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Orient M-Force SEL03001D Diver Watch Review

admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:01:28 +0000

One of my favorite divers in my collection is an Orient CFD0C001B Saturation Diver. I reviewed it here. While it has quirks, the big beefy diver has a great look with a useful dial and a fantastically adjustable bracelet. I still love wearing it today. As far as I know it is one of Orient's most expensive watches and certainly at the top of their diver collection. This M-Force Diver model is more modern, but considered a mid-range model between the more pricey Saturation Diver and Orient's lower-end offerings. It is further accompanied by a similar watch called the Orient Revolver diver.

The M-Force collection of watches come with blue, black, or orange dial colors. This blue model I am reviewing is the ref: SEL03001D. The steel case is 46mm wide and it wears extremely comfortably. I have to also add that Orient watches by and large are very comfortable on the wrist (at least mine). The case design of the M-Force is interesting a looks like a slight interpretation of its older sibling. Orient's designers went a bit wild with the bezel design, but it feels contemporary. Turning it is a bit amusing. While it does move smoothly, the clicks have a rather distinct sound to them. Orient positioned the crown at 4 o'clock, and placed a red O-ring on it for a splash of decorative color.

You'll notice that the case is a mixture of brushed and polished elements. This is carried over to the bracelet which has thin strips of horizontal polished striped amid the mostly brushed surfaces. While the metal bracelet is technically simple, it is wide and relatively thin with a comfortable feel. Sometimes simple is best. Lacking on the M-Force model compared to its big brother is the Saturation Diver's famous ratcheting deployment clasp (that I love). This feature gave it lots of micro-adjustability on the fly. The M-Force however has a more traditional triple-locking fold-over clasp. This high level of reliability gives it a folding latch as well as a push-button release. What I love about the Japanese is that they can make parts which are produced inexpensively work much better that expensive parts produced elsewhere.

The watch case is water resistant to 200 meters - compared to 300 meters of its big brother. That should be enough for most people. You see the term "Air Diver" on the back as opposed to the saturation diver status of the other piece which is more than twice the cost. Over the dial is a sapphire crystal. It would be nice to see some AR coating though.

Inside the M-Force is the Orient designed and manufactured caliber 40N5A automatic movement. Yes, to remind you, Orient does make their own movements in Japan. The movement is essentially the same as that in the Saturation diver. Same features and layout - which includes the time, date, and power reserve indicator. Being a newer watch the M-Force has an upgraded movement that features automatic and hand-winding. Previous generation Orient automatic movements did not had the option to hand-wind the movement. Now they do. Plus, the movement features a hack seconds feature which I believe was absent in the previous ones.

What I have always liked about the dial layout is that the power reserve indicator does not significantly detract from legibility. While not a testament to innovative design, the M-Force's dial is functional and visually stimulating. You have large applied hour indicators, and both they and the hands are well-coated in luminant. My only suggestion to Orient would have been to make the hour and minute hand a bit more distinctive from one another. The mixture of colors is done well and I like the prominent Orient logo.

For the money you get a lot with a watch like the M-Force. Orient is a brand that prides itself on value, so you really never end up feeling as though you didn't get enough for what you paid. The pieces might not be as solid feeling as higher-end Swiss pieces, but you are paying a fraction of the price. The M-Force models are fun and sport looking with a functional edge. They are comfortable on the wrist and feel tough enough to be beaten around. While similar in demeanor to many Seiko dive watches, Orient pieces feel a bit more classically inspired, versus Seiko which often features fun and futuristic concepts. Price before any available discounts online here at Orient Watches USA is $720.

BONUS: For a limited time aBlogtoRead.com readers get 50% off purchases at Orient Watch USA by using the discount code "ablogtoread50" at checkout.

