Orient Star has released a new mechanical moon phase watch. Its greatest appeal lies in its looks. The small, thin case accentuates the poetic gimmick of the moon phase, and is fitted with a stylish dial made by Toki no Takumi Kobo. The moon phase disc also adds to the aesthetic appeal. What's more, it is powered by a newly developed hand-wound movement with an in-house silicon escape wheel. Orient Star has produced many fine moon phase watches, and it looks set to further solidify its position in this genre.
This new moon phase watch features a newly developed manual-winding movement. This limited edition model features a delicately embossed gray gradient dial that changes appearance depending on the angle of the light, representing the "occultation" of the moon and Pleiades shining in the dark. It comes with a replacement cordovan strap. Automatic (Cal. F8A62). 20 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 39.5mm, thickness 11.9mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Limited to 100 pieces in Japan. Exclusive to Prestige Shops. Price: 473,000 yen (tax included). The "RK-BW0003N" model, which does not include a replacement strap, is also available exclusively through the official online store. Limited to 20 pieces in Japan. Price: 451,000 yen (tax included).
Photographs by Takeshi Hoshi (estrellas)
Text by Iwao Yoshida
Edited & Text by Iwao Yoshida
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
Beautiful expression of the moon's phases that appeals to the senses
Orient will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025, while Orient Star, which launched as its luxury collection, will celebrate its 26th anniversary in 17. Both brands are releasing a series of models that evoke the weight of their history, but if you're looking for a moon phase watch, Orient Star's new "Classic M45" is a good choice. Orient Star's "shining star" concept and the mechanism that displays the phases of the moon are a perfect match, and since the release of the first model equipped with a moon phase display movement, the "46 Series F7," in 1, moon phase watches have always been highly popular among the brand. Equipped with a traditional mechanism that any watch lover should own, these watches are reasonably priced and come in a range of aesthetically pleasing models, contributing to their popularity.
This is the regular model of the new "M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase." Equipped with a white dial with a thick, clear, radially striated finish, it has a tranquil feel that is completely different from the limited edition model introduced on the right page. The blue hands also accentuate its pure beauty. Automatic movement (Cal. F8A62). 20 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 39.5mm, thickness 11.9mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 380,000 yen (tax included).
(Right) Classic Collection M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase RK-BT0003L
The brand's most popular collection has also received a subtle design update. The night sky on the moon phase disc is now a deeper blue, making the moon and stars stand out even more clearly. A trendy light blue dial is also available. Automatic movement (Cal. F7M42). 22 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 41mm, thickness 13.8mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Limited to 270 pieces in Japan. Price: 218,000 yen (tax included).
The new "M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding" is a masterpiece that showcases the skill of this moon phase expert. First of all, the design is superb. While the face is simple, deliberately omitting the openwork style that is his specialty, the limited edition model features a dial that expresses the depths of the night sky with embossing and gray gradations, while the regular model is equipped with a white dial with a delicate radial grain finish, giving it a very rich depth. The finish is worthy of a model that expresses the leisurely passage of time as the moon floats in the eternal night sky, and it is truly admirable as a product of the "Toki no Takumi Kobo" (Master of Time) workshop.
Another plus is that the case is the smallest and slimmest of Orient Star's moon phase models. This not only improves the fit, but also enhances the classic dressy look. The height of the faceplate has been reduced by 40%, resulting in a closer fit between the dial and crystal, which is a plus point for enthusiasts.
The moon phase, a highlight of the watch, is also displayed in an elaborate way. Previously, the brand's moon phase discs were one-piece structures, with the moon represented by a metal-plated sticker, but the new model has a three-layer structure with two pieces of mother-of-pearl sandwiched between the metal plate and the moon phase disc. The lustrous metal plate studded with stars and the soft glow of the MOP moon create a beautiful contrast, adding a mysterious and romantic nuance to the dial. The structure of this moon phase disc is currently under patent application.
The movement, which can be seen through the see-through case back, is the newly developed hand-wound caliber F8A62. It achieves a power reserve of approximately 70 hours thanks to the use of a silicon escape wheel developed in-house, and the finish is impeccable.
At the same time as the new model's release, the popular current model, the M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase, has also undergone a redesign. This model has evolved into a more premium collection. This model will appeal to those looking for a moon phase watch that exudes a modern, yet classic style. The trendy light blue dial, newly added in limited quantities, also highlights the watch's high sensitivity.
It's a tough decision, but autumn nights are long. Which moon phase, "F8" or "F7," best suits your taste and style? We encourage you to carefully consider the matter.
https://www.orient-watch.jp/orientstar/
https://orientstar-watch.com/
