That first batch if offered at $439 would have still sold out on Day 1 - $50 per watch x 200 watches = $10k they left on the table. That's what I don't understand - especially since it seems that previous preorders sold so quickly - why they went with such a below market price of $379 and leave $10k+ on the table.
It's hard to argue with the excellent value in the models they have produced. The Infinity is no different, they could have priced this one or any past models 15% higher and likely sold out as well. I've seen one or two newer companies pull the plug after claiming to not have charged enough for initial offerings. IMO OM seems to have a grasp on their profit margin goals and how to keep the customers coming back for more at the same time. The only thing I could see them doing different on the Infinity sales was to flip flop the Incabloc® Shock Absorber *First 200 Pcs and left it out on the first wave and offered it on the next 200 pieces for a little added incentive.
About US:
Obris Morgan Timepiece is a small watch-making company based in Hong Kong.
Our aims are to combine high standards of finishing, high quality and timeless design watches for collectors,
as well as a range of matching-quality watch accessories. Our workshops are located in Hong Kong and in the Pan Yu Science & Technology Park in South China.
The Office in Hong Kong is mainly given over to watch design, customer support and warranty services.
All of Obris Morgan Watches are assembled and tested in our workshop in China.
The logo of Obris Morgan Timepieces is an abstract symbol representing the rotor of an automatic mechanical movement.
By using this symbol, our company declares its trust in the mechanical movement embodied in each and every one of the watches we produce.
We hope that every Obris Morgan watch owner will wear our watch with pride.
Thank You and Best Wishes,
Below are some excerpts from reviews on previous models and value and price-point is a common theme.
http://www.obrismorgan.com/pradata_watchreport.html
If this watch costed 500-800 with the same components, it would still be an attractive price. But, their business model is their business, and we’re not going to scoff at a good deal.
Obris morgan explorer
I want to state right up front...........this watch costs $289 USD....I might say that quite a lot through this review.
I truly believe this is a great watch. No if and or buts, I do find this to be not only a great watch, but a fantastic value. You do not have to worry about the build quality on this Obris Morgan Explorer. They did a very good job with that.
The Obris Morgan Pradata. The name might be a little weird, and I am not sure of the origin, but one thing is for sure, after my time with this new diver model from Obris Morgan, it is an excellent value when it comes to a dive watch. These days, many of us watch enthusiasts are always looking for a good value or bargain, or as some say “bang for your buck”. Sometimes you get what you pay for. For example, if you pay $280, you get a $280 watch. Obris Morgan’s recent models, Nevon and Explorer, really set a standard for what type of watch you could get for under $300. Their newest model, the Pradata, surpasses even those. The solid steel case was designed by Obris Morgan. That is something in and of itself right there. Some brands that boast some of the stats that the Pradata has, the case/and or bracelet, is an off the shelf or catalog case. Now, the bracelet is catalog, a 5 link bracelet we have seen on some similar watches through the years. But, the end links are not. The end links were custom made to fit the case and lugs of the Pradata. They not only fit perfectly, but really add to the value, as the whole watch looks much more expensive than it actually is. The selling price for the blasted model, reviewed here, is $289.
I know this review has come across as I am singing the praises of Obris Morgan, and there is a good reason. I am. I am always astounded as to how they can build a watch of this quality for the price. There are a lot of nice watches out there under $300, however, many do not come with sapphire crystal, an auto movement, great lume, and a case that was designed in house. The Pradata also comes shipped in a pelican style dive case, with polishing cloth and a zulu strap. If you are looking for that rugged and well built dive watch, and are on a budget, or even if not on a budget, and just love the look and design, I highly recommend the Obris Morgan Pradata.
The Obris Morgan Aegis. Like every other model I have seen, they have built another fantastic dive watch at what is definitely one of the best if not the best values for a micro brand watch company. While I may not mention it repeatedly throughout the review, the primary thrust of my message should represent the superb value of the Aegis model.
As I believe I implied throughout the entire review, the Obris Morgan Aegis is an excellent value. It isn’t perfect but at $299 (DLC), besides other Obris Morgan dive watches, I not sure a better tool diver exists on the market. Value from top to bottom starting with the great DLC coated case, highly dependable Miyota 9015 automatic movement, sapphire crystal, solid link bracelet, rubber strap, tool, extra spring bars, all the way down to pelican style case. The other aspect making the Aegis a great value, as with every Obris Morgan timepiece, free shipping through FedEx. While it is evident prices in the micro brand watch market continue to rise, never fear as it appears Obris Morgan is going to continue to apply pressure through consistent value pricing.
