Orient Place Blog's 7th Anniversary

So here we are again – another lap around the sun, and Orient Place blog turns seven. As always, it’s time to take a moment to look back at the past twelve months, to reflect, analyze, and share a few thoughts.

Over the past year, the blog recorded 183,000 views – a marginal increase over the 182K we reached last year. That means growth has plateaued, which isn't surprising considering the shifting patterns of online readership. Still, the numbers show there's continued interest in Orient watches, and the blog remains a point of reference for many collectors and fans around the world.

Twenty-seven stories were posted this year. That’s a little fewer than in previous years, but the mix of topics was rich and varied. There were two reviews of new modern models and two of older pieces; ten posts covered new releases; and ten articles looked at different product lines, features, or design themes. The rest were a mix of commentary and general watch talk. The focus may have shifted slightly away from individual model reviews, but the substance was still all about Orient, I don't seem to run out of topics…

Once again, the Mako 40mm proved its staying power. The hands-on review I posted the previous year remained the most-read article this year as well, drawing over 4,000 additional views. This makes it the top post for two years running – a rare feat on the blog, and a sign that this model continues to generate interest. The most-read new article this year was “Orient Does Snoopy”, which covered the unexpected co-branded release and drew more than 2,000 views. This was followed closely by an older post on the smaller Small-Seconds Bambino, which continues to perform well, and a newer preview of the "Classic and Simple" line for 2025, which earned around 1,500 views.

The same themes extended to social media. The Snoopy watch topped the Instagram charts as well, being the most liked photo I posted this year. It was followed by a shot of my Royal Orient WE0011EG – a personal favorite that never fails to attract attention – then an unboxing of my green Contemporary Standard, the arrival of the EX0D M-Force, and a vintage King Diver making a quiet, confident appearance.

Looking at Orient’s strategy this year, the most obvious direction has been variation rather than innovation. We've seen many new dial colors for familiar models – particularly the Mako and the Bambino – often in pastel and warm tones that seem to follow the trend that began with Rolex’s colorful OPs. At the same time, Orient introduced solar-powered versions of both the Mako and Bambino, marking a subtle yet significant expansion of the lineup into eco-friendly quartz territory. These aren’t technological revolutions, but they are relevant, practical evolutions that make sense for a brand whose strength lies in everyday value.

That said, there’s always more fans would like to see. Speaking for myself, I’d love to see Orient’s newer long power reserve movements – those 60 to 70-hour calibers – make their way into more affordable models, and not remain exclusive to the top-tier Orient Star references. I’d also love to finally see a proper GMT, particularly a true (traveler-style) GMT, something that Seiko has been able to deliver recently. Here's what GPT imagines such a GMT Bambino might look like…

And yes, I do miss some of the quirkier stuff. Orient has a history of creating bold and unique designs, and I’d be thrilled to see some of that daring spirit return – not just in Orient Star, but in the more accessible lines as well. A modern take on something like the old Direct Read models, for instance, would be cool.

Looking at the wider industry, not just Orient, it's clear the trend continues to shift upscale. Watches & Wonders 2025 gave us more of the same – brands chasing the high-end buyer, innovation reserved for five-and-six-figure pieces, and very little happening at the more accessible price points. Grand Seiko, meanwhile, keeps pushing out new models at a dizzying pace. Which makes me wonder – isn't it about time we saw the return of Royal Orient?

As always, I want to say thank you. To all of you who read the blog, follow the Instagram account, leave comments, ask questions, and send messages – you’re the reason this keeps going. I’d love to hear even more from you in the year ahead. Not just on individual blog posts, but your thoughts on new Orient releases, your experiences as owners, questions about service or quality – all of it. The more conversations, the better.

Here's to another year of watching watches!

 

April 2025 Watch Releases by Orient and Orient Star

Today, Orient presented a bunch of new watches under both Orient and Orient Star brands. These are not completely new models, but new references for existing models – generally speaking, new dial designs.

