Some underrated and beautiful dress watches from Orient Star ⭐
Orient Star is quite a under the radar brand that most of us are not very familiar. It is essentially a premium offering from Orient with very good finishing and specifications while offering well-finished in-house movements at a relatively affordable price. There are quite a few models offered by the brand split between classic, contemporary and sports. The Orient Star watches are Made in Japan and the movements are hand assembled. The signature design of Orient Star is the power reserve indicator at 12 (not everyone's cup of tea but it is a nice complication for some).
In this thread, I wanted to focus on a few beautiful dress watches the brand offers right now. They seem to be available online in many markets through a few online retailers but you can still find most of them for some great prices on eBay and Jomashop.
The entry classic dress watch model is a simple and beautiful 38.5mm similar to the Bambino V1, which itself is inspired by the vintage Caltravas.
AF02005S
AF02004W
AF02001S
Case size-38.5mm | Lug to lug- 44mm | Lug width-20mm | WR-50m | Boxed mineral crystal | Cal.F6N44, 3hz, 40 hours
The second dress model is a classic Breguet-style dress watch. Dual textured Roman numeral dial and blued hands. The two steel models come with either a white or blue dial. The gold case model comes with an ivory dial. All three models are available only on alligator textured leather with Seiko presage style deployant clasp.
RE-AU0001S
RE-AU0002S
RE-AU0003L
Case size-38.7mm | Lug to lug- 46mm | Lug width-20mm | WR-50m | Sapphire crystal with AR | Cal.F6N44, 3hz, 40 hours | $499 currently on Jomashop
The final model is an IWC Portugieser-inspired design but with a small seconds complication. Available in a few variants and case finishes on both leather and bracelet. These make a wonderful and affordable alternative to the Portugieser.
RE-AW0005L (Rose gold case and accents with a blue dial)
RE-AW0001B
RE-AW0003S
RE-AW0004S
RE-AW0006S
RE-AW0002L
Case size-38.7mm | Lug to lug- 46mm | Lug width-20mm | WR-50m | Domed sapphire crystal with AR | Cal.F6G42, 3hz, 50 Hours
These models cost between $400-600 depending on the variant. Jomashop seems to have them available for sale right now or eBay has some decent deals through retailers from Japan.
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
Great looking series! You’re right in that they do have very strong Portugeiser vibes. I’d really dig the RE-AW0006S on a blue calfskin or gator strap.
Unfortunately I’ll never be able to wear Orient - reminds me too much of being a young kid in farm country Upstate NY where people would call me and the like one other Asian kid there “orientals”. Cringe
Orient Star makes some seriously impressive pieces!
I quite like their design signature of putting a small power reserve at 12 and logo at 6 with minimal text. Less text is always better in my book. 👏
I love the vintage styling of some of these, as well as choice of complications, in particular the PR
These watches are very handsome. I also think orient is underrated rated for sure. I mean most enthusiasts that have been collecting for a few years and have been around a few models can contest to the company and watch. Our side of that no one will understand why we are wearing a watch that says orient on it.
Great looking series! You’re right in that they do have very strong Portugeiser vibes. I’d really dig the RE-AW0006S on a blue calfskin or gator strap.
Unfortunately I’ll never be able to wear Orient - reminds me too much of being a young kid in farm country Upstate NY where people would call me and the like one other Asian kid there “orientals”. Cringe
Some great designs there.
Growing up in the UK, they called me Chinky, so I can safely get an Orient without being reminded of childhood racism.