New Colors for Orient Models

As expected, Orient follows last week's announcement of new Orient Star watches with some new "Regular" Orient releases as well – although, these are all just new color versions of existing models. So, let's see what's new.

20^th Anniversary Orient Mako

So, the 20^th anniversary Mako won't be yellow after all… Orient decided to celebrate twenty years since the release of the first Mako diver differently.

The new reference RA-AA0822L (JDM ref. RA-AA0822L) features a gradient blue dial with a wave pattern, reminiscent of certain Seiko divers. The blue and black bezel is also black IP-plated, and the hands are gold-toned. The words "anniversary edition" are also printed on the dial, rather subtly in place of some of the minute markers near 4 o'clock.

Technically, the watch is identical to other current Mako references with the 41.8mm wide case. It will however cost some 20% more. Limited to 3,000 pieces (500 in Japan), it might be worth it if you're a Mako fan, like the color scheme, and love limited editions. Expected to be available in stores from April this year.

 

New Mako 40 References

The Mako 40 was previously only available in Japan in either black or white dial versions; and the global market's more lively colored variants were only available on leather straps. Now, Orient are introducing two color dial options, with steel bracelets, for the Japanese market.

Reference RN-AC0Q06V features a similar "lilac" (kind of soft, pink-purple shade) to last year's reference RA-AC0Q07V; The dial of ref. RN-AC0Q04L is referred to by Orient as "lavender", but it's actually lavender-blue, also known as periwinkle. It is a soft shade of violet-blue, and new to the collection.

Both new versions look really good against the steel case and bracelet, and both are limited to 200 pieces. Why has everything got to be limited nowadays, Orient? Anyway, these should be available to purchase early March.

 

Fresh Colors for the Contemporary Semi Skeleton

The Contemporary Semi-Skeleton collection might not be as popular as the Mako but it is definitely very uniquely Orient with its open-heart dial. While previously available references were fairly conservative, the new 2024 batch offers more vibrant colors.

·         Reference RA-AR0007S (JDM ref. RN-AR0007S) has a white dial, and gold colored case, bracelet, hands and hour markers.

·         RA-AR0008E (JDM RN-AR0008E) mixes a green dial and gold hands and markers.

·         RA-AR0009L (JDM RN-AR0009L) features a light blue dial.

·         RA-AR0010R (JDM RN-AR0010R) features a deep red dial.

These models, thankfully, are not limited. The all-gold version would cost around 380 USD; the other references would be close to 340 USD. All should be available to buy in March.