Eastern Arabic Numerals on Orient Dials

In watch terminology, an “Arabic numeral dial” normally means a dial using familiar numbers such as 1, 2, 3, and 4, as opposed to Roman numerals or simple hour markers. However, this common description creates a certain irony: the numerals most watch collectors call Arabic are not necessarily the ones they would encounter on signs, documents, and clocks in much of the Arabic-speaking world.

The symbols ٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ ٦ ٧ ٨ ٩ are generally known in English as Eastern Arabic numerals or Arabic-Indic numerals. Their familiar Western equivalents are 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. Both belong to the broader Hindu-Arabic numeral system, which originated in India and was developed and transmitted through the Islamic world before reaching Europe.

The term “Eastern” is important because the numerals are not used uniformly across every Arabic-speaking country. They remain common in the Arabian Peninsula and the eastern Arab world, while Western numerals are widely used in parts of North Africa and are also frequently seen alongside Eastern numerals elsewhere. There is also a related Persian form, in which some of the characters differ slightly. A watch described simply as having an “Arabic dial” may therefore require a closer look at exactly which numeral style it uses.

On a watch dial, Eastern Arabic numerals offer more than a change of language. Their rounded and flowing forms give a familiar watch design a noticeably different character. Depending on the typeface, they can appear highly traditional, almost calligraphic, or surprisingly modern. Even collectors who do not read Arabic can usually learn to recognize them quickly, since their position around the dial provides an immediate reference.

Such dials are often associated with watches made for the Middle Eastern market. Rolex is probably the best-known historical example. The company produced watches with Arabic-language day and date displays and Eastern Arabic hour numerals for prominent customers and regional markets decades ago, particularly within the Day-Date collection. Modern Eastern Arabic numeral Rolex models have helped renew international collector interest in the style, although the idea itself is far older than the current fashion surrounding them.

Part of their appeal comes from rarity. In many cases, an Eastern Arabic dial was offered only through particular distributors, in certain countries, or as part of a small regional edition. This can turn an otherwise familiar watch into a much less common variation. At the same time, the numerals should not be treated merely as an exotic design theme. For many buyers, they are simply the natural local way of displaying numbers.

All this information comes to mind following a recent batch of Eastern-Arabic versions of the Bambino, which popped up on Orient USA website (but not on the international / Japanese site). I can only assume these are also available on certain local distributors in the Middle East.

The watches released include reference RA-AC0035E with a green dial and golden markers and hands, ref. RA-AC0036L with a blue dial, RA-AC0037R with a red dial, RA-AC0038S with a white dial and gold-colored markers and hands, and reference RA-AC0039Y with an ivory dial.

Mechanically, they are identical to standard 40.5mm Bambinos and use the same F6724 movement. Hence, the date wheel still features standard "western" numbers, which is not surprising, although it would have been nice if the dates were also printed using Eastern Arabic digits.

Older appearances of Eastern Arabic numerals on Orient dials are quite rare – ignoring, of course, various cheap re-dialed watches you can find online. However, a number of Tristar models with Arabic dials do exist, and interestingly, those watches, which feature a day-of-week disc as well, were sold with the days written in Arabic.

Eastern Arabic numeral dials have never been a major part of Orient's catalog, making releases like these all the more interesting. Together with the earlier Arabic Tristars, they show that while uncommon, the style is by no means new to the brand. Hopefully, this won't be the last time Orient revisits it – perhaps next time even extending the treatment to the date and day displays for a truly complete Arabic dial.

 

Photos were taken from various current and old Orient publications and sale ads.

 

New Orient Watches for 2026

Last week, Orient announced a range of new Orient Star models, and now it is time for the brand to return to its core and present some new watches in its more accessible product lines, primarily the popular Bambino and Mako, as well as the new Stretto family. The following watches are available to order, or should become available very shortly.

 

Orient Bambino

First, let's take a look at the new Bambino 38mm watches. We've seen this size before, in the "V1" style (see here for Bambino style versions). The new range features the "V2" design, with Roman numerals and pointed hands.

The new model is also the first mechanical Bambino without a date display – following in the footsteps of the light-powered Bambino 38 watches, which recently won the 2025 "Good Design Award" in Japan. The solar model was possibly only looking to maximize its charging surface area, but the result was nice and symmetric.

