70+ Years of Orient Watches: Japanese Heritage and Modern Icons
Few watch brands manage to feel both quietly familiar and genuinely distinctive. Orient Watches is one of them. With more than seven decades of Japanese watchmaking behind it, Orient has built a reputation for automatic watches that combine thoughtful design, dependable mechanical movements and remarkable value.
From the elegant Orient Bambino to the sporty Orient Mako and Kamasu, the brand offers something for almost every kind of watch wearer. Whether you are discovering Japanese automatic watches for the first time or adding a characterful piece to an established collection, Orient’s story is worth knowing.
Explore the full Orient Watches collection at House of Watches.
The Story Behind Orient Watches
Orient’s watchmaking story began in Japan in 1950, when the brand introduced its first model, the New Orient. That early focus on creating original, reliable timepieces helped shape the identity the brand still carries today: a watchmaker that designs and develops its own mechanical watches rather than simply following trends.
The 1950s also saw the debut of Orient Star in 1951, a line that would become central to the brand’s more refined, design-led side. Through the following decades, Orient continued to invest in mechanical watchmaking, introducing an N-type self-winding movement in 1961 and developing the influential Cal. 46 movement family in 1971.
That long commitment to in-house mechanical movements is one of the reasons Orient has earned such a loyal following. It is not simply a heritage brand; it is a brand that has continued to make accessible automatic watches with real character.
Why Orient Watches Stand Out
So, are Orient watches good value? For many watch enthusiasts, the answer is a confident yes.
Orient watches offer a compelling combination of:
- Japanese automatic movements, with many models offering hand-winding and hacking functions
- Original design language, from vintage-inspired dress watches to bold dive-style sports watches
- Strong everyday practicality, including durable cases, legible dials and water resistance across much of the range
- Accessible pricing, making Orient one of the most appealing entry points into mechanical watch collecting
Orient’s own brand story highlights its long-standing focus on high reliability and designs that harmonise with the times, with its watches now worn in more than 70 countries worldwide.
In short, Orient is ideal for anyone who wants the charm of an automatic watch without needing to stretch into luxury-watch territory.
Iconic Orient Collections to Know
Orient’s range is broad, but a few collections define what the brand does best.
Orient Bambino: The Modern Classic
The Orient Bambino is arguably the brand’s most recognisable collection. With its rounded case, domed crystal, vintage-inspired dial details and elegant proportions, it has become one of the most popular affordable automatic dress watches.
A Bambino works beautifully with smart-casual outfits, office wear and more formal occasions. It is also one of the easiest watches to recommend to someone buying their first mechanical timepiece.
Browse the Orient Bambino collection.
Featured pick: the Orient RA-AP0101B Bambino Small Seconds Black Dial Leather Strap Watch is a particularly refined take on the classic Bambino formula, with a black dial, small-seconds display and leather strap.
For something more collectable, the Orient RA-BB0006N Limited Edition Classic Bambino Grey Dial Leather Strap Watch brings a distinctive grey dial to the collection.
Orient Mako: Everyday Sports Style
The Orient Mako is the sportier side of the brand. Inspired by diving watches, it offers bold dials, robust styling and the kind of versatility that makes it easy to wear every day.
The Mako is a strong choice if you want a Japanese automatic watch that can move easily between weekends, holidays and everyday wear.
Explore the Orient Mako collection.
Featured pick: the Orient RA-AC0Q11E Mako 40 Green Dial Rubber Strap Watch pairs a rich green dial with a practical rubber strap, making it a great everyday sports watch.
For travellers, the Orient RA-BC0004Y Mako Orange GMT Dial Bracelet Watch adds GMT functionality to the collection’s sporty character.
Orient Kamasu: The Diver-Inspired Favourite
The Orient Kamasu takes the Mako’s dive-watch DNA and gives it a sharper, more contemporary edge. It is known for its distinctive faceted indices, strong dial colours and robust automatic movement.
The Kamasu is especially appealing if you like the look and feel of a diver’s watch but want something more distinctive than the usual suspects. It is a watch with presence, yet it remains easy to live with.
Featured pick: the Orient RA-AA0827V Mako Kamasu Purple Dial Bracelet Watch is a limited-edition option with a striking purple dial and bracelet, ideal for collectors who want something less conventional.
How to Choose the Right Orient Watch
Choosing an Orient watch comes down to how you want it to fit into your life.
- For formal and smart-casual wear: Choose an Orient Bambino. Its classic proportions and refined dials make it the natural dress-watch choice.
- For everyday versatility: Choose an Orient Mako. It is sporty, practical and easy to style.
- For a diver-inspired look: Choose an Orient Kamasu. It offers a more distinctive, contemporary take on the sports-watch formula.
- For travel: Consider a Mako GMT, which adds a second-time-zone function to a robust automatic watch.
- For collectors: Look to limited editions, Revival-inspired designs and 75th-anniversary models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Orient watches good quality?
Yes. Orient is respected for producing reliable Japanese automatic watches, with a long history of developing its own mechanical movements and designs.
How long has Orient been making watches?
Orient’s watchmaking history dates back to 1950, meaning the brand has more than 70 years of heritage.
What is the most popular Orient watch?
The Orient Bambino is one of the brand’s best-known and most popular models, particularly among buyers looking for an affordable automatic dress watch.
What is the difference between the Orient Mako and Kamasu?
Both are dive-inspired sports watches, but the Kamasu generally has a more contemporary, angular design with faceted indices, while the Mako is the more classic and versatile option.
Where can I buy Orient watches in the UK?
You can explore the full range of Orient watches at House of Watches, including Bambino, Mako, Kamasu and limited-edition models.
Discover Orient Watches at House of Watches
After more than 70 years, Orient remains one of the most interesting names in accessible Japanese watchmaking. Its watches offer heritage without pretension, mechanical appeal without complexity, and design personality without an intimidating price tag.
Whether you are drawn to the timeless elegance of the Bambino, the everyday capability of the Mako, or the distinctive presence of the Kamasu, there is an Orient watch to suit your style.
