Orient Ray II review - the one that REALLY got the ball rolling for me

My first review on WatchCrunch!

I'm not a professional writer or reviewer, but I'll say a bit more than "it's a great watch, you should buy it" 😉

This was the first watch that really started me down the slippery slope of watch collecting. It popped up in my FB Marketplace feed as I was browsing. Clearly, my phone was listening to all the dialog that was audible from the watch review videos I had been viewing.

The price was good, so I reached out to the seller to ask the questions that one should always ask a re-seller. Has it been serviced? Are all the parts original? Etc. The seller answered all my questions, and we set up a time to meet. Talking with him and seeing the watch sealed the deal. Came with all the original box and packaging, etc. I was happy to give him his asking price of CAD$140. I just needed to get it re-sized. Stopped by my watch maker on the way home, and now it fits my 7 inch wrist perfectly.

This was in April 2023, and the start of my addiction. Everyday, I'd be watching and discovering new brands, watch types, etc. Teddy was a go-to for lots of content and info, but a lot of the stuff he does isn't what I consider "wallet friendly". Then, I found Jody, and jumped down the rabbit hole that is Pagani Design. But, that's another story, for another review.

The lume caught me by surprise the first time I came in from outside. I didn't quite expect it - I had gotten used to my smartwatch always being off, or with a boring face.

The bracelet feels good, but I'm also getting used to the bling/shiny aspect of it compared to something with a leather or rubber strap. I'm a t-shirt/jeans guy, and rarely "dress up". But, my wife assures me that a bit of bling can add to any wardrobe choice. Today I wore it out to visit a farmers market, and it blended in with what I wore. It was sunny too, and I found myself admiring it as I held the steering wheel while driving there. Still, I think I'd like to try a different strap. Apparantly, that's a different sort of rabbit hole!

A lot of reviewers talk about the small crown size. I've got chubby fingers, and I don't find that it's hard to grip as some have mentioned. However, there are a few days that I wish it was a BIT bigger.

The dial looks great. The printing is sharp. The proportions of the hands and indices work. Nothing to my eyes looks "wrong". Back to the bracelet - I'm not a huge fan of the clasp. I'd prefer one that snaps closed in one motion, instead of the snap/flip style that's on there now. I get that it makes it extra secure, but I find that my chubby fingers are always having a hard time with it.

Movement - I'm still learning about those. The models, specs, etc. I like that it's an auto, and that I can wind it manually - unlike the 2 Seiko 5 that I feel I have to wear if I'm too lazy to set them when they get wrist time.

I think that's all for this review. Yup, it's a great watch. Everyone should have a diver in their collection. You should buy one. And, if you don't like it, there's another newbie watch person who'll gladly buy it from you, and for probably what you paid. Just make sure you keep the box it came in. Nerds (like me) seem to appreciate that.