Obris Morgan Aegis
Obris Morgan Aegis Specifications (DLC model):
- 28,800 BPH High Frequency Movement (Miyota Cal. 9015)
- 120 click Unidirectional Bezel
- Automatic Helium Escape Valve
- Sapphire Crystal w/ Anti-reflective Coating
- Super Engineer 5 links Bracelet
- Superluminova C1 Lumed Handsets
- Stainless Steel Movement Holder
- Triple Seal Screw-in Crown
- 42mm diameter
- 20mm lug width
- 219g net weight
$299 USD
Obris Morgan by now should almost certainly be considered a household name when it comes to micro brand dive watches. The products released by the company continue to impress me thoroughly. I wouldn’t consider myself a groupie but I am a huge fan especially of their latest release, 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. Brushed and blasted models of the Aegis are also available at a slightly lower cost than DLC coated models.
First, the case on this is completely DLC (Diamond Like Coating) coated and measures a pedestrian 42mm in diameter and around 45mm with the crown. At 11.5mm the Obris Morgan Aegis happens to be the thinnest model to date released so far, as all the others have been 12mm or thicker. The thinner profile of the Aegis will make it even easier to slip under a dress shirt cuff if someone would want to dress this watch up for some reason or the other. However, the Aegis while not as chunky as some of its predecessors it is still a tool dive watch. The slightly curved lugs will add to the level of comfort the wearer will experience with the Aegis as it conforms to the wrist even with the substantial 53mm lug to lug measurement.
7 3/4 inch wrist for reference
One of the more outstanding features of the Aegis are the drilled lugs, a first for Obris Morgan, which utilize spring bars to connect a strap or bracelet rather than the lug bars of past models. In my personal opinion this design works best in minimizing scratches on the outer lug areas caused by screw drive slippage. An automatic helium release valve on one side of the case at the 9 and a large 7.5mm screw down crown situated between crown guards located at the 4 round out the case features of the Aegis. I’m always concerned about crown function when it comes to value watches. I can report the crown on the Aegis is quite possibly one of the stiffest I have encountered with no play or wiggle when engaged. Drilled lugs, DLC coating, helium release valve and screw down crown are already adding up to a fantastic value in my book.
Next, sitting atop the case is a 120 click unidirectional rotating bezel with 60 minute bezel insert including a lume pip at the 12. The bezel at times can be another area where value priced dive watches historically fail, typically rotating too freely due to an inadequate bezel spring. The spring on the Aegis bezel is stout resulting in precise clicks which will provide a level of confidence for the wearer when timing dives. What diver would want to go in the water without a level of confidence regarding timing? The sapphire crystal on the Aegis isn’t quite at thick as some past Obris Morgan models at 2.4mm, but should still be quite adequate toward withstanding the pressure rating of 200 meters.
Beneath the crystal is a sharp fully luminous white dial. I know I have mentioned it in past reviews, I am a sucker for full lume dials. The lume dial on the Aegis is no different. The C1 Superluminova utilized on the Aegis is adequate and has some staying power. However, the lume is far from perfect. The one suggestion I would have regarding the lume is that in later releases of lume dial watches to use a solid handset. In this particular instance, a solid black handset would have been ideal. Now, I’m not just stating this as a personal preference. When the lume fades on the handset, the hands themselves can be somewhat difficult to pick up at times due to a lack of black surface area. Regardless, I can overlook this particular aspect and really so should everyone else for the $299 cost. I just wouldn’t want anyone to be surprised or disappointed.
Obris Morgan gets it when It comes to a case back. Why so many companies must show off a Miyota 9015 automatic movement, I don’t know. While the Miyota 9015 isn’t entirely ugly like its predecessors, it isn’t exactly breath taking either. Thumbs up for the use of a solid and very bland case back on the Aegis. The movement itself has been functioning as anyone would expect with the Miyota 9015. The only head scratching quandary is why DLC coat the case back? More than likely if the watch movement needs servicing, the case back being a casualty as a result is somewhat likely.
The bracelet is the very comfortable 5 link engineer style bracelet with dive clasp. Tool diver with no extension? The lack of the extension actually will make the bracelet useless for any significant diving by many so be aware you may just have to break out the included rubber strap or slap an Isofrane on it. Anyhow, back to the bracelet. The bracelet has no rough edges and is super simple to size with the one sided screw bars. I’d recommend some loctite to keep these screws secure. The DLC coating on the bracelet is most certainly an area where some cost savings are evident. As shown in my photos you will see that the DLC coating appears to have taken place with the bracelet fully assembled rather than coated link by link.
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. I’d highly suggest grabbing one as soon as the next batch is available.
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For more info on the Aegis or other models, please visit their website HERE.
