Thoughts on Orient?
I'm into watches and I'm the kind who likes to actually wear them for the way it looks and works, not to flash it as a status symbol. This is why I only like to wear the brands that represent great value and they are Seiko, Casio, and Citizen aka Japanese Trinity. On the other hand, there's another brand that's a subsidiary of Seiko and that's Orient. I've never seen or heard about them back then not until the watch enthusiasts I'm following on YouTube showcase then periodically. Personally, their entry level Tri Star is almost like Seiko 5, but some of their designs are not to my taste. There are a few that catches my eye, but not as elegant as a Seiko (albeit some Seiko 5's look horrendous as well). Same goes for the Bambino, it's classy and elegant, yet I'd rather have a Presage. Orient Stars on the other hand are a different tier and these are stunning. Majority but not all are beautiful and this is where I've hit the crossroads. As a die hard Seiko person, is this subsidiary brand worth getting? I know it's all about preference, but I'd like to hear your thoughts and feedback.
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Great watches,here's my kamasu. Sapphire, lovely handset and one of the few watches that the day date works with the watch. Seikos in my opinion are getting overpriced, on the other hand most orient's seem underpriced(not that I'm complaining)
I have had an orient bambino for just over a week now.
I would say that if you don't like the look of any of their watches don't get one, if you see one you like but you see a Seiko or citizen that you would prefer more then save up your money and get one of those. I don't think you should buy a watch just to say that you own a watch from that brand.
If you really like the look of a specific orient star and you would like to get it then I think it is worth getting.
The original version of the Triton. For VFM and wrist presence this is a crazy good ISO rated divers.
Like @Stricko I’ve also got an Orient Kamasu
I’ve got to say that the Bambino never really did anything for me, but I’d put their divers up against most others in their price range.
I have had an orient bambino for just over a week now.
I would say that if you don't like the look of any of their watches don't get one, if you see one you like but you see a Seiko or citizen that you would prefer more then save up your money and get one of those. I don't think you should buy a watch just to say that you own a watch from that brand.
If you really like the look of a specific orient star and you would like to get it then I think it is worth getting.
Im trying to save up for those Orient Stars, they're more pricey than what I actually paid for my SRPB41. Thanks for the feedback.
Great watches,here's my kamasu. Sapphire, lovely handset and one of the few watches that the day date works with the watch. Seikos in my opinion are getting overpriced, on the other hand most orient's seem underpriced(not that I'm complaining)
I have seen the recent trend in #seiko's pricing. And this is actually one of the ones that caught my attention from Orient.
The original version of the Triton. For VFM and wrist presence this is a crazy good ISO rated divers.
This reminds me of the Promaster Auto from Citizen with a power reserve, which is NICE 👍!
Like @Stricko I’ve also got an Orient Kamasu
I’ve got to say that the Bambino never really did anything for me, but I’d put their divers up against most others in their price range.
These Kamsasus are getting more of my attention now.
I do not own one myself, but they’re fantastic pieces. Remarkable value.
Orient is pretty under appreciated to most. They offer good value versions of some Seiko models. The Kamasu line is like a better version if the new Seiko 5 sports with better accuracy and specs. The Bambinos are like cheap Presages, especially the ones that have 4r movements. The Tristars have never been worth much to me as they have next to no water resistance and the looks are ok at best. Their field watches and some “everyday” type watches like the Maestro are pretty nice, if only because some comparable Seiko models are hard to find. Orient Star is kind of a mixed bag for me. The base models are nice, but I am not one for skeletonized dials so the ”upper end” ones fall a bit flat for me.
Overall: they have some nice watches and some meh watches. They tend to fall above entry level Seiko for most of the line up, having much better specs for money. They fall well below the Seiko Luxe Lineup aside from some specific Orient Star pieces. Well worth a shot if you want that sweet spot that SKX models used to fill with price to performance, other than that it really depends on the models you are looking at and what you are prioritizing.
Im trying to save up for those Orient Stars, they're more pricey than what I actually paid for my SRPB41. Thanks for the feedback.
I want to start saving up for is the Seiko SRPG63, I don't own a Seiko but I want to.
