Style

Tokyo time: Orient and Orient Star premium Japanese watches launch in the UK

Orient Star Contemporary Full Skeleton premium watch on a reflective surface

Celebrated Japanese watchmaker Orient has launched in the UK, with a collection of 46 timepieces from its Orient and Orient Star catalogues. Emerging in the Post-War era, the brand enjoys a dedicated following for its meticulous approach to watchmaking. It specialises in traditional mechanical timepieces but isn’t averse to more lavish creations and case designs.

The UK range will include new flagship models from Orient Star, which are hand assembled in Japan, such as the Diver 1964 2nd Edition and Contemporary Skeleton, as well as bestselling Orient timepieces, like the Orient Bambino with 38mm compact case and vintage aesthetic.

A second launch phase is promised for later this year, with new models exclusive to the UK market.

The brand has long enjoyed a cult following for its meticulous approach to watchmaking, specialising in traditional mechanical timepieces…

The brand is popular with enthusiasts and stylists who value elegant design, reliability and advanced technology.

One of the hallmarks of Orient watches is their mechanical movements, which are made entirely in-house. 

Orient has been producing high-quality watches since 1950 and has earned a reputation for affordable excellence in the world of horology.

Its high end Orient Star brand was introduced in 1951, as a testament to the brand’s commitment to precision and craftsmanship – the relationship with Orient is a bit like the division between Seiko and Grand Seiko, albeit less exaggerated. 

Orient Star premium models are noteworthy for their exceptional attention to detail. The  pinnacle of Orient’s expertise, they appeal with features like sapphire crystal, power reserve indicators, and retrograde displays.

If you think it’s time to start an Orient watch collection, the Orient Star Mechanical moon phase (£1,670) would be an obvious place to start, with its flowing water motif. This stylish ticker features a semi skeleton aperture at 9 o’clock, power reserve indicator, and a moon phase with date display at 6 o’clock.

The Orient Star Contemporary Full Skeleton (£2,759), is another great choice, it’s the first full skeleton in the Contemporary range, with an easy to wear 29mm slim case.

For those looking for a more complex timepiece, the Orient Star 70th Anniversary Skeleton (£2669), pictured above, below the £999 Avant-Garde Skeleton, is a compelling option. Alternatively, consider the Orient Star Retrograde which features a day and date display, 39.5mm case, and power reserve indicator.

Included in the UK rollout are the best-selling retro-style Orient Bambino (£289.99), with its 38mm gold coloured stainless steel case, the Orient Mako (£394.99) and Orient Classic Sun & Moon (£495).

Also consider the brand’s M Force diver (£600); the current 47.3mm dive watch has a striking red face and Calibre F6727 movement.

The full line-up can be found over at Orient Watch UK

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK