Two Broke Watch Snobs
Seiko vs Orient: Takeaways from 10 Years of Hands-On Testing
After a decade of reviews, we compare Seiko and Orient on design, performance, durability, and value to help you choose what's right for you.
Results for Orient
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Two Broke Watch Snobs
SJX Watches
Orient Star’s Manual-Wind Moon Phase is Slick and Silicon
The Orient Star M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding is the brand’s first manual-wind moon phase, and also the first in years with a solid dial, making it a refreshing change of pace from the brand’s usual fare that leans towards open-worked and occasionally over-designed styling. Initial Thoughts Excepting the vintage inspired Diver 1964, the M45 F8 moon phase is the most attractive watch in the Orient catalog to my eye. Most of the brand’s designs are too busy for my tastes, so these entries are a welcome departure that will certainly appeal to enthusiasts with more classical tastes. The moon phase disk itself, with mother-of-pearl inlay, is a highlight. And the absence of a seconds hand is a pleasant surprise, though the moon phase sub-dial feels naked without the traditional co-axial small seconds hand. Since the small seconds version of this calibre is not compatible with the moon phase module, Orient could have moved the Orient Star logo onto the sub-dial for more visual balance. Most importantly, this is a manually wound watch – with a competent movement – in a price segment where such things are hard to find. Looking at Japanese watches in particular, manual wind options from Grand Seiko and Credor are significantly more expensive, while Seiko, Orient, and Citizen dropped their entry-level manual watches years ago. Pleiades About two years ago, Orient Star reorganised its catalog by launching M Collections, a family of watches each named after astron...
SJX Watches
Orient Gilds the Retro World Map
Orient celebrates its 75th anniversary with a limited edition World Map, inspired by a 1969 fan favourite and priced under US$400. Distinctly retro in style, the World Map features an unusual world time arrangement using a striking map and rotating bezel for global time zones. It’s well priced and well made, and a break from the brand’s usual staples, which tend to be affordable but plain. Initial Thoughts It seems 2025 is a year of many anniversaries: Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, and of course, Orient. While never the most prominent Japanese watch manufacturer, Orient has built up a strong back catalog over 75 years, which includes the World Map. That said, I’d have preferred a reissue of the more formal looking World Trip, though I imagine the brand is saving that for the up-market Orient Star line. Beyond the watch, it’s important to remember that while Orient is a relatively small brand, it’s part of Seiko Epson, the company behind the Spring Drive UFA that made headlines this year (though a distinct entity from Seiko Watch Corporation that markets and sells Seiko and Grand Seiko watches). For the brand’s 60th anniversary, Orient equipped the Orient Star Skeleton with Japan’s first (and only) silicon escapement. With that in mind, it’s worth keeping an eye on Orient this year, as the brand has more to offer than just a pretty face. Post War Travel Ban and Boom In the aftermath of the Second World War Japan was devastated and isolated. ...
Fratello
Introducing: The Orient Stretto 75th Anniversary Collection
Orient marks its 75th anniversary with a new line in the Contemporary Collection - the Orient Stretto. The series launches with six models, split between three limited editions and three regular-production watches. The commemorative trio highlights the milestone with anniversary logos and engravings, while the standard trio secures the Stretto’s place in the permanent collection. […] Visit Introducing: The Orient Stretto 75th Anniversary Collection to read the full article.
Monochrome
First Look - The Orient Bambino 75th Anniversary Classic and Day-Night Come with Plenty of Vintage Soul and Modern Charm
For many watch enthusiasts, the Orient Bambino is a rite of passage, often a first mechanical watch that proves you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy heritage design and honest, in-house watchmaking. To mark its 75th anniversary, Orient has refreshed its popular Bambino lineup with new dial colours and two limited editions that […]
Fratello
Introducing: Two New Orient Star M34 F8 Date Watches With Out-Of-This-World Dials
Orient Star made its big comeback to Europe a few years ago. Since then, the brand’s M Collections have been taking center stage. While Grand Seiko draws inspiration from local nature, sometimes just outside its studio in Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture, Orient Star finds inspiration further afield. Much further indeed, as Orient Star bases its dials […] Visit Introducing: Two New Orient Star M34 F8 Date Watches With Out-Of-This-World Dials to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Orient Star introduces two new celestial dials for its contemporary M34 F8 Date
With dials inspired by meteor showers, these watches show what is possible in this accessible price point, with two options available. The post Orient Star introduces two new celestial dials for its contemporary M34 F8 Date appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Teddy Baldassarre
Orient Bambino Review: Still The Best Watch For $300?
