1933 - 2006No, not that Orange Mako, the other one, as in Orient Orange Mako Model #CEM65001M.
I have to admit that up until a couple of months ago I would never have considered buying an Orient watch. Maybe it was the name or maybe it was the look of the watches. I also didn't know anything about them. All I know is that one day I woke up and decided that I could no longer live without an orange faced watch. I knew I didn't want to spend a lot of money but I still wanted something decent. I found the watch being praised on several fora and finding out that Seiko is the parent company of Orient gave it more credibility and made the choice easier. I found out that Orient is also the #1 selling watch manufacturer in Asia as well. Hmmm, the plot thickens. Orient seems to be making a run at the North American market as well because there is always some kind of a deal going on on the company web site. Now, depending on when you visit the site there may be different deals in place. At the time I purchased the Mako the company was offering 30% off the retail price of the watch plus free shipping, plus a bracelet link removal tool plus a double watch winder. I'd have to be an imbecile not to buy this watch. So I did.
I have to say that, aside from some minor cosmetic complaints, this watch seems to be well worth the money. It's solidly built and has good weight to it. The mineral crystal is slightly raised and the beveled edges are polished. Nice. The 22mm bracelet has a double push button fold over clasp with a safety and is well made and comfortable. The case measures 41mm x 13mm thick and is about 46mm from lug to lug. So far the watch has been on the automatic winder for over a month and hasn't lost or gained enough seconds to warrant adjusting the hands. Excellent. The movement is an "in-house" design with 21 jewels that I admit to knowing nothing about. My guess is that it's a variation on a Seiko design. Much like many Seiko movements this movement does not hack.
And now the complaints:
a) The unidirectional rotating bezel is too dainty and the edge treatment is over designed. This is just my opinion.
b) The numbers on the unidirectional rotating bezel are a bit anemic. Also, just my opinion.
c) Why is the arrow head tip of the seconds hand red? It's almost invisible, therefore not a good color choice. This isn't a problem with the black or blue faced version of this watch.
d) Is it me or does anyone else find it odd that the day function on this watch requires it's own pusher button?
So maybe it wouldn't be my first choice for s.c.u.b.a. diving but that shouldn't take away from the fact that it's an excellent watch with a look that's all it's own. I would, if asked, recommend this watch to others. In fact, I wouldn't mind adding the Mako's big brother, the CEM75001B to my collection.
Overall a nice profile. The day function pusher is on the right.
I have to admit that up until a couple of months ago I would never have considered buying an Orient watch. Maybe it was the name or maybe it was the look of the watches. I also didn't know anything about them. All I know is that one day I woke up and decided that I could no longer live without an orange faced watch. I knew I didn't want to spend a lot of money but I still wanted something decent. I found the watch being praised on several fora and finding out that Seiko is the parent company of Orient gave it more credibility and made the choice easier. I found out that Orient is also the #1 selling watch manufacturer in Asia as well. Hmmm, the plot thickens. Orient seems to be making a run at the North American market as well because there is always some kind of a deal going on on the company web site. Now, depending on when you visit the site there may be different deals in place. At the time I purchased the Mako the company was offering 30% off the retail price of the watch plus free shipping, plus a bracelet link removal tool plus a double watch winder. I'd have to be an imbecile not to buy this watch. So I did.I have to say that, aside from some minor cosmetic complaints, this watch seems to be well worth the money. It's solidly built and has good weight to it. The mineral crystal is slightly raised and the beveled edges are polished. Nice. The 22mm bracelet has a double push button fold over clasp with a safety and is well made and comfortable. The case measures 41mm x 13mm thick and is about 46mm from lug to lug. So far the watch has been on the automatic winder for over a month and hasn't lost or gained enough seconds to warrant adjusting the hands. Excellent. The movement is an "in-house" design with 21 jewels that I admit to knowing nothing about. My guess is that it's a variation on a Seiko design. Much like many Seiko movements this movement does not hack.
And now the complaints:
a) The unidirectional rotating bezel is too dainty and the edge treatment is over designed. This is just my opinion.
b) The numbers on the unidirectional rotating bezel are a bit anemic. Also, just my opinion.
c) Why is the arrow head tip of the seconds hand red? It's almost invisible, therefore not a good color choice. This isn't a problem with the black or blue faced version of this watch.
d) Is it me or does anyone else find it odd that the day function on this watch requires it's own pusher button?
So maybe it wouldn't be my first choice for s.c.u.b.a. diving but that shouldn't take away from the fact that it's an excellent watch with a look that's all it's own. I would, if asked, recommend this watch to others. In fact, I wouldn't mind adding the Mako's big brother, the CEM75001B to my collection.
Overall a nice profile. The day function pusher is on the right.
Double push button clasp with the engraved Orient logo.
The case back sports a hologram sticker over another engraved Orient logo.
You've got to admit, this watch looks killer on an orange Nato band. Yeah, this baby's goin' for a swim this Summer.One final note with all due respect: Makoto Iwamatsu passed away on July 21, 2006 of esophageal cancer. His last film was TMNT where he provided the voice for the character Splinter. The movie was dedicated in his memory. He was an icon in American cinema and will be missed greatly.
Thanks for reading.
I always like reading your blog because like you, i am a very enthusiastic watch collector. I have been collecting watches for years and have more than i can count. I recently purchased two watches in the past three months, my first was a bulova marine star with a bright blue dial, my second was actually a fossil watch. I never thought i would even consider a fossil but the one i got looked alot like the rolex submariner but my fossil came with a skagen style mesh band that just makes the watch stand out. I have never had an orient watch but after reading your blog I put one on my bday wish list. I also like your alpha watches. I have readd great things about there company and I happen to own one. I have the submariner black matt dial (starting to see a patern? i love the look of the submariner) and I will be purchasing the paul newman white dial very soon. look forward to reading your post again and maybe one day I will start my own blog and post pics of my huge collection. With great respect, i wish you and your family health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. I'm always a fan of a fan. Keep reading and look out for an upcoming review of the Omega Speedmaster (ref. 3570.50) that my lovely wife, Sue, gave me for my birthday. Ciao and best regards.
ReplyDeleteYour wife must really love you. The omega Speedmaster is a great watch. Hey I have a question that needs a watch professionals opinion. I have many watches in my collection as you know but I work in an environment that is dangerous to my watches. I saw an add on Shop NBC for a Caravelle By Bulova divers with a black dial and black bezel, it is very similar to the rolex submariner but it has a rubber band and numbers at the 12,6, and 9 positions. In your opinion is that a good durable watch that can still be classy?
ReplyDeleteI really don't know how many watches are in your collection. I don't know what environment you work in that's dangerous to watches. Do you handle lava, radioactive material or electro-magnets? Are you a lion tamer? I don't know. In any case Caravelle by Bulova isn't the first brand that comes to mind when I think of watches that are made to handle adverse conditions. They might be okay, but I admit that I don't really know. I do suggest that you take a close look at Seiko watches for their high quality to cost ratio. I have a lot of faith Seiko watches. Thanks again.
ReplyDelete