Ever wondered why the brands Orient Star and Orient have such similar names? That is because the Orient Star is actually a sub-brand under Orient that offers fine, upscale watches that are all about sophistication and elegance. Orient Star has long been highly regarded amongst watch enthusiasts and collectors for its excellent Japanese craftsmanship and impeccably classy designs.
That said, while Orient Star has a respected reputation, it is a rather overlooked Japanese watchmaker. Instead, people tend to focus on bigger names like Seiko, Casio, Citizen, and the like. That is why, today, our mission is to show you why Orient Star should be on your radar. Read on to find out everything Orient Star has to offer.
A Brief Overview of the Orient Star
As mentioned, Orient Star is actually a sub-brand of Orient. Orient introduced the Orient Star back in 1951. Its goal was to showcase more upscale, luxurious timepieces that are out of this world. This concept is something that the sub-brand has consistently stuck to throughout the decades, accounting for its remarkable reputation today.
Orient Star watches are famous for their elegant complexity, which is what truly sets them apart from the standard Orient models. That said, you do not have to worry much about the cost of these Orient Star models. Despite their exquisite aesthetics that are on par with other more famous luxury brands, the Orient Star pieces all have very reasonable prices. You will never have to break the bank to get your hands on an Orient Star watch.
Orient Star Collections
There are currently 3 collections under the Orient Star sub-brand, namely: Classic, Contemporary, and Sports.
Orient Star Classic
As its name suggests, the Orient Star Classic is a collection that revolves around sophistication when it comes to both design and mechanisms. The watches in this line are a lovely combination of classy and high-performing. It is also a staple for those who want a traditional, elegant timepiece perfect for high-brow affairs. Because of these little details, the Orient Star Classic is often described as a timeless collection. It is full of quintessential pieces that will never go out of vogue.
Here are some of our favourite Orient Star Classic timepieces.
Orient Star Classic Ref. AF02002B
The first model on this list is the Orient Star Classic Ref. AF02002B. With its simple, traditional design, it perfectly represents what the Orient Star Classic collection is all about. It comprises unambiguous elements that exude timeless class, making it the ideal accessory for virtually any formal and smart-casual outfit.
This watch comes in a 38.5mm stainless steel case and a matching three-link stainless steel bracelet. Fitted on top of the case is a sapphire crystal. This keeps the watch face safe from any scratches or impacts. A jet-black dial strikingly contrasts against this all-silver exterior. This elegant dial shows off a very straightforward layout. It contains silver-tone dauphine hands, triangular hour indices, a small date window, and a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. Through the watch’s transparent case back, you can also see the excellent mechanical Cal.F6N44 movement that drives this watch.
The Orient Star Classic Ref. AF02002B has a price tag of $340 USD.
Orient Star Classic Ref. RE-AU0001S
Next up, we have the Orient Star Classic Ref. RE-AU0001S, which boasts the same classy look as the previous model, albeit with a more vintage influence. It is the perfect piece for all the modern men out there who have a strong affinity towards ageless, almost antique-looking timepieces.
This watch is housed in a 38.7mm gold-tone stainless steel case, paired with a lovely alligator leather strap in brown. It shows off a white sector dial, with the two sections of the dial each showcasing different exquisite finishes. The outer ring of the dial has a smooth white surface and bears slender Roman numeral markers. This adds to the vintage vibe of the whole watch. The centre of the dial flaunts a white guilloche pattern and contains long Breguet hands. You can also find a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and a compact date window at 3 o’clock. Driving this watch is the Japanese Cal.F6N44 mechanical calibre.
With its refined exterior that is perfect for any fancy dinner party, this watch retails at around $860 USD.
Orient Star Classic Ref. RE-AT0205L
For a more intricate and creative take on classic timepieces, check out the Orient Star Classic Ref. RE-AT0205L. This watch features a gorgeous, beautifully designed watch face that is bound to draw compliments from onlookers. Orient Star created this limited edition model in celebration of the sub-brand’s 70th anniversary. It is proof of Orient Star’s relentless commitment to the elegant horological craft.
