Orient Brazil Roundup #2

Last year I posted a round-up of watches released by Orient of Brazil, so I thought: why not make this a habit? These South American people make some nice models. So here goes Brazil Roundup #2: Return of the Big Watch! Orient Brazil have been known for producing some seriously hefty wrist-beasts, and while some of the watches below are quite normally-sized, lovers of generously sized cases are not going to be disappointed.

 

Divers

Actually, why not get this one out of our way right now. It's another one the brand's famed 300m divers, the sort that Orient Japan seems to have deserted in recent years…

Yes, the alpha-male of the pack measures 48.4mm across its case, with a big heavy-looking steel bracelet to match. You can get it with either a black dial, blue or green. I like the blue, which gives it a slightly lighter impression.

As watches go, this does not make a very subtle statement. With its mineral glass and rough lines it is unrefined, but at under 400 USD, why wouldn't it be? It will not doubt get the job done.

If you are looking for a bit more finesse, and willing to settle for 200m of water resistance, here is a nice option. Measuring "only" 44mm in width, and featuring a very Orient-ish dial with an open heart, power reserve, and 24 hour sub-dial, this one costs roughly 50% more than the aforementioned monster. But it does come with a sapphire crystal and a ceramic bezel, and you can get it in blue, black, green and grey.

Alternatively, positioned somewhere in between in terms of price and features, is this blackened 200m tri-star diver, which you can also get in non-plated steel, but why would you? It is only 43.5mm wide, but it compensates for its tiny size with its bold orange highlights and textured dial.

 

Tristar Models

Orient tri-star watches are generally a good VFM deal, offering attractive designs with reliable automatic movements and decent quality, and usually costing less than the diver above. The three examples below are well under 300 USD.

Here, for instance, is a properly good looking watch, combining some classic pilot details with modern touches. Reasonably sized for a sports watch at 42mm, it's equipped with sapphire crystal and a stylish leather strap. The brand offers some other pilot-watches with different dial designs, but I like the clean contemporary look of this one.

Or take the next one: a solid, versatile design for daily wear in a convenient 40mm case (yes, you'll notice every model on this blog post is smaller than the one before…). Like the pilot one it's resistant to 100m and has sapphire crystal, has the day and date, and generally everything you'll want from a watch at this price. This model comes with either a white or beige dial.

The last tristar for today (although there's plenty more from the brand) is a little different. Case size is 42mm, water resistance only 50m, crystal is mineral; and if I am not mistaken, Orient Brazil references starting with NH indicate the use of Seiko movements, probably NH36 in this case.

In fact, it remind me very much of a Seiko Recraft I used to own, also having a very three-dimensional green dial with gold colored markers (that one used 7S26, the predecessor of the NH36).

 

Quartz

Wrapping up today's list is one for those who favor the accuracy of quartz movements – particularly the convenience of solar-powered one. For under 200 USD you can get this cool, vintage-inspired chronograph.

Yes, it is also mineral crystal, and only 50m water resistant, and I believe the bracelet is very basic. But still, it looks good, and I'm sure would be very satisfactory after swapping the stock bracelet for a nice, sporty leather band.

There's plenty more watches from Orient Brazil, these are only a few items I liked. Follow the blog for more from this faraway but never forgotten branch of the brand…

 

All pictures are taken from the Orient Brazil website and advertisements