My first time to hear about it. Nice to see them adopt the HAQ acronym:

 

Yep all gone at 300€ Erebus Ascent – EREBUS WATCH
Apparently there were 270 watches, probably across the colors ?

 

I didn't miss out. I didn't buy one either.

 

Oh well, perhaps it was meant to be and with this kind of customer demand, it makes business sense to tap that seam again with more HAQ offerings in the future. I think they will, if they can source a larger batch of ETA movements.

I hope so, and I'm happy for them, but they'll need to improve the design to have me as a customer - as it is, the watch looks like a very rough demo, nothing really works as a whole, it's trying to be part-Datejust, part-GS and failing at both... Maybe I'm spoilt by the watches I have, maybe it isn't for me, or maybe they just need to stick the HAQ movement in the Erebus, I like that one better, and I think I could go for one of the steel-bezel ones.

 

I'd encourage you to see one in the flesh & try it on.
You may change your mind, but each to their own.
Yes, it's an amalgum of design cues from a few other successful watches; you could say imitation is flattery? 🤔. I think it works.

I have the mechanical Ascent in 39mm & purple helix dial.
It holds its own amongst my other watches & has earned a place as a keeper.

 

Impressive that they got matching dates wheels across those eight different colours, many larger manufacturers could learn from that

 

All the ascents sold out or just the HAQ models

 

Wanted to order the Red, it was gone within minutes.

Honestly it's sad to see Jody, whom I actually have enjoyed as a reviewer, playing these stupid limited edition games. Shortage of quartz movements? No, just hype marketing.

 

I don't think he's playing games. I got the impression they were testing out the interest in quartz versions of their watches and he commented they they sold out quick and they will get more in the future.

 

I've been consciously aware of watch design for about two decades now

Wirdy - me too, about four decades now 😊

.... I must have bought about two hundred only based on pictures, so I've developed a sense of the minimum and maximum I can expect of a watch without seeing it in person....

Wirdy - me too, but over four hundred only based on pictures 😊

My modesty allows me to still get it very very wrong, rather too regularly. 😊

Wanted to order the Red, it was gone within minutes.

Honestly it's sad to see Jody, whom I actually have enjoyed as a reviewer, playing these stupid limited edition games. Shortage of quartz movements? No, just hype marketing.

I fancied the red too. Agree with your comment re:marketing, but I guess if they are copying other watches, they can also copy other hype-strategies too. I do wince a bit at the 'limited availability' & 'lowest price it will ever be' rubbish 🤣

I'm pretty sure the San Martin factory will keep churning out the cases, bracelets & dials and ETA will continue producing the movements, for as long as there is demand, so no great rush.

 

I suspect it was also test-marketing, as the rest of the Ascent models use Miyota 9015's...which in itself is a step up. The Origin (diver) models use NH35's.

Insofar as the prices? $450 for a 9xxx on bracelet is pretty low, actually. $330 for an ETA F06.412 with bracelet is also low...look at Certina's prices. These may WELL go up next time around...they're very similar to Kickstarter Super Early Bird prices...that is, enough to ensure they can cover the cost of the batch. I'm seeing that these guys are VERY small right now; this line's significantly more ambitious, and likely represents a much larger commitment on their part. 4 case sizes, 2 bracelets, better movements? Yeah, I think they're clearly trying to step up their game.

I find it interesting they're getting HeavyDrive versions now, and in a decent batch size. And with custom color date wheels. To be honest, I think that says more about where ETA is, or perhaps reflective of where Swiss quartz is generally.

Ronald, only the HAQs sold out completely.

 

I had an alert set on my phone for the launch, but was watching a film with the missus......& they sold out so fast!

Oh well, perhaps it was meant to be and with this kind of customer demand, it makes business sense to tap that seam again with more HAQ offerings in the future. I think they will, if they can source a larger batch of ETA movements.

An Ascent HAQ in 36mm would be my sweet spot.

Yeah, I missed out on the Erebus Ascent HAQ as well—those went lightning fast! It’s frustrating when you’re all set and still come up short. It kind of feels like missing a tight academic deadline, where timing is everything. That’s why services like online assignment expert exist—to help manage pressure when every second counts. Hopefully Erebus notices the demand and does another batch. Would be great to see more enthusiasts get a fair shot next time!

Same here! Hopefully they restock soon with bigger batches.