Thanks to Orient for the review unit. Opinions are 100% independent.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Orient Excursionist Watch Winner Follow-Up

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:37:37 +0000

Please thank the winner of the Orient Excursionist watch from the August 2011 aBlogtoRead.com watch giveaway for a follow-up image and comments. Congrats again to him:

"So, and I've been looking forward to this, my Orient Excursionist was waiting at my doorstep today. The box was a little beat up - but that was UPS's fault. The watch inside was in another box, which was perfectly intact, protected by copious amounts of packing nuts. Orient packaged this watch nicely, in a presentation box with a riveted faux leather finish framing a stainless steel plate. My first impression of the watch was, "Wow, it's big!" But it really isn't, not after you put it on your wrist. (My wrist is quite narrow - I removed three links from the bracelet, and it's still a bit loose; still, watch is nicely proportioned and doesn't look out of place.)

My previous watch was a Skagen, which I've been wearing for a while, so I'm really out of practice for such a chunky watch. But I'm catching on quick, never fear.

The watch looks great. Ariel had them send me a blue dial one; the blue is rich, midnight blue, and the luminous markers pop out at you. The hands are long, and the 24 hour hand is visible, while at the same time not being obstructive. Haven't worn it long enough to measure accuracy - so far, so good, though. Here's a picture of me wearing the watch - yes, the time is accurate, and I'm up too late... Thank you Ariel Adams, aBlogtoRead.com, and thank you Orient!"

Collectively... our pleasure. Enjoy.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

LAST CHANCE: Orient Excursionist GMT Watch Giveaway

admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:00:57 +0000

With the month almost over you have just a couple more days to enter for a chance to win the Orient Excursionist GMT watch. The winner will get their choice of black or white dial for this attractive 45mm wide Japanese automatic watch. Click here to enter for a chance to win.

Giveaway: Orient Excursionist GMT Watch + Discount

admin — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 07:04:01 +0000

Orient's diver automatic GMT watch called the Excursionist is this month's aBlogtoRead.com giveaway prize. The 45mm wide steel case is water resistant to 200 meters and features Orient's in-house Japanese made caliber 46P40 automatic movement. It has a fixed GMT hand that is used as a 24 hour indicator. It can also be used in conjunction with the bezel to track a second timezone. The watch is the ref. FFE06001(W, B, K, D), depending on the dial color. It comes in blue, black, gray, and white. The winner will be able to choose their favorite dial color (based on availability). The handsome watch comes on a steel bracelet and retails for $375. Enter below for your change to win one from aBlogtoRead.com this month.

Orient is also offering a special discount to aBlogtoRead.com readers for until September 15, 2011. Use coupon code "ablogtoread50" to get 50% Orient watches when ordering online from their website.

To Enter You Must:

1. Comment on this post below before the giveaway is over with your valid e-mail address where required. In the body of your comment mention whether you are or are not OK buying previously owned watches assuming they are in good condition.

2. Be a pal. If possible, Facebook friend/fan all or any of the following:

Want aBlogtoRead.com articles automatically sent to you via e-mail? Sign up here:

3. Wait until the giveaway is over on August 31st, 2011 for the winner to be chosen at random.

A couple of basic rules. You can only enter once. You must comment with a valid e-mail address where you can be reached. Your comment must be confirmed and approved. You must complete the objectives to be considered. You are responsible for providing your contact shipping information if you are chosen. Shipping restrictions to non US entrants may apply based on sponsor's policies. Giveaway watch selection based on sponsor's inventory and watch availability. All comments made after the end of the giveaway period will not be considered. For the full terms and conditions, please click here.

Good luck, and thanks to Orient the sponsor of this Excursionist Automatic watch giveaway here at aBlogtoRead.com!

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Giveaway: Orient Mako Diver Automatic Watch

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:11:43 +0000

Here is your chance to get a well-made and affordable automatic mechanical dive watch from Orient Japan - for free. One lucky aBlogtoRead.com reader will win this watch from Orient. The brand makes their own movements and are often very well regarded by their fans. I reviewed with Orient Mako Dive watch here myself previously. Orient takes a lot of pride in their dependable automatic watches and here is your chance to own one. Up for grabs is the special yellow dial version of the Mako Dive watch line. It is the Orient CEM65001Y timepiece. As I understand it, this piece was specially made to celebrate Orient's relationship offering watches on Amazon.com, and is an exclusive color available only there or direct via Orient. There are a number a nice Orient automatic watches I've currently had my eye on such as Orient's CFM00004W, or the CEZ05003B.

