Despite this post being an ad, Orient is a brand that has been part of my life for a while. Back when I was living in Asia (late 2000), when it was time for me to get a proper watch, Orient was high on my personal list. It wasn’t a brand everyone knew, and that was exactly what I wanted. I didn’t want a watch that everyone had, but I still wanted something that fellow watch lovers could appreciate.
What really won me over, beyond the designs, was that Orient made all of their movements in-house, even though they were a subsidiary of Seiko. At the time, I was looking for a diver, so I went with the Orient Ray with the blue dial. It turned out to be a great choice—I’ve had it for years, and it’s still available today. In fact, the Ray has even been updated with a new movement (model AA02005D), which speaks to the brand's commitment to quality and innovation.
Fast forward to my first trip to Japan. Over the years, I had read about Orient's more premium line, Orient Star, and it always intrigued me. It felt like the perfect souvenir from my time in Japan, so I decided to pick up an Orient Star AF02005S. This piece was a significant step up from my Ray—much cleaner, dressier, and more refined.
Eventually, another Orient found its way into my collection. This time, I was drawn to something with a more unique complication—a sun and moon display. The model I went for was the Orient sun and moon RA-AK0804Y, and it quickly became one of my favorites for its elegant, yet functional design.
Now, fast forward to today— Orient reached out and generously offered me an Orient Star watch. Since I already had a dressier Orient Star, I wanted something a bit more sporty, but not a diver. I decided on the all-black-plated Orient Star Skeleton (model RE-BZ0002B).
This watch is really hard to capture in photos. The way it shifts with every change in light gives it a completely different look depending on the angle. It’s designed to draw attention. The skeletonized dial beneath the sapphire crystal showcases the beautiful Orient Cal F8F64 movement. For you watch connoisseurs out there, this is also Orient Star’s first automatic movement with a silicon escapement wheel offering a 60- hour power reserve.
Despite its openwork design, the watch is still rated for 100 meters of water resistance, which adds to its versatility. The Nylon Cordura strap brings a casual, utilitarian vibe, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
It’s truly a fantastic timepiece, and I’m excited to add it to my regular rotation. It’s not just a new watch—it's another chapter in my growing Orient collection, and I’m proud to continue this journey with such a storied brand.
0 comments:
Post a Comment