Their newest watch, the Explorer, takes it’s name from this process. Unlike the famous Rolex that is shares it’s name with, it’s not about reaching great heights or depths, though you could probably put it through its paces, but rather about finish and function. The exploration here is in DLC (diamond like coating), silk (satin?) brushing, a helium escape valve and the movement within, which for the first time is a Miyota 9015. Most remarkable is the use of DLC for the black model. Though not totally unheard of, at this price range it’s pretty rare. The Explorer, with all of the aforementioned qualities, plus a sapphire crystal, engineer bracelet and rubber strap, comes to a mere $299, less without DLC. How do they do this? I honestly don’t know, it doesn’t add up. If this watch costed 500-800 with the same components, it would still be an attractive price. But, their business model is their business, and we’re not going to scoff at a good deal. Of course, none of this would also matter if the watch itself wasn’t attractive, and like the Branco and Nevon before it, the Explorer happens to be cool looking. Simple, sober and a bit severe, it speaks to modern German made tool watches without aping any. It’s got a sleek and easy to wear design with well thought-out proportions.
The Explorer has a straight forward case design with a robust build and surprisingly slender profile. Measuring 42 x 51 x 12mm DLC steel case with 20mm lug width is quite tame for a modern diver, giving it a purposeful look and feel. Geometrically, the design is elegant, with flowing curves and rounded ends. From above the shape is familiar with thick lugs and a well-proportioned bezel. Though on the thin side, it looks just right with the dial and case. For the price, just the bracelet would have been more than enough, but the addition of the rubber strap is a great value adder (though it does encourage strap changing, which means you’ll be confronted with those tiny screws and the peril therein)
The Explorer seems like another step towards something bigger, which has yet to be revealed. That said, I do like the watch for many reasons; the case was a particular highlight for me design-wise, and I find the overall aesthetic to be appealing. The DLC is cool, can’t argue with sapphire and the Miyota 9015 inside means this is a good watch in the most fundamental of ways. The drawbacks of the screw lugs (which is a personal preference, but one that is based on functionality) and more significantly, the lume, keep this from being a stronger piece. Of course, it’s also quite inexpensive, which has me always saying “well, they did what they could at the price”. But, that’s a bad argument to make, because the watch is so inexpensive that it could easily cost more. If it had been $500 – 600, with the same credentials (a handful of extra screws) and potent lume, we wouldn’t complain. Heck, it would still be a decent deal.
Obris Morgan have become a favourite of many an affordable watch lover. Their specs and high level of build quality for a very competitive price means that anyone who likes the look of their watches don’t really have any excuse not to buy one.
We reviewed their insanely popular Branco model.
The Explorer comes packed in the usual Obris Morgan fashion – their well known pelican case. It offers brilliant protection whilst travelling and is a refreshing change to the usual leather box. All the extra bits are nice too – the tool to change the strap, the extra rubber strap, extra pins, and even just the paperwork – are all great little touches which make owning the watch all the more pleasurable.
Final comments
The Obris Morgan Explorer really is a lot of watch for the money. As soon as you put it on you’ll realise that – the thing weighs in at 214g. The whole package is great from start to finish – from the case and documents, the watch itself with rubber strap and the little extras you get too. They have put a lot of thought and effort into the buyers’ experience and for this I commend them. Obris Morgan have proved to us in the past with the Branco that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a well made, high spec watch. And they’ve demonstrated this once again with the Explorer. I understand that it can be a specific taste – but if you like it, then there is nothing I would or even could say that would say that would prevent you from ordering one!
When we saw Obris Morgan’s next release, the Nevon, we knew we had to get our hands on one. Suiting a 60s/70s dive inspired aesthetic with a modern edge, the Nevon, like the Branco, combines quality components and solid build with a surprisingly low price of between $249 and $269. What’s not to love? Its almost impossible to argue with its value. This is no less the case with the Nevon. The combination of components (Miyota 8215, sapphire crystal, gorgeous bracelet), finish and build quality found with the Nevon is enough to demand a significantly higher price tag than $249 to $259. But further take into consideration the truly unique and thoughtful design, and the Nevon quickly becomes an absolute steal.
The "really cheap" end (say less than $250) of the automatic watch market is a crowded place. It's a sector where a few dollars make all the difference, and competition is fierce. It’s also a section of the market with a lot of same-old stuff out there, and I don't often see something that piques my curiosity.
A notable exception to these rules is the Branco from Hong Kong outfit Obris Morgan.
On paper, the Branco looks like amazing value for money: you get a titanium case, AR sapphire, 200m of water resistance, and not one, but three decent quality straps, all packaged in a Pelican-style case (which makes a pleasant, functional change from the cardboard boxes more usually found at this price point). I would expect see this watch retailing around the $300-400 mark, so the price of $230 ($240 for PVD) was a pleasant surprise too (including shipping).
The Bottom Line:
I don’t think that there is fundamentally anything wrong with watches produced cheaply in China – especially as construction, finish, and quality control are continuing to improve. What I do object to is watches that present themselves as something that they are not, and watch brands obfuscating their products' origins or claiming they’re something more than they are. I think that’s why I like the Branco so much: it’s such an honest and upfront product. For $240 you get a solid, quality watch with great specs for the price and a nice bunch of extras. It does have a few flaws, but they don’t detract from the overall package in any significant way.
The Obris Morgan Branco a great example of "what you see is what you get" – and what you get is great value.