Five references are presented globally: RA-BB0001E (green dial), RA-BB0002S (white), RA-BB0003Y (ivory), RA-BB0004Y (reddish-brown), and RA-BB0006N (grey), which is the only limited production variant here. These correspond to RN-BB0001E, RN-BB0002S, RN-BB0003Y, RN-BB0004Y, and RN-BB0006N in Japan, respectively; JDM models also include another limited edition, RN-BB0005V, with a gold-plated case and purple dial. The official price for regular references is €340, limited ones are slightly higher.

The new range uses a new movement, caliber F6524. Basically this is similar to the old cal. F6724 that was found in previous Bambino, minus the disc date - and, just as important, minus the date-setting crown position.

In addition to the 38mm watches, we are also getting some new colors for the classic 40.5mm case. These include ref. RA-AC0028S (white dial, gold-colored case), RA-AC0029E (Green dial), RA-AC0030L (Blue), RA-AC0031S (White), RA-AC0032V (Purple), and RA-AC0033Y (Ivory).

JDM references include RN-AC0028S, RN-AC0032V, RN-AC0033Y which are similar to their global counterparts, and RN-AC0034Y having a copper-colored dial.

All these models will go into regular production, and will cost €340 – except the golden case version, priced at €370.

 

Stretto

While all new watches we're reporting today are released as part of the brand's "Spring / Summer" collection, it's fair to say it is the "Stretto Date" that truly gets the kind of lively colors we'd usually associate with the warm seasons!

The new references include RA-AC0R05E (green dial), RA-AC0R06L (blue), RA-AC0R07P (pink), RA-AC0R08Y (orange), RA-AC0R09L (blue gradation). They are all listed as limited, however it's only the blue dial where the press release mentions 2,300 pieces. Most likely, this means the others are not limited by specific numbers, but limited to the season, and production will not continue next year.

These have corresponding JDM references RN-AC0R05E, RN-AC0R06L, RN-AC0R07P, RN-AC0R08Y, and RN-AC0R09L. MSRP for all Stretto Date references is €400.

The Stretto line also includes Sun & Moon variants, and yes – I remember that, upon launch, Orient referred to these as "Day and Night"; however, they have now reverted to the name by which this visual complication was known since its initial presentation. Some things just shouldn't change…

The most standout new watch in this range (and perhaps in the entire spring/summer collection) is the multi-colored dial, reference RA-AK0316L (JDM RN-AK0316L), another seasonal limited release. The orange and turquoise sub-dials remind me of another pair of summer watches from exactly 20 years ago!

Other, non-limited references are RA-AK0312S (white dial with golden bezel), RA-AK0313Y (brown dial, bronze-toned bezel), RA-AK0314E (green dial), and RA-AK0315L (blue). MSRP is €480 for the multicolor dial and for the bronze bezel, €510 for the gold bezel, and €460 for the rest.

 

Mako 40mm

Finally, we are getting a new range of Mako 40mm watches, and the first thing you'll notice is the dial. While I did appreciate the clean, professional look of the previous Mako 40mm, it lacked some of the special character of Orient's classic Mako – and this is now being rectified.

The new version features a dial and hands similar to the classic Mako, with a triangle at 12 and arrow-shaped hour and minute hands. Actually, this design works perfectly well with the 40mm case and its steel bezel.

References include RA-AC0Q13E (green dial), RA-AC0Q14L (blue), RA-AC0Q15Y (Brown), RA-AC0Q16N (grey), and RA-AC0Q17Y (copper). The grey and copper are limited 2026 releases; the other three go into regular production. The official price for all variants is €440. All but the brown dial version also have corresponding JDM references - RN-AC0Q13E, RN-AC0Q14L, RN-AC0Q16N, and RN-AC0Q17Y.

 

Orient's Multi-Eye Watches

Orient's fascination with "interesting" (or strange / complicated, as you prefer) dials has previously been discussed on the blog. One way Orient used to achieve this level of interest, was the use of movements supporting multiple sub-dials. Today we'll look at one such movement: Caliber 46B, famously powering Orient's "multi-eye" dials (and its successor, F6B).

But first, an apology! As I was researching for this story, I noticed the old movements table I used in the "Caliber 46" post had an error… I saw it had Caliber 46C (as seen in this model) listed with the exact same specs as the 46B, which made no sense.

Indeed, that was a mistake. The difference, of course, is that 46C has the same day-of-week hand, but does not feature the 24-hour hand that 46B has! Well, error fixed. I know many of you take to the blog to obtain accurate, reliable Orient information, so whenever I notice an inaccuracy (which can happen) I aim to fix it immediately.

Take a quick look at the 46B's documentation and you'll immediately notice a slight problem: if you arrange the movement "properly" as shown in the diagram, you need to place the watch crown at the awkward 2:30 position.

However, never reluctant to play oddball, this was exactly how Orient first presented this movement. In the image below are two early models, proudly boasting the symmetrical dial position. The axis of the two sub-dials is placed at the same "height", and the crown is unashamedly sticking out at 2:30 (or closer to 2:36, it seems).

And of course, Orient being Orient, moving from the first to the second series they shrunk the 24 hour sub-dial, making sure even the dial symmetry is gone.

In the next two models, nothing seems to be in its right place. The sub-dials are at 11 and 3, and the crown is at half past 3. However, somehow this arrangement, aligning along some imaginary diagonal axis, is more eye-pleasing than the previous.

When Orient introduced more complex layouts, with the addition of an internal rotating bezel, two benefits were gained: first, the additional crown for rotating the bezel balanced the main crown; secondly, with the dial now busier anyway, the location of the sub-dials becomes less of an issue. In other words: when things get confusing, just keep making them more complicated, until you reach a level where it all makes sense.

Also, the more sporty the design, and less “dressy”, the less of an issue is the dial layout. This is true for the almost-classic “defender” field watch (which was later replaced with a new movement allowing the crown to move to 3 o’clock), and for the hefty-looking beast on the left, in the next picture.

And of course, you can always go for a non-round case shape, where all expectations for familiar watch designs get ditched anyhow. Consider this chubby barrel-case model – or the chunky rectangular one. Yes the dial looks odd. Okay, we accept it for what it is.

Luckily, it wasn't all strangeness for the sake of strangeness. Once in a while, Orient's designers did the other thing they know quite, and harnessed their creativity to produce something truly good-looking.

The sun and moon watch was probably the best application of caliber 46B. Here Orient replaced the simple 24 hour hand with a rotating disc portraying the movement of the sun and the moon. Still a busy dial, but now it's busy working for the greater good.

Having achieved greatness, caliber 46B was finally ready to retire. Orient replaced it with caliber F6B, offering similar functions but now operating much better, with modern features like hand-winding and hacking. And having learned its lesson, Orient's manuals now show it with the crown at 3 o'clock.

New models using the F6B movement are identified by the “AK” part of the reference code, replacing the old “ET” indication. As one may expect, the new designs are not too adventurous. For instance, pictured above are the current Defender and multi-eye Bambino.

Below you can see the updated Sun and Moon watch. Here you can see two formats of this design – the Bambino style in 41.5mm, and a larger, sportier version in 42.5mm.

If you’re looking for something more fancy, there is also the 41.5mm contemporary-style sun and moon – or, for the ladies, 36mm decorated models like this mother-of-pearl piece.

So, that is the story of Orient multi-eye watches: plenty of goofy stuff, undeniable creativity, and occasionally some nice-looking products.

 

Photos were taken from Orient manuals, catalogs and sale ads.

 

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 "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.

 

New Orient Bambinos and Solar Makos

Orient has announced a few new watches today, expanding its range of solar models and adding more members to the Bambino 38 family.

 

Solar Powered Mako

It appears as though Orient has put more emphasis on solar-powered models recently. It makes sense that many buyers of watches in the lower end of the price range are looking to get more practicality for their money, and a decent solar powered movement can deliver just that, with both quartz accuracy and not having to replace batteries often.

So, with this in mind, Orient are presenting a bunch of watches combining their "diver design" (aka Mako) with their solar movement. This movement features a -20/+20 seconds per month accuracy, and about 12 months of power reserve on full charge.

