Orient Star: A Japanese modern classic that reflects a mystical landscape

Orient Star, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021, is a Japanese brand that continues to produce mechanical watches with the aim of creating "shining stars." The latest addition to the Contemporary Collection is a striking modern skeleton design. The mechanical moon phase features a classic and beautiful mother-of-pearl dial. We take a look at the meticulous craftsmanship of both the skeleton and mechanical moon phase.

The latest "Skeleton" and "Mechanical Moon Phase" models

　Orient Star continues to showcase the appeal of Japanese-made mechanical watches. While the brand has produced numerous masterpieces, it has made remarkable advances in both movement and exterior design since merging with Seiko Epson in 2017. This time, we will be introducing the latest models of the long-loved "Skeleton" and the new iconic "Mechanical Moon Phase." Their meticulous craftsmanship, which goes beyond the price tag, is a powerful weapon not found in other brands.

　The skeleton model, which has been added to the Contemporary Collection, follows in the footsteps of the "Mon Bijou" model released in 1991, but is presented with a different concept from previous skeleton models. This model, which expresses "deep space" throughout the entire watch, features a newly designed case and H-shaped metal bracelet, embodying a style that is neither too formal nor too casual, and is suitable for both formal and casual occasions. While simple, the use of mirror and grained finishes to create an edge is modern. The 10.8mm thick case and short-pitch bracelet combine to create a well-balanced weight when worn.

　It is equipped with the new Caliber F8B61, which uses a "blue" silicon escape wheel. This escape wheel represents the Milky Way galaxy, the anchor bridge represents a comet, and the entire movement represents outer space. The difference with the Caliber F8B62, released in 2021, is that the plating color of each part is now gray. Although the change is subtle, this allows the movement to blend better with the open gray dial, and the increased glossiness of the surface creates a sense of unity with the exterior. This is a look never before seen in skeleton models.

　Meanwhile, the two new mechanical moon phase models are inspired by the scene of the moon floating in the night sky over Lake Tazawa in Akita Prefecture. The dials are made of mother-of-pearl with a gradient finish, depicting the surface of Lake Tazawa, and the moon phases depicting the full moon reflected on the lake's surface. The dials are particularly noteworthy. In addition to the paint on the back of the mother-of-pearl, which is processed to a thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 mm, a gradient paint is also applied to the front, and then attached to the dial base, creating this unique, deep look. The gray dial ring and semicircular power reserve display are separate pieces, and are supported by holes drilled into the fragile mother-of-pearl.

　The Roman numerals are pad-printed multiple times, with slightly different sizes, to create a beautiful mountain-shaped design that prevents the ink from bleeding around the surrounding areas. This is another excellent example of Seiko Epson's high-end watch technology being introduced to Orient. The watch is also equipped with the caliber F7M65, which has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The power reserve indicator is located at 12 o'clock, and the moon phase and hand-style date display are coaxially positioned at 6 o'clock, creating a clean, symmetrical face.

　Additionally, the classic look is enhanced by the peak-cut leaf hands. The hands are divided into mirror and grain finishes on the left and right, giving the impression of a three-dimensional feel rather than actual thickness. The curved tips of the minute and second hands are also a finish befitting a luxury watch.

　The familiarity that is characteristic of Orient Star and the technological capabilities that Seiko Epson has cultivated have come together to create a new expression that projects a mysterious scene onto the watch.