Seiko vs Orient: Brand Comparison - Exquisite Timepieces (2024)

Seiko and Orient are Eastern watchmakers. Both are famous for their craftsmanship in terms of creating excellent timepieces. While Orient is now below the Seiko emblem, they can still be considered separate entities as both operate independently. This article will discuss the important variations between Seiko and Orient and evaluate a number of their top-of-the-line timepieces. However, before we head onto the comparison of Seiko vs Orient, let’s have a quick overview of each business’s history and achievements.

History of Seiko

Seiko began as Jewelry Keep in Tokyo, Japan, and first opened its doorways in 1881. It took at least ten years until Seiko first dipped their toes into the watchmaking industry with their Seikosha clocks. It wasn’t until 1924 that Seiko first produced wristwatches.

If there is one thing Seiko is known for, it’s innovation. Seiko became the first enterprise to introduce the revolutionary quartz movement powered watches in 1969. Their Astron watch collection changed the enterprise’s landscape as it’s by far the primary wristwatch of its type. The quartz motion supplied the Astron watch with impeccable and excessive precision time-preserving.

Seiko made another great innovation with another progressive watch era that they introduced in 1977, the solar energy watch generation. This new technology gave Seiko’s watches indefinite operation time.

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1999 showcased Seiko’s focus on revolutionary technology as they unveiled their patented spring force motion. This technology was designed explicitly for astronauts as it is constructed to withstand space journeys while keeping time-keeping precision.

Even now, Seiko is continually trying to re-invent the wheel. It isn’t always a stretch to expect that Seiko will again make ripples in the watch industry soon.

History of Orient

Orient is another well-known and revered Japenese watch corporation. In 1901, with the aid of Shogoro Yoshida, Orient specialized in time-keepers and started out as a wholesale business. Orient was known as the Yoshida watch and bought imported pocket watches.

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Yoshida then expanded its repertoire by adding wristwatches to products in 1912. The Yoshida watch was then re-christened as the Toyo token production and began their in-house development of table clocks and gauges. In 1934, the organization started manufacturing wristwatches.

Unfortunately, the enterprise went through a rough patch and became pressured to close down in 1949. This was because of the Japanese monetary disintegration caused by the events and results of World War II. The organization once again attempted to revive itself a year later and was reintroduced as Tama Keiki organization. A year after that, they yet again changed their name to the Orient Watch Company.

Orient then started their constant climb as one of the world’s finest watchmakers. The organization showed a steady increase in its following. Orient has additionally determined its niche as one of the most relied on diver watch manufacturers within the marketplace.

In 2001, Orient became a subsidiary of the Seiko watch organization. In 2009, Orient became dominated by Seiko but retained its unique emblem. Orient has demonstrated itself to be one of the pinnacle watchmakers of diver timepieces to this day.

Seiko vs Orient: Complications

Seiko: Seiko isn’t known for complications at decrease rate factors, but we can see them strategically put into effect. The Seiko brand is famous for controlling reserve indicators.

Orient: Even in the less expensive range, Orient is notorious for its complications. In particular, you could discover Orient watches below $200 with a power reserve indicator, which is generally only observed in luxurious watches. When it comes to Orient Star, the implementation of hundreds of complications continues. The Orient celebrity GMT has each a power reserve indicator and a GMT indicator. Different fashions, including the Orient Celebrity Retrograde and Orient Celebrity World Time, are full of complications without being cluttered or noisy. In my opinion, they pull off this slew of features better than most of Seiko.

Seiko vs Orient: Water Resistance

Orient: The Ray II is only marked as water-resistant 200 m. Even though this is a good rating, it’s technically now not an ISO 6425-compliant dive watch.

Seiko: The SKX007 is noticeable as diver’s 200 m. This makes it a water-tight ISO 6425 waterproof watch. This indicates it may be used for expert scuba diving all day long.

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Seiko vs Orient: Design

Seiko: The co*cktail Time layout is lovely, yet nevertheless conservative. It follows minimum dress watches’ traditions, keeping the dial enormously uncluttered, simple, and elegant. The co*cktail time is meant for extremely formal occasions.

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Orient: The Solar & Moon is something conventional. It pushes the bounds of what is a dress watch with a medley of subdials wealthy with complications. The Solar & Moon is accomplished with sophistication, and the complete format could be very contemporary and eye-catching. The Orient is a good deal more versatile and may be worn with any outfit.

Conclusion: Seiko and Orient – Which Brand is Better?

Both Seiko and Orient make dazzling watches. Once you get a flavor for these horological masterpieces, you may find it tough to wear a “cheap” Seiko or Orient ever once more.

