Mini Review: Orient Mako XL

[lorsban]

Hey guys,

Been looking for a nice diver under $1,500 and I chanced upon this Orient FEM75001B (same as CEM version in every way except mine's for international distribution). It was way below budget and it's design really sang to me so I jumped on it, even though I have a Seiko Sea Urchin on the way. I guess I'll just have to compare and see which to keep and which to sell...

Anyway here's a front view:



Main thing I like about it is the overall design which is very clean with just the right amount of text/markings. The case design and build is top quality. The interplay between polished and brushed areas is very well thought out and adds flair to your usual toneau shape.

The bezel is exceptionally designed and put together; rotation is firm with no play reminiscent of Omega/Breitling bezels, however it's marked 60 instead of the usual triangle - which could be disorientating but you get used to it.

The hands and dial markers are very sharp looking, very business-like. I actually prefer it to the Seiko's which are too large and in your face (though Seiko would be better under water, I assume). Lume isn't bright and it fades quite quickly, this is a common gripe about this watch.

Bracelet is also 22mm all around. Secured with push-pins. Bracelet is comfortable enough but it's quality is not on the same high level as the watch itself.

Here's the bracelet clasp:


Clasp is very secure with side pushers and also a lock. Lock on my watch isn't exactly snap-tight but it does the job adequately enough.

Here are some side-view shots:




Note how flat the watch is. That's the main reason why it doesn't feel so big even if it's 44.5mm! End links are hollow and could have been designed better. Again, adding to the overall feeling that the bracelet was where they skipped putting more effort in in order to save on cost - which I totally agree with, rather than for them to skimp on the watch.

Another thing to pay attention to is the Day pusher above the crown. It's not screwed in, so if you're a diver, this is something to pay attention to. Crown is screw down and is quite diminuitive but is easy enough to manipulate.

Movement is Orient's own 46943, 21 Jewel movement. It's not advertised as being COSC, in fact it's rated at something like +-20 secs/ day but some users have claimed to get to within COSC rates of accuracy so I guess you'll have to evaluate it yourself. I personally don't really mind the ratings as long as it's accurate to within a minute since I usually rotate my watches and set the time right before using anyway.

Overall, love the case, how it sits on your wrist, bezel, dial and PRICE! Although adequate, I will be on the lookout for alternatives for the bracelet. But, it'll do for now. The lume is nothing great, just adequate same as the bracelet. Other than the lume and band, this is one exceptional timepiece. Unbelievable quality at this price.

If you're on the fence, I highly recommend you grab yours before Orient gets wise and jacks up the prices or discontinues this and releases some weird update.

That's it for me! Thanks for looking!

lorsban