 

Orient Star M34 F8 Date

The M34 F8 Date is one of the brand's flagship models, boasting its 60 hour caliber F8N64, high-end metalwork and fine dial. Presented in February 2024 with white and blue dial versions, Orient have now added a couple of new versions.

·        A limited edition version with a special black dial with what Orient describe as a world-first "nanoparticle metal multilayering technology" creating an effect like a meteor shower (something that really needs to be seen in person). This version includes a global reference RE-BX0009B limited to 160 pieces, and JDM ref. RK-BX0007B (80 units with crocodile leather band, besides the metal bracelet) as well as ref. RK-BX0008B (20 units with cordovan leather band).

·        A regular version with a textured green dial, in similar technique to the white and blue colors, reference RE-BX0006E, or JDM RK-BX0005E with grey crocodile strap.

 

Orient Mako

Orient also present a number of new watches in the Mako family – including the standard Mako (which was named Kamasu and now, apparently returns to its familiar old name), the Mako 40mm, and the light-powered chronograph.

First, there's a bunch of limited editions celebrating Orient's 75^th anniversary, all featuring Orient's cursive logo and a unique stamped sunburst pattern, reminiscent of the old Seiko Cocktail, in a light shade of blue.

Global models are ref. RA-AA0823L (42mm Mako), RA-AC0Q12L (40mm Mako), and RA-TX0210L (solar chrono), limited to 6000, 6000, and 1000 units, respectively. Equivalent JDM models are RN-AA0823L, RN-AC0Q12L, and RN-TX0210L, limited to 1000, 1000, and 750 units respectively.

Then there also a few new non-limited colorways of the Mako 40: Reference RA-AC0Q09R (JDM RN-AC0Q09R) with a red dial, ref. RA-AC0Q10N with a dark-grey plated case and bezel and matching dial, having a black silicon band, and ref. RA-AC0Q11E with a green dial and silicon band. The latter two do not have a JDM version.

All models, Orient and Orient Star, are expected to become available in June.

Orient Star Contemporary Standard Watch Review

Orient's "Contemporary Standard" model was introduced in 2018. Originally presented in either black, blue, or white dial version, its design was almost identical to that of the 2015 "Urban Standard" titanium model.

Up until recently, the model's production continued to feature the same references. However, earlier this year Orient Star caught up with the popular trend of offering more playful, colorful versions of serious watches, a trend given the stamp of approval by Rolex with its Oyster Perpetual models a few years back.

I often get to review new models provided to me on loan by Orient, but this time it was different. The announcement of new Orient Star models for 2025, and particularly the new Contemporary Standard watches, caught my eye. While waiting for the new model to hit the stores I was contemplating hard on which color to pick, finally deciding on the green one – reference RE-AU0107E – and eventually purchasing the identical Japanese reference RK-AU0107E.

How It Looks

Orient's "Contemporary" models are characterized by sharp, well-crafted metalwork, the sort that often gets referred to as "poor man's Grand Seiko" (although with current prices, a middle-class Grand Seiko would be more appropriate) and this one is no exception. The case and bracelet impress with a precise, well balanced look that manages to be neither too elaborate nor over-simplified.

The dial of the Contemporary Standard is a bit more controversial, particularly because of the endless battle between proponents and haters of Roman numerals. I personally like Roman numerals and I even appreciate mixing those with simple hour markers to create a more interesting dial, so for me – this design works. Of course, if you don't like it then you don't, there is no wrong or right here.

For those who are fond of the design, this green dial is a great match. It is a metallic olive hue with a subtle sunburst effect that is emphasized around the hour track. This choice of color suits the watch very well, as it retains the "professional", dressy look, making the watch look livelier but not childish or too glitzy.

When looking more closely at the dial elements, the level of finishing is somewhat inconsistent. The hands and power-reserve gauge, for instance, are very finely cut; the markers are not as sharp, and lack the high-end precision that I found on the Modern Skeleton. Still it is all relative; nothing is coarse or badly made, and even under the macro lens you won't find the sort of rough edges that are revealed when examining cheap watches.

