This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Orient watches are manufactured in Japan since 1950. Almost seventy-five years later, the brand continues to produce mechanical timekeepers loved by first-time buyers and seasoned collectors alike, honouring tradition while keeping an eye on technological innovation. Wiebke Bird, Senior Business Manager at Epson corporation, shared insights on the brand with us in this new issue of Brand Talks.
Orient’s history dates back to 1901 when Shogoro Yoshida started selling imported pocket watches in Ueno, Tokyo. This grew into a watch company that formally launched as the Orient Watch Company Limited in 1950, with Orient Star following in 1951. What’s the most exciting aspect of working for a company that has an incredibly rich history of watchmaking?
Working for Orient is incredibly exciting due to our rich history and legacy in watchmaking. The most thrilling aspect is being part of a long-standing tradition with a deep-rooted heritage that allows us to draw from over a century of craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to quality. It is inspiring to be part of a team that combines timeless techniques with modern advancements, creating watches that not only tell time but also tell a story.
In 2009, Orient Watch formally became a wholly owned subsidiary of Epson and was integrated into its parent company, Seiko Epson Corporation, in 2017. How has Orient evolved since then?
Orient’s fine watchmaking heritage and craftmanship has gone from strength to strength and is complimented by Epson’s global infrastructure. Our new collections such as the Orient Star M-Collections show how much we have evolved as it is a true testament to our quality, design and unique technological innovation.
What core values and beliefs define Orient, and how do these principles influence the manufacturing of your products?
Orient offers a fantastic combination of quality, affordability, and versatility, making them accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts. The attention to detail in their designs, coupled with in-house movements, ensures that each timepiece is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and dependable.
Orient Star on the other hand is known and loved for their beautiful Japanese craftsmanship and mechanical excellence. Along with its unique and rich heritage, Orient Star showcases the very best of Orient’s quality, design and unique technological innovations – a perfect example of this would be Orient Star’s M-Collections
As one of the few watch companies manufacturing mechanical movements in-house, Orient and Orient Star watches are crafted with the highest possible quality and precision. What does the design process look like at Orient?
At Orient our design process is driven by a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, precision, and innovation. Our journey begins with a deep understanding of our customers’ desires and a close look at the timeless appeal of classic watchmaking.
How does Orient stay true to its rich history while also keeping up with current industry trends?
We always honour traditional watchmaking techniques and maintain control over our in- house mechanical movements, ensuring quality and precision. Our timeless designs incorporate modern touches and new technologies like scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and power reserve indicators.
What are some of your most popular or beloved watches, and what do you think makes them stand out to customers?
Our popular collections tend to be those that strike a balance between timeless design, exceptional quality, and value for money. For example, our Orient Bambino continues to be extremely popular due to its classic aesthetic, reliable movements, and affordable price point, making it an attractive option for both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. The Orient Mako is another bestseller and is a great alternative to the Bambino, especially for those looking for a sportier timepiece.
This year, we foresee that the timepieces in the Orient Star M-Collections will be bestsellers as well, as they each combine traditional skills, intricate craftsmanship with in-house production to deliver high-quality, special watches.
Are there any meaningful moments or milestones in the history of Orient Watches that you would like to share with us?
There are so many! But one that stands out is in 1967, where Orient introduced the fineness automatic Day-Date watch, which was one of the slimmest automatic Japanese-made watches for its time. This really showcased the beginning of our technical prowess and innovative spirit.
Never miss a story – subscribe now to the Gents Cafe Newsletter, a bite-sized read about men’s lifestyle to enjoy over a coffee or a nice cocktail.
