Orient, a ‘Star’ among the mid-range:

Orient, a favorite brand to watch collectors and field-men alike, is one of those small handfuls of companies building specialized and very affordable mechanical watches. Despite their extremely low prices, their products are attractive and very well-made. Standing out from the small group of brands that odder various complications, Orient incorporates power-reserve in a unique way into the Orient Star Classic Automatic Power Reserve SAF02003W0 Men’s Watch. It’s higher priced than most of the Orient watches but worth every bit of the extra dollars.

A word of assurance:

For the quality the Orient Star Classic Automatic Power Reserve SAF02003W0 Men’s Watch exhibits, it goes well below some of the most prestigious Swiss and Italian brands regarding its piece. Equally – if not higher – built and finished, the Orient Star Classic Automatic Power Reserve SAF02003W0 Men’s Watch is not merely gorgeous; it is built hard like rock.

Not just a quality automatic; the Orient Star Classic Automatic Power Reserve SAF02003W0 Men’s Watch tucks in an in-house, Japanese made movement, the Orient Caliber 40N52 with a power reserve. Even if we put aside its other aspects, the Star Classic wins for its value!

The way it looks:

At 38.5 x 13.4mm including crystal, the Orient Star Classic Automatic Power Reserve SAF02003W0 Men’s Watch is a moderately sized compared to today’s standards. But the smaller case size doesn’t show and appears rather bigger than its original dimensions if worn with dark colors. It qualifies easily as a vintage-inspired dress piece with a simple case design in standard shape. Its lugs are relatively short and thin and have minimal finishing on them, but drilled. The retro feel also comes due to this and technically, aids in quickly changing the straps. The case surfaces are polished except the lug-tops; their light brushing taking away any extra shine. The crown is typically flat and wide but stepped with the Orient Star signature on it; the grip curving towards a protruding cylinder. It has a sturdy feel and that can be felt while winding the watch.

The mineral crystal emulates the domed acrylic type of the ‘50s and ‘60s but is more durable than acrylic; more scratch resistant and more immune to sudden impacts. Perhaps, it’s the only watch in the price category to offer one.

At the back:

An exhibition case back that shows off the somewhat decorated 40N52 movement. Around the display window are etched the vital information about the watch including water resistance. The decorations, both inside and outside, are rare phenomena that add the charm and value to the piece.

End note:

Exceptionally well executed and styled, the Orient Star Retrograde Mens Watch is a hand-windable, vintage themed wrist wear with interesting details laid across a very dynamic backdrop.

The Orient Star Classic Automatic Power Reserve SAF02003W0 Men’s Watch has a lot more to it and a lot more going on than watches within a similar price bracket. A cool vintage look, an interesting and dynamic dial, an in-house movement – the list stretches quite a bit. The only glitch in this wonderful ensemble is a lack of lume but then again, the Orient Automatic Watches are not at all meant to be used in the dark.