When it comes to high-quality dive watches from Japan, there are quite a few to choose from, as nearly all Japanese brands have made their mark by experimenting in this category. Among those brands is Orient Star. Though the brand was founded in 1951 it did not debut its first dive watch until 1964, thus inspiring its newest release: the New Diver 1964.
This is the second edition of the model released by Orient Star, as it was originally introduced last year in celebration of the brand’s 70th anniversary. While that model took its design cues from the Olympia Calendar Diver, the second edition is based more closely on the Calendar Auto Orient.
A prominent difference between the two versions is a dial with the dot indices, as well as the colored diving bezel. Orient Star is releasing the New Diver 1964 in two different colorways. The first comes the closest to the original, with its black dial and bezel. It is a clear representative of the classic diving watch, fitted with a comfortable bracelet, but will look equally well on a black rubber or, even better, a Tropic strap.
The second model is a bit more daring, as it combines a matte green dial with a matching bezel. Japanese brands often take inspiration from the unique natural beauty of their island empire, and Orient Star is no different. The mysterious Ryusendo limestone cave in the Iwate Prefecture is represented in the watch through the gradient effect on the dial.
Both new watches feature a 41mm case, a sweet spot diameter for versatile dive watches. It complies with the ISO 6425 standard and is fitted with manufacture caliber F6N47. This automatic movement runs at 21,600 vph/3Hz and offers a power reserve of 50 hours. Quite unique for a dive watch is that the remaining power reserve can be checked on an indicator located at the twelve o’clock position.
With 200-meters of water resistance, the New Diver 1964 feels particularly at home in any lake, ocean, or sea. Regardless of the use, aesthetic qualities like the anodized aluminum bezel insert and dual-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating are essential to its performance.
Even with no water in sight, the Orient Star New Diver 1964 is a great companion, paying tribute to the past with a contemporary twist. The watch retails for approximately $1,350 in both colorways.
To learn more, visit Orient Star, here
Looks like a cross between a previous generation Speamaster and a Rolex Submariner. Not an original design…
Nice watch but a little steep