Its understated appearance hides a surprising amount of craftsmanship and charm. The Orient Star M34 F7 Semi-Skeleton is just such a watch. The balance wheel visible through the opening in the dial, the rich mother-of-pearl, and the meticulous finish will captivate you from the moment you hold the watch in your hands. The intricate designs will make you want to take a magnifying glass to admire them. Martin Green, a contributor to the US edition of WatchTime, explains this profound world.
A high-end model that captivates with its texture and design
The Orient Star M34 F7 Semi-Skeleton watch looks attractive enough in photographs, but when you see it in person, you'll be amazed at its depth. The opening through which you can see the balance wheel and the gold-colored Roman numeral XII are impressive, but even more than that, the texture and exquisite finish of the actual watch are striking.
Automatic movement (Cal. F7F44). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 13mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 143,000 yen (tax included).
This model is ranked among the top Orient Star models, and its position is clearly evident in its construction. The stainless steel case is 40mm in diameter, making it both striking and comfortable to wear. The bezel is thin and fits neatly between the faceted lugs. The case is 13mm thick, giving it a nice weight and making it comfortable on the wrist. The crown is discreet and does not get in the way of movement, and its well-defined grooves make it easy to operate.
Automatic movement (Cal. F7F44). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 13mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 143,000 yen (tax included).
Practical details
This model is water resistant to 10 bar, but the crown is not screwed down, which means you can manually wind the watch and set the time without having to screw down the crown, which is a major advantage for everyday use.
The screw-down case back allows you to view the in-house movement, Cal. F7F44, through the sapphire crystal. Its finish, including Côtes de Genève decorations and beveled bridges, is a sight to behold. In addition to automatic winding, it can also be wound manually, and the second hand stops when setting the time. With a power reserve of approximately 50 hours, it's also extremely practical.
In addition to these basic specifications, the craftsmanship of the dial and bracelet makes this watch a special one.
Mother-of-pearl appeals to the senses of sight and touch
The dial has a unique luster, thanks to the use of colored mother-of-pearl. The power reserve indicator and small seconds are decorated with circular or semicircular three-dimensional decorative rings, creating a delicate three-dimensional effect. These details are so beautiful that you'll want to take a closer look with a magnifying glass.
The hour and minute hands are not bent in the middle, but have flat surfaces that reflect light from any angle, ensuring visibility. The indexes, bezel ring, and decorative ring all have a characteristically subdued light reflection, and the tops of these rings are finished with a striped pattern.
The beauty of design is also present in the bracelet
The bracelet is also full of interesting features. At first glance, it looks like a standard H-link, but in reality, it has a more elaborate structure. The central link is slightly raised, and its angled sides are polished. Meanwhile, the links visible from directly above have a hairline finish, giving it a more three-dimensional and sharp look.
This gives it a three-dimensional appearance and makes it very comfortable to wear. The shape of the folding clasp also contributes to its comfort. Although a micro-adjustment mechanism would be even better, the ability to fine-tune it using spring bars is also a positive.
A high-quality all-rounder that shines in everyday use
The accumulation of these details makes the M34 F7 Semi-Skeleton a highly refined all-round watch. The robustness of the case and movement, the comfort of wearing it, and above all, the subtle luxury created by the mother-of-pearl dial and gold XII. The balance wheel visible through the opening in the dial adds to the movement, making it a watch you'll want to look at every day. It's a watch that suits both everyday use and special occasions.
