Review: Orient Symphony IV (the underrated Orient)
When someone mentions Orient, it’s often the Bambino or the Kamasu that comes to mind. What if I told you there was a sleeper pick that offers the sapphire glass of a Kamasu with the dress aesthetics of a Bambino? Let me introduce you to the Orient Symphony IV.
Here is a quick look at its specs:
- In-house F6722 automatic caliber
- -15 to +25 seconds per day
- Hand-winding and hacking
- 40 hours of power reserve
- Date function at 3 o’clock position
- Exhibition caseback
- Sapphire crystal
- Stainless steel case and bracelet
- Push/pull crown
- 50m water resistance
- 41.6mm case diameter
- 48.3mm lug-to-lug length
- 11.7mm case thickness
- 22mm lug width
- Typically retails around 200 USD or less
The specs on this dress-style watch at an affordable price of 200 USD is ridiculous , especially for its sapphire crystal and 50m water resistance. The exhibition caseback is also a nice touch, while still having a very thin 11.7mm case thickness. This average-sized watch fits well on my 6.5 inch wrist with little to no overhang.
The accuracy is fair for the price of this watch, especially when compared to its Seiko counterparts. Anecdotally, my watch runs +10s fast a day. Having a date function is useful too. Simply put, it’s a watch that works well enough.
The dial is rather well balanced, with simple roman numerals and a slight sunburst effect. The awkward “water resistance” wording that has plaqued most Bambinos has unfortunately found its way onto this Symphony, but it’s not a deal breaker for me.
It is important to note that there are no micro-adjustments and half links available, so you may not find the perfect fit on your wrist. Thankfully, the simple dial design and 22mm lug width allows for plenty of flexibility on strap options!
If this white and silver colourway isn’t your cup of tea, the Orient Symphony IV also comes in 4 other colourways, with slight differences in the dial colour and strap materials.
Overall, this watch is perfect if you are looking for a durable dress watch without breaking the bank. I also highly recommend it as a first automatic watch for novice collectors who want something at great value but not so common that it is on everyone’s wrist. Cheers!
Review: Orient Symphony IV (the underrated Orient)
Yes
No
- Sapphire Glass
- Simple and versatile design
- Great value for its specifications
- Lack of micro-adjustments
- May be too large for those with small wrists
- Not easily found in all countries/regions
Researcher by day, watch forum hopper by night.
I’ve wondered why the Symphony doesn’t get more attention. A few times now I’ve compared it with the Tissot Le Locle and for various reasons ultimately choose neither. I really think the Symphony has the bang for the buck award between the two.
I’ve wondered why the Symphony doesn’t get more attention. A few times now I’ve compared it with the Tissot Le Locle and for various reasons ultimately choose neither. I really think the Symphony has the bang for the buck award between the two.
Funnily enough, I also considered the Tissot Le Locle, but settled on the Orient Symphony as I needed a no-nonsense and subtle office watch as I was a newcomer in my workplace. Absolute bang for your buck as you mentioned.
If they had this in 36 or 39mm it would be a hit
If they had this in 36 or 39mm it would be a hit
I believe the Bambino is their smaller dial. This bigger dial is perfect for us larger lads :) I love my Symphony, gorgeous dial.
@palfor03 @jdashberry is right, the bambino would be the option if you need a smaller case size, say 38mm. This 41.6mm case size works surprisingly well for my 6.5 inch “small” wrist though
If you want a really small symphony, there is a 32mm version that’s also automatic. May be a tad to small, but just letting you know the option is there.
OS, akin to many of the Swatch brands, just cannot get their case width down to a reasonable size. Sadly.
OS, akin to many of the Swatch brands, just cannot get their case width down to a reasonable size. Sadly.
Indeed, their large sizes really do shrink their potential client pool. Many microbrands are stepping up to offer reasonably sized watches and they’re gaining traction!
Is it true Hugh Laurie - The actor has been seen wearing an #orient Symphony?
Is it true Hugh Laurie - The actor has been seen wearing an #orient Symphony?
Hmm, I did a little digging, it seems that he usually wears a Hamilton Khaki field, especially on the TV series “House”.
Hmm, I did a little digging, it seems that he usually wears a Hamilton Khaki field, especially on the TV series “House”.
Got it. thanks Robin.