Orient Star Watches Review: Versatility for Modern Ages

Watch enthusiasts must have heard about the name Orient Star every now and then. It’s one of the most popular watch brands in Japan. However, Orient Star and Orient are different lines catering to distinct preferences.

Compared to Swiss watches, Japanese brands often offer high-end watches at affordable prices. Orient Star is no exception to this. Marketed as the high-end version of the Orient’s mechanical lineup, the brand encompasses the modern watchmaking concept.

Those in search of luxury, innovation, style, and accessibility within one timepiece may consider the recommended Orient Star watches in this review. Let’s start this journey by getting to know how Orient Star became the powerhouse that it is today!

Introducing Orient Star

First introduced in 1951, Orient Star became the top rank within the Orient watch lines. The added “Star” in the name implies the efforts and ambition to transcend other mechanical watches in the galaxy. Not much has changed from Orient Star to this day. Watch enthusiasts can still delight in the classic and timeless design.

Even with the big ambition and craftsmanship excellence, Orient Star didn’t always race on a smooth road. On its path to success, the brand stumbled because of the unsuccessful efforts during the 1990s. As the crisis peaked in 2003, Seiko Epson gave a hand to Orient. Ultimately, Orient became Seiko Epson’s subsidiary in 2009 and finalized the union by merging with Epson in 2017.

Due to these changes, Orient has utilized parts of Epson to craft its watches while maintaining its in-house movements. Orient Star watches practically operate with movements based on original Orient calibers. Orient watchmakers put together all the movement components by hand to ensure authenticity and quality.

The harmonious synchronization between the Epson part and the Orient in-house movements results in high-end, accurate mechanical timepieces at affordable prices. Today, Orient Star has three diverse series under its banner. Here are each of their characteristics:

1. Orient Star Classic

For classic watch enthusiasts who adore an elegant and sophisticated design, Orient Star Classic may be the right series to dive into. Its simplistic and timeless approach doesn’t diminish the intricacy of every single part of the timekeeping mechanism. Safe to say, Orient Star Classic strikes the perfect balance of subtlety and refinement, a classic signature of Japanese watches.

2. Orient Star Contemporary

Versatility and durability are what make Orient Star Contemporary a fitting accessory piece for the modern day. A chic, innovative design can add prestige to the classic Orient Star take. What sets the Contemporary and Classic series apart is the presence of more colors and modern touches in the overall design.

In committing to crafting versatile timepieces, Orient Star Contemporary offers various options fitting for every occasion. Essentially, an Orient Star Contemporary watch can fit any setting, be it everyday activities, formal meetings, or weddings.

3. Orient Star Sports

Compared to the other series, Orient Star Sports offers a bolder look. When put side by side, the Orient Star Sports has the most distinct impression with its attention-demanding design. In this sports watch line, Orient Star accentuates the adventurous design and durability in demanding situations, especially during outdoor activities.

Read also: Top 4 Japanese Watch Brands that Make You Forget Swiss’ Craft 

What Makes Orient and Orient Star Different?

When talking about Orient Star, the existence of the Orient brand cannot be left out. Separating the Orient and Orient Star gives a clear divide between the regular and luxury line. Check out the following comparison to understand what differentiates Orient and Orient Star:

Orient Star Watches Review

Acknowledging the excellence of craftsmanship requires a closer look at each masterpiece. Hence, it won’t be fair to examine Orient Star as a brand without thorough reviews on select models. Among various models, Gnomon Watches has picked intriguing Orient Star timepieces to inspect. Here are the reviews:

1. Orient Star Avant-Garde Skeleton Blackout

For a valuable timepiece, the Orient Star Avant-Garde Skeleton Blackout doesn’t cost much. With less than $1,000, watch enthusiasts can add this magnificent Japanese skeleton watch to their vast collections. The stunning intricate dial work draws people in as it showcases the level of expertise of skeletonized cut-outs.

At 9 o'clock, the cut-out offers a clear view of the balance wheel underneath the sunburst black dial. Adding to the excellent openwork design, the second subdial feature at 6 o’clock optimizes the watch’s functionality and balances the aesthetic. The stunning dial is protected by the flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating.

To match the openwork dial, the screw-in case back reveals the in-house caliber F6F44. This exclusively made automatic movement which powers Orient timepieces has a 50-hour power reserve and 21,600 bph.

The avant-garde design of the dial is encompassed safely by the stainless steel case measuring 43.2 mm in width and 13.7 mm in height. To accentuate the sleekness and optimize durability, the watch features a matching black screw-in crown, offering 100 m water resistance.

Price: $970.00 USD

2. Orient Star Diver 1964 2nd Edition Turquoise

Diver watches at affordable prices with stylish designs are not difficult to get. The stunning turquoise dial of the Orient Star Diver 1964 2nd Edition reminisces the 60s-era visual design language.  Equipped with 200 m water resistance, the watch is safe to wear for an underwater escapade.

On the surface, the turquoise dial reveals the striking gradation effect.  This design choice is inspired by the Ryusendo Cave, a 4-km Japanese cave complex that contains eight underground lakes.  A fitting piece for the modern era, the diver watch measures 41 mm in diameter, allowing easy grip during an underwater activity or when wearing a glove for any outdoor occasion.

