Exploring Orient iO – A Tale of Two Watch Lines?

Orient is known for making fine watches, yet often having a bit of confusion surrounding their history, design choices, or even naming conventions. But every now and then, they outdo themselves by creating two entirely different watch lines under the same name – which seems to be the case with "iO".

Yes, iO is one collection, but depending on where you look, you may get a very different idea of what that means.

 

The Website iO – A Women’s Collection of Petite Solar Watches

First, let’s take a look at the Orient website, where iO is positioned as a women’s brand. The name comes from the Italian word for “I,” (says the website) reinforcing a theme of personal style and treasured things. The watches in this version of the collection are all solar-powered quartz models with sapphire crystal, designed for everyday elegance with a bit of “adult cuteness” (as Orient describes it).

The lineup consists of:

• 12 watches with round, 28mm cases
• 1 smaller round model at 25mm
• 3 watches with tonneau-shaped 24mm cases

They vary in dial colors, bracelets, and overall styling, but all stick to the same delicate sizing and refined design. These are very much in the vein of what one might expect from a classic ladies’ watch collection.

That all seems simple enough. Until we visit Orient’s online store…

 

The Online Store iO – A Customizable, Gender-Neutral Line

Click over to Orient’s official online store, and suddenly, iO becomes a completely different animal.  Even the unique "iO" logo from the ladies' collection page disappears.

The description now tells us that iO is about self-expression and inclusivity, a watch line that encourages individuality, allowing customers to mix and match cases and bands freely, targeting both male and female consumers.

Even the watch selection changes:

• Four 36mm time-and-date models
• Two 38mm chronographs
• A selection of nine different strap colors

The focus shifts to customization, with quick-release straps that let wearers swap styles on the go. The dials also take on a more conceptual aesthetic, inspired by the changing colors of the sky throughout the day, from warm sunrise tones to cool twilight shades.

And if that wasn’t enough variation, the Epson corporate website (remember, Orient is part of Epson) echoes this newer, all-gender, customizable version of iO, even emphasizing its environmentally friendly aspects, like recycled packaging.

 

So… Which iO is It?

Now, this isn’t the first time Orient’s branding and marketing have sent us on a mystery-solving adventure (is it "Classic and Simple" or Bambino…?). But in this case, it seems like we are witnessing a transition in progress.

Most likely, iO started as a women’s collection and later evolved into a modern, gender-neutral customizable series. The issue is that the old branding still lingers on the website, while the store and Epson’s corporate messaging have moved on.

This isn’t a huge deal – after all, the watches speak for themselves and easy to tell apart. Whether you prefer petite, elegant designs or versatile, mix-and-match options, there’s an iO model to suit different tastes. But a little more consistency in the messaging wouldn’t hurt!

New Models Now Released On The Japanese Market

Orient first announced its 75^th anniversary models and MY2025 Orient Star watches, earlier this month, as global market editions. Orient Japan now caught up with the announcement, presenting JDM versions for most (though not all) of the new references.

 

75^Th Anniversary Models

The anniversary models announced for the Japanese market now include the following items.

Bambino 38mm (time and date) references:

• RN-AC0023E has a green dial and brown leather strap;
• RN-AC0024L has a dark blue dial and blue leather strap;
• RN-AC0025N has a beige dial and grey leather strap;
• RN-AC0027S is the special anniversary model, indicated by its use of Orient’s cursive logo, and is limited to 1,200 pieces.

Bambino Sun and Moon references:

• RN-AK0807R has a burgundy dial and brown leather strap;
• RN-AK0808S is the anniversary model, limited to 750 pieces.

Solar-powered Bambino references:

• RN-WK0002E has a light green dial and white synthetic leather strap;
• RN-WK0003G has an ivory dial and brown synthetic leather strap;
• RN-WK0004L has a black dial and brown synthetic leather strap;
• RN-WK0006S is the anniversary model, comes with a real leather strap and limited to 300 pieces.

Orient also launched a new page on its website, dedicated to the brand's anniversary.

 

Orient Star Models

Orient Star's 75^th anniversary only takes place next year, in 2026. So the following are not "anniversary" models, just nice new color variants.

Orient Star M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton references:

·         RK-BZ0004B has a black case, bracelet and dial;

·         RK-BZ0005G has a golden case and dial, steel bezel and brown nylon strap, and is limited to 200 units.

Layered Skeleton references:

·         RK-AV0B10G has a golden dial and brown leather strap;

·         RK-AV0B12E has a mint-green dial, and (unlike the global version) comes with both a steel bracelet and leather strap. It is limited to 400 units.

Contemporary Standard references:

·         RK-AU0107E has a green dial;

·         RK-AU0108G has a copper dial;

·         RK-AU0109L has a blue dial;

·         RK-AU0110N has a grey dial;

·         RK-AU0111R has a red dial, and is exclusive to Orient's online store.