This watch is presented in a 40.4mm stainless steel case coupled with a calfskin leather strap in blue. The dial of this watch is the unmistakable highlight. It shows off a stunning sunray blue finish that is peppered with snow-white flecks, meant to resemble a starry night sky. Aside from that, it also comprises embossed hour indices, narrow Roman numeral markers, spade hands, and a power reserve indicator. At 9 o’clock, you can find an open-heart aperture that gives you a close-up view of the watch’s movement, enhancing the artistry of this timepiece. Powering this watch is an automatic Cal.F6R42 calibre.
You can get your hands on this work of art for approximately $600 USD.
Orient Star Contemporary
The Orient Star Contemporary offers a selection of watches that emphasise more complex, modern designs. Each and every piece in this collection serves as a more stylish yet equally refined take on quintessential watches. With the Orient Star Contemporary, the sub-brand aimed to provide a diverse set of timepieces that can easily be paired with any attire and worn to all kinds of occasions. This is why all of the Orient Star Contemporary models are a perfect fusion of the classic and the modern.
Below are three gorgeous Orient Star Contemporary watches:
Orient Star Contemporary Ref. RE-RE-HJ0003B
First, we have the Orient Star Contemporary Ref. RE-RE-HJ0003B, which truly epitomises what this collection is about. This Orient Star watch stands out with its well-crafted complications and sophisticated dial. Those who enjoy sporty yet elegant timepieces will surely fall in love with the Orient Star Contemporary Ref. RE-RE-HJ0003B.
This watch utilises a 41mm stainless steel case paired with a matching three-link bracelet. Orient applies a careful polish to both the case and bracelet. This gives the exterior of this timepiece a lustrous gleam. A black semi-skeletal dial contrasts sharply against this all-silver exterior. This dial consists of applique hour indices, slender sword-shaped hands that sweep across the dial, a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and a small seconds counter which is outlined in a thick ring of steel at 6 o’clock. On the left side of the dial is the watch’s open-heart display. This gives you a glimpse of the self-winding Cal.F7F62 movement inside.
Priced at $1,020 USD, this watch serves as a more luxurious option for Orient Star patrons.
Orient Star Contemporary Ref. RE-AU0405E
For a more chic Orient Star option, check out the Orient Star Contemporary Ref. RE-AU0405E. This watch comes in a 42mm stainless steel case paired with a fashionable two-tone bracelet, with silver outer links and gold-tone inner links, all crafted from stainless steel. Fixed on the case is an ion-plated stainless steel bezel. This gold bezel blends perfectly with the alluring sunray green dial, creating a stylish watch face that can elevate any outfit. This forest green dial is decorated with gold applique indices, sharp dauphine hands, and a power reserve indicator. There is also a small date complication, also outlined in gold, at 3 o’clock.
Powering this watch is a hand-wound Cal.F6N43 movement, which comes with an extensive 50-hour power reserve. You can purchase this snazzy timepiece for around $710 USD.
Orient Star Contemporary Ref. RE-HK0005S
For a more simple yet still voguish timepiece, take a look at the Orient Star Contemporary Ref. RE-HK0005S. With its understated modern style, this is one of the most versatile pieces in the Orient Star Contemporary collection.
This watch is encased in a 40mm stainless steel case and coupled with an elegant alligator leather strap in black. The polished silver surfaces of its case go well with the clean white dial. This dial is also furnished with silver applique indices, a power reserve indicator, a small seconds subdial outlined in steel, and a compact date window at 3 o’clock. Aside from these, the dial also bears striking blued steel hands and a single pronounced Roman numeral at 12 o’clock, enhancing the stylish personality of this timepiece. Powering all these functions is a hand-wound Cal.F7F62 movement that boasts impressive Japanese craftsmanship.
Retailing at around $795 USD, this is an accessible option for those who want a deluxe timepiece at a budget-friendly price.
Orient Star Sports
The last collection under this Japanese sub-brand is the Orient Star Sports. This series is home to the most easily distinguishable models in Orient Star’s catalogue. Its purpose is to provide stylish yet sporty timepieces that can survive any challenge and accompany you on any adventure, whatever that might entail. The best thing about the Orient Star Sports line is how diverse it is, giving us even more options to choose from. If you are looking for a refined yet highly functional tool watch, this is the collection to check out.