Overall, it's a really good-looking watch. The design elements that some might call controversial, in my opinion, add character, ensuring this Orient Star is not mundane or bland. The dial color elevates it from "cute" to "pretty," and the visual impact of the case and bracelet, with their alternating brushed and polished surfaces, makes sure it's "pretty and smart."

 

How It Wears

The Contemporary Standard is one of the smaller models among Orient's range of men's watches. The case is 38.5mm wide, without the crown, 46.9mm lug to lug, and 12.3mm thick.

A thinner watch of similar diameter on a leather strap might have looked undersized on large wrists, but at the given thickness, combined with the robust 20mm-wide steel bracelet, it does not. So the wearer can enjoy the comfort of a modestly sized watch without compromising on wrist presence.

Indeed, the watch wears well, although at 153g you couldn't call it a featherweight. As always with smaller watches attached to hefty bracelets, you get a good weight distribution that helps the watch feel balanced on the wrist and at times, one can almost forget it's there.

The bracelet itself is good, as Orient Star bracelets usually are. It is easy to adjust to size, and on the wrist feels solid, smooth and does not pull hairs or any such thing.

 

How It Functions

The movement inside the Contemporary Standard is Orient's caliber F6N43, same as in the larger Orient Star "Basic Date" – and honestly it fits better in this, smaller case, enabling the hands and power reserve indicator to fill the dial space better.

This caliber is automatic and hand-winding, with hacking. Its specified accuracy is between +25 and -15 seconds per day. The watch I got was doing +9 seconds per day; not exceptional but decent and within range. It is definitely good enough for owners like myself who rotate (and therefore set the time) almost every day.

Despite the watch's small dimensions, its crown is large enough and quite grippy. It's easy to pull and turn, so winding the movement and setting the time and date are effortless.

Daytime legibility is as good as it gets: the markers reflect light from every angle, the hands stand out well against the dial color, and the little bits of white color also help. And while I would love to see a date disc that's green like the dial, black on white is undoubtedly much clearer. The whole thing is covered by sapphire glass, with Orient's very effective anti-glare coating applied to it.

In the dark, those white bits become luminescent but don't expect a dive-watch level of nighttime visibility here. You get thin lines for hands and tiny dots for the hours. Better than no-lume you'd get on pure dress watches, I guess.

Another advantage of not being a real dress watch is water resistance: here, you're getting a fairly adequate 100m. Not a beater, then, with this pretty face, but not a slouch either. You can take this one with you on most daily chores.

 

Bottom Line

Orient Star's Contemporary Standard is one of those watches that's more than the sum of its parts. Its good looks, practicality, and appreciable quality combine to produce a very capable and attractive package.

Indeed there are elements here that might deter some buyers, such as the Roman numerals and PR gauge. Fair enough, not every design can please everyone, nor should it. But if these elements do not put you off (or perhaps you find them appealing) you will find very little here that will.

The pricing of this model is fair. The list price for the JDM reference is about 500 USD at the moment; the global market version appears to sell for about 30-50% higher in most stores. Whether shipping and paying taxes on imports from Japan makes sense or not is up to each buyer to do the math. For me, it did make sense.

Bottom line, this is one of the finer, reasonably priced offerings from the Orient brand. Choose the right color and get yourself a Contemporary Standard!

Orient’s Light-Powered Watches

Orient is best known for its mechanical watches, but the brand has been making solar-powered quartz watches for decades. And with the recent releases of the Solar Mako 40 and Solar Bambino, plus our recent look at the iO collection, which is predominantly solar-powered, now is the perfect time to explore how Orient has been using the power of light to keep time.

The story of Orient’s solar watches begins in 1976, when the brand introduced its first light-powered watch – an LED digital model equipped with a built-in solar cell. This was a time when several Japanese manufacturers were experimenting with solar technology, and Orient was among the early adopters, alongside Citizen and Seiko. However, unlike Citizen, which would go on to make solar technology a defining part of its identity, Orient treated solar watches as an occasional complement to its lineup rather than a central focus.

