What is Orient Star's "M Collections"? Explaining the features and recommended models of "M34", "M45", and "M42"

Among the wide variety of Orient Star watches, we will introduce the "M Collections," which was newly established in 2023, and the main models in its lineup. This new collection inherits the traditional Orient Star design code, but is characterized by model names, designs, and concepts inspired by nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies.

"M Collections" newly established at Orient Star in 2023

Orient Star offers a wide variety of models. With the exception of some small-diameter models for women, each model has a "design code" that fans can instantly recognize as an Orient Star watch, such as a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock or a skeletonized dial.

On the other hand, the company has never always offered the same design, but has instead developed models with a variety of characters. These models were previously divided into collections such as "Classic," "Contemporary," and "Sports." However, in 2023, the company reorganized the collection, primarily focusing on models priced over 10 yen, and created the new "M Collections."

The name Orient Star comes from the idea of ​​creating a mechanical watch that resembles a "shining star." The M Collections are named after the initial letter "M" of the classification symbol in the Messier Catalogue, a classification of nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies created by astronomer Charles Messier. In other words, this collection more strongly reflects the Orient Star concept.

Furthermore, the M Collections has three lineups: "M45," "M34," and "M42." These correspond to the nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies shown in the Messier Catalog, and each model reflects a story that connects them. In this article, we will introduce these stories and the features of each model.

"M34" comes in a variety of variations

M34 is an open star cluster located in the constellation Perseus, and Orient Star's M34 collection is named after the hero Perseus in Greek mythology. The sharp, bold lugs and hour and minute hands are inspired by the sword Perseus wields. Traditionally, this watch falls into the contemporary category.

The latest model of the M34, the M34 F8 Date, is based on the Perseid meteor shower, known as one of the three major meteor showers. The dial features a hand-engraved pattern that resembles the meteor shower radiating outwards from the constellation Perseus across the night sky, making it the iconic model.

The blue dial of the regular model is characterized by the fact that its color is achieved using a different method than ordinary paint. If you were to apply color using paint while still showing the pattern like this piece, you would need to apply a clear blue paint, for example, but if the paint were too thick, the delicate pattern would be crushed. Therefore, this piece uses an optical multi-layer coating that reflects a lot of light with wavelengths that appear blue, giving it the blue color. This technology is similar to that used in lenses and other optical devices, and it offers a glimpse into the breadth and depth of Seiko Epson's technological background.

The movement is the new automatic Cal. F8N64. Announced in 21 to commemorate Orient's 70th anniversary, it features a silicon escape wheel, a technical signature of Orient Star. The use of a lightweight escape wheel has improved operation efficiency, resulting in a power reserve of approximately 60 hours. The movement also features improved torque to drive the long hands.

The "M34 F7 Semi-Skeleton" is also a model that is typical of Orient Star. Like the "M34 F8 Date," it features sharp yet powerful lugs and straight pencil-shaped hands, as well as the skeletonized dial that is an icon of Orient Star, with the balance wheel visible from the 9 o'clock position. The model in the photo also features a mysterious dial created with white mother-of-pearl and gradation.

As mentioned above, there are many variations of the M34, making this a collection that makes you look forward to future model developments.

The elegant and classic "M45"

M45 refers to the Pleiades star cluster, which forms part of the constellation Taurus, and is known in Japan as "Subaru." Its unusual configuration, known as an open star cluster, means that stars are densely packed in a small area, and the cluster of stars appears brightly even with the naked eye from autumn to early spring. For this reason, it has appeared in The Pillow Book and in records and stories from around the world. Orient Star's M45 is named after the Pleiades, and the company has created a lineup of models that evoke the image of a cluster of stars. Under the traditional classification, this watch falls under the Classic Collection.

The "M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase Limited Edition" featured this time is themed around the phenomenon of the moon and the Pleiades overlapping, causing the shadow of the crescent moon to hide the bright stars of the Pleiades.

The dial that recreates this celestial show appears simple and monochromatic, but it employs elaborate techniques. First, the dial base is embossed to create fine indentations. After that, a paint job including a gradation is applied, and then a thick layer of clear paint is placed over it. This layer of paint is then polished to create a finish that gives the impression of depth despite the flat surface. Finally, the Roman numerals are printed multiple times using a technique called octopus printing, which prints on three-dimensional objects. This creates layers of printing, creating three-dimensional indices that appear to float above the layer of paint.

For diver's watches, choose the "M42"

M42 is a diffuse nebula in the constellation Orion, characterized by its brightness that makes it visible to the naked eye. Orion, the hero of Greek mythology, is said to be the son of the sea god Poseidon, and the Orient Star M42 diver's watch collection was inspired by this. Among the M42 models, we will focus on the M42 Diver 1964 2nd Edition F6 Date 200m Titanium, which was released in 2022.

This model is based on the Calendar Auto Orient, which was released in 1964. The Calendar Auto Orient is a model characterized by a combination of dot and bar indexes on a mirror black dial, and its case without a crown guard gives it a silhouette reminiscent of the dawn of diver's watches. This model inherits that design while adding a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock.

The case has a decent volume, measuring 41mm in diameter and 14.3mm thick, but thanks to its titanium construction it weighs just 113g, and it also meets the modern requirements for a 200m scuba diving watch as specified in the ISO 6425 standard. It's a solid finish that reflects Seiko Epson's expertise in creating specialized diver's watches.

It can be said that this is an attractive model that combines a classic taste with the volume of a stoic tool watch, and a lightweight design that directly translates into a comfortable fit.

I'm looking forward to what the future holds for M Collections and Orient Star!

Orient Star, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021, has launched the new classic M Collections. Not only have they reorganized existing models, but they have also been actively adding new products since the start of 24. We hope that this will further raise Orient Star's position in the watch market as a "shining star."