Posted on April 20 2021
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Not to everyone, of course. But for most people, it does. When you buy something that feels like a bargain you get a buzz.
Research shows that it's better than getting the last slice of pizza or guzzling on a sugary dessert. It really does add to your buying experience.
And that new affordable watch on your wrist?
Every time you look at it - and you'll look at it more than to tell the time - you'll be reminded that you got great value for money.
Trust me, it's one of the pleasures of buying inexpensive watches. And it's why I'm such a fan of Orient dive watches.
Are Orient Watches Good Value for Money?
I'm writing this post because they are.
It's one of the main selling points of the brand. We're attracted to Orient because they provide a great bang for buck. You're unlikely to find this value for money in your local jewellers.
The reasons for this are simple.
- Orient is a dependable Japanese brand
- They build watches with their own in-house movements
These two points are important.
The Japanese are proven watchmakers. They have been at the forefront of watchmaking for decades.
Japanese watch companies are also innovators. From quartz models to solar-powered watches - the giant Japanese brands have been hugely influential.
And Orient is one of those giants.
They also make their own in-house mechanical movements. This is a massive selling point. Most brands - even some of the biggest Swiss brands - don't have the ability to make their own movements.
And of those that do? Only a handful do this at an affordable price.
That puts Orient in an exclusive group. Affordable watches with in-house mechanical movements and good specs. It's an exclusive list that includes manufacturers like Vostok and Seiko.
Of the various Orient collections, their divers models are the most highly-rated. It's an area where the company excels.
Let me take you through 6 of their best dive watches.
This watch is stunning and shows that not all diver's watches have to look like the Rolex Submariner. It's bold, colourful and distinctive.
It's also very affordable.
The design is a recreation of a model from Orient's own back catalogue. It's a homage to a watch that they issued in 1965. The style is a Super Compressor - the second crown rotates an inner bezel.
Although the dial is busy, the King Diver still retains a functional aesthetic. The hands and indices are plain. That allows for both day and date windows without the dial becoming cluttered.
If you want an affordable automatic diver, with vintage styling, start here.
Orient King Diver RA-AA0D02R1HB
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The Triton has similar features to an iconic Seiko model - the now discontinued Seiko SKX007. It would make a great replacement.
It’s also a little unusual. It has a bronze coloured case.
The green colour scheme gives the watch a military look, despite it being a diver. And the repositioning of the crown to 4 o'clock is a nice touch that makes the watch comfortable to wear.
The Triton also ticks the boxes of a rugged tool watch. It has a reliable Orient automatic movement and water resistance of 200M. There is a sapphire crystal which is another good addition to a watch at this price point.
It’s very well made with great colouring. Like the King Diver, it's not your typical dive watch. And that's why it's so successful.
Orient Triton RA-AC0K04E10B
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The Kano is a more conventional dive watch with a modern, sporty style. This version with the red bezel and black dial is my favourite. It has colour, without being colourful. And looks sporty, without being a pure sports watch.
It's that versatility and, of course, the value for money that makes this a popular affordable diver. It's less well-known than its Seiko competitors, but you may find that adds to the appeal.
As you'd expect it has an Orient automatic movement and functional water resistance. In keeping with that role as a dive watch, it has a rubber strap.
This is Orient's modern take on the Submariner and is under $200. It's got to be worth a closer look.
Orient Kano RA-AA0011B
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If Orient can claim to produce an iconic dive watch, this is it. The Mako is the best-known Orient dive watch. An astonishing automatic watch that costs around £100.
You read that right.
£100 for a legitimate diver's watch with an in-house automatic movement.
It's a chunky piece too. The case is over 44m wide and it has a substantial steel bracelet.
And despite that inexpensive price, it has good specs. A screw-down crown, mineral crystal and the all-important 200M of water resistance.
This particulate variant is reminiscent of Rolex's popular Kermit watch. It has the same green bezel and black dial. It would make a beautiful alternative if you're a fan of the Rolex.
Orient Mako XL FEM75003B9
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The Kamasu is a slightly smaller, smarter dive watch. It costs a little more than the Mako, but benefits from a sapphire crystal.
Again, all the elements that you'd expect from an Orient dive watch are here. That includes the reliable Japanese F6922 automatic movement.
The Kamasu is another versatile watch. The conservative colouring making this an ideal 'desk diver'. There are touches of colour - the red tip to the second hand for example - but on the whole, this is a straightforward watch.
And that is often what you'll need. A tough watch that can take knocks and occasional swims at the weekend. But also compliments a suit during the week.
Orient Kamasu RA-AA0002L19B
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The final Orient dive watch that I'd like to highlight is the Ray II, a colourful and fun model.
Doxa's designers found during tests that orange is highly legible underwater. It resulted in their orange Sub 300 model and has been used on dive watches since then.
It's a daring colour scheme that works well on the Ray II and is quite a contrast from the Kamasu. But that is part of Orient's appeal. There is variation and experimentation.
If you do like colour, the Ray offers you it. If you don't, they also do the same model in more neutral colours.
I'm tempted to stick with the orange. It's eye-catching and unusual. And it's a lot more affordable than a Doxa Sub 300.
Orient Ray II FAA02006M
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Conclusion
There are only a handful of watch manufacturers that do what Orient does - make affordable mechanical watches with in-house movements.
It's proven popular with watch fans and Orient has a cult following.
Their watches are attractive and cover a variety of niches, from Bauhaus-inspired dress watches to rugged military pieces.
But dive watches are at their core. Often buyers are astonished when they see how affordable some of these watches are. And they are legitimate divers. They're built to be reliable and functional.
I've highlighted 6 of the best Orient dive watches. Each has its own appeal, and each would be a good place to start with the brand.
If you want to find out more about the brand's other watches, have a look at this post too.
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