Besides comfort, the elegant Orient Star diver watch is powered by the in-house automatic movement, F6N47 caliber. Utilizing this movement helps the watch maintain its accuracy and last longer with a power reserve of more than 50 hours.

Price: $977.00 USD

3. Orient Star Mechanical Contemporary 38

Though appearing under the Contemporary series, the Orient Star Mechanical Contemporary features a sporty 38.5 mm SUS316L stainless steel case. The sophisticated case is paired with a push-pull crown which secures the watch’s durability with a 100 m water resistance. As a high-end line, the watch case gets the byzantine satin-brushed and polished finishing treatment. Meanwhile the watch back and bezel gets full polishing and high-gloss polish each.

The stunning earthy sunburst ice blue dial has a textured finish to elevate the dial’s overall aesthetic. A date display at 3 o’clock presents practicality without sacrificing legibility, effectively balancing the watch’s sophistication and functionality. The F6N43 caliber is tastefully displayed through the screw-in case back. It has a power reserve of 50 hours with 21,600 bph. 

Price: $538.00 USD

Read also: Citizen Watches Review: An Unyielding Force of Watchmaking 

4. Orient Star Contemporary Semi Skeleton Mother Of Pearl Burgundy

The Orient Star Contemporary Semi Skeleton Mother of Pearl Burgundy embodies an elegant beauty. Its magnificent burgundy mother-of-pearl pairs with the semi-skeleton design to create an alluring impression. To ensure protection, the stunning dial is covered with a flat sapphire crystal. Aside from protection, the crystal allows the dial to appear more glamorous.

The cut-out at 9 o’clock reveals the beating heart of the watch. Matching the extravagant dial is the lumed dauphine hands, metallic rims, and the rose gold-tone power reserve indicator. As the last touch, the applied indices give an extra score for the overall sophistication.

At 39.3 mm in diameter, the watch suits various wrist sizes. Paired with a 20 mm stainless steel bracelet with brushed and polished finishes, the burgundy timepiece makes a perfect everyday wear accessory. Through the case back, the in-house F6R42 automatic movement showcases the seamless mechanism with a power reserve of 50 hours and 21,600 bph. 

Price: $598.00 USD

5. Orient Star Mechanical Classic Semi Skeleton Ladies Light Blue

Light blue is often synonymous with snowy landscapes and winter air. This soft color has a particular charm that ladies love. In the Orient Star Mechanical Classic Semi Skeleton Ladies Light Blue, the color plays a vital role in accentuating the contemporary aesthetic. With a comfortable size of 30.5 mm in diameter, ladies can wear the watch for everyday use.

To give a definition, the rose gold color is applied to the bezel and edges. It makes the sunburst light blue skeletonized dial with the cutout at 9 o’clock look more sophisticated. From the see-through case back, watch enthusiasts can observe the intricate mechanism of the 55C22 automatic movement. It has a 40-hour power reserve and 21,600 bph.

All in all, the delicate light blue watch is a stunning choice for everyday wear—except for intense underwater activities as it only has 50 m water resistance.

Price: $435.00 USD

6. Orient Star Mechanical M34 Mother Of Pearl Blue

Measuring 40 mm in width, the Orient Star Mechanical M3M Mother of Pearl Blue is a fitting practical accessory for everyday wear. The solid SUS316L stainless steel case offers decent durability. Adding to that is the push-pull crown which grants the watch a 100 m water resistance.

The mother-of-pearl blue dial pairs beautifully with the applied faceted metallic hour markers. Aside from the skeletonized cutout at 9 o’clock, the watch features a fan-shaped power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. At its opposite is the sub-second dial clad with metallic trim, striking a balance of the contemporary dial. At the back, the in-house F7F44 caliber powers the watch, offering a 50-hour power reserve and 21,600 bph.

Price: $898.00 USD

7. Orient Star Sports Semi Skeleton Cappuccino

A sports watch with a semi-skeleton design and a 43.2 mm diameter makes a nice addition to a watch collection. The Orient Star Sports Semi Skeleton Cappuccino gives a luxury impression from the get-go with its byzantine satin-brushed finishing and full-back polishing. To ensure durability, the SUS316L stainless steel case is paired with the SUS316L PVD steel bezel. For the insert, the black bezel uses aluminum which rotates smoothly in a counterclockwise direction.

Underneath the sapphire crystal is the warm sunburst coffee brown dial. Just like the previous model, the cappuccino dial bears the semi-skeleton design with the cutout at 9 o’clock and a fan-shaped power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. The F6R42 caliber powers the watch, offering a 50-hour power reserve and 21,600 bph.

Price: $714.00 USD

Final Thoughts

Orient Star watches cover multitudes of modern-day timepiece variations. From the classic to the sports, every piece bears the unmistakable signature of one of the popular Japanese brands in the watchmaking industry today. As the name indicates, the Orient Star strives to become the shining beacon in the universe of affordable luxury.

Watch enthusiasts or casual watch wearers can pick the Orient Star watch that suits their preferences. The skeletonized design may attract most contemporary watch collectors, but the admiration can go beyond the delicate cutout. From the in-house movements to the carefully picked materials that go together harmoniously, Orient Star is a delight to have within a prestigious watch collection.

Read also: Top 7 Orient Watches You Can Add to Your Watch Collection