Tags: Review | Orient | Diving
31.3.2022 | 3 MIN
The Orient Automatic RA-AC0K0 has an interesting position in the production of a Japanese company. It is a bit forgotten between the very popular watches under 400 EUR (Mako, Ray, Kano, Kamasu) and the top model Triton. But beware, Triton's younger brother has a sharp trident!
In the price range of around 400 EUR, there is a really wide selection in the diving watch category. There are many turtles, rays, sharks, and other representatives of marine fauna and flora. Looking at all those colorful and strange animals living in the depths, a shark slowly floating over our head can easily escape our attention.
But the shark is the one we should watch out for. A predator we'll only notice when it's too late. The Orient RA-AC0K0 doesn't bite, but I think it stays somehow out of the main current. Unfortunately.
It is a model with characteristics rising above all the competitors. The case diameter of 43 mm seems solid, and yet has a reasonable thickness of 13 mm. The full steel case back with dolphins clearly showcases where it belongs.
Polished sides and brushed front side are standard, but the polished edge of the case extending longitudinally sideways from one lug to the other makes a premium impression. The transition between polished and brushed surfaces is perfectly sharp. This detail brings you joy every time you look at the watch.
The aluminum bezel has a luminescent point, as befits a diving watch. The bezel is rotatable in 120-clicks and has a clear response – a profound click when turning. The big screw-down cron with the manufacturer's logo is cleverly hidden at the 4th position.
The main role here, of course, is played by the dial. I only need one word to describe it – clarity. Large clock indices almost overflow with luminescent material and have simple shapes. They contrast perfectly with the glossy surface of the dial. The hour arrow and the sword hand are complemented by a second hand with a colorful ending, which also has a filling made out of luminous material, so there is no problem in the dark.
The Orient shines amazingly. In this aspect, it can definitely withstand comparisons with even the brightest competition – you can easily "read" the time even at 5 o'clock in the morning after the night in the dark. And the glass? Here the Japanese manufacturer completed the task with 100%. What more could you want than a sapphire with anti-reflection? Perfection.
Inside the watch, there is an in-house F67 movement. Its power reserve reaches sufficient 40 hours and also has hacking. In addition, the declared accuracy (+ 25s to -15s per day) significantly exceeds the movements of other manufacturers, including Seika and its 4R36 caliber.
The offer has several color variants. I had the version with black dial, but the popular green or the ageless pepsi variant dont dissapoint either. The last variant with the color modification of the case and the green-orange combination is also unique.
Is there anything missing from this watch? The only complaint I have (as with all watches in this price category) is only about the steel bracelet. The steel buckle is, unfortunately, an evergreen in this type of watch around 400 EUR watch. But try to find a watch with a sapphire crystal, an automatic movement with hacking, and 200m of water resistance for this price. There aren't many of them, are they? And let's be real, many people own turtles or fugues.
In addition, Triton junior (this nickname probably won't catch up...) has a sober, versatile, and pleasing design for Japanese watches. All the pieces fit very well together, and it is obvious that Orient used all the experiences obtained from the previous successful models like the Ray and the Mako. This model represents the true essence of a diving watch – clear and easy to read, durable and wearable every day. They can be the basis of your watch collection, and an everyday partner in any situation.
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