Sorry, we just need to make sure you're not a robot. For best results, please make sure your browser is accepting cookies.
Type the characters you see in this image:
Try different image
Conditions of Use Privacy Policy
© 1996-2014, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates
Functionally, the F7M62 movement does a lot. It begins with a three-central-hand display for the hours, minutes, and seconds. I really like the classic style of the hour and minute hands, which is both visually appealing and really nicely polished. Under 12 o’clock on the dial is a power reserve indicator. Above 6 o’clock on the face is a combination dial that points to the date and also — for perhaps the first time — a real moon phase indicator.
I mention this last point because, in the past, movements like this from Orient didn’t have moon phase indicators but rather simpler day/night indicators that had a disc that spun fully each 24 hours and functioned as an AM/PM indicator. Moon phase indication systems are a bit more complicated [though it’s really just a matter of gearing], and it is nice to see Orient finally engineer its movements with this popular enthusiast complication. The moon phase is adjusted using an inset pusher on the side of the case. The overall presentation of the movement and its features is impressive for Orient, and I think people accustomed to similar presentations in Swiss watches costing a bit more will be happy with what Orient has been able to accomplish here.
The textured black dial has applied Roman numeral hour markers that, with the hands, provide excellent contrast for dial legibility. Orient offers the same “Classic” watch collection with both a white-colored dial [with different-shaped blued hands, as well as a blue mother-of-pearl dial that is probably rather nice. The polished steel case is 41mm-wide and about 14mm-thick with a 49mm lug-to-lug distance. The case is water-resistant to 50 meters and uses a nicely AR-coated sapphire crystal over the dial. Another sapphire crystal is placed on the rear of the case with a view to the automatic movement.
I like how the Orient Star Classic watch wears, although I do find it to be a bit on the thicker side if your objective is to wear it with a suit under sleeves. Nevertheless, the watch delivers on its promise to offer an elegant “classic” wristwatch-wearing experience. As is often the case, the strap paired with this Orient watch is not going to suit all wearing scenarios. The included 20mm-wide strap is shiny patent leather on an actually decent polished steel fold-over deployant clasp. While I suppose it is nice to have a glossy black leather strap for particular formal purposes [to match polished black leather shoes, for instance], I believe that a lot of wearers are going to want to replace the stock strap with something a bit more suitable to daily, non-formal wearing scenarios.
Similar to other Orient Star watches, distribution for these products is still quite limited, and getting them can be an adventure. You can get pretty much any Orient or Orient Star watch online from somewhere, but distribution is still a bit fragmented, and these watches are not widely available to everyone. That just makes them feel more interesting and a bit exclusive, which I think is a fine thing given that the Orient Star watches are still very much budget-priced.
Watch lovers on a budget or those who particularly admire Japanese wristwatch design and craft should take a long, hard look at Orient Star watches. The “Mechanical Classic” reference RE-AY0107N is a great option and shows where Orient’s finest fare is going. It includes one of its most impressive movements to date and represents an excellent value alternative to products from both other Japanese watch brands and competitors from Europe. Price for the Orient Star Mechanical Classic reference RE-AY0107N watch is $1,800 USD. Learn more at the Orient Watches website here.
Are Orient Star watches good?
Orient watches gain recognition around the world, especially in Asia, due to their rich history of craftsmanship. As the brand grows, Orient Star manages to stand out with its premium qualities while remaining reasonably priced. When compared to Swiss craftsmanship, the Japanese brand retains its marketability.
Are Orient watches worth the money?
They are a highly regarded brand that makes some seriously good watches at affordable price points. Their movements are generally considered reliable and accurate, especially given the price point of many of their models. For the price, Orients are some of the best watches you can get.
Is Orient as good as Seiko?
Even though the brand is widely known for being among the most affordable watch producers with a wide variety of offerings, Seiko stays on top when it comes to brand recognition. Orient watches are well-known and highly sought-after in many Asian countries but not across the globe like Seiko.
How many years do Orient watches last?
Without service it will last for about a decade. With service after about 5–7 years that could be stretched to a seriously long time. However most Orient watches cost around $100-$200 and the cost of service would be similar to getting a new one, or to just replace the movement.