Every brand chooses to focus on unique aspects of watchmaking, the same as their low priced counterparts. Orient Star doubles down on present-day sporty complications, while Seiko focuses on perfecting conventional designs with a cutting-edge Eastern effect.

In the long run, it may be hard to choose between the two brands. The restricted marketing performed by way of Orient Star in the US ensures that the general public doesn’t recognize the logo as compared to Seiko. As such, buyers are less willing to purchase an Orient watch.

Orient has been below the Seiko brand for a long time, but they still manage to maintain excellent traits. Orient is a well-known watch logo, but Seiko is by far the better choice. Seiko has earned its spot as one of the choice watchmakers worldwide. Orient might not be at the same level as Seiko, but they still are a genuinely good brand.

About Exquisite Timepieces

Established in 1998, Exquisite Timepieces is your one-stop shop for all things luxury watches! We are an authorized dealer for 60+ luxury watch brands including Omega, Hublot, Seiko, & Longines! We are proud to showcase one of the world’s largest pre-owned watch collections, including renowned brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. Check out our brand new watch arrivals here and popular pre-owned listings here.

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As an avid enthusiast and expert in the world of horology, particularly in Eastern watchmaking, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the discussion of Seiko and Orient timepieces. My passion for watches goes beyond a mere interest; it's a deep understanding of the craftsmanship, history, and innovations that define these brands.

Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

Seiko's History and Innovations:

Seiko's journey began in 1881 as a jewelry store in Tokyo, Japan. Over the years, they evolved into a pioneering force in the watchmaking industry. Notably, Seiko introduced the quartz movement in 1969 through the Astron watch collection, revolutionizing precision timekeeping. Subsequent innovations include the solar power watch technology in 1977 and the patented spring force motion in 1999, designed for space journeys.

Orient's History and Evolution:

Orient, founded in 1901, initially operated as a wholesale business specializing in timekeepers. Despite facing challenges and a temporary closure in 1949 due to economic instability after World War II, Orient reemerged as the Orient Watch Company. The brand steadily climbed to become one of the world's finest watchmakers, with a particular emphasis on diver timepieces.

Seiko vs. Orient: Brand Relationship:

Seiko and Orient, both Japanese watchmakers, have a unique relationship. While Orient became a subsidiary of the Seiko watch organization in 2001 and was later fully owned by Seiko in 2009, they retained their individual identities. Despite the shared ownership, they operate independently, each with its distinct focus and style.

Seiko vs. Orient: Complications:

  • Seiko: Known for innovation, Seiko strategically implements complications. The brand is particularly renowned for controlling reserve indicators.

  • Orient: Even in the affordable range, Orient is notable for incorporating complications. Watches under $200 may feature a power reserve indicator, a luxury watch feature. Orient Star models, like the GMT, showcase multiple complications, demonstrating their commitment to intricate watchmaking.

Seiko vs. Orient: Water Resistance:

  • Seiko: The SKX007 is a notable diver's watch, marked as water-resistant to 200 m and compliant with ISO 6425 standards. Suitable for professional scuba diving.

  • Orient: The Ray II is water-resistant to 200 m but is not ISO 6425-compliant. While a good rating, it lacks the professional dive watch designation.

Seiko vs. Orient: Design:

  • Seiko: The co*cktail Time design is elegant and conservative, suitable for formal occasions. It follows the tradition of minimal dress watches.

  • Orient: The Solar & Moon design is more versatile, pushing the boundaries of dress watches with rich complications. It maintains modernity and sophistication, making it suitable for various occasions.

Conclusion: Seiko vs. Orient:

Both Seiko and Orient produce exceptional watches, each with its unique focus. Seiko excels in perfecting traditional designs with a modern Eastern influence, while Orient emphasizes modern sporty complications. The choice between the two brands ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired characteristics in a timepiece.

In summary, Seiko has secured its place as a premier watchmaker globally, while Orient, under the Seiko brand, continues to maintain excellent traits, making it a genuinely good choice in the watch market.

About Exquisite Timepieces: Established in 1998, Exquisite Timepieces is a trusted authorized dealer for over 60 luxury watch brands. They offer a wide range of luxury watches, including renowned brands such as Omega, Hublot, Seiko, and Longines. In addition, their collection includes one of the world's largest pre-owned watch selections, featuring brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe. Visit Exquisite Timepieces for a curated selection of exquisite watches, both new arrivals and popular pre-owned listings.

Seiko vs Orient: Brand Comparison - Exquisite Timepieces (2024)
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