A catchy
title might have been "Orient's got the blues" but there's nothing
sad about this, on the contrary: Orient are launching 7 (!) new models – or rather,
versions of existing Orient Star models – that proudly wear gold and blue as a
symbol of global connection, since – as Orient puts it in its recent
announcement – Blue is the color of the sky and the sea which connect the
world.
One
of the models that stands out (and got a separate announcement by Orient) is a
version of the new Orient
Star diver. Reference RK-AU0304L features a blue dial and bezel, gold-toned
markers and hands, and – unique to this reference – the bezel sides are
blackened.
This
model is priced slightly above the other members of its family, probably as it
comes bundled with both steel bracelet and a divers' silicon band, and due to
the blackened bezel. Orient limit the new model's production to 1,200, of which
500 are allocated for the domestic Japanese market.
The
other six models did not get an announcement of their own, but they are
definitely nice enough to deserve attention.
The
Orient
Star Moonphase watch gets two versions. Ref. RK-AM0009L would be offered on
leather strap, and limited to 500 units; ref. RK-AM0010L, though similarly priced,
will be bundled with both steel bracelet and leather strap, and will be limited
to 200 units sold exclusively on Orient's
Prestige Shops.
Orient's
"Modern Skeleton" will also get a couple of versions. Ref. RK-AV0111L,
offered on leather, will be limited to 2,000 units (of which 800 reserved for
domestic market), while 200 units of Ref. RK-AV0112L will be packaged with a
bracelet and a strap and sold in Prestige Shops.
Finally
a pair of semi-skeleton
models would be offered, for "him and her": ref. RK-AT0008L is based
on Orient's contemporary open-heart model, while ref. RK-ND0008L is a new
version of Orient's classic ladies' open-heart watch. Each of these is limited
to 500 units.
The
blog's verdict: any addition of blue and gold to the line-up is welcome, and
seven new additions are particularly so. The new diver is definitely a looker
and is expected to be the favorite of many, and the new color combo also works
very well for the contemporary semi-skeleton.
Now
– maybe it's time for some other colors? Not enough grey dial versions on the
line-up, we think – and it's definitely time for more yellow on those divers!
I second for more yellow on the diver!
ReplyDeletecontemplating on getting this one.....
ReplyDeleteIf referring to the Star diver... Absolutely a very intriguing watch! Haven't had a chance to review in person, so if you get one, please share your thoughts!
DeleteGot both limited editions of the divers....loving it
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear positive reactions to the new models. Any weak points though?
DeleteSolid watch but i would say it looks too ordinary if compared to the first gen air king (revolver).... although the bracelet is better but it lacks the orient star unique look, i feel...
ReplyDeleteMuch truth in what you are saying! My full hands-on review to be posted this Sunday... :)
DeleteLooking forward to it....decided to wear it today!
Delete