If you've been following Orient's recent announcements of models
celebrating the brand's 70th anniversary, you probably noticed the
occasional mention of "Jaguar Focus" when referring to a dial with
gradient color, lighter at the center and darker outside.
This term goes back to 1970. At the time, there was a growing movement
of colorful watches, and apparently, the management at Orient felt this was
becoming "a thing" and decided to put more emphasis on it. The result
was a couple of gradient dials, one in a kind of golden-green hue, the other
more like greenish-grey, covered by a faceted glass to enhance the effect
further. Orient named the style "Jaguar Focus" and launched a
marketing campaign around it.
Over the years, Orient returned to this style from time to time, although
later on they did not use the term Jaguar Focus. As Orient did adopt a rather colorful
approach to their dial design, this became just one more option in the
available variety of styles.
This year, as Orient dug into its archives for some valid legacy assets,
the Jaguar Focus was brought back to life not just as a design cue but also as
a term. And deservedly so, as it's not just the brand's 70th anniversary, it is also this Jaguar's 50th…
Three new Jaguar Focus models were presented in 2020 – which we've
covered before. There were the limited editions of the Weekly Auto Orient King
Diver (ref. RN-AA0D14G) limited to 2700 units; the Retro-Future
Camera (ref. RN-AR0204G) limited to 2300; and the 200m diver
(ref. RN-AC0K05G), limited to 2500. All three feature a similar gradation of
the dial color from light golden brown to dark brown, almost black.
There you go – another piece of Orient history explained!
I just purchased the Weekly Auto Orient King Diver 70th Anniversary version pictured. It is a lovely dial and the F6922 movement is a good workhorse. I'm almost afraid to wear it though. The raised crystal looks vulnerable. It looks cool though.
ReplyDeleteI think, watches are made to be worn, and if need be - worn out.
DeleteI think I'll get the red dial version too and wear that one out!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this piece of history of Orient's watch design. I have added the the Retro-Future Camera Limited Edition to my collection recently and your explanation makes it even more meaningful!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment! I trust you will enjoy your new retrofuture watch - it's a very lovely watch indeed!
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