Orient is a Japanese watch brand known for its mechanical watches, both automatic and manual-winding. The company was founded in 1950 in Hino, Tokyo, and its roots can be traced back to Shogoro Yoshida's watch shop in Ueno in 1901. Besides mechanical watches, Orient also makes quartz, solar-powered, and radio-controlled models. The best-known lines include Orient, Orient Star, and Royal Orient. Its movements are made in-house in Akita. Orient is now owned by Seiko Epson, but it is marketed as a brand separate from Seiko. For buyers of secondhand watches, Orient is appealing because its models have a long history and the range is wide, from everyday watches to higher-end lines.
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Orient's story begins in 1901, when Shogoro Yoshida opened a wholesale shop called Yoshida Watch Shop in Ueno, Tokyo. The shop sold imported pocket watches. In 1913 Yoshida began making wristwatch cases, and in 1920 he founded Toyo Tokei Manufacturing. At first this factory made only table clocks and measuring instruments. It did not produce wristwatches until 1934, and the Hino factory was built two years later. The company closed in 1949 because of the downturn in Japan's economy after World War II.
The business was revived in 1950 under the name Tama Keiki and continued to produce at the Hino factory. In 1951 its name changed to Orient Watch Company, and in the same year the first Orient Star was sold. A trade agreement with China in 1955 helped the brand become known overseas. Royal Orient followed in 1960. Some important models from that period are the Dynamic (1956), Grand Prix 100 (1964), Fineness (1967), and Tenbeat (1970).
In 2003 Orient set up the Orient Technical Center in Ugo, Ogachi, Akita, where assembly of high-end watches began. Caliber 88700 was released in the Royal Orient line in 2004, and the Orient Star Retro-Future collection appeared in 2005. Seiko Epson became the majority shareholder in 2001 and took full ownership of the company in 2009. The Royal Orient line was discontinued around 2016. Since 2017 the watch business has been under Epson, with movements made by Akita Epson in Yuzawa.
- Orient Star: the line first sold in 1951 and still continuing, including the Retro-Future collection (2005) and a skeleton version for the 70th anniversary.
- Royal Orient: a line released in 1960, which carried the high-precision caliber 88700 in 2004 and was discontinued around 2016.
- Fineness: an automatic watch with day and date calendar that, in its time (1967), was called the thinnest in the world.
- Dynamic: an important model from 1956 in the company's history.
- Grand Prix 100: a 1964 model recorded as one of Orient's important watches.
What we check before listing
We usually first check whether the watch runs steadily and whether the automatic rotor can be heard and felt moving when the watch is shaken. For manual-winding models, we try turning the crown until it feels right, with no slipping or dragging. We check the crystal, case, and bracelet for deep scratches, signs of impact, and looseness in the pins or clasp. We look at the dial and hands for spots, rust, or lume that has flaked off. We match the number or code on the case back to the model being sold, because some models were made in Japan and others at overseas factories. All of this is our own observation, not a guarantee of authenticity.
Caring for it
A mechanical watch is best worn regularly or set in motion from time to time so the lubricant inside the movement does not harden. Avoid hard knocks, strong magnetic fields, and water if the water resistance is unclear, especially on a secondhand watch whose gaskets are old. Clean the case and bracelet with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry them. Regular servicing by a trusted watchmaker helps keep the watch accurate.
FAQ
Is Orient the same as Seiko?
No. Orient is owned by Epson, which also makes some Seiko watches, but Orient is an independent brand and is not marketed by Seiko Watch Corporation.
Where is Orient made?
Orient products are mainly made in Japan, with movements from Akita Epson in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture. Some entry-level and mid-range models are made at Epson subsidiaries in Thailand and China.
Is Royal Orient still produced?
No. The Royal Orient line was discontinued around 2016, so the units on the market now are old or secondhand.
What is the difference between automatic and manual-winding watches at Orient?
An automatic watch is powered by the movement of the wrist while it is worn. A manual-winding watch needs its crown turned regularly. Orient makes both, in addition to quartz, solar-powered, and radio-controlled models.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).