BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Orient Star is a part of Orient, which is itself owned by Seiko Epson. Now, that’s all well and good, but the Seiko watches like Seiko 5s and Credor are not owned by Seiko Epson but rather Seiko Holdings. Seiko Epson generally trades as Epson and makes printers and various other electronic commodities. Baffled? Yeah, so are we, but it works for them, and Orient watches are quite popular in the community.
The new 2nd edition of the Diver 1964 from Orient Star is an odd mix of designs, some of it comes from the previous edition. However, you can clearly see it borrows a lot of its dial markings from the Rolex Submariner, specifically, the 16610 Submariner. Let’s not beat about the bush here, folks. Despite the name on the dial being different and a cool power reserve (a rare feature on a dive watch) added at 12 O’clock, the shape of the Mercedes hour hand is unrecognisable even if the spokes have been removed. It’s particularly evident on the black dial/bezel version (ref. RE-AU0601B). A sapphire crystal covers the dials, whichever model takes your fancy.
The other version, ref. RE-AU0602E, is more distinctive with its gradient dial and blue/purple bezel, the bezels on these are anodised aluminium. Specs for the watch are set at 41mm x 14.5mm, and the water resistance is a meaty 200m.
Inside that stainless steel case is the calibre F6N47, an automatic calibre with hacking seconds, a 50-hour power reserve and a 3Hz beat rate. It’s also got a date window which is handy.
The watches come equipped with a choice of either a stainless steel multi-link bracelet or a silicone strap. I say equipped because Orient Star gives you both when you purchase. The watch costs JPY154,000.
Visit Orient Star here.
