When we talk about Japanese watchmaking, two names immediately come to mind: Seiko and Citizen. But there is a third, more discreet, which enjoys an exceptional reputation among connoisseurs: East.

Founded more than 70 years ago, this brand has never ceased to appeal to lovers of beautiful mechanics at reasonable prices. But in the end, what are Orient watches really worth? Through this article, Swiss Made Watch Magazine tells you everything!

A Japanese story anchored in watchmaking tradition

The history of the Orient begins in Japan, in the aftermath of the Second World War. In 1950, Shogoro Yoshida officially founds the brand Orient Watch Co. Ltd., after several decades spent in the distribution and manufacturing of watches. Its ambition is clear: to produce reliable and accessible mechanical watches, capable of competing with Swiss creations, while remaining profoundly Japanese in their philosophy.

Over the decades, the house has established itself as one of the pillars of Japanese watchmaking. In the 1960s, it massively exported its watches, helping to democratize quality mechanical watches throughout the world. Today, althoughbelonging to the Seiko Epson groupOrient retains its technical autonomy and its own identity. Each Orient watch remains true to the brand's motto which aims to offer reliability, elegance and precision at a fair price.

Orient: quality watches with in-house mechanics

One of the brand's greatest assets lies in its ability to design and assemble its own calibers. Unlike many competing brands, Orient produces a large portion of its automatic movements in-house. An independence that allows it to control the quality of its watches from start to finish.

An Orient automatic watch is distinguished by its robustness, precision and ease of maintenance. Movements such as calibers F6724, F6222 or even F6922 are renowned for their reliability, even after several years of daily use. Without reaching the level of Swiss luxury, the finishes are particularly neat : sunray dials, faceted hands, applied indexes, curved glasses... So many details that demonstrate the care given to each piece.

Watch enthusiasts also appreciate the great diversity of the range. Orient is not limited to a single style, the brand offers both dress watches and diving watches, without forgetting its models inspired by Japanese tradition.

Unbeatable value for money

If there is one point on which all connoisseurs agree, it is the exceptional quality/price ratio of Orient watches. At the same price, few brands offer such a combination of mechanical reliability, timeless design and careful finishes. This philosophy explains why Orient watches are often recommended to enthusiasts who wish to discover the world of automatic watches without breaking the bank.

Among the iconic modelswe find several ranges that have become cult:

• Orient Bambino : undoubtedly the most famous! This dressy model alone embodies classic Japanese style. With its curved glass, thin indexes and in-house automatic movement, the Bambino is often the first mechanical watch for many collectors.
• Orient Mako And Orient Ray : two iconic diving watches. Waterproof, robust and with unidirectional rotating bezels, they offer a sporty and retro style at the same time. Their in-house automatic movement, their water resistance up to 200 meters and their impeccable finish make them real affordable alternatives to Swiss divers.
• Orient Sun and Moon : a more sophisticated model, recognizable by its day/night complication displayed by an illustrated disc of the Sun and the Moon. This timepiece perfectly illustrates the aesthetic and poetic know-how of the brand.

All these watches demonstrate that an Orient watch has nothing to envy of much more expensive pieces. In short, Orient is aimed at those looking for a reliable, elegant and accessible mechanical watch.

Orient: who are these watches for?

Orient watches appeal to a wide audience, from watch enthusiast experienced atcurious amateur. For the former, they represent an excellent pleasure/price ratio and a stress-free everyday tool watch. For the latter, they constitute an ideal entry point into the world of mechanical watches.

Design also plays a key role... The Orient Bambino or Sun and Moon models are aimed more at those who appreciate classic and elegant lines. Conversely, the Orient Mako and Ray appeal to fans of sports watches and robust divers.

Another strong point of Orient watches: their availability. Unlike some Swiss brands, Orients are easy to find, both online and at specialized retailers, making them a simple and safe choice for a watch gift or a thoughtful purchase.

In the end, it's difficult not to be seduced by the authenticity of mechanical watches from Orient. With its reliable creations, its timeless design and its unbeatable price positioning, the brand has established itself as a pillar of accessible Japanese watchmaking. Whether you opt for an Orient Bambino, a Mako, a Ray or even a Sun and Moon, you will choose a watch that is elegant, durable and driven by a true heritage!

In short, Orient continues to prove that it is not necessary to spend a fortune to access a beautiful mechanical watch, well designed and steeped in history.