Dive into the world of vintage timepieces and uncover a hidden gem from Japan's watchmaking history! But wait, it's not the iconic Seiko you might expect.
The 1960s saw the birth of Japan's first dive watches, and while Seiko's 62MAS is often hailed as the pioneer, it wasn't alone. Enter Orient, a brand that dared to venture into the deep with its own unique creation: the Olympia Calendar Diver. This unsung hero of the diving watch scene made its debut in 1964, a year before the 62MAS.
Fast forward to the present, and Orient's premium sub-brand, Orient Star, is bringing back this pre-62MAS diver in a modern reincarnation. The Orient Star M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m pays homage to the original Olympia, but with a twist. And here's where it gets interesting...
The original Olympia Calendar Diver was a beauty, often overlooked in the shadow of Swiss giants like Rolex and Blancpain. Its 40m water resistance might not impress today's standards, but its design was a stunner. Think Omega-inspired broad-arrow hands, a stainless steel bezel with symmetrical markings, and those eye-catching faceted lugs and indices.
Orient Star first revisited this classic in 2022 with a limited-edition black-dial version, faithfully recreating the original's design. They even kept the case free of crown guards, a nod to the vintage aesthetic. But they didn't stop there. In 2023, they released another limited edition, this time with a silver dial.
Now, Orient Star is celebrating its 75th anniversary by reintroducing the Olympia Calendar Diver, and it might just be the best version yet. The new watch retains the design of its predecessors but with a few twists. Some might argue that the replacement of the intricate faceted indices at 12, 6, and 9 with simpler rectangles is a step back. And the addition of a power-reserve indicator, a signature Orient Star feature, may divide opinions.
But the real star of the show is the dial. For the first time, it features a gradient effect, transitioning from blue-gray in the center to black at the edges. This unique design evokes the ocean reflecting the night sky, adding a modern touch to an otherwise vintage-inspired piece.
The watch also boasts upgraded features like enhanced lume, a luminescent pearl on the bezel, a sapphire crystal, and a screw-down crown and caseback. The movement has been modernized with the Orient Caliber F6N47, and the water resistance has been bumped up to a substantial 200m, meeting the ISO 6425 standard for diver's watches.
As with previous reissues, production is limited. This time, only 700 pieces will be available, a number that sits between the original black and silver editions. The watch comes on a jubilee-style bracelet, a nod to the '60s, and while pricing is yet to be revealed, it's sure to be a hot topic when it hits Orient Star dealers in March.
So, what do you think? Is this a worthy tribute to Japan's early dive watch heritage? Or do you prefer the original's simplicity? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to dive into the world of vintage timepieces for more hidden treasures!
