Orient Star: Timeless values ​​and cutting-edge design

Orient Star celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021, and in 2023, it revamped its collection system, fully embarking on the next stage. The newly established "M Collections" retains the passion for watchmaking embodied in the brand name, but adds a new, unique story to more clearly express the appeal of Orient Star.

Orient Star's new story contained in "M34"

　Tama Keiki, which began manufacturing wristwatches in 1950, changed its name to Orient Watch in 51, and launched the domestic mechanical watch brand Orient Star in the same year. After the rise of quartz watches, the brand was relaunched in the 90s, and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2021.

The sapphire crystal is coated with patented SAR (double-sided anti-reflective) coating, which makes the surface scratch-resistant and dirt-resistant, making it easy to read the time and allowing you to enjoy the magical look of the dial.

The case design is inspired by Perseus, the origin of the M34. This is particularly evident in the lugs, where a sharp design combining polished and satin finishes exudes strength.

　A typical example of this design is the skeleton, and the watches incorporating this creation are diverse, ranging from classical to modern. For this reason, in recent years the collection has been categorized by the direction of its exterior design, such as "classic," "contemporary," and "sports," but on the other hand, it is also true that the wide range of tastes has made it difficult to see the brand's main pillars.

　So this fall, Orient Star is reorganizing its collection, focusing mainly on models priced at 100,000 yen or more. The "M Collections," named after the initials of the Messier Catalogue, a classification of nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies created by astronomer Charles Messier, not only inherits the desire to create mechanical watches that are called "shining stars," as embodied in the brand name, but also clarifies the differences in concept by giving each of the three collections a new story.

　To mark the 70th anniversary of the brand's founding, Orient Star has continued to release modernized watches suitable for the next generation, and with the establishment of the M Collections, has fully advanced to the next stage.

　The first of these is the "M34 F7 Semi-Skeleton." The M34 collection, bearing the Messier number of the constellation Perseus, features cutting-edge watches with bold details inspired by the Greek mythological hero Perseus, from whom the constellation is named. This model also features edgy lug shapes and hour and minute hands with polished and hairline finishes, giving the watch a sharp, modern feel. What makes this piece even more striking is the dial, inspired by the aurora borealis.

The dial features a blue-green and blue gradation paint applied to the surface of the white mother-of-pearl, creating the mystical image of an aurora.

Like the bracelet models released after 2022, it uses a bracelet with short H-link pitch, which fits well to the wrist and provides a comfortable fit.

　The dial is made of mother-of-pearl, a material that Orient Star has used many times. The surface of thinly sliced ​​mother-of-pearl is first painted blue-green, and then dark blue on the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock sides to create a gradation effect. Combined with the mother-of-pearl pattern floating on the dial, this creates a mystical look reminiscent of an aurora curtain. In addition, the decorative processes of cutting the window at 9 o'clock and setting the indexes require a high level of skill, as there is a risk of damaging the extremely thin mother-of-pearl. A brown and charcoal gray gradation dial is also available, beautifully embodying Orient Star's expertise in color dials.

　The M34 F7 Semi-Skeleton, with its unique dial color, not only has a fresh look but also clearly expresses the concept of the new collection. It can be said to be a symbolic model that beautifully depicts a new chapter for Orient Star.

M42 Diver 1964 2nd Edition F6 Date 200m Titanium
The collection, bearing the name M42, representing Orion, the son of the sea god Poseidon, features a diver's model. Following the "Diver 1964," released in March 2022 and 2023, this model features a pure titanium case and bracelet, making it approximately 35% lighter than the stainless steel model. Automatic winding (Cal. F6N47). 22 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Ti case (41mm diameter, 14.3mm thick). Water resistant to 200m. Priced at 176,000 yen (tax included).

M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase
The collection, numbered M45, representing the Pleiades star cluster (Subaru), is characterized by its timeless and elegant design. This model combines white mother-of-pearl with a gradated circumference to evoke the autumn night scenery seen at Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture, where Orient Star is manufactured. Automatic movement (Cal. F7M65). 22 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 41mm, thickness 13.8mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. 220,000 yen (tax included). Limited quantity.