The line-up includes five references, and we'll start with the common details: The steel case is 42mm wide (so larger than most dressy, "classic" Orient Stars) and 11.5mm thick, and its 21mm-wide lugs are attached to a solid link steel bracelet. Front crystal is Sapphire, while the back is mineral glass.
The Basic date is driven by automatic, hacking and hand-winding caliber F6N43. Other than time and (as the model name implies) date, it also features an indication of its 50 hour power reserve. As usual, Orient declares -15/+25 seconds per day accuracy.
The specific references introduced today include (EU references) RE-AU0401S with a white dial and gold toned bezel and markers; RE-AU0402B with a black dial; RE-AU0403L with a navy blue dial; RE-AU0404N with a grey dial; and perhaps the most uniquely colored RE-AU0405E, featuring a two-tone case and bracelet and a green dial.
As usual, the official catalog pictures are mostly unflattering, but we can expect the product to look very good in person. The cases appear complex and multi-faceted, and it seems that the date wheels are not all the same color, instead they match the dial colors nicely
No information on pricing yet, but this would probably be known shortly as the Orient Star Basic Date is due to hit stores in May this year.
Thank you for the update...would be nice to a carbon fiber dial back and loving the silver / gray dial...
ReplyDeleteWhy 42mm though?
ReplyDeleteThat's the most frequently asked question regarding this model. I guess the size makes more sense when you look at this as an elegant version of the brand's sportier models (like the "outdoor") rather than a sportier version of its dress watches. Maybe call it the "indoor"...
DeleteI think that since 2018, Orient tries to please younger and more mainstream customers. Since then, most of their new watches are becoming bigger, and are getting open-heart declinations and these (imo) hideous gigantic roman numbers (at XII and VI) more often.
DeleteIt may not please us but we are probably not the targeted public. As long as we still can find more classic models, should we feel bothered ?
I agree, Orient are trying to broaden their reach. This Basic Date, and the 200m OS diver, are both targetting new audiences - the diver does it with a more original design, this here is more mainstream. Still there's also more unique offerings like the moon-phase, the open-heart "diver style" OS, and the new "auto weekly" re-issue, alongside the continued production of old classics like the retrograde.
DeleteHum... Speaking about the retrograde... The one with a so lovely detailed dial (ie SDE00002B0) seems discontinued... It's out of stock everywhere.
DeleteThe sporty size makes sense, but making a sporty watch without a screw-in crown does not make any sense.
DeleteWish they added a version without the power reserve. I had one of the star classics which I loved, but was a bit too small (39mm) for my taste. This one would be perfect for me, without the power reserve. Haha, always something to complain. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the read though. Just discovered your blog, great job you are doing! Will follow!
Thank you! I very much appreciate the feedback (and I think Orient people also take a quick look at comments here, from time to time...)
Deletegorgeous piece, but to my taste it's huge.
ReplyDelete