Yellow is a nice alternative to orange when looking for a bold looking watch - but this model watch is also available in orange, as well as black or blue dials. The watch is 41mm wide and 13mm thick. The automatic movement has a power reserve of about 40 hours, and the watch case is water resistant to 200 meters. The movement features a day-date complication. The day is adjusted via the pusher above the watch crown. The style is simple and sharp, with a lot of visual durability to be a default watch, or a go-to activity timepiece. The three-link steel bracelet is impressively made given the price range. The Orient CEM65001Y retails for $275. Enter below for your chance to win one this month from aBlogtoRead.com.

To Enter You Must:

1. Comment on this post below with your valid e-mail address where required. In the body of your comment mention your favorite watch dial color (or colors), and perhaps why that is.

2. By entering you are opting in to potentially receive occasional watch related news letters or announcements. You may opt out at any time.

3. Wait until the giveaway is over on April 1st, 2010 for the winner to be chosen at random.

Good luck, and thanks to Orient Watches, the sponsor of the Mako Diver watch giveaway here at aBlogtoRead.com!

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Orient CDD00001W Pocket Watch Review

admin — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:35:56 +0000

It's a pocket watch. It is also a nice pocket watch. Further still, it is a Japanese pocket watch, and from Orient Japan. Not what you expect to see these days, but there is still a market for pocket watches, and you might be one of those people who want one. Pocket watches have a sort of romance to them. Something from another era, when telling the time was a classy occasion. Back when not everyone could afford a watch - and having one meant you meant something.

Pocket watches today are admittedly rare, especially new ones. But here is an interesting one that is probably a good fit for anyone who might want one. Further, it houses the very first manually wound movement made by Orient. Until now, they have been making automatic movements (that don't feature hand winding). As far as pocket watches go, with Orient CDD00001W (which I will just refer to as the "Orient Pocket Watch") is relatively small. It is actually the size of a modern modestly sized watch at 40mm wide. A nice feature for those people who don't want to carry around large pocket watches. There is another reason for the small size. The Orient Caliber 48C40 movement is actually made to go into a watch. It just isn't in one yet (that I know of). It hearkens a future of more sophisticated movements made by the over 50 year old mechanical watch maker from Japan. Orient already makes a full line of nice mechanical watches, but I see them slowly moving up market a bit. The movement has a 40 hour power reserve, with a hour reserve indicator on the dial, and an escapement that beats are 21,600 bhp (beats/rotations per hour). Lastly, the movement features a hack seconds functions that stops the seconds hand when you full the crown out.

In the future, I anticipate that Orient will have a full line of manually wound watches, and then eventually watches that have both manual winding, and automatic winding (just as Swiss automatic movements do). Orient takes the time to decorate the movement with perlage polishing. Overall I am happy with the movement as it has nice operation and is made Orient themselves. It is a nice value for the money. Feels smooth in operation, and it is nice to wind via the top-mounted crown. It has all the feeling you want from a traditional style manually wound mechanical movement. You can see the movement through the sapphire caseback window. Lovers of this genre can't really go wrong.

The pocket watch case itself is hefty in a really nicely polished steel. I am actually impressed with the high level of polish, and that the watch feels so solidly made. The dial is machine engraved steel that looks nice with its various textured areas. The Breguet style blued steel pomme hands as well as Arabic numerals fit the character of the watch well. Small steel orbs are placed behind the hour markers that enhance the look of depth, as well as the pocket watch's vintage style demeanor. The dial is covered with a sapphire crystal and the watch is water resistant to 30 meters. I must say that the dial layout is flawlessly done.Â That layout of the power reserve indicator, Orient company logo, and the length of the hands are done precisely as should have been done. I can tell that Orient's designers put their time into this one.