I love my orient!!! I have the m force in orange and it is reliable tough just a all around great watch. I have had mine for years with no issues. 💪👍
Orient Kamasu, for me, represents the best choice for dollars spent. Fit and finish are outstanding, the sapphire crystal and the movement specs are superb. The bracelet is OK but adequate for your investment. I upgraded my bezel. Not necessary tho. Nothing personal, but I love this watch.
These Kamsasus are getting more of my attention now.
Get 1 you won't be disappointed
Orient is in my opinion very underrated. I really think they occupy the price tiers that seiko used to be prominent in , in terms of quality and value for money. I own a few seikos but one of my favourite watches is my Kamasu.
1st photo is reminiscent of a Presage. These Bambinos look a tad bit different from what I've seen.
Good call. They are very presage like, except without the fancier dials. The ones I posted are from the Gen 2 collection. 40mm.
I fall in love with Orient Star. The built quality, the design, worth trying!
Really like that particular watch and have not seen it before, can you provide the model number?
Great. that quality and cool designs for reasonable prices- what’s not to like? I have 2,and I bought one for my brothers 50th birthday.
Sadly the micro brands can make a better spec'd Seiko watch for less money and still make them pretty. Long Island watch for one. Sapphire and better bracelets equipped with killer dials at half the price.
Weirdly enough, my watch journey started with Orient Ray II Raven. I haven't bought it, just tried that on in a store. It was so nice and black. But I got a different first watch in the end. Since that my watch set has expanded to 8 watches and I try to find some place for Orient there, but simply cannot. I understand the Kamasu, but don't love it in person, I love the Orient Star diver but it is just too big for me with its 44 mm. I'm not a dress guy and a Bambino was never an option. As for the Ray II Raven. My tastes changed and I don't really like that anymore. So Orient made me fall in love with watches, but never been too close to my heart.
I like my Bambino a lot. Awesome classic design, accuracy 7 seconds a day, great value for money.
First, Orient is no subsidiary. They’re under the Epson side of the house and operate completely independently. The factory employs just over 700 people in a little town in Abita Prefecture a couple hundred miles northwest of Tokyo. That being said, I’ve got 3 Orients: Ray 2, Disc Rainbow (JDM) and a vintage Crystal from ~1975. They’re fantastic watches for the money with much better finishing than comparable Seiko models, higher accuracy, and extremely durable. Orient makes very good divers and the lume is on par or better than some of the best Swiss watches (my Ray outshines even my Tissot SeaStar 2K). They get even better when you check out the Star line. Once you buy one Orient, you’ll never stop 😄
Really like that particular watch and have not seen it before, can you provide the model number?
Mine is WZ0151ER
Love my Orient's
Orient makes some very solid pieces, even their entry level stuff is very good, i have some 10+ years old quartz Orient watches and all the service i needed to do all this time was just replace the battery.
Love um too, starting modding with Orients
Orients are fantastic value for the price, but don't expect any support from Orient after-purchase, at least not for free. My Orient Maestro (F6722 movement) went through a few issues (albeit probably my fault) that caused it to run faster than spec. When I went to them a month after my 1-year warranty expired, they said they couldn't cover anything. You won't regret buying one though, just find a design that you like.
Orient is a good brand with a great heritage. The produce their own movements and their dive watches are a great entry if you wanna have an afforable piece.
Their dress watch especially the Bambino are awesome. Anymore who wants an affordable dress watch and start with the Bambinos as there are so many options out there. Not forgetting the latest 38mm version too.
I've been using a Orient Triton recently and it's mostly flawless for the price payed.
Keep in mind that it has gone out of production 2 years ago.
I love the power reserve complication and I see nothing but affordable quality related to the brand.
From what I've seen, most users gravitate towards the Kamasu (diver) or the Bambino (dress)
Now I did say "mostly" and the reason is that the Bezel Spring broke even thou I did not use it much. Tried to get it in for warranty but they wanted to change the whole case and charge me 150usd -ish.
Thankfully for us, the internet is a thing and I found out that the Bezel Spring from the Seiko SKX fits the Triton as-well as the Orient Kamasu. Apparently this whole bezel spring braking is somewhat of a common issue. So I ordered one for 10$ and 20$ shipping ofc. So the problem will be fixed... I hope.
Obviously, the Bezel Spring Braking is not a sign of quality but I don't see it as something that should put you off the brand and I'd still gladly recommend Orient.
Great watches! I have 4 Orient watches!