Description

The Orient brand has existed since 1950 and was acquired by Seiko-Epson around 2003. Orient is therefore wholly owned by Seiko (Seiko-Epson; click on “corporate information” at the bottom left), yet it operates completely independently. Orient’s automatic movements are produced in its own factories, and if you look at the designs, you’ll see that they frequently draw inspiration from the past. And that, in my view, is precisely what makes them so appealing.

This sports watch, RA-AA0E06B19B, features a color scheme and design clearly inspired by styles from the 1960s and 1970s. It is water-resistant to 20 ATM (though it does not have a screw-down crown) and is powered by a modern automatic movement (the Orient caliber F6922). The attractive case—complemented by a striking bezel—features a bronze-colored PVD coating, which ensures it will not develop a patina or change color the way genuine bronze does. It includes an internal rotating bezel, adjustable via a second crown, which can be used to track elapsed time. The indices and logo are applied, giving it a sophisticated look, and the hands feature a distinct, elegant bend along their length. The strap is crafted from thick leather with sealed, lacquered edges.

I don’t have an Orient box for this, but I will supply it in a convenient case.