Now, let us delve into some of the best Orient Star Sports models available.
Orient Star Sports Ref. RE-AU0202N
First off, we have the Orient Star Sports Ref. RE-AU0202N, which is more of an outdoor field watch rather than your typical sports timepiece. This timepiece is proof of the diversity in the Orient Star Sports collection, as it consists of more than just the usual sporty-looking pieces. Instead, it also has sturdy, multifunctional tool watches like this timepiece.
This Orient Star watch uses a 41mm ion-plated stainless steel in black coupled with a suave maroon leather strap. A grey dial completes this watch’s combination of muted colours. This dial follows a straightforward and highly legible layout. It comprises pronounced Arabic numerals, luminous hour indices, and thick sword-shaped hands. You can also find a compact date display at 3 o’clock, and a power reserve indicator on the upper half of the watch. Driving this watch is a hand-winding Cal.F6N43 movement.
The Orient Star Sports Ref. RE-AU0202N sells at around $860 USD.
Orient Star Sports Ref. RE-AT0104E
For a more rugged and traditional sports watch option, check out the Orient Star Sports Ref. RE-AT0104E. This watch is presented in a 43.2mm stainless steel case, with a comfortable black alligator leather strap. Placed on top of the case is a chunky black elapsed time scale bezel. This bezel has jagged gear-like edges that ensure wearers are able to grip and turn the bezel more easily.
The sector dial of this watch flaunts a sunray blue-green hue. The outer ring of the dial is smooth, adorned with rounded Arabic numeral markers, rectangular hour indices, and a minute track in white. The centre of the dial, on the other hand, boasts a textured surface. It is decorated with luminous blunt hands, and a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. It also has an open-heart aperture, which gives you a clear view of the mechanical Cal.F6N42 movement powering this watch.
This elegant yet robust Orient Star Sports watch sells at approximately $600 USD.
Orient Star Sports Ref. RE-AU0306L
Last but definitely not least is the Orient Star Sports Ref. RE-AU0306L, which is arguably a staple model for most established brands. You will immediately notice the resemblance this timepiece has to the iconic Rolex GMT-Master II. This watch is also referred to as the Rolex Pepsi, one of the most popular sports watches ever.
This timepiece utilises a 43.6mm stainless steel case and a matching stainless steel bracelet. Fitted on top of the case is a signature two-tone Pepsi bezel, with its attractive red and blue colourway. The watch’s deep blue dial, furnished with rounded hour indices and hands, along with a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and a small date aperture next to the 3 o’clock marker. Furthermore, Orient Star has generously coated lume on the hands and indices of this watch. This will light up the watch face in the dark. There is also an automatic Cal.F6N47 movement inside this watch
With an affordable price tag of around $625 USD, the Ref. RE-AU0306L should definitely be on your radar.
Orient Star Selling Points
If you need a little more convincing, here are some of the main reasons why Orient Star watches are worth adding to your collection.
- Mechanical Excellence. As expected from a Japanese brand, one of the most renowned qualities of Orient Star timepieces is its excellent mechanisms. Orient Star equips these watches with well-crafted complications that perfectly support them. These are Japan-made movements that each boasts unmatched quality and reliability.
- Timeless Design. Despite the clear distinctions among the three Orient Star collections, they all share a common denominator in showcasing ageless designs. Orient Star conceptualizes each and every one of its timepieces as being able to transcend time, which has led to a vast selection of elegant and versatile watches. If you want a watch that would look stylish even 20 years from now, Orient Star will not let you down.
- Reasonable Prices. Even though Orient star is not the most affordable watch brand in the market, all of its timepieces are reasonably priced, especially when you consider all that you are getting with a single model.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Orient Star is a sub-brand that offers well-crafted, intricately-designed watches at reasonable prices. The diversity, versatility, and timelessness that comes with all of Orient Star’s watches easily puts them on par with some of the most luxurious names in the industry. If you want a timepiece that perfectly represents Japanese craftsmanship, Orient Star is one of the best manufacturers to check out.
Photo Credits: Orient Star Official Website
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