The "M-Force" is currently Orient's longest-running product
line, now spanning 27 years since the introduction of the first generation. During
this time designs have changed and movements have evolved, but the "three
M's DNA" remained as Orient has defined them: Mechanical, Massive, and
Maverick.
Owning three different members of the M clan from three different
periods, I thought a comparison would be interesting. What do the three have in
common, how much do they differ, and which one – if that is at all a reasonable
question to ask – is the best?
First, a quick reminder of what we're talking about here.
The oldest of the lot is the 1997 EX00
– really the earliest model among the EX## family of "first generation
M-Force". This was also my first M-Force, bought in 2017. I first got it
on a replacement strap (the one you'd see pictured in that old blog post); a
few years though, I stumbled upon a seller offering an original bracelet, a
very lucky coincidence as anyone trying to find a bracelet for an old watch
would know.
The next one in the collection – though the more recent acquisition – is
the 2014 model also known as the "Beast
2" or "Delta" version. The biggest of the lot, and with its
red dial perhaps the boldest too.
The latest
M-Force model, released in 2020 (with a number of variations on the same
theme introduced later) has been with me for three years now. At first it did
raise a few eyebrows with its bulky crown guard and the loss of the classic power
reserve indicator, but it has since been accepted to the M-Force family.
Technically, an evolution is clear, mainly between the first gen and
more recent iterations. The EX00 boasts the good old caliber 46G. It's a
workhorse, but lacks hacking and manual winding. The Delta uses the 40N5A,
while the 2020 model uses the more modern, but similarly specced, F6727 – both offering
that coveted hand-winding/hacking feature set.
Model evolution also added more protection over the years. Newer models
were designed with ISO standards in mind – for diving, shock resistance and magnetic
resistance. The new watches sure feel more robust than the first generation.
So, considering the first "M" – "Mechanical" – newer
probably is better. While basic reliability and tool-watch capabilities were
built into the M-Force as early as the EX00, I'd definitely choose the newer
models for when protection is needed. And the latest one, with its shrouded construction,
sapphire crystal and big crown-guard, feels the most resilient of the lot.
"M" also stands for maverick design, which is Orient-speak for
"quirky", and we all know how well Orient does quirky. In this sense,
the first generation was perhaps the standout. With its unashamed two-tone case
and bracelet, multicolor power-reserve gauge, elaborate hands, and wavy dial
texture. It's as Orient as it gets.
The Delta and 2020 M-Force are definitely very bold, and have very
recognizable designs – not looking like any run-of-the-mill dive watch. The
Delta's appearance is, in my opinion, also very attractive. The 2020 models I
wouldn't exactly call pretty – but perhaps they do embrace the
"maverick" concept more strongly than the Delta.
While they each have something unique in their design, I still find the
old EX00 to be the most special of the three, a true maverick.
How about comfort? Obviously, the EX00 is a featherweight compared to
later models. It may have been considered relatively big back in the 1990s, emerging
from an era of thin quartz watches. Nowadays, its 42mm titanium case seems weightless.
It is as effortless a wearing experience as a sports watch can be.
The Delta and the 2020 models are beasts. The Delta is the biggest in
all dimensions, and not surprisingly – also the heaviest. It is perfectly wearable
(especially if some heft is your thing), but not a watch you'd call
unnoticeable on the wrist. The 2020 is actually very reasonably sized for a
tough dive watch, and particularly on the rubber band is quite comfortable.
So, how do I feel about each of these watches? Despite each having
certain downsides, they are all very likeable.
The EX00 is a quirky, funky design. The Delta is big and bold, and makes
you feel like Schwarzenegger for wearing it. The 2020 is the more sensible,
tough yet comfortable, and still far from mainstream.
Looking back at my wearing habits of these three, I find that the Delta
was often my go-to for a quick evening excursion, the EX00 was my preferred
office wear, while the 2020 became a favorite companion for long journeys and
hikes.
The M-Force family might not be as tightly defined a package as, say
Bambino or Mako, so there are many differences between the various generations
and versions, of which there are many more besides these three. But they do
share a certain philosophy, which goes beyond the formal "Three M's"
and I see it as "being unapologetically different".
