SHINING STARS

The cult Japanese watch brand celebrates 75 years in 2026. We look at two of its limited-edition releases: the F8 Skeleton and Diver 1964.

- WORDS FARHAN SHAH PHOTOS ORIENT STAR

AS YOU DIVE DEEPER into the world of mechanical watches, you'll start hearing about this cult Japanese brand. Its history began in 1950 just after the end of World War II. That year, Orient Watch Company, Limited was founded. At this point in the story, the watch enthusiasts reading this story will probably be nodding their heads. The brand has become a fan favourite for several models, including the dressy Orient Bambino and the sporty Orient Mako. The story continues a year after its founding in 1951 when it launched the Orient Star brand. The aim was to craft mechanical wonders worthy of being called 'shining stars'.

What made Orient and Orient Star particularly compelling was its commitment to substance over marketing. The watchmaker produced exceptionally crafted timepieces whilst remarkably manufacturing their movements entirely in-house—a rarity when most competitors at accessible tiers rely on modified ETA or Miyota calibres. Orient's ability to engineer such precision established them as darlings of the enthusiast community, but it also proved they were capable of far more ambitious work.

Even till today, the brand’s commitment to in-house movements and precision remained steadfast. But the watches within Orient Star offered hand-assembly and superior finishing, including perlage, Côtes de Genève-style striping, and bevelled edges.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Orient Star has released several models, but we'll take a closer look at the two that have caught our eye.

M34 F8 SKELETON HAND WINDING MODEL