Expanding their Orient Star collection, Orient Japan has launched a lineup of 4 new Moon Phase watches in April 2020.
Capitalizing on previous iterations of the Orient Star collection – this new lineup seems to combine elements from their “Star Classic” and “Sun and Moon” lineup, creating a model that it is sleek in its essence, with a slightly modern and sporty twist, given its rather geometric case shape, similar to the popular Seiko SARB033.
The Orient Star Classic and Sun and Moon V3 are both watches I currently own and love. Considering seems to be a combination of two of my favorite Orient watches, I am very excited.
Moonphase, Open-Heart, and Power Reserve Complications
While the Orient Star lineup originated as simple and clean executions of classic watches – the new contemporary moon-phase adds a more complicated sophistication to the watch.
Featuring multiple complications, such as a sun and moon phase, an open-heart that allows you to see the movement, and a power-reserve, the dial is never going to leave your eyes bored. There’s certainly a lot going on on the dial, and some might feel it’s a little too overcomplicated.
Pair that with the subtle layered texture of the dial – this watch is for the “interesting” dress-watch lovers who might want a bit of extra visual interest for everyday wear at home, or in the office.
Specifications Built for Everyday Wear
Featuring an in-house F7M63 mechanical movement with an accuracy of +15/-5 seconds per day, and a power reserve of 50+ hours, this watch has some serious inner-workings that match the gorgeous exterior. This is a serious timepiece.
A 316L stainless steel case, sapphire crystal with AR coating and a 10 bar (100m) water resistance come together to make a very functional and durable everyday watch. From what I know about Orient, their watches also tend to be as durable and resiliant as they are god looking. While I can’t speak on the build quality of these new models first-hand, my experience with handling and wearing Orient watches has been nothing but positive.
With a diameter of 41mm, thickness of 13mm, and lug-to-lug of 48.5m, this watch is in the range of “modern-classic” sizing. I.E. not too big, not too small. I find the sweet spot for my 7″ wrists to be watches with 40mm in diameter. This watch will wear nicely on most people’s wrists, comparable to that of the previous Orient Star Classic power reserve models.
Orient Star Contemporary Collection
The lineup of Orient Star Moon Phase features 4 distinct models, including one “prestige shop” limited edition model, reference RK-AY0004B. Good luck finding one!
Here are each of the four Contemporary models in-depth.
Orient Star RK-AY0001B
The standard black + silver. Really hard to go wrong with this monochromatic offering. An all-stainless case and markings provide a traditional and simple everyday wear.
Pair it with a suit on the stock bracelet, or throw on a leather strap and wear it with jeans. It’s a versatile do-anything watch.
Orient Star RK-AY0002S
The RK-AY0002S is a tad more special, with its silvery-white dial, but electric blue hands add a touch of spark.
This one is a tad dressier, if only slightly. I think a navy alligator strap would really elevate this watch, to accent the blue painted hands.
Orient Star RK-AY0003S
The dressiest of the bunch, the RK-AY0003S features rose gold accents on a champagne dial that is sure to impress.
While I truly believe any of the watches in this lineup are more than suitable moon phase watches for women, this is one I might expect my significant other to “borrow” from my watch box, if she’s looking for an eye-catching piece to wear on a night out.
Orient Star RK-AY0004B
The Orient Star RK-AY0004B has a rich dark black sunburst dial with gold accents. While the gold accents aren’t my cup of tea, they might be exactly what you’re looking for, and match with your gold Lambo, or something.
The Final Verdict
The Orient Star Contemporary Standard collection blends functional and intricate complications from many of their previous watches.
While a moon phase, open heart, and power-reserve complication, all on the same watch, might be a bit too much for some, it might just be what the Dr. ordered for others.
If you’re looking for something a even ess traditional, Orient Japan also released a set of skeleton dial watches called the Avant-Garde Skeleton that you may want to check out. Check out my article about it here.