Note that whereas special editions, like this red beauty, used to be "Prestige Shop" exclusive, they now tend to be Online Store exclusive – for obvious reasons.

Orient Does Snoopy: a Co-Branded Anniversary

A couple of weeks ago, we encountered the first batch of "75^th Anniversary" releases from Orient, and today, the brand takes it up a notch and, in a step taken by many a watchmaker before them, does a Peanuts collab.

To be honest, an Orient x Peanuts anniversary celebration actually makes sense, as both originated in the same year, 1950. Indeed, around the same time that the Orient factory began its production, Charles Schulz began drawing and publishing his famed "Peanuts" cartoons, starring Charlie Brown, Snoopy the dog, and a little yellow bird called Woodstock.

In this sense, while Orient's effort might not be the most original, it is no less justified than previous Snoopy watches. Looking at some of those watches, Omega's being perhaps the most notable, Orient has nothing to be ashamed of.

The current collaboration includes four references, mostly versions of the brand's most recognizable models, and – as such collaborations usually go – all are limited editions, although produced in fairly large numbers.

First, we have two automatic 38mm Bambino, or "Classic and Simple", models. Reference RA-AC0M16S has a white dial and is limited to 7,650 pieces, while ref. RA-AC0M17G has a cream dial and is limited to 2,900 pieces. Both have a Japanese market equivalent: RN-AC0M16S and RN-AC0M17G, limited to 150 and 200 pieces respectively.

Next, we have the 40mm Mako, or "Diver Design", with a white dial. Reference RA-AC0Q08S is limited to 3,650 pieces, while the JDM version ref. RN-AC0Q08S is limited to 150 pieces.

Finally, there is the contemporary semi-skeleton model. Reference RA-AR0011S is limited to 1,800 pieces, with an additional 100 pieces of the JDM ref. RN-AR0011S available in Japan.

While the new references are generally identical to their base models, there are a number of notable features added here:

·         Most obvious, of course, are the images of Snoopy and Woodstock on the dial.

·         All models bear the special cursive logo that Orient reserves for special occasions.

·         All models have a special logo on the back, combining the 75^th anniversary and Snoopy images. The Mako has it engraved, while the other watches have it painted on the case-back crystal.

·         The Mako and Bambino watches have a unique date wheel, where the "1" has been replaced with the image of Woodstock.

·         The watches are packaged in a special anniversary box.

Note that all these perks don't come for free though; the Snoopy models all cost about 15% more than their base models. These watches should become available in March.

 

New Orient Star Watches for 2025

Orient is announcing a number of new Orient Star watches today, adding color to some of its familiar models.

First, we have a couple of new Avantgarde Skeleton watches. Both are mechanically similar to the previous M34 models with their intricate dials and the 60 hour caliber F8 movement.

Ref. RE-BZ0004B is the stealthy variant. We’ve already seen the all-black style with the RE-BZ0002B, but this time the watch also comes fitted with a matching black plated steel bracelet.

More special, and better looking in my opinion, is RE-BZ0005G. This one has a golden case and dial with steel bezel and a brown nylon strap, and is limited to 300 pieces. I find this combination of sporty, utilitarian elements and a very elaborate skeleton dial, to be quite interesting.

Next, we have two new layered skeletons, in bright and lovely colors.

Reference RE-AV0B10G has a gold-toned dial and a brown leather strap. Ref. RE-AV0B11E comes with a steel bracelet and features a vivid mint-green dial – and, it is limited to 700 pieces. By the way, note these are the global market version, so JDM models (with RK reference numbers) we offer additional pieces of similar configuration.

Finally we have perhaps the most exciting part of the announcement – new colorways of the Orient Star Contemporary model, perhaps the more humble of current Orient Stars – but not the least attractive.

Four non-limited references are listed: RE-AU0107E, RE-AU0108G, RE-AU0109L, and RE-AU0110N, featuring green, copper, ice-blue, and grey dials, respectively – all of which are fitted with a steel bracelet.

A little unexplained mystery is reference RE-AU0111R – a striking red dial version that is mentioned in the press release, but appears on the Orient website. It is described as a limited edition, but the exact number of pieces is not specified. Is Orient teasing us, knowing full well that red dials are our weakness…?

New Orient "Classic and Simple" Watches for 2025

Orient is celebrating it’s 75^th anniversary this year, and its first announcement of new watch releases in 2025 does not forget to mention this event.

It’s no surprise that a lot of the focus of the new releases on the brand’s much-loved Bambino. And we’re actually getting two branches of Bambino family today: the classic, mechanical model, and a new solar-powered version.

The mechanical model now features five new references. After its recent focus on the 38mm version, here Orient returns to the classic 40.5mm case and the “V2” dial style, with roman numerals.

