Orient Blue Ray II & Mako II Review, New Leather Straps, Casio F-91W Nato & Marathon Steel Bracelets
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Today we look over some great new straps recently I picked up. I share a cool nato conversion for the iconic Casio F91W. We also take a look super high quality custom military steel bracelets from Marathon. Then lastly I do a quick comparison of the new Orient Blue Ray II & Mako II to see if either can knock the SKX off its throne of best entry level automatic diver.
Marathon Bracelets....
www.marathonwa...
Hand made luxury straps from Milan...
www.ebay.com/us...
WCW hand made one piece leather straps..
wristcandywatc...
New Orient Ray II dive watch...
www.longislandw...
New Orient Mako II
www.longislandw...
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Ordered a black Orient Ray ii as my first mechanical and high end (