Orient Star

Orient Watch Company, Ltd. is a traditional Japanese watch manufacturer located in Tokyo. They have been producing high-quality wristwatches and offering them at moderate prices since 1950. When it comes to functionality, reliability, and precision, the Orient Star collection takes the top prize. The collection is divided into three series: Classic, Contemporary, and Sports. Regardless of the model, Orient outfits each watch with one of their mechanical in-house calibers – something usually associated with much more exclusive and expensive brands.

Select Orient Star watches have additional complications like a power reserve indicator, small seconds, moon phase display, or a second time zone. There are also skeletonized editions with an exposed balance wheel. While each model is made of stainless steel, there are editions with a gold or black coating available.

The watches in the Classic series measure between 30.5 and 41 mm in diameter, making them a fantastic choice for small and moderately-sized wrists. Contemporary and Sports watches come in similar sizes, though individual models go up to 44 mm in diameter. The ref. DJ00001B has a second time zone and is an example of a larger timepiece.

The Classic ref. DX02002S is a highlight in the Orient Star collection. This watch has a 39-mm stainless steel case; however, what makes it truly special is the skeletonized dial that offers a view of the manual Orient caliber 48E51 at work. This movement has central hour and minute hands, a small seconds at 6 o'clock, and a 50-hour power reserve. Like most Orient Star watches, it also comes with a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock so you always know when it's time to wind the movement.

The final watch is water-resistant to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft), meaning you can keep it on in the shower. Sapphire crystal on the front and back provides a clear look a the timepiece's inner workings. Orient mounts this model on a black alligator leather strap with a folding clasp. If you're interested in calling this watch your own, be sure to have around 2,600 USD on hand. Another option is the ref. DX02001C. This version is technologically identical to the previous model but has a gold-plated case. It costs about the same as its stainless steel counterpart and is currently difficult to find as a pre-owned timepiece.

Those looking for a water-resistant watch with a sporty design should check out the ref. RE-AU0301B. This 43.6-mm stainless steel timepiece is a genuine diving watch. Luminous white indices sit atop its black dial. The unidirectional diving bezel also has a black inlay with a white 60-minute scale. The automatic in-house caliber F6N47 ticks away inside the case and provides the watch with a 50-hour power reserve. This movement also features central hour, minute, and second hands, a date display at 3 o'clock, and a power reserve indicator at 12. The glow-in-the-dark hands are partially skeletonized to prevent obstruction of the displays.

With a depth rating of 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft), this is the perfect watch for everyday life. A three-piece link stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp holds the RE-AU0301B securely on the wrist. Prices for a never-worn model sit around 910 USD. The ref. RE-AU0303B is the exact same watch but with golden accents and a rubber strap. It also costs roughly 910 USD. Pre-owned pieces remain an uncommon sight.

The ref. AF02004W is one of the Classic family's most elegant members. Its case measures a moderate 38.5 mm in diameter – the perfect size for more delicate wrists. The light-colored dial has 12 applied indices that mark the hours. Inside the case, you'll find the automatic Orient caliber F6N44 with a date display at 3 and power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. The latter enables you to keep track of how much of the 40-hour power reserve remains. Thanks to the sapphire crystal case back, you can also view the movement from below. This timepiece can even join you in the shower thanks to its 50-m (5 bar, 164 ft) depth rating.

Orient ships this watch on a black leather strap with a stainless steel pin buckle. You can purchase a mint-condition version for about 570 USD. For something even more affordable, the ref. AF02002B is a great option. It has a black dial and stainless steel bracelet but is otherwise identical to the edition on a leather strap. Expect to pay about 110 USD less for this timepiece. Both models are currently rarely found pre-owned.

Watches with Roman numerals feel especially classic and elegant. This is especially true of the 38.7-mm Orient Star ref. EL09004W0. Its stainless steel case is water-resistant to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft) and houses the automatic Orient caliber 40N52, which you can view through the sapphire crystal case back. This movement comes with a 40-hour power reserve, a date display at 3, and a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. Tempered blue Breguet hands show the hours, minutes, and seconds. This particular reference has a white dial; however, you'll also find versions with a blue dial or gold-plated case. Orient pairs this edition with a black leather strap and pin buckle.

Prices for the variant with a white dial come in around 790 USD. If you're looking for a pre-owned watch, be prepared to search long and hard.