Orient

Orient Monarch FDD03003Y0

Orient Monarch Mechanical Hands-On Review

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As of the time of this review, the MSRP of the Monarch is $335 (though I bought this one off of Amazon for $160). The Monarch is a classy dress watch that is rather conservatively styled (once you look past the serif hour markers). This model comes with a leather strap, stainless steel buckle, and an exhibition caseback.

Like the Bambino, which I still maintain is the best automatic watch you can buy for under $250, the Monarch hits that sweet spot where what it brings to the table greatly exceeds what it costs to eat there. You won’t find another quality mechanical – let alone with a power reserve complication – at this price point until you start looking at no-name Chinese-manufactured movements.

Orient Mako Rubber FEM65003DW Dial & Crowns

Orient Mako FEM65003DW Review

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It may not be a real “dive watch”, but the Mako Rubber definitely looks the part. With 200m of water resistance, it can get plenty wet and look great doing it. Otherwise, the Mako is an affordable and capable watch, powered by a house-made automatic movement, and looks that match. I’m a big fan.

Orient Symphony FER27008W Automatic Watch

Orient Symphony FER27008W Review

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If the Bambino is the proverbial bulls eye, the Symphony lands just short of the inner circle. It’s powered by the same Caliber 48743 automatic that Orient fits in the Bambino, and it’s built just as well, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark aesthetically. Because of this, it always seems to sit in its better-looking cousins shadow. It’s not a bad watch by any technical means, just make sure you’ve checked the Bambino out before you pull the trigger on the Symphony.

Orient Bambino V2 FER24008B0 Automatic

Orient Bambino V2 Review

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Orient hit the nail on the head with the Bambino V2. This is a great looking watch, and of the three versions of the Bambino, I think that the V2 is the best looking. The quality of its build is evident all over, with no corners cut in its construction. Overall, the Bambino is an excellent watch. I recommend it.

Orient Leo FET0L002D0

Orient Leo FET0L002D0 Review

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I think that the Orient Leo is a great looking watch in any of its color options, but particularly the combination reviewed here. Unfortunately, no matter how I tried to adjust the bracelet I was unable to get it to sit flush with my wrist- an annoyance that taints an otherwise good entry-level automatic watch.