Orient And Seiko are both Japanese watch manufacturers. I won’t bore you with the complete history of each brand, but there is one important fact that you need to know about these two brands. That is, that the two companies merged. While originally, they were completely separate companies; in 2009, Seiko acquired the Orient brand. So can we still compare Orient vs Seiko? Continue reading to find out!
Even though Seiko owned Orient, Orient continued to function mostly as a separate entity. This changed, in 2017, however, when the Orient brand was completely integrated into Seiko. Does this mean Orient watches are no longer being produced? Not at all! Seiko maintained the Orient brand name. So Orient watches are still being sold online and by various different watch stores.
Why Orient And Seiko?
Both Orient and Seiko are known most notably for their selection of affordable dive watches. They both manufacture dive watches that have a premium look at an affordable price. They even have options that resemble the famous Rolex Explorer!
So all that being said, you may be trying to decide which is the better value between the two watch brands. That is exactly what we will be trying to determine in this article. Here, we will be looking at both the similarities, and the key differences between the two to find out if one brand is actually superior to the other.
Orient Vs Seiko: Design
For these comparisons, we will be referencing the Orient Mako II, and the Seiko SNK393K. These two watches possess a similar style.
Orient
The Orient Mako II is one of Orient’s most popular models. It has a sleek stainless steel band and case, along with a black dial and bezel. This watch is highly reminiscent of the Rolex Explorer.
It looks so much like the Explorer, that you would be forgiven for mistaking it for an actual Rolex, if viewing it from a distance! Also, in my opinion, black and silver go well together. This watch definitely captures the premium look, but at an affordable price.
Seiko
The Seiko SNK393K is also similarly styled to the Rolex Explorer. Like the Orient Mako II, this watch is also made of stainless steel. It takes after the Rolex Explorer version with the smooth bezel.
It is almost identical to its Rolex Explorer counterpart except for the fact that the Seiko SNK393K contains a date window, and the actual Rolex it is modeled after, does not contain a date window.
One cool extra flair on the design is the inclusion of an exhibition style back. This allows you to see the inner workings of the watch and is always pretty neat to look at!
Conclusion On Design
Between this particular Seiko and Orient models, They are both pretty similar. They both bear an uncanny resemblance to their Rolex Explorer counterparts, so overall, its hard to say which one looks better than the other. However, I did like the Seiko’s addition of the exhibition case back, so I will give this one to Seiko.
Winner: Seiko
Orient VS Seiko: Features
Now we will be looking at some of the features possessed by these watches.
Orient
The Orient Mako II has a 120 click unidirectional bezel, luminous hands and markers, a 40 hour power reserve, day/date window, and it is water resistant to a depth of 660 feet. It uses automatic, hand winding, hacking movement.
The unidirectional bezel is great for keeping up with diving time, as this is a diving watch. The built in power reserve will allow this watch to function for up to 40 hours without the need for winding. It’s hacking movement is also a good way to retain accuracy.
Other than that, you get the typical standard features of a mechanical watch: setting the time, and of course, the day/date window. The luminous hands and markers make it easier to see it in the dark.
Seiko
The Seiko SNK393K is luminous, has a day/date window, and it’s water resistant up to a depth of 99 feet. The movement used is 21 jewel Japanese automatic movement.
Once again, luminous hands and markers help with visibility in the dark. This watch is only water resistant to a depth of 99 feet, vs the Orient, which can go to 660 feet. That is a huge difference! This one does have the 21 jewel movement though, which can increase accuracy and longevity of the watch.
And then you have the basic features of setting the time, and day/date window.
Conclusion on Features
On this one, I would have to give it to the Orient. It has the 120 click unidirectional bezel, 40 hour power reserve, and is significantly more water resistant than the Seiko.
Winner: Orient
Orient Vs Seiko: Price
When it comes to price, you will usually find that both Seiko and Orient are similarly priced. As stated earlier, these watches tend to be marketed as affordable, so you are not going to be spending anywhere near the amount of money you would spend on a luxury watch when choosing from either of these two brands.
Conclusion On Price
So on price, I’m going to say it’s a draw. Yes the exact price you’ll pay depends on the make and model of watch you get, but these watches are priced similarly across the board, so I can’t say that either one leans in the direction of more or less expensive.
Winner: Tie
Orient Vs Seiko: Conclusion
What I can take from the examples used here, is that both Seiko and Orient watches are pretty evenly matched for the most part. While it’s true that we were using specific watch models in this comparison, overall, you will find similar results when comparing different Orient watches to Seiko watches.
So ultimately I can’t say that one is objectively better than the other. When it comes to choosing either an Orient or a Seiko watch, it’s going to be down to personal preference.
Each watch has their own individual style and feel, and the specs will be different depending on what watch you get, but you really can’t go wrong with either one!
If you enjoyed this match-up, then go ahead and take a look at some of our other Versus articles!
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