Orient: Pride of Japan's Skeleton

The most advanced version of the Orient 46 series movement, celebrating its 46th anniversary

Orient is a manufacturer of practical watches, but also has a passionate following of fans.
The company continues to attempt things that other watch manufacturers do not, at an affordable price point, so it is inevitable that it will inspire collectors.
Orient's attitude is no exception even when it comes to skeletons, which are considered the most "unusual" of their products.

The diamond-cut indexes and hands ensure excellent visibility. The power reserve indicator and the outer periphery of the small seconds hand are also diamond-cut. What's interesting is the placement of the logo, which is attached as a separate part. To ensure durability, this skeleton does not have a hollowed-out area around the manual winding mechanism. Although it looks less attractive, a plate with the logo printed on it has been attached to cleverly fill in the blank space.

This crown is designed specifically for skeleton watches, which is rare for a mass production manufacturer. Its shape makes it easy to pull and turn.

　There are two main methods favored by practical watch makers looking to raise unit prices: incorporating petite complications and skeletonizing the movement. In particular, skeletonization, which involves removing the base plate and bridges of an existing movement, has been favored primarily by Swiss watch makers as a way to give a watch a luxurious feel.
　However, the movements used by practical watch manufacturers are generally not suited to skeletonization, as practical watches, which are designed with productivity and durability in mind, do not have the same structure as so-called high-end watches, which require hollowing out to create a more visible appearance.

　However, there are exceptions to everything. Japan's Orient has taken on the challenge of creating a skeletonized version of a practical aircraft, and has spent the last quarter century evolving it. What's more, the level of perfection it achieves far exceeds that of a practical aircraft.

　Orient's core caliber, the 46 series, is a classic model that first appeared in 1971. In 91, Orient removed the automatic winding from this practical model and skeletonized the base plate and bridges. This method was in line with standard practice for practical watch manufacturers, specifically, removing weight from the base plate and bridges without reducing the rigidity of the movement.