Attached to the watch is the requisite metal chain attached to the belt loop clip. You can remove the chain easily if you like. I tried to think about gripes I had for the watch. I really can't think of too much given the price. There are a few things about the pocket watch that make it feel different compared to other pocket watches. Such as the shape of the entire case and of course the size. Plus, you'll need to see how to incorporate a pocket watch into your life. But those are part of what the watch are, not really a problem with it. The dial is clean, easy to use and attractive. As a first manually wound mechanical movement, the caliber is just fine, and the fit and finish on the watch is good for the price of about $300 (retail is $390, but all prices online are closer to $300 or less). Also, even if you don't see yourself getting a pocket watch, apparently they make good gifts.

More on the Orient CDD00001W pocket watch from Orient USA here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Orient Mako Dive Watch Winner Follow Up

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:12:19 +0000

In August I held a giveaway for an Orient Mako Diver watch. I asked the winner to send an image with the watch on his wrist as a follow up to show all of you. Like all aBlogtoRead.com readers, he was busy in his work and personal life, but was finally able to get a snapshot for me to share with all of you. Here are a few meaningful words that Eric W. wanted to share with about the Orient Mako CEM65001B dive watch that he won on aBlogtoRead.com:

"The Orient Mako Diver watch is a terrific watch! I must admit that I was a bit skeptical for how an automatic watch in this price range would be, but I have been wearing this watch for over a week and it has performed beautifully. It is very accurate and is durable. I can tell that people that see the watch often do double-takes. They seem to be wondering if it is an Omega, a Rolex, or a Blancpain.

The watch comes in a beautiful box. There is no question in my mind that Orient makes the best automatic watches for the money. Island Watch was very good in terms of their customer service by keeping me updated on when it would ship. Thank you so much Ariel and Island Watch! [the watch giveaway sponsor]"

Thanks to Eric for sharing the image of the watch looking handsome on his wrist. And to all of you who didn't win a timepiece yet, please enter this month's watch giveaway and look forward to future watch giveaways right here on aBlogtoRead.com.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Last Chance To Enter For The Free Orient Mako Automatic Watch

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:27:14 +0000

At the end of the month I will be announcing a winner to the aBlogtoRead.com Orient Mako Automatic Diver watch giveaway (sponsored by Island Watch). It takes about a minute of your time to enter, and you'll be glad that you did. Click here to spend a second taking care of it.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Orient Ladies Automatic CDB01005W Watch Review

admin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:35:10 +0000

What? I can't write a woman's watch review because I am a man? Sure I can. I would guess that half of all women's watches are bought by men for women. Which is also actually probably true about women buying men's watch for men. Plus the fact that most of you are men, so you wouldn't be buying this watch for yourself. Unless you REALLY like the watch. This is a really good watch for the money - which retails for $250, but goes for about $160 - $215 at most retailers. The design is modeled after some familiar women's watches from makers like Hamilton (think the women's Jazzmaster), Frederique Constant, and others like the Zenith El Primero Star Open watch series. The homage to these other fine watches is just fine, because Orient really does a good job of capturing a great look for a value price. The watches even have an Orient Japan made automatic movement inside (the Orient Calibre 46A40). There are two views to the movement on the watch. This is sometimes called an "open heart" watch - as the window on the dial reveals the balance wheel and escapement in action (which is the "heart" of the watch). Another heart-shaped window on the rear of the watch provides another view into the movement.

The dial of the watch is the part that will attract women the most. It is mother of pearl, with various heart shapes on the dial that are lightly applied. You then have fun looking Arabic numerals in a rose gold tone that have been applied, as well as the open heart window into the movement. The chapter ring assists with legibility and the hands are nicely shaped and luminant covered. I would have like the chapter ring to not overlap on the numerals as it does a bit, but this is part of the design. Plus, I would have liked the open heart window on the dial to be a total heart shape - as right now it is an upside down tear drop shape while the rest of the hear is in rose gold tone. For women who don't know a lot about mechanical watches the allure of the automatic movement peeking through the windows is a great touch adding a lot of emotional value to the timepiece. It is certainly more interesting than a standard quartz movement. Currently, all Orient automatic watch movements are automatic rotor winding only - not hand wound. Just something to know. Also, water resistance is 50 meters, so you things like washing hands, etc... won't hurt the watch. Not really for any water sports though.

