Orient Place

Orient Place

Tuesday 27 April 2021

New M-Force and Moon Phase Models from Orient

Orient introduces today a bunch of new watches, providing an interesting take on existing designs: an "outdoor", or field / military style version of the M-Force; and Moonphase watches with a Mother-of-Pearl dial.


The Outdoor M-Force

This one is based on the latest iteration of the M-Force dive watch. Two primary differences have been made to set this version apart from its marine counterpart: the divers' bezel has been replaced with a navigation bezel, and the dial markers have been made thinner (perhaps as to make for a bit stealthier appearance at night, when one goes about their covert military mission).

Other than that, the overall construction, general specs and dimensions are unchanged, including the 200m depth rating and the extra anti-shock protection which is an M-Force hallmark. This is still 45mm wide (47 counting the beefy crown guard) and 52mm lug to lug, which, as we discovered on our hands-on review, are in fact perfectly wearable and – for wrists not too scrawny – even comfortable.

Two models are being introduced at this time:

·         Reference RN-AC0N01B features raw stainless steel bezel and crown guard (making for a unique appearance among previous M-Force versions) with a matching steel bracelet and a matte black textured dial.

·         Reference RN-AC0N03E features black coating on the bezel and crown-guard and a green, military-looking textured dial. This one comes on a nylon NATO-style strap.

Prices are the same as the dive-oriented versions. Availability is scheduled for June 3.

The blog's verdict: This is a welcome addition to the M-Force collection. We already learned to love the base models and are always happy for a greater diversity of options to choose from.

 


The Orient Star MOP Dial Moonphase

This release extends the range of Contemporary Moon Phase models introduced last year. Interestingly it is this more modern and technical-looking collection, rather than the classic moon phase collection, that Orient chose to put the MOP dials on. This, despite Mother-of-Pearl dials being generally considered romantic and a little bit old-school.

Here too, the base model's overall specs have been preserved. The watch measures 41mm across, 48.5mm lug to lug, and the main design elements, case structure and dial layout – including that lovely moon-phase display – are unchanged.

Two models are being introduced at this time:

·         Reference RK-AY0005A has a silvery-white MOP dial, and will go into regular production.

·         Reference RK-AY0006A has an interesting looking dial which, in the style of MOP, appears to be a mix of greenish and bluish hues, and will likely have a cool effect in changing lighting conditions. It will be a limited edition of 700 pieces, considered to be part of Orient Star's 70th anniversary releases, of which 500 are reserved for distribution in Japan.

Prices are about 100 USD higher than the standard versions, which appears to be a reasonable premium. Availability is scheduled for June 3.

The blog's verdict: The contemporary moon-phase watch is already an impressive piece, offering a high level of watchmaking. If you like the basic design and the moon phase complication, and are fond of MOP dials, the new releases should get you excited.

  

5 comments:

  1. I really love Orient watches! Can somebody help me in finding information about an Orient watch a friend of mine own? I cannot upload images, but the watch caseback has an interesting STC logo engraved under the Orient one, and the dial has the following writings at 6 o'clock "Japan Y22505 157". Sorry, but I've found no other way to ask this question...

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    1. Hi! You're welcome on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OrientPlaceBlog/ and there you can message or post a photo of that watch for us.

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  2. Estoy dudando en incorporar a mi colección de Orient el Orient Start Moon phase, en concreto el modelo RK-AY0005A (RE-AY0005A en Europa), pero dudo ya que el importe es elevado y quizás sea mejor otra opción, además sería comprar el reloj sin poder verlo ni probarlo.

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    1. It is expensive and a bit of a gamble to buy without seeing it in person. Try to find a seller that will allow you to return it if it does not work for you!

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    2. Creo que eso va a ser complicado... Iré pensadolo mejor

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