Orient Mako II Review
Unlike my other two watches, you probably have seen/own/heard of the Orient Mako II. For a good reason too; it's a great mechanical watch for under US$200. You probably have read/seen numerous reviews about this watch as well. Maybe you even wrote one yourself. So I'll skip the basic technical details about the watch, and focus on my experience with the watch so far.
When I saw the watch in person for the first time, I was taken aback. I'm not sure how to explain it, but compared to the fashion watches I own at this price range, the watch instantly looked and felt better built. The 3 o'clock marker was slightly misaligned but honestly it didn't and doesn't bother me very much so that was that.
This is my first sports watch with a black dial, and I guess I underestimated how stern it could look. The numeral indices also scream for attention, and so I found it hard to pair it with my more dressed up looks. In a way I think the blue dial might be more versatile than the black version.
But I also chose the black version because I wanted the legibility. And boy (or girl) is it legible! Lume is also great, but apparently not Seiko great. For me, it gets the job done, I can tell what time it is in the dark without any issues.
Interacting with the watch is probably the most disappointing part of this watch. The crown especially: I had experienced small crowns in the past but coupled with very tight crown guards, the crown is nigh impossible to manipulate on the wrist.
The bezel was quite rather difficult to turn at first too, but with use it seems to have 'softened' and has become much easier to use. However, it does sound like you're pulling a zip tie when you're spinning it.
The bracelet is good enough. But the jangling will make you want to buy that Strapcode real soon, even if it costs a half of the watch, give or take.
All in all, if you're looking for a mechanical beater watch, this is it. It's more a field watch with diving capabilities than a proper dive watch, but it's great. Seriously, besides a domed anti-reflective coating sapphire crystal, a better bracelet with micro-adjust, and more a clicky-bezel, what more could you ask for!
Orient Mako II Review
Yes
No
- Looks and feels more expensive that it actually is
- Legible, good size
- Versatile for most styles
- Mineral crystal
- Made me question myself on my money spending habits
- Could look too serious compared to Tag Heuer.
Armchair watch collector
nice review, my first mechanical watch was orient kamasu back in 2018 i think. i already change the bracelet to strapcode for more solid feel
nice review, my first mechanical watch was orient kamasu back in 2018 i think. i already change the bracelet to strapcode for more solid feel
Thank you! I think Orient divers are great entry points for new enthusiasts, as they're pretty good as-is stock and upgrades are usually available!
too bad i cant find a ceramic bezel insert. i really want to change them
Orient's divers are great, just like their dress watches. The Mako and Ray 2 can suit both a sportier and dressier occasion, and I consider my Ray a do-it-all, although I don't wear it all the time in favour of my other pieces
too bad i cant find a ceramic bezel insert. i really want to change them
Hope you find it soon! Did they stop making them? LIW seems to have just the bezels and no inserts.
Orient's divers are great, just like their dress watches. The Mako and Ray 2 can suit both a sportier and dressier occasion, and I consider my Ray a do-it-all, although I don't wear it all the time in favour of my other pieces
I also think the Mako can be dressed up just fine, I guess I don't find it congruent personally. Or maybe I just have the wrong suits 😂. I do believe the Ray will dress up better than the Mako though!
Man, Orient's crowns being tiny is no joke. My very first Orient is a Kamasu and unlike my other mechanical watches, I do not look forwards to setting or winding it! 😂
Man, Orient's crowns being tiny is no joke. My very first Orient is a Kamasu and unlike my other mechanical watches, I do not look forwards to setting or winding it! 😂
😂 At least it looks a little but more elegant!
too bad i cant find a ceramic bezel insert. i really want to change them
I know where
Man, Orient's crowns being tiny is no joke. My very first Orient is a Kamasu and unlike my other mechanical watches, I do not look forwards to setting or winding it! 😂
I’m with you on the Kamasu, the crown is awful, you nail it when you say you don’t look forward to setting it…….for that reason I’ve passed mine on.The original Mako was in my opinion a much better watch, it’s heavier, more substantial and the crown is larger and a dream to screw in. The lack of hand winding and sapphire has never bothered me, it’s accurate enough and you only have to look at it and it’s starts to tick. The crown at 2 oclock for me is beautifu.
Thanks for your review. I had a blue Mako II and it was a great watch. The bracelet broke but I replaced it with a solid Strapcode one. Looking to buy a Kamasu sometime soon.
Thanks for your review. I had a blue Mako II and it was a great watch. The bracelet broke but I replaced it with a solid Strapcode one. Looking to buy a Kamasu sometime soon.
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Looking to upgrade the bracelet soon too, how was the strapcode one? Kamasu I read is even better! Hope you enjoy it if you get it.
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Looking to upgrade the bracelet soon too, how was the strapcode one? Kamasu I read is even better! Hope you enjoy it if you get it.
The Strapcode bracelet Super-O "Boyer" was good but a little pricey.
Thanks for your review. I had a Mako II but "upgraded" it to a Kamasu. Both are great watches. I hope the bracelet on the Kamasu doesn't break like the one on the Mako did. Enjoy your watch.
Thanks for your review. I had a Mako II but "upgraded" it to a Kamasu. Both are great watches. I hope the bracelet on the Kamasu doesn't break like the one on the Mako did. Enjoy your watch.
Honestly if the Mako II breaks for whatever reason, I'd add a Kamasu too! Thank you 😁
Truth be told, in spite of all those little querks, I still find myself reaching for my blue Mako II most of the time...
It's the perfect GADA watch for me n there are days when I just wear it the whole day... Swim, work, dinner n all.
I find the bracelet totally fine though some day, I just might get a strap. Also, nothing works like magic like a drop of sewing machine oil in the gap to give that bezel a much smoother turn...
Oh n that heft, just feels Really comfy on my wrist. 😉
Well put indeed mate. Welcome to the Orient club! 😁