With time solar technology has evolved, allowing watchmakers to hide the solar cells beneath the dial rather than displaying them as obvious panels. This has enabled Orient and others to incorporate solar movements into more sensible watch designs. Another key trend was the shift from digital solar watches to mostly analog ones.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, Orient produced numerous solar-powered quartz models, though most were limited to the Japanese domestic market. Some of these were released under the “Light Power” series, covering a variety of styles from dress watches to sports models. One particularly interesting example from this period was a solar-powered dive watch, providing a no-maintenance solution for those who wanted a reliable tool watch without the need for battery changes.

Later, in the 2000s, Orient added the solar Neo 70s models, now available with its RR700 radio-controlled movement. I like the Neo 70s design so I think I'll dedicate a separate article to those… and more recently, we saw the introduction of a "Mako Chronograph" featuring Orient's VS752 light powered movement.

While many of the earlier solar watches featured unique designs, in recent years Orient began incorporating solar technology into their mainstream models, keeping the aesthetics unchanged while adding what many would see as modern convenience. This kind of reminds me how early electric vehicles all tried to resemble a streamlined Prius shape, while later models began to just look like "normal" cars.

The first major step in this direction came with the Mako 40, a mechanical dive watch that was recently reintroduced in a solar-powered quartz version. The Solar Mako 40 maintains the look and feel of its automatic predecessor but now runs on Orient’s VS422 solar quartz movement, offering a 12-month power reserve on full charge. With 200 meters of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and the same classic case design that made the mechanical Mako 40 so popular, this new model gives buyers a set-it-and-forget-it option that never needs winding and will not require battery replacements until some distant future.

Shortly after the Solar Mako 40 came another surprise – the Solar Bambino, a light-powered version of Orient’s most famous dress watch. Long considered one of the best entry-level automatic watches, the Bambino has always been known for its clean, classic design and its appeal to first-time mechanical watch buyers. The new solar-powered Bambino, released in six variations, keeps the familiar 38.4mm case and V2 dial design, but replaces the automatic movement with a solar quartz no-date caliber VS213, capable of running for six months on a full charge. Both this and the Mako's caliber offer an accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per month

With these recent releases, Orient’s solar watches do not lag far behind Seiko’s Solar and Citizen’s Eco-Drive offerings. Performance-wise, modern Orient solar movements have 6 to 12 months of power reserve, can charge under both sunlight and indoor light, and maintain accuracy within ±20 seconds per month. However, Citizen still leads in solar innovation, with some of its Eco-Drive models storing power for years in total darkness, and its higher-end models offering premium features like extreme accuracy and extra thinness.

Orient’s strength, as always, lies in value for money. And Orient’s solar lineup is steadily growing, suggesting that the brand is committed to expanding its offerings.

  

All photos in this story were taken from old Orient publications and sale ads.

Exploring Orient iO – A Tale of Two Watch Lines?

Orient is known for making fine watches, yet often having a bit of confusion surrounding their history, design choices, or even naming conventions. But every now and then, they outdo themselves by creating two entirely different watch lines under the same name – which seems to be the case with "iO".

Yes, iO is one collection, but depending on where you look, you may get a very different idea of what that means.

 

The Website iO – A Women’s Collection of Petite Solar Watches

First, let’s take a look at the Orient website, where iO is positioned as a women’s brand. The name comes from the Italian word for “I,” (says the website) reinforcing a theme of personal style and treasured things. The watches in this version of the collection are all solar-powered quartz models with sapphire crystal, designed for everyday elegance with a bit of “adult cuteness” (as Orient describes it).

The lineup consists of:

• 12 watches with round, 28mm cases
• 1 smaller round model at 25mm
• 3 watches with tonneau-shaped 24mm cases

They vary in dial colors, bracelets, and overall styling, but all stick to the same delicate sizing and refined design. These are very much in the vein of what one might expect from a classic ladies’ watch collection.