Ah yes, the Orient Bambino. Over the years this is a watch that I have come to appreciate for what it represents to the broader horological universe, but I also respect the way Teddy, the man, and TEDDY, the business, have been able to truly platform this particular model over the years. Some time ago, for another publication, I penned an essay about the Orient Bambino Version 2 – the model with the applied Roman numerals at 40mm. I boldly proclaimed that, in the wake of the Seiko SKX’s discontinuation, that this watch was the new value king - the unsung best buy in truly affordable automatic watches I still believe that, despite the price creeping up a hair over $300 these days. Of course, the SKX did return in the form of the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series that we will be getting our hands on soon enough but the 42.5mm wide and 13.9mm thick case might trim the potential clientele. And it does cost more than the Bambino at $425. Today, we are looking at two iterations of the Orient Bamino starting with the 40mm Bambino v2 in steel, with its white dial and blued hands. I own the edition with rose gold-toned touches. I actually bought it after writing the aforementioned article. And while I do not wear it a ton, it is one of the watches I appreciate most. It’s a sub-$300 watch that looks and feels like something at five times that price tag. I will also be looking at the 38mm version that was introduced last year as part of a trio on bracelet, an addition that gives the ...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Are These New Orient Mako Divers Better Than Your Favorite Seiko?
After getting into watches seriously, the Orient Mako was the diver that served as the gateway drug into this hobby. I know it was either that or a Seiko SKX for most of us but because of this, the Orient Mako will always have a special place in the collection. I still have it, it was my wedding watch, and that beautiful blue dial still gets me from time to time. Recently, the brand announced a set of anniversary models for their 75th anniversary and the dials just shot out in a way that was too appealing to not mention here on TBWS. Let's take a look at these new Orient Mako references RA-AA0823L and RA-AC0Q12L.
Monochrome
Introducing - Two Ice Blue Orient Mako Limited Editions for the Brand’s 75th Anniversary
First released in 2004, the Orient Mako quickly became a hit, for it was a compelling take on the dive watch at a very accessible price. This competitor to the Seiko SKX Series, 5 Sports series or Citizen Promaster Marine and Challenge Diver. It is, from a value standpoint, one of the best automatic dive […]
Two Broke Watch Snobs
These New Orient Star Layered Skeleton Colors Are Flashy-in a Way That Actually Works
Orient Star’s been around nearly as long as Orient itself, but unless you’ve really dug into their catalog, it’s easy to miss just how far they’ve stretched over the years. The sub-brand’s usually the more polished sibling-slightly dressier, slightly more experimental-and this year, with its 75th anniversary humming in the background, they’re dialing up some seasonal flair with two new versions of the Layered Skeleton.
Hodinkee
Orient Star Timepieces Shine On
In celebration of its 70th Anniversary, watchmaker Orient Star debuts a series of compelling new timepieces that can only be described as “celestial.”
Hodinkee
Celebrating Orient Star
Japanese craftsmanship and style combine to create a unique experience for Orient Star's 70th Anniversary.
Hodinkee
Orient Star M Collection - Heaven and Earth
Orient Star’s new M34 F7 Semi Skeleton and M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase models combine cosmic inspiration with in-house automatic movements.
Monochrome
Introducing - Light, Summery Colours for the Orient Star Layered Skeleton
Founded in 1951, only one year after the creation of the Orient Watch Company and owned since 2001 by Seiko Epson, Orient Star is the higher-end collection of the Japanese watchmaker, which celebrates this year its 75th anniversary. This year, the brand expands its contemporary collection with two new colours for the Layered Skeleton model, […]
Fratello
Hands-On With Two Orient Bambino LEs Celebrating The Brand’s 75th Anniversary
The Orient Bambino was many watch hobbyists’ first mechanical timepiece. Its classic looks punch much higher than its affordable price point, and the exhibition case back tickles the hearts of many new enthusiasts. This year, Orient celebrates its 75th anniversary. For that occasion, the Japanese watch manufacturer introduced two limited-edition models of the Bambino with […] Visit Hands-On With Two Orient Bambino LEs Celebrating The Brand’s 75th Anniversary to read the full article.
Monochrome
Introducing - Orient Introduces Its First-Ever Collaboration with Peanuts, with 4 Snoopy-Themed Models
As we’ve seen recently, Orient, a Japanese watchmaker owned by the Seiko Epson Corporation, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Created in 1950, it has since made a name for itself in the accessible segment with watches such as the Mako or the Bambino. There’s another important name that was created that same year; a […]
Monochrome
Introducing - The Orient Bambino Flaunts New Dial Colours and Limited Editions for its 75th Anniversary
If you ask about affordable Japanese mechanical watches, most people will cite Seiko and Citizen as incontestable powerhouses. However, Orient, another Japanese watch brand owned by the Seiko Epson Corporation, is a force to contend with when it comes to value for money. Founded in 1950, Orient is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with […]
Monochrome
Introducing - The Limited Edition Orient Bambino 38 Models
Japanese watchmaker Orient is one of those rare brands that produce in-house models at very affordable prices, rivalling and often beating Japanese juggernauts Seiko and Citizen with value propositions. The best-selling Bambino series is clearly very popular, particularly the recent 38mm collection. The latest two pieces don’t break the mould, but do introduce fresh dial […]
Fratello
Introducing: The Orient Bambino 38 With Sportier, More Casual Attire
Last year, I had a hands-on experience with the fun and affordable Orient Bambino 38. The watches were limited editions and available in four colors, each with a brown nubuck leather strap. To me, they seemed quite dressy with their soft pastel colors and the relatively formal-looking strap. Now Orient tries to make the Bambino […] Visit Introducing: The Orient Bambino 38 With Sportier, More Casual Attire to read the full article.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Orient Bambino 38 Expands with Fresh New Colors and Versatile Steel Bracelet
While Orient's Bambino series has built its reputation as an ultimate bang-for-the-buck final destination for every automatic dress watch wannabe, the new additions to the Bambino 38 collection only further reinforce this claim. In 2022, the company released a baby Bambino in the form of the Bambino 38-a slightly smaller and unisex version of the rather notably famous 40.5mm sibling-still aiming at that smaller customer group wanting something dressier, a bit more versatile, and refined. Now, with three new dial colors and a steel bracelet hitting the market, the Bambino 38 has some serious potential to wow a fresh new audience.