The rose gold tones of the dial and steel case are nice. The caseback is in polished steel. I would have liked for Orient to tone the caseback in the same color, but this is actually rarely done. The crown of the watch is very thin, but wide enough to use easily. I got back and forth between whether or not I like the thin crown as it helps keep the profile of the watch svelte, or whether I would like a more substantial crown. The look of the thin crown is growing on me, and is actually very retro is fashion. The watch case itself is 37mm wide - a great size for a women's watch making it anything but petite, though not at all "massive." It looks really nice on the feminine wrist.

The mineral crystal is domed a bit adding to the quality feel of the watch. It is really quite a looker to be honest. Something women will be proud to wear, and something you'll be proud to give them. The strap really makes the watch complete. It is leather and brown on the edges and back. A almost patent leather surface in white lines the top of the watch. The white shininess of the strap goes well with the white shininess of the mother of pearl dial. The watch is also available in other colors - with brown, red, orÂ another version with a white dial but black (instead of rose gold) colored numerals. In my opinion this Orient Ladies Automatic CDB01005W with the rose gold tones is the best of the bunch.

If it is for yourself or as a gift this is a good watch for the money. It has the style of much more expensive watches for around $200. This price is competitive with other nice Japanese watches such as Citizen and Seiko, but I think in a lot of ways this Orient watch has a lot more "worldly" character than some of the other women's Japanese watches in this price segment. The best part about the watch is that is can really be dressed up or dressed down - a good fit for almost any occasion and I don't think that women will need to try to hard to fit it into their style and personalities.

See this Orient Ladies Automatic CDB01005W watch at Orient Watch USA here.

See Orient Japan watches on Amazon here.

FNRAP003W Orient Ladies Automatic Fashion Dress Watch

US $197.62

Orient Ladies Automatic All gold tone Watch BNQ0A009D9

US $56.00

Orient Ladies Automatic Two Tone Dress Watch FNR1Q002W

US $201.89

Orient Ladies Automatic White Leather Fashion Watch FNR1Q003W

US $194.41

Orient Ladies Automatic Two Tone Watch FNR1J003B

US $256.37

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Free Orient Mako Automatic Diver Watch Giveaway

admin — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:30:51 +0000

I am proud to present the second aBlogtoRead.com watch giveaway. I've made it even simpler this time to enter for a chance to win your choice of free Orient Mako Automatic Diver's watch. The giveaway is sponsored by Island Watch. The Orient Mako has an automatic mechanical movement that is in-house made by Orient in Japan. The movement features the time, date, and date of the week. Each with quickset adjusters. The watch is water resistant to 200 meters and features a solid stainless steel case and rotating diver's bezel. Attractive and affordable, it makes for a good everyday diver style watch and is about 41mm wide. Read my full review of the Orient Mako Diver line of watches here.

The winner will be able to choose any of the Orient Mako models carried by Island Watch. This includes all metal versions with black, orange, or a blue face - as well as versions with a rubber diver's strap. The blue faced model has two bezel options, one with blue and red in a the "Pepsi bezel" style.

To Enter You Must:

1. Comment on this post below with your valid e-mail address where required. In the body of your comment you can mention your favorite current or past diver style watch.

2. By entering you are opting in to receive occasional watch related news letters or announcements from the sponsor, Island Watch. You may opt out at any time.

3. Wait until the giveaway is over on September 1st 2009 for the winner to be chosen at random.

A couple of basic rules. You can only enter once. You must comment with a valid e-mail address where you can be reached. Your comment must be confirmed and approved. You must complete the objectives to be considered. You are responsible for providing your contact shipping information if you are chosen. Giveaway watch selection based on sponsor's inventory and watch availability. All comments made after the end of the giveaway period will not be considered. For the full terms and conditions, please click here.

Good luck, and thanks to Island Watch (longislandwatch.com), the sponsor of the Orient Mako Automatic watch giveaway here at aBlogtoRead.com!

Island Watch is a popular Internet watch retailer specializing in brands such as Orient, Seiko, Dievas, Junkers, Luminox, Traser, Aristo, Wenger, Zeno, Vostok Europe, among others.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.