That all seems simple enough. Until we visit Orient’s online store…

 

The Online Store iO – A Customizable, Gender-Neutral Line

Click over to Orient’s official online store, and suddenly, iO becomes a completely different animal.  Even the unique "iO" logo from the ladies' collection page disappears.

The description now tells us that iO is about self-expression and inclusivity, a watch line that encourages individuality, allowing customers to mix and match cases and bands freely, targeting both male and female consumers.

Even the watch selection changes:

• Four 36mm time-and-date models
• Two 38mm chronographs
• A selection of nine different strap colors

The focus shifts to customization, with quick-release straps that let wearers swap styles on the go. The dials also take on a more conceptual aesthetic, inspired by the changing colors of the sky throughout the day, from warm sunrise tones to cool twilight shades.

And if that wasn’t enough variation, the Epson corporate website (remember, Orient is part of Epson) echoes this newer, all-gender, customizable version of iO, even emphasizing its environmentally friendly aspects, like recycled packaging.

 

So… Which iO is It?

Now, this isn’t the first time Orient’s branding and marketing have sent us on a mystery-solving adventure (is it "Classic and Simple" or Bambino…?). But in this case, it seems like we are witnessing a transition in progress.

Most likely, iO started as a women’s collection and later evolved into a modern, gender-neutral customizable series. The issue is that the old branding still lingers on the website, while the store and Epson’s corporate messaging have moved on.

This isn’t a huge deal – after all, the watches speak for themselves and easy to tell apart. Whether you prefer petite, elegant designs or versatile, mix-and-match options, there’s an iO model to suit different tastes. But a little more consistency in the messaging wouldn’t hurt!

New Models Now Released On The Japanese Market

Orient first announced its 75^th anniversary models and MY2025 Orient Star watches, earlier this month, as global market editions. Orient Japan now caught up with the announcement, presenting JDM versions for most (though not all) of the new references.

 

75^Th Anniversary Models

The anniversary models announced for the Japanese market now include the following items.

Bambino 38mm (time and date) references:

• RN-AC0023E has a green dial and brown leather strap;
• RN-AC0024L has a dark blue dial and blue leather strap;
• RN-AC0025N has a beige dial and grey leather strap;
• RN-AC0027S is the special anniversary model, indicated by its use of Orient’s cursive logo, and is limited to 1,200 pieces.

Bambino Sun and Moon references:

• RN-AK0807R has a burgundy dial and brown leather strap;
• RN-AK0808S is the anniversary model, limited to 750 pieces.

Solar-powered Bambino references:

• RN-WK0002E has a light green dial and white synthetic leather strap;
• RN-WK0003G has an ivory dial and brown synthetic leather strap;
• RN-WK0004L has a black dial and brown synthetic leather strap;
• RN-WK0006S is the anniversary model, comes with a real leather strap and limited to 300 pieces.

Orient also launched a new page on its website, dedicated to the brand's anniversary.

 

Orient Star Models

Orient Star's 75^th anniversary only takes place next year, in 2026. So the following are not "anniversary" models, just nice new color variants.

Orient Star M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton references:

·         RK-BZ0004B has a black case, bracelet and dial;

·         RK-BZ0005G has a golden case and dial, steel bezel and brown nylon strap, and is limited to 200 units.

Layered Skeleton references:

·         RK-AV0B10G has a golden dial and brown leather strap;

·         RK-AV0B12E has a mint-green dial, and (unlike the global version) comes with both a steel bracelet and leather strap. It is limited to 400 units.

Contemporary Standard references:

·         RK-AU0107E has a green dial;

·         RK-AU0108G has a copper dial;

·         RK-AU0109L has a blue dial;

·         RK-AU0110N has a grey dial;

·         RK-AU0111R has a red dial, and is exclusive to Orient's online store.

Note that whereas special editions, like this red beauty, used to be "Prestige Shop" exclusive, they now tend to be Online Store exclusive – for obvious reasons.

