Best Orient watches in the UK (2026)

Orient is a Japanese watchmaker founded in 1950 and owned by Seiko Epson, which took it over fully in 2009 and folded it into Epson in 2017. It makes its own automatic movements, which is why it can offer sapphire crystals and in-house mechanics at prices well below Swiss rivals.

The main Orient range includes the Kamasu and Mako divers and the Bambino dress watches. Orient Star is the higher line, with better finishing, longer power reserves and features like power-reserve indicators and skeleton dials. Both are automatic. Orient also makes some quartz watches, but its reputation rests on the automatics, and every model here is mechanical.

A 41.8 mm automatic diver with a sapphire crystal, 200 m water resistance, screw-down crown and unidirectional bezel. It uses Orient's F6922 movement, which hand-winds and hacks. It is one of the best value automatic divers available. It comes in several dial colours, from blue and green to red and black, with a sunburst finish that catches the light. The bracelet is basic for the price, and many owners fit a rubber or NATO strap.

The latest version of Orient's long-running Mako diver, now in a 40 mm case with 200 m water resistance and the F6922 movement. It suits smaller wrists than the Kamasu, with a more classic look. The Mako has been one of the most recommended affordable automatic divers for many years; the 40 mm version keeps the formula in a size that suits more wrists.

Orient's dress watch, with a domed crystal, slim hands and a clean dial in around 38 to 40.5 mm. Water resistance is low (30 m), so it is not for swimming. Different Bambino versions vary in size, dial and movement; check the listing. The Bambino is often recommended as the best value automatic dress watch, and it comes in many dial colours, some with Roman numerals and some with stick markers. Its leather strap is basic; a better strap transforms it.

Orient Star models such as the Contemporary Date and Modern Skeleton use better-finished movements with around 50 hours of power reserve, sapphire crystals and more detailed dials. They are the step up when you want more refinement but not a Swiss price. Orient Star watches are a good choice for someone who wants a refined automatic without paying Swiss prices, and many include a power-reserve indicator on the dial.

Orient automatics typically drift several seconds a day, similar to Seiko 5. They are robust and serviceable, though parts are less ubiquitous than Seiko's. Many owners simply have them regulated if accuracy matters. The F6922 movement in the Kamasu and Mako hand-winds and hacks, so you can set the time to the second.

Sapphire on the Kamasu and Orient Star; mineral glass on many Bambinos and some Makos. Sapphire is very hard to scratch; the Bambino's domed mineral glass gives it the vintage look but can scratch. If you want sapphire and a dress look, Orient Star's dress models are the step up from the Bambino.

The Kamasu is about 41.8 mm and the Mako 40 is 40 mm, both with moderate lug lengths that suit most wrists. Bambinos range from about 38 to 40.5 mm, and the domed crystal makes them look larger than their size. Orient Star models are typically 39 to 41 mm. Check thickness if you wear tight shirt cuffs, as the divers sit higher.