• RA-AC0023E has a green dial and brown leather strap;
• RA-AC0024L has a dark blue dial and blue leather strap;
• RA-AC0025N has a beige dial and grey leather strap;
• RA-AC0026R has a burgundy dial and brown leather strap;
• RA-AC0027S is the special anniversary model, indicated by its use of Orient’s old, cursive font logo. It has the white dial, comes with two straps, and is limited to 9,500 pieces.

After recently giving the brand’s popular Mako the solar treatment, Orient is now giving it to the Bambino. We’re getting six references in this new series, all using the 38.4mm case combined with the V2 dial, and powered by Orient’s own solar quartz movement.

• RA-WK0001S has a white dial and white synthetic leather strap;
• RA-WK0002E has a (very) light green dial and white synthetic leather strap;
• RA-WK0003G has an ivory dial and brown synthetic leather strap;
• RA-WK0004L has a black dial and brown synthetic leather strap;
• RA-WK0005P has a pink dial and synthetic white leather strap;
• RA-WK0006S is the anniversary model, here also using Orient’s cursive font logo. It has the white dial, a real leather strap, and is limited to 750 pieces.

Finally we have new references in the Bambino Sun and Moon series, first introduced in 2023. These are identical in size and mechanics to the earlier models.

• RA-AK0805E has a green dial and brown leather strap;
• RA-AK0806L has a blue dial and blue leather strap;
• RA-AK0807R has a burgundy dial and brown leather strap;
• RA-AK0808S is the anniversary model, bearing the old logo on its white dial. This one comes with two straps, and is limited to 5,500 pieces.

 

The Dangerous Curves of The M-Force EX0D

Adding a new M-Force to the collection is always a festive event, and even more so when it's a beast as rare and unique as the 1998 EX0D. A recent acquisition, the review of this piece is a great way to kick off 2025.

The M-Force family has always stood out among Orient's product lines. Whereas the brand was never shy of releasing quirky-looking watches, sport and dive watches are usually fairly conservative, following strict rules that naturally follow their functional and visual requirements. M-Force models, however, follow their own rules; While most watchmakers struggle to come up with any truly original designs that don't look like another Rolex Sub homage, Orient seems to just keep churning out different designs with every new generation and variation of the M-Force.

And yet, the EX0D is a bit unusual even among fellow M-Force models. Internally, it is similar to the EX00, both powered by caliber 46G: a simple automatic movement that does not offer hand-winding or second-hand hacking, but does offer reliability and robustness. Therein ends the similarity to its predecessor.

The EX0D boasts a flowing integrated bracelet design. I find that it very successfully blends organic, smooth lines with sharp angles and an overall chunkiness that adds visual heft to a not-so-hefty watch: it is, in fact, smaller than the EX00, and with a 39mm width (excluding the crown guard) and 47mm lug-to-lug it is one of the smallest M-Force models.

What it lacks in size, this watch more than compensates for in character. Most obvious is the curved, asymmetrical sapphire crystal that covers the dial. With a height difference of nearly 22mm between its center and lowest point, stretching over a mere 16mm radius, it's the most prominent curvature I've come across in a sapphire crystal. And, of course, that "bite" that's been taken off the lower right corner makes it more unique – and practically impossible to replace, so better take good care of it.

The matching bezel, similarly curved and bitten off, further emphasizes the crystal's shape. It's one of only three or four versions of M-Force that did not feature a rotating bezel of any sort. It's also the only one I know of that has the model name etched on it outside of the dial.

The dial itself is relatively simple: rectangular hour and minute hands and rectangular hour markers. The standard power reserve indicator. No lume, whatsoever (possibly the only M-Force without even minimal lume). Well, as you probably already figured out, this M-Force is not for diving, not even in theory. This is purely to show off your unique taste in watches.

The dial color here changes quite a lot, from warm silver to almost champagne, depending on which angle you're viewing it – not only because of the metallic painting but also because of the reflective nature of the crystal.

The EX0D actually featured four separate references – there was this one, with the silver(ish) dial and golden elements, as well as silver without golden elements. And there were also versions with a black dial, and either silver or gold elements.

These "elements" would include not just the hands and markers but also the screw-in crown – used to set the time – and the pusher, which is used to set the date. The coating on the small curved surface at the center of each link is also a detail so subtle you'd be forgiven for not immediately noticing it, even when holding the watch in your hands. It's definitely a much more restrained execution of "two-tone" than in, say, the older EX00.

The wearing experience is very positive, thanks to the modest dimensions. A thickness of 15.5mm at the top of the crystal is not insignificant, though, and while the sturdy bracelet keeps it comfortably balanced on the wrist, it is still quite the lump. If you are the sort of person who tends to knock such bulging watches against doorknobs, take extra care – did we mention you don't want to have to replace this crystal…?

But all these petty complaints are truly unimportant when judging a watch like this. For a true Orient collector, or just about anyone looking for unorthodox watch designs, the EX0D is a real gem: rare, quirky, yet an absolutely practical everyday watch.