Orient Does Snoopy: a Co-Branded Anniversary

A couple of weeks ago, we encountered the first batch of "75^th Anniversary" releases from Orient, and today, the brand takes it up a notch and, in a step taken by many a watchmaker before them, does a Peanuts collab.

To be honest, an Orient x Peanuts anniversary celebration actually makes sense, as both originated in the same year, 1950. Indeed, around the same time that the Orient factory began its production, Charles Schulz began drawing and publishing his famed "Peanuts" cartoons, starring Charlie Brown, Snoopy the dog, and a little yellow bird called Woodstock.

In this sense, while Orient's effort might not be the most original, it is no less justified than previous Snoopy watches. Looking at some of those watches, Omega's being perhaps the most notable, Orient has nothing to be ashamed of.

The current collaboration includes four references, mostly versions of the brand's most recognizable models, and – as such collaborations usually go – all are limited editions, although produced in fairly large numbers.

First, we have two automatic 38mm Bambino, or "Classic and Simple", models. Reference RA-AC0M16S has a white dial and is limited to 7,650 pieces, while ref. RA-AC0M17G has a cream dial and is limited to 2,900 pieces. Both have a Japanese market equivalent: RN-AC0M16S and RN-AC0M17G, limited to 150 and 200 pieces respectively.

Next, we have the 40mm Mako, or "Diver Design", with a white dial. Reference RA-AC0Q08S is limited to 3,650 pieces, while the JDM version ref. RN-AC0Q08S is limited to 150 pieces.

Finally, there is the contemporary semi-skeleton model. Reference RA-AR0011S is limited to 1,800 pieces, with an additional 100 pieces of the JDM ref. RN-AR0011S available in Japan.

While the new references are generally identical to their base models, there are a number of notable features added here:

·         Most obvious, of course, are the images of Snoopy and Woodstock on the dial.

·         All models bear the special cursive logo that Orient reserves for special occasions.

·         All models have a special logo on the back, combining the 75^th anniversary and Snoopy images. The Mako has it engraved, while the other watches have it painted on the case-back crystal.

·         The Mako and Bambino watches have a unique date wheel, where the "1" has been replaced with the image of Woodstock.

·         The watches are packaged in a special anniversary box.

Note that all these perks don't come for free though; the Snoopy models all cost about 15% more than their base models. These watches should become available in March.

 

New Orient Star Watches for 2025

Orient is announcing a number of new Orient Star watches today, adding color to some of its familiar models.

First, we have a couple of new Avantgarde Skeleton watches. Both are mechanically similar to the previous M34 models with their intricate dials and the 60 hour caliber F8 movement.

Ref. RE-BZ0004B is the stealthy variant. We’ve already seen the all-black style with the RE-BZ0002B, but this time the watch also comes fitted with a matching black plated steel bracelet.

More special, and better looking in my opinion, is RE-BZ0005G. This one has a golden case and dial with steel bezel and a brown nylon strap, and is limited to 300 pieces. I find this combination of sporty, utilitarian elements and a very elaborate skeleton dial, to be quite interesting.

Next, we have two new layered skeletons, in bright and lovely colors.

Reference RE-AV0B10G has a gold-toned dial and a brown leather strap. Ref. RE-AV0B11E comes with a steel bracelet and features a vivid mint-green dial – and, it is limited to 700 pieces. By the way, note these are the global market version, so JDM models (with RK reference numbers) we offer additional pieces of similar configuration.

Finally we have perhaps the most exciting part of the announcement – new colorways of the Orient Star Contemporary model, perhaps the more humble of current Orient Stars – but not the least attractive.

Four non-limited references are listed: RE-AU0107E, RE-AU0108G, RE-AU0109L, and RE-AU0110N, featuring green, copper, ice-blue, and grey dials, respectively – all of which are fitted with a steel bracelet.

A little unexplained mystery is reference RE-AU0111R – a striking red dial version that is mentioned in the press release, but appears on the Orient website. It is described as a limited edition, but the exact number of pieces is not specified. Is Orient teasing us, knowing full well that red dials are our weakness…?