Mechanical Classic Moon Phase - Ltd Ed 200pcs Ref. RE-AY0116A

Orient is the name of a Japanese watchmaking firm that is usually known to watch enthusiasts who are in the world of JDM watch collection. Compared to Seiko who have been making waves outside their land lately, Orient until now, have been staying low under the radar for many. They have been in continuation to produce high quality, yet attainable timepieces since the early 1950s, while the firm can further trace back to its roots in 1901 by Shogoro Yoshida opening a pocket watch shop. Unfamiliar, we bet most of you guys are unsure of that Orient started in 1950 as an independent company, producing reliable mechanical in-house movements even until today. In early 2000, Orient had gone under the umbrella of Seiko Epson, as the name suggests, pursuing traditional horology of reliable and affordable timepieces, in parallel to Seiko Watches in true Japanese fashion.
 
Orient Watches until today, is still one of the widely-recognized watchmakers in Japan, building their quality timepieces and sticking to their "JDM" route. They have a wide variety of selections that cater to anyone with a particular theme in mind, from cocktail event elegant timepieces to ever-ready sports watches that one can take it out for some action. Like Seiko's luxury line Grand Seiko, we focus on Orient Star; their own JDM luxury line.

Orient Star Mechanical Classic Moon Phase - Ltd Ed 200pcs Ref. RE-AY0116A

Dating back to 1951, Orient Star first introduced the market, with their in-house chronometer "true star" timepieces that feature a dressy case blued hands, mechanical movement and timeless dial design. From there, Orient Star came to producing elegant watches like the Orient Star Dynamic, even skeleton-style: Orient Mon Bijou during the 1990s. They along with Seiko and Citizen in launching their sports divers with the Weekly Auto Orient King Diver Ref. 19410 which uses the brand's first-ever automatic mechanism.
 
Orient has unveiled their latest model, the Orient Star Mechanical Moon Phase – Ref. AY0116A. Introducing beautiful coloured dial in a sporty 41mm case, this new edition is set to amaze all watch enthusiasts who cherish good watchmaking. This exquisite timepiece exhibits an evergreen aesthetic that delivers elegance and sophistication to suit any occasion. As we all know, watchmaking with power reserve indication is no stranger to Orient Star, they have done so since 1996, and been in their archives even until today. Further, more significant in 2003, where Orient Star presented their first-ever semi-skeleton watch - the Orient Star Ref. WZ0011FH.

Caliber F7M6 with power reserve indicator

For a start, the Orient Star Mechanical Moon Phase – Ref. AY0116A offers a solid SUS316L stainless steel case. Further, measuring 41mm wide, 13.8mm thick and 49mm lug to lug, paired with a signed push-pull crown while still bears a decent 50m water-resistant. This makes the watch wearable almost on any wrist, sweet spot for many watch enthusiasts. Since this falls under Orient's premium line, the case gets a byzantine satin-brushed and polished finishing while the back of the watch features full polishing.
 
Seen through its flat sapphire crystal, the Orient Star features a dial inspired by the moon reflection on Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture. It features roman numeral markers with lozenges sharp hands. What enlivened Orient Star watches its fan-shaped power reserve indicator at 12'o clock, and a moon date complication at the 6'oclock all balanced by the orient star logo at the 3.

Orient Star's top of the line Moon Phase watch

Displayed through the screw-in casebook, the in-house caliber Orient Cal. F7M6 is the top of the line automatic movement that solely fitted on Orient Star timepieces. The Orient Star Contemporary features this incredible horology engine. The 22 Jewels, 50-hour power reserve Automatic movement runs at a daily tolerance of +25 to -15 seconds per day, beating at 21,600bph with a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock (somewhat iconic across the whole Orient Star flagship line). Pairing the watch case is a well multi-finished solid bracelet. Solidly made from SUS316L stainless steel, the bracelet enhances much elegance of the whole watch, while it feels still feel sturdy and fitting. This assures the wearer a safe and secure fitting when strapping the Orient Star Contemporary on the wrist.
 
Overall, the Orient Star Mechanical Moon Phase – Ref. AY0116A feels modern while allowing one to enjoy the impeccable finishing through the whole watch, and functional while having a delicate balance of Orient's legacy in watchmaking since the 1950s. In the Orient Star line, and though it will not be cheaper than the other entry Orient dress model, it is their"luxury" line with a moon complication at that. This Orient Star Contemporary feels sturdy, robust, and well done at 41mm as anyone could ask of a JDM mechanical watch. Therefore, with the classic watch design paired with a 50m water case clad with its unique Orient Star automatic power reserve caliber, this watch offers a lot for your money and definitely to collectors, it is one hell of a watch.

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