Orient Star's "M Collection" EU/Global Versions

Following yesterday's announcement of the new "M-Collection" of Orient Star models, the brand today follows up with a number of new Global releases.

First up, and perhaps the most unique, is a global version of what was the first "M45" release (even before the entire M Collection was thus named). This is the very cool-looking, black n' blue Moonphase ref. RE-AY0119L.

Technically identical to the JDM RK-AY0117/8L, the different number part of the reference indicates something has changed: the strap material. While Orient sells these with Crocodile leather straps in Japan, limitations on exporting this type of leather dictate a different material for global distribution. Therefore, the new reference comes with Cordovan leather.

The watch uses a 41mm wide black-coated steel case, housing Orient's F7M65 automatic moon-phase movement with 50 hours of power reserve and +15/-5 seconds per day accuracy. Crystal is, of course, sapphire back and front (with the front having SAR coating applied), water resistance is 50m, and the watch is limited to just 80 pieces.

Orient also presented the global version of the golden-brown moon-phase model, now as reference RE-AY0121A. This, too, is identical to the JDM version except for the cordovan strap, and is limited to 180 units.

Finally, Orient also announced global references in the M34 series. Here, we actually get slightly different dial variations than the Japanese variants. Technically, the watches have the same case dimensions, style, and movement.

·         Reference RE-BY0004A has a blue MOP dial, comes with a steel bracelet, and is not a limited edition.

·         Ref. RE-BY0005A has a green MOP dial, comes with a steel bracelet, and is also not limited.         

·         RK-BY0007A has a charcoal-grey dial similar to the JDM RK-BY0006A, comes with both a steel bracelet and calf leather strap, and is limited to 500 units.

No global version of the titanium 1964 Diver has been announced, yet.