Orient Orient Star

Orient & Orient Star - Two Shining Stars of Japanese Craftsmanship

1. Introduction & Brand History

Orient started with a watch shop opened in Tokyo by Shogoro Yoshida in 1901. In 1950, it was officially established as Orient Watch Co., Ltd. The premium series Orient Star, which started production in 1951, symbolises high quality and mechanical mastery. In 2009, the brand was acquired by Seiko Epson and has maintained its pioneering position with the full support of Epson since 2017.

2. Orient: Reliable and Accessible Mechanical Watches

A wide portfolio of affordable automatic watches: Bambino, Mako, Ray, Kamasu, Kamasu, Multi-Year Calendar. These models, which attract attention with their price/performance balance, receive great praise from watch enthusiasts. Especially Mako/Kamasu diver models are recognised as robust and reliable alternatives to their Seiko SKX counterparts.

3. Orient Star: Mechanical Elegance and Technological Innovation

Orient Star has continued its line of premium mechanical watches since 1951. Its innovation continues with skeleton models with a power reserve indicator in 1996, a skeleton in 2016, and a 70-hour power reserve skeleton with silicone escapement in 2021. The box, case, bracelet and detailed craftsmanship are superior to standard Orient models - for example, the Zaratsu polish, sapphire crystal, angled glass caseback and hand assembly.

4. Technical Examples & Collection Subtleties

- Orient Mako / Kamasu: 200 m water resistance, stainless steel case, automatic calibre F6922, sapphire glass.

- Orient Multi-Year Calendar: 43.5 mm case with Year-Month-Date-Day function, automatic calibre F6D22.

- Orient Star Skeleton: Grey skeleton dial, calibre F8B61 with silicone escapement, 70-hour power reserve.

- Orient Star Classic: Open heart dial, power reserve indicator, moon phase complication, calibre F7M62.

5. User Testimonials & Independent Reviews

In watch forums, Orient models are described as ‘quality, affordable Japanese craftsmanship’. Time+Tide magazine highlights Orient as a ‘cult brand, great price-value balance’. Sources such as Gnomon and SeriousWatches state that the Orient Star has reached a level to compete with its Swiss counterparts.

6. Conclusion and Why Bianco Watch?

Orient definitely offers a quality and reliable option for those who want an entry-level automatic watch. The Orient Star, on the other hand, offers a higher-end, elegant, luxury experience with complex functions, but at a fraction of Swiss brand prices. At Bianco Watch, offering both ranges not only allows you to appeal to a wide range of users, but also brings the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship to watch enthusiasts.