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.
