New diver choice? One or the other or both?
I'm the proud owner of a teal Kamasu. Still on its standard bracelet ( I know). Had it just on a year, wear it a lot and it keeps great time and attracts complements from both enthusiasts and non watch people who have mostly never heard of Orient.
Although rhe Kamasu is effectively the successor to both the Ray 2 and Mako 2 I find myself repeatedly looking at both to purchase. They seem to have a large fan base despite the mineral glass and inexpensive bracelets.
So I find myself unusually with a bit of spare cash.
I'm only looking at these two orient divers.
Which one to get?
The Ray 2 with its obvious leanings to the submariner yet retaining a distinctly Japanese feel?
Or the Mako 2 with its almost Explorer like dial ( I know numerals on a diver?) The less usual of the two and still uniquely Japanese?
In the UK they can be had for 130 to 140 quid which to my mind is a bargain!
I like them both best in black so they can go with anything.
So fellow Crunchers and particularly Orient enthusiasts...
Ray 2 , Mako 2....or both?
An enthusiast and collector for two years. Got it worse now than when I fell down the rabbit hole! The more I learn the greater my affliction becomes... A particular interest in titanium divers and vi...
greetings fellow orient owner. the kamasu is my first mechanical watch and im proud of it. it is tough too i take it anywhere both land or underwater. regarding the question i would prefer ray than the mako from the aesthetic point of view
Thank you! I've worn my Kamasu in the sea frequently and also out to dinner! You really can't go wrong with an Orient diver? Annoying crown though!!
Yes I agree the Ray 2 looks more classic?
Thank you! I've worn my Kamasu in the sea frequently and also out to dinner! You really can't go wrong with an Orient diver? Annoying crown though!!
Yes I agree the Ray 2 looks more classic?
Absolutely, i changed the bracelet to miltat/ strapcode though as i didnt plan to purchase another diver so i think it is good to made it better. I want to change the insert too but its too expensive to import to my country. Its a shame, but it is a good watch
I was going to upgrade the bracelet on my kamasu but I find it comfortable and OK looking except for the stamped clasp which is a bit tinny, but I can live with it!
I've got both, put sapphire in um and a new bezel and insert for the Mako. Here's a few of the Orients
I was going to upgrade the bracelet on my kamasu but I find it comfortable and OK looking except for the stamped clasp which is a bit tinny, but I can live with it!
yes, the aftermarket bracelet isnt perfect (edges is too sharp for my taste) but the solid endlink and the milled clasp is a killer.
Buy ‘em both! Spoil yourself. 😃
Go with the Mako, I'd say.
I've got both, put sapphire in um and a new bezel and insert for the Mako. Here's a few of the Orients
Lovely! Sapphire would be the first upgrade defo!
Buy ‘em both! Spoil yourself. 😃
Yep I'm thinking that! Probably the Mako first but I just don't know!
Yeah I do like the blue one actually. Relative Time did a good review on it.
I have had my KAMASU RA-AA08 for a year. Wear it regularly. Changed bezel and applied a NATO strap. Splendid watch.
Wearing it as we communicate.
Yes lovely! You have the version 2 with the Ray like face. You can't go wrong with any of these really! Will probably get the version 2 at some point as well!
I have had my KAMASU RA-AA08 for a year. Wear it regularly. Changed bezel and applied a NATO strap. Splendid watch.
Wearing it as we communicate.
Different bezel though?
Different bezel though?
We changed the bezel, yes. I preferred the coin edge. TOUGH go to get it changed, but success.
The Mako 2 in blue is stunning. The bracelet is the weakest link (no pun intended). Strap code can sort you out there.
Yes still good value even if you factor in buying the bracelet!
I will take a look! Don't know how easy they are to source in the UK ?
Unfortunately, they are out of production for several years.
I got the Ray 2 a couple of months ago and I love it so that’s my vote!
It definitely wears smaller than 42mm but I wish either it had slimmer lug-to-lug or more taper on the bracelet. Bezel's also very stiff.
Such a looker though.
Sounds like you already got Orient Diver covered 🤔 Why not go for something else or save up in case something else becomes interesting?
I'm getting a Phoibos Apollo Titanium for Christmas from the Mrs. The Orient will be a bonus gift to myself!
It definitely wears smaller than 42mm but I wish either it had slimmer lug-to-lug or more taper on the bracelet. Bezel's also very stiff.
Such a looker though.
I'm leaning towards the Mako first I think!
I got the Ray 2 a couple of months ago and I love it so that’s my vote!
Such good value from a brand with history!
As a Ray 2 owner I’m biased. I like the clean dial without numerals way better
Many thanks for the advice and views fellow Crunchers!
So I'm getting both but a black Ray 2 first! Then at some point soon a blue Mako 2! Scratching my Orient itch for the time being!
Sounds like a great problem to have some extra cash burning a hole in the pocket... Have you considered modding watches? Might be cool to get one of the watches you mentioned and some watch-tinkering supplies, a new bezel or handset or bracelet to go along with it. Can't go wrong with two new watches either!
I've bought the Ray 2 first black face. Will get the Mako 2 blue face in the new year. Funnily enough have been thinking about getting into modding and these would be good watches to try out on. My mate Gareth @gasworks is modding a Mako 1 funnily enough.Definitely start with the strap and crystal!?
I've bought the Ray 2 first black face. Will get the Mako 2 blue face in the new year. Funnily enough have been thinking about getting into modding and these would be good watches to try out on. My mate Gareth @gasworks is modding a Mako 1 funnily enough.Definitely start with the strap and crystal!?
It's been a slow burn this one.
Almost there now... just need a date window frame. Unfortunately I think the only one available was in Lord Lucan's pocket when he rode away on Shergar 😕
I have a spare kidney if anyone wants a swap
A beautiful work in progress!
I don’t usually like numerals on a dial, but that does mean divers can be pretty similar looking — a shame, as my Bond/spy interests lean me towards divers. That and I don’t like taking my watch off, ever, so standing up to baths and showers is a borderline necessity.
I was eying up a Pagani 1729 (again about 130 on Amazon) or an Invicta 1953 (same again) as one was day/date with PO influence, and one was no-date and Connery era Rolex styled.
The Mrs surprised me and chose the Mako II, and following some wonderful delivery screw-ups, I have it and — really love it. Hollow end links or not, that strap is really nice. I may even prefer a pressed clasp, which probably makes me a heretic.
And those numbers on the dial?
Well, it’s a bit Planet Ocean, which is fun, and I am into my matte black. And day/date — just what I need, because I am crap at knowing what day it is a lot of the time. The bezel is a bit submariner, and a bit it’s own thing, and that suits me fine. I want to feel like Bond I guess, or at least — more than I want to feel like a guest surfer in Doc Marten. (Turns out whilst I like the idea of orange, and the colour in general, I am less of a fan of it on my actual wrist than I thought — I stopped wearing an orange rubber strap quite quickly, including for its looks)
The Orient looks serious and stylish, and that bezel inlay shape is very Shogun/Japan, whilst the logo itself feels very Hong Kong. A bit of a Clavell watch basically.
Interestingly my step sons girlfriend who knows nothing of watches literally grabbed my wrist to admire the new mako 2 so it definitely has kerb appeal!