To celebrate its 70th anniversary, Orient has struck a major blow with an improved version of its Orient Star skeleton watch. This exceptional piece, combining Japanese tradition and technical innovation, promises to seduce the most demanding watch enthusiasts. Discover why the M45 F8 Skeleton could well become the star of your collection.
A Japanese watchmaking heritage revisited
Orient, founded in 1951, is now part of the Seiko Epson conglomerate. The Orient Star M45 F8 Skeleton (reference RE-AZ0004S) is manufactured in Shiojiri, a prestigious production site that is also home to the manufacture of Grand Seiko movements and the famous Micro Artists Studios.
Skeleton watches occupy an important place in the history of Orient Star. The first one joined the collection in 1991, marking a double anniversary. For the brand, it is an opportunity to highlight its mechanical movements, of which it is rightly proud, with characteristic Japanese modesty.
An exceptional movement at the heart of the watch
The M45 F8 Skeleton is powered by the F8B62 caliber, specially improved for the occasion:
– Power reserve increased from 50 to 70 hours– Single barrel visible at 12 o’clock– Frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
The skeleton design of this watch takes on a major challenge: to offer an unobstructed view of the movement’s innards without compromising its reliability, while maintaining excellent readability. Orient Star has successfully met this challenge, even adding an extra touch of sophistication.
A sophisticated design combining robustness and refinement
The movement is delicately skeletonized, without excess. The bridges, preserved in generous proportions, gain in robustness and offer an ideal surface for the application of refined circular graining. Combined with the chamfered edges, this treatment creates a fascinating play of light.
The hand-blued hands add to the visual spectacle, but the eye is quickly drawn to another splash of blue, located beneath the seconds hand. This is the silicon escapement wheel, developed and manufactured in-house in collaboration with Epson, using proprietary MEMS technology.
Classic proportions for optimal comfort
Orient places great importance on the proportions of its watches. The M45 F8 Skeleton has a diameter of 38.8 mm and a thickness of 10.6 mm, classic dimensions that suit a wide variety of wrists.
Other notable features:
– Anti-reflective treatment on the sapphire crystal for optimum readability– Hand-finished case using the Sallaz method, similar to Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing– Crown offering a comfortable grip and smooth winding– Stop-seconds system for precise time setting
Readability preserved despite the skeleton design
Unlike many skeleton watches, the M45 F8 Skeleton maintains excellent readability. Each function has its own demarcated segment:
– Power reserve indicator and small seconds screwed directly onto the movement– Side plate displaying the Orient Star name and logo– Outer ring with grid decoration and railroad for the minutes– Finely worked stainless steel hour markers
A case back revealing all the beauty of the movement
The transparent case back reveals the F8B62 caliber in all its splendor:
– Traditional layout of a high-end manual movement– Japanese-style “Côtes de Genève” finish, creating plays of light and depth
Two versions are available:– Yellow gold-plated movement with champagne hour ring (RE-AZ0004S)– Rhodium-plated movement with white hour ring (RE-AZ0005S), more contemporary and discreet
An exceptional bracelet to complete the ensemble
Orient opted for a high-quality cordovan leather strap rather than the traditional alligator. The result evokes the atmosphere of a pair of luxury handcrafted shoes. The ultra-thin folding clasp completes the ensemble without adding unnecessary bulk.
The Orient Star M45 F8 Skeleton, priced at €3,150, represents a refined and comfortable choice for discerning watch enthusiasts. It perfectly embodies the encounter between Japanese watchmaking tradition and technical innovation, offering a unique experience to its owner.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply looking for an exceptional watch, the M45 F8 Skeleton is well worth its place in your collection. It is a testament to Japanese watchmaking expertise at the highest level and promises years of pleasure to its lucky owner.
SRQ Backlot