Five references are being presented – of which four are in global distribution:

·         RA-WJ0001E (RN-WJ0001E in Japan) with a green dial

·         RA-WJ0002L (RN-WJ0002L) with a blue dial

·         RA-WJ0003S (RN-WJ0003S) with an ivory dial

·         RA-WJ0004Y (RN-WJ0004Y) with a brown dial

·         RN-WJ0005L (Japan only model) with a light-blue dial

Interestingly, these new models combine the case size of the Mako 40 with the dial design – including markers and hands – of the more classic Mako II (42 mm). Like their mechanical siblings, the solar versions feature a sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, and 200m water resistance. They are about 10% cheaper than the mechanical Mako 42 (which itself costs a little less than the Mako 40).

 

Bambino 38

Orient have also just added a couple of new references of the Bambino 38mm model, which now has more color options than the original Bambino case.

Five references are being presented – of which four are in global distribution:

·         RA-AC0M14L (RN-AC0M14L in Japan) with a light-blue dial, limited to 6,500 pieces (of which 50 are in Japan)

·         RA-AC0M15Y (RN-AC0M15Y in Japan) with a copper-colored dial, limited to 2,500 (of which 50 are in Japan)

Both models are bundled with a leather strap, and are generally similar to the existing models in the Bambino 38 range.

Orient's August 2024 Releases

After a mostly quiet summer, Orient are now releasing a bunch of new models – a few Bambinos ("Classic and Simple" as they like to call it), and some solar chronographs. Let's see what's new.

 

Bambino 38 On a Bracelet

First, let's look at the new Bambinos. These are variants of the 38mm model, and for the first time – we're getting the Bambino 38 on a steel bracelet.

The new bracelet seems humble but nice enough – classic and simple indeed. It definitely adds a bit of sportiness to this generally dressy watch. Having a 20mm lug width, one can always swap the bracelet for any sort of leather strap, especially with such colorful dials, but having a properly fitted steel bracelet is a great option.

We're getting three new references in this series:

·         RA-AC0M09E with a dark, "grass green" dial;

·         RA-AC0M10L with a blue (but also a bit lavender-purple, from the pictures) dial;

·         RA-AC0M11Y with what Orient refer to as "copper" dial. They do try to avoid using the term "salmon"…

All dial versions are sunburst and quite pretty. These are not overly versatile shades, but given the entry-level pricing of Bambinos, it is not inconceivable that one might wish to add 2-3 of these watches, in different colors, to their collection.

Like the previously released Bambino 38, these are all 38.4mm wide cases, 44mm lug to lug, 12.5mm thick, and powered by Orient's automatic caliber F6724. The crystal is mineral and water resistance is 3 bar.

 

Solar Chronographs

Orient are expanding their range of solar chronograph watches with nine new references. Six of these are added the brand's "Contemporary" collection, characterized by the sharp case shape.

The new watches are all different variations of the "panda" theme, with black sub-dials over various main dial colors.

·         RA-TX0301G has a gold color plated case with a champagne dial;

·         RA-TX0302S is a two-tone style watch, and a white dial;

·         RA-TX0303L has a steel case with navy-blue dial;

·         RA-TX0304L has a light blue dial;

·         RA-TX0305S is classic panda, with a white dial;

·         RA-TX0306S is the only model coming on a leather strap, with golden bezel and hands over a white dial.

The solar chronographs are powered by an Orient quartz movement, with power reserve said to last up to 6 months on full charge. The watch have a 40mm wide case that is 48.2 mm long lug to lug, and 11.1mm thick. The crystal is sapphire, and water resistance is 5 bar.

In addition, Orient also introduce three new solar chronographs in its "Diver Style" collection (aka "Mako"). While technically similar to the Contemporary models, these look and wear quite differently.

·         RA-TX0206L has a light blue dial, and black diver's bezel;

·         RA-TX0207R has a red dial and black bezel;

·         RA-TX0208L is the limited (3000 pieces) edition, dedicated to the Mako's 20^th anniversary, with a dark blue gradation dial and a black-and-blue bezel.

The Mako-style chronographs are 42.8mm wide, 48.1mm lug to lug, and 13.1mm thick. With a sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown, they have a 20 bar (200m) water resistance.

Prices for all August releases have not yet been disclosed.