How can the classic motif of the moon be expressed in a modern way? One answer to this question is Orient Star's new "M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase." By eliminating excessive ornamentation and deriving beauty from balance and restraint, this timepiece quietly presents a new allure to the moon phase. Martin Green, writer and editor for the American edition of Watchtime, explains.
[Article published on January 1, 2026]
A new chapter of understated elegance: "Orient Star M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase"
The moon is a classic motif in watchmaking, and many watch enthusiasts are drawn to moon phase mechanisms at some point in their collection. The Orient Star M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase is a model that further enhances that appeal, expressed through a restrained aesthetic.
The standard model is the "Orient Star M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase".
The Japanese have long been adept at finding beauty in balance, and much of this has been achieved through an extremely pure approach. This philosophy seems to be clearly expressed in this work as well.
Manual winding (Cal. F8A62). 20 jewels. 21,600 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 39.5mm, thickness 11.9mm). 3 ATM water resistance. 418,000 yen (tax included).
The dial features a silver finish, slender Roman numeral indices, blued steel leaf-shaped hands, and a traditional moon phase mechanism. Text on the dial is kept to a minimum, with only the brand name and logo positioned at 3 o'clock, creating an eye-catching design.
Furthermore, the Orient Star doesn't even have a scale on the power reserve indicator at the 12 o'clock position. It's noteworthy that it deliberately doesn't emphasize its ample power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
Movement Cal.F8A62
That understated elegance is also carried over to the case. Made of stainless steel, the 39.5mm diameter case, combined with the relatively slender bezel, boasts excellent proportions.
The crown also boasts a restrained design, but its drum-like shape adds a subtle touch of individuality. The knurled edges provide a pleasant feel when operating it, creating a direct connection to the Cal.F8A62 movement that powers this watch.
This movement is manufactured in-house and features a proprietary silicon escape wheel. Orient Star takes pride in these technical elements, and the bridge design is carefully crafted so that its structure can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. The finish is also visually superior, with neatly applied Geneva stripes that enhance its aesthetic appeal.
A limited edition model with a gray dial is also available.
In addition to its attractive standard models, Orient Star has also announced special limited-edition models.
A prestige shop version of this limited edition model also comes with a replacement cordovan strap. It features a manual winding movement (Cal. F8A62), 20 jewels, 21,600 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. It has a stainless steel case (39.5mm diameter, 11.9mm thickness) and is water-resistant to 3 atmospheres. Only 20 pieces are available through the official online store. Price: ¥451,000 (tax included).
This watch features a gradient gray dial that represents the Pleiades star cluster. In addition to a specially formulated paint, silver dots are placed around the main stars, and a thick, transparent coating is applied over them to create a sense of depth. Furthermore, the Roman numeral indices are finished using a special pad printing technique, emphasizing their three-dimensional appearance.
The result is a truly striking appearance. The moon phase disc is no exception, with white mother-of-pearl used for the moon motif. This evokes the mystical glow of the moon reflecting sunlight.
