ORIENT STAR announces a new generation of the most iconic model skeleton from its iconic classic collection.Equipped with a new hand-wound movement with a power reserve of 70 hours, this innovative watch combines classic design elements with the latest technology, boldly commemorating 70 years of Orient Star’s watchmaking history.
We recently learned about Orient and its complex corporate structure, as well as its relationship with Epson and Seiko.Our full review of the Orient Diver has more details on this (see the Competitive Landscape section) as well as our analysis of the watch.In addition to Oriental brand watches, Oriental Watch also offers a higher-end collection.They called the series the Star of the East.With this status, the collection features only mechanical movements, all developed and manufactured in-house at its factory in Shiojiri.It’s a huge complex with wings dedicated to the design and manufacture of Epson printers, as well as facilities to produce Spring Drive and quartz movements for Seiko and Grand Seiko watches.The same facility also houses a miniature artist studio.
Orient Star seems to offer high-end manufactured mechanical watches aimed at entry level.The stainless steel case and fully skeletonized dial, priced under 4k SGD, represent an interesting value proposition that can be compared to its cousins ​​Seiko and Grand Seiko offerings, as well as Citizen’s new Series 8.
But judging by the photos, the 70th anniversary skeleton looks interesting.They already have the standard series with the skeleton, but those use the standard Cal.48E51 with a 50-hour power reserve, and the anniversary models use the Cal.F8B62 with a 70-hour power reserve.The regular model is priced lower at around S$2,800.
The two anniversary models are available in two color combinations: a champagne dial with a gold movement and a white dial with a silver movement.Both models have 316L stainless steel cases and alligator leather straps.
We haven’t had a chance to inspect Orient Star products in person, and when we do, will report through our hands-on analysis and photography.
Since its birth in 1951, ORIENT STAR has been committed to creating a mechanical watch that has become a “shining star”.Throughout its history, the brand has been producing high-quality Japanese-made watches, combining traditional craftsmanship with the latest watchmaking technology.To celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, Orient Star will launch a new style that blends technology and aesthetic appeal under the theme of “NOWHERE, NOW HERE” (meaning nowhere to be found, but it’s here now).
The half-skeleton version shows part of the watch’s movement through the skeletonized dial, while the skeletonized version shows the detailed working principle of the entire watch.Only the bottom plate structure, bridges and components of the movement are retained, and its excellent design is unique among mechanical watches and is loved by watch enthusiasts around the world.First introduced in 1991 and now in its 30th year, the skeleton movement consists of more than a hundred precision parts, hand-assembled by dedicated and skilled watchmakers in Akita, the hometown of Orient Star.
The latest self-produced 46-F8 series movement (F8B62 and F8B63), with a power reserve of 70 hours, surpassing the current 50 hours, is more practical than ever.When the mainspring is fully wound, the watch can be taken off Friday night and still have enough power to continue running until Monday morning.Longer runtimes benefit from a new silicon escape wheel, which is lighter and machined with greater precision, improving the escapement’s energy transfer efficiency.
The new silicon escape wheel with spring mechanism was developed in-house and created using MEMS technology, which is also used in the manufacturing process of Epson’s high-precision printheads.The escape wheel, which is visible through the watch’s skeletal structure, uses Epson’s semiconductor technology to control the thickness of the film at the nanometer level to adjust its light reflection, resulting in a striking blue color.The vivid blue color and unique spiral shape are reminiscent of the Milky Way and symbolize the cosmos-inspired design theme of Orient Star’s 70th anniversary.
The intricate details of the skeletonized movement can be seen through the skeletonized dial without compromising the watch’s character and function.The new 46-F8 series calibres feature longer running times and a high precision of +15 to –5 seconds per day, even with the ultimate skeleton.The movement part at 9 o’clock is designed in the shape of a comet with two tails, again expressing the cosmic theme of the Orient Star.
There are also contrasting cut patterns on the front and back of the movement – ​​a spiral pattern on the dial and a wave pattern on the back of the case, with delicately chamfered parts adding an elegant glow.The incredible detailing represents the pinnacle of Orient Star master craftsmanship, and the anti-reflective coating on both sides of the hyperboloid sapphire crystal allows the wearer to see every intricate detail of this high-quality movement – A real fun fan for every mechanical watch.