Orient presented the new “Flusso”
model some three weeks ago. Being the brand’s first entry into the (not-so-)
new and (still quite) popular integrated-bracelet trend, it raised somewhat of
a conversation. A watch waiting for a hands-on review, then. Here we go…
The blog was provided with a
copy of the fanciest version of the Flusso, the limited edition reference RA-BB0205R.
“A copy” is indeed the proper term, as this is a demo unit without a working
movement. So, the review will focus on the look and feel of the watch, rather
than its operation.
How It Looks
The first impression, as
countless people have already noted, is its resemblance to the popular Tissot PRX and, to a lesser extent, the Citizen Tsuyosa. This isn’t a huge
surprise, given the category's common design lines. When you start with a
reasonably sized and shaped case, and want it to flow naturally and smoothly
into a reasonably sized and shaped bracelet, many of the design decisions are
already made.
For a dash of
individuality, Orient reached back into its vintage catalog, and found
inspiration in the old SK models. Most notably, it borrowed the four notches
around the dial, and the asymmetrical case. For this limited edition, it also
took the deep red/burgundy dial.
Indeed, the dial is the
star of this watch, executed as “Geneva stripes” in gradually darkening colors,
which play nicely with the light. It adds character to the dial, which is
aesthetic but otherwise quite generic.
The hands and markers are
all very legible and stand out against the dial. Around the minute track, every
15th marker is replaced with a small number indicating the minutes or
seconds, which is a nice touch. However, the dial is mostly a very minimalistic
affair, with just the Orient logo and the word “automatic” printed on it –
there’s isn’t even a date window.
A simple design calls for a
good-quality execution to make it work. Orient usually knows how to execute
simple designs on a budget, and the Flusso is no exception. Don’t expect luxury,
or an Orient Star level of finishing here, but for a Mako/Bambino range piece it
is satisfying. The case and bracelet are mostly finely brushed, while the bezel
and chamfers along the side of the case are polished.
Generally speaking, the
watch achieves its main goal, offering a flowing integrated bracelet design
that is simple enough but offers just enough character to set it apart.
How It Feels
The Flusso feels reasonably
hefty and solid, as one would expect from a watch with a steel bracelet that
starts out with wide links. At 141 g, it’s about the same as the aforementioned
Tissot and Citizen.
The bracelet is satisfactory
at the price level. The single-piece links mesh nicely without hair-pulling. It
does not include half-links, but the clasp offers one micro-adjustment, equivalent
to something like a 1/3 link. The clasp itself, of the trifold buckle type, is comfortable
and not bulky.
The rugged feel of the
watch, along with its 100m of water resistance, sapphire crystal and utilitarian,
no-frills design, make it a suitable daily beater.
Case dimensions also make
it a versatile piece, measuring 39mm wide and 47mm long. The lug width
starts at 24mm, and tapers down to around 19mm (while the clasp width is 20mm).
Interestingly, the watch thickness is listed as 10.9mm on Orient’s website, but
early publication indicated it was 11.5mm. Well, I measured it: it really is
11.5.
The Bottom Line
Costing less than a Quartz PRX
(and way less than the automatic ones) the Flusso is perhaps better compared to
the Citizen, which is also more expensive but by a much smaller margin. The
Citizen offers a more elaborate bracelet design, and a date window, while its
movement offers a lesser accuracy (+40/-20 sec per day, vs. Orient’s +25/-15
sec) and it is only rated to 50m.
The PRX, meanwhile, offers
a movement with superior specs (power reserve and accuracy), but at a considerably
higher price point and without noticeably better build quality.
Possibly, then, the Orient
would appeal more as a practical, robust, go-anywhere watch, while the Citizen
offers a more refined look as office wear, and the Tissot would appeal to those
who are willing to pay a bit of a premium for a touch of Swiss-Made.
All in all, welcome to the
integrated-bracelet-sports-watch game, Orient. A bit late, but with a valid
entry ticket and, most importantly, a good watch.
The blog would like to thank Orient – Epson Europe for providing us this watch for review.
