while the Erebus is really a great watch, it reminds me of the Helms little brother. The price point being what it is, I am not disappointed with mine and have been rotating it with my Helm...they do have striking similarities, as if the Helm logo could seat inside the Erebus logo. Give them a jingle and see about the bezel issue!

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Will do. Very different experience than the Helm it seems. I do like the design language but I could never pull of the size of a Vanuatu. This Erebus is a perfect option for my small ish wrists.

[@user-wu1by5jm2g]

Bezel alignment on mine was spot on, you must have had a little bad luck.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Glad to hear that. It's the way of the world for me...

[@stancashman2318]

Been a fan and watching Jody for years, bezel alignment is definitely one of his go to niggles! You should contact them to rectify your issues, good customer service should also be his hallmark. Good luck!

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Yeah, I just sent a message. Thanks! I think even if that are willing to swap, I'm going to keep it.

[@howardroark7726]

Sometimes I think it would make more sense to ship the watches without the bezel insert installed. If the seller isn't able to check them personally, just ship them with the insert and adhesive and let the buyer do it correctly. It's a nice looking watch but, looking at it, I can't help feeling that it's a mixture of design cues from other watches.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

That's interesting, I wonder how that would work. I thought it's done by machine.

[@lucianbajan]

Hi, mine is on the way, black dial. After seeing your video, went to the erebus website, and..... really watching the gallery section I have noticed the in many of them are not aligned. I know that the pictures taken must of been from protoypes, but not full confinence inspiring. Noroc

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Oh wow, you're right! Some pictures, it looks like the angle of the photo is to blame. But there are definitely many straight on photos with misaligned bezels. Ouch. Mersi. Baftă cu ceasul tău.

[@lucianbajan]

So finally arrived last night, black. It is in excellent condition, no complaints there. It is a bit heavy, but I will get used to it as I did with other heavy pieces I heave (for example Casio Duro MDV 106 on a bracelet). I have a hairy hand, and noticed that I got some of it pulled off on the top of the wrist, on the four corners of the lugs where the they meet with the bracelet (I went for the curved linked option). Very legible, easy to read, literally from across the room, solid durable feel to it. I see why they choose to have a simple and not so busy dial : is not a beautifull watch to look at it not ugly at all ider, it is verry toolish like, not designed to be admired, or to distract you at a glance... with that in mind they did a great job ¨hidding¨ the date at the 6 o´clock marker. The feel that I get is: put it on, feel it on the wrist, as the manly watch that it is, look at it when you need to, and move on, will not distract you with anything, the wheight is there as a reminder of it´s toghness, and durability. The price was 362 € (I opted for the balck strap pack ) plus 158 € for import taxes here in Spain (WTF right? what a rip off). So, there is no perfection anywhere in the world, obviously the Origin it is not. I would buy it again, HELL YES, in fact I wish I could buy all of them. Really impressed with the first Erebus watch, the Origin it is well grounded, and I am sure will be remembered as a great watch in the future. I can´t wait to see what they come up with next.

[@gadgetbeacon]

Bummer about your bezel! Can't hurt to email them and see what they say. Since the bracelet has been sized I'm not sure they'll exchange it (most brands don't in my experience) but you can always ask!

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Yeah, I'll ask.

[@thegorn]

Oh man you've been had with the misaligned bezel. Ouch! Unlucky brah, unlucky.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

No need to rub it in....

[@christosmaricle8694]

Mine has a bezel that is a hair off line... and my only complaint... the white dial, isn't white at all. It's silver. Great watch, though.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Well, what do you think of the silver? I was initially put off because I expected white. But after a few days I really like it. You?

[@wonderwatch2239]

Yes mine is silver too, and might have a slight pink hue to it also? But I really like the silve’ish dial👌

[@christosmaricle8694]

I don't mind it. I was really hoping for a white dial, though. Not a big enough problem for me to complain about.

[@Horology_Report]

I'm sure you can get it repaired or replaced, Jody seems like he would stand behind his products.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Yep. I'm waiting for a response, but I'm honestly happy enough as is. I haven't been able to put the watch back and use something else since.

[@chrisovs8]

@@DanAndreiVladutHave you received a response yet, I have the same problem with my bezel it’s slightly off unfortunately. Iv emailed but I haven’t got a response yet.

[@wristopia4101]

Yes big shame about the alignment. Feel your pain, but better the bezel than dial. Is it less annoying if you do not have the triangle at 12? I just sent a Sinn back as dial was off. Bezel I may have lived with perhaps.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

For sure. I tolerated dial misalignment on a cheap Ali Express watch, and on an old American Vaer before I learned to pay attention to details. But nothing over $50 should have crooked indexes or the like. The triangle makes it kinda obvious, but I don't think a circle would have looked as good. This is still better. Sorry about your Sinn

[@JF-lt5zc]

Sounds like there are some hits and some misses based on the comments and your example. I purchased the teal with flat links. The bezel is dead on. I do have a small blemish on the clasp on the bracelet, but it will get more there, so no real complaint. I do think the date window could be larger with larger text. It is a bit thin and hard to read. The teal is incredible in person. The photos on the web site, while excellent, don't impart the depth and texture. I will say, it is VERY top heavy. I think titanium would have been a better material choice.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

I have not seen the teal in person, but I'm glad you're a fan. About the top heavy nature, while I'm by no means a watch collector, I have worn a good number of divers before and this one seems par for the course. Are you wearing it loose, perhaps?

[@JF-lt5zc]

I wonder how often these will be seen in the wild... I'm guessing outside of a watch convention, the chances of seeing another Erebus are going to be slim! No, I don't wear it loose. It is just right with a little wiggle room so it isn't smashing my wrist. I weighed it without the bracelet and it came in at 89 grams. My Casio Duro is about 10 grams less. Granted, it is quartz, so there is some weight savings there. I'm also used to my older Citizen titanium diver. It weighs 89 WITH the bracelet. Regardless, I'm not going to let that stop me from wearing it!@@DanAndreiVladut

[@pauldevey8628]

I love my watch. Great value and quality. My Lun is underwhelming. It does not seem to match others brilliance. Still, amazing watch and great value

[@DanAndreiVladut]

What are you comparing the lume against? On camera it looked very different than in person.

[@pauldevey8628]

Comparing it to others who have the same watch at the Facebook group. Even older watches the LUm is underwhelming

[@cesarespinozaspain]

Sorry to hear you got a bum one, Perhaps your watch and batch was made on Friday 3:58 PM Joke aside my black one is flawless, I would find it hard to believe Jody of all people wouldn't replace it especially with this being the launch of a new company. Time to put customer service to the test.

[@justice1902]

Unlucky, my blue one is perfectly aligned.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Hey! I'm glad. Cheers

[@TacBlades]

It's a safe first watch a bit meh but the second watch might be a bit more interesting. I don't buy into owner hype fore it's all about the product only.

[@wonderwatch2239]

Mine doesn’t align perfect either 🤔 And the bracelet is a bit too sharp on the edges.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Oh bummer on the bracelet. Did you get the flat link?

[@bradleyburton4762]

First thing I noticed about mine is the sharp edge on the bracelet, but happy to report that it isn’t felt on wrist

[@certainly2509]

This watch picked up the Seiko virus in China, it seems😅

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Hahaha!

[@patrickfinnan419]

How much is it?

[@johntate5050]

What country are you in? They're £240 here in the UK.

[@adk7962]

Hey Dan, if it makes you feel any better I have the exact same watch. White, H Link. And my bezel is just ever so slightly off. And it’s off just like yours. Like you, I really don’t care. The rest of the watch is brilliant. Jody stated his next watch is going to be a GADA, and I will be first in line again. And like you I was “pleasantly surprised” by the dial being more silver than white. I’m not going to bother with customer service. Maybe you can post an update. Thanks! (Edit) I forgot to add, I watched about a half dozen other Origins unboxing and their bezels are bang on. So it’s our bad luck.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Did he ever say who the OEM of the watch is?

[@adk7962]

@@DanAndreiVladut Sorry. I’m not sure what you are asking?

[@DanAndreiVladut]

I was wondering if Jody ever revealed who made the watch. I suspect it was San Martin, but I haven't seen confirmation.

[@adk7962]

@@DanAndreiVladut Ah… no he didn’t say, but I think you are right. I think it’s San Martin. Especially since the clasp is the same as the ones SM uses.

[@ccampbell1117]

I would be disappointed with the 2 flaws you highlight as , had I ordered one it would have been the most expensive watch I had ever bought . I have a Seestern Glashutte homage with the same clasp ( San Martin ) which is flawless . But maybe you were just unlucky , hopefully for other buyers .

[@DanAndreiVladut]

As far as I can tell from looking around, here and there, some others have a few issues, but most people are happy.

[@johntate5050]

I couldn't buy one of these before a Seiko or a Citizen. I admire what he's doing but at the end of the day this is just a parts bin made in China watch. When I buy a Seiko or a Citizen I'm buying into horology history.

[@drdesign6886]

Why is anyone surprised. Jody seems a great guy but this was a cash grab plain and simple. He is using his fan base to fund his life now - as is his right. To expect this to be anything other than an AliExpress watch with Jody’s logo and a 30+% mark-up is fanciful. Better off just getting a cheaper steeldive or Cronos - one of these companies actually made this watch.

[@JudeSturman]

It’s nicer than any of the dozen Ali watches I have. Also like the on the fly clasp adjustment which isn’t on any of my collection. Blasted dial is nice too. Think if you had one in your hand you’d see the money.

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

@@JudeSturmancouldn’t agree more, besides my one truly awesome San Martin, which is an unoriginal design homage and still lacks on the fly microadjust on the bracelet, this Erebus craps on all my Ali Express watches. I loved my purple on curved h link bracelet with black strap pack when it arrived that I ordered a red one on the flat h link that afternoon!

[@drdesign6886]

@@JudeSturman yes because the misaligned bezel and the poor case finish on this video scream quality. If I had the watch in this video in hand as you say it would be returned to sender.

[@DanAndreiVladut]

Y'all need to chill. It's very obvious that QC slipped on several watches. When it is done perfectly (which seems to be most of the time) this watch is better than any Ali homage (in my opinion).

[@D3ZG1978]

For the price what do people expect…. 😂

[@jaredstephenson6468]

Why did I just watch a review from someone with 4 subscribers done in a truck? Everyone thinks they’re a watch reviewer now with an iPhone and a cheap micro brand watch.

[@dado380]

Blatant ripoff of Helm Vanatu,Helm should sue Jody ass!!