Monochrome
Introducing - The Affordable Orient Bambino 38 in three new fresh colours
The concept of “value proposition” is pretty hard to define… It all depends on who’s looking at it, what budget you’re capable of putting on a watch and also what you consider great value for the money. With the Bambino series by Orient, there’s objectively no such debate. “A watch that brings the idea of […]
Time+Tide
The ultimate Orient watch guide that demystifies the popular entry-level brand
While you might've heard of the Bambino or Mako, Buffy brings you the full-low-down on Orient.The post The ultimate Orient watch guide that demystifies the popular entry-level brand appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Introducing: The New Orient Bambino 38 Small Seconds
At the end of last year, I went hands-on with the colorful new versions of the Orient Bambino 38. I was surprised by how much value these watches packed for their very affordable price. The Fratelli in the comments were also impressed. Now the Japanese brand is introducing a more formal Bambino 38. Its four […] Visit Introducing: The New Orient Bambino 38 Small Seconds to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Orient Introduces the Bambino 38 Small Seconds
A budget-friendly dress watch, the Orient Bambino is robust and usually priced well below US$300, making it a good option for the entry-level or budget-minded watch enthusiast. Now, the Japanese watch brand added the Bambino 38 “Small Seconds” to the range. Offered in steel or a gold-plated finish, the new Bambino combines a compact case with a retro-style dial featuring a sub-seconds at six and Roman numerals. Initial thoughts The Bambino in its many variants is a compelling value proposition, marrying good quality with an attractive design. It’s the Orient equivalent of the Seiko 5. The model’s past designs have been a mixed bag, while the new Small Seconds is a more cohesive design. The latest iterations, particularly the silver dial, evoke 1930s watches with the railroad minute track and alternating baton-and-Roman markers. However, as is sometimes the case with vintage-inspired designs, this would benefit from revamping of the date, which is practical but gets in the way of the design. Aside from the cosmetic enhancements, the Bambino 38 Small Seconds retains the same in-house calibre as its predecessors, a no-frills movement that isn’t pretty but adequate given the model’s affordability. Retailing for US$344 for the steel models and a $24 hike for the gold-plated version, these remain commendable value propositions. A vintage-inspired dress watch The latest addition to the Bambino collection incorporates many elements from the existing models. It inhe...
Monochrome
Value Proposition - The Unbeatably Priced & Dressy Orient Bambino 38 Small Seconds
There is a vast swathe of the watch market awash with affordable watches, models that really deliver a lot of bang for the buck. But how many well-built, well-designed mechanical watches out there can you get for under 300 euros? Not many (the sporty Citizen Tsuyosa Automatic is a serious contender too). Producing watches that […]
Fratello
Introducing: The Orient Star M34 F8 Date With A Dial Pattern Inspired By Meteor Showers
I would be lying if I didn’t admit to being a big fan of Japanese craftsmanship, especially the emphasis on artfully inspired dials. Orient Star is the top-tier division of big-box brand Orient, a well-known entity if you’re already into watches. The biggest draw is that Japanese brands have a particular design mindset and quality […] Visit Introducing: The Orient Star M34 F8 Date With A Dial Pattern Inspired By Meteor Showers to read the full article.
Fratello
Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €1,000 - Thor’s Picks From Seiko, Orient, And Farer
It may seem like an odd starting point, but with this €1,000 budget, I’m making a concerted effort to put myself in the shoes of a budding watch lover. And to be honest, I have a lot of baggage with my value-driven collecting focus. Seiko watches still represent great value, so one of those will […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €1,000 - Thor’s Picks From Seiko, Orient, And Farer to read the full article.
Fratello
Introducing: The Orient Star M Collections - A Different Take On Japanese Top-Shelf Horology
If you’re already into watches, Japanese brands have a different design mindset and offer big value. Orient Star is a brand you’ll think of if you’re a seasoned watch geek like me, especially if you actually remember watch forums (ask your dad or an uncle). Most brands have a lot to offer, but with microbrands […] Visit Introducing: The Orient Star M Collections - A Different Take On Japanese Top-Shelf Horology to read the full article.
Deployant
New: Orient Star Avant-garde Skeleton
Orient Star releases two new Avant-garde Skeleton models as extensions to their Sports Collection. Now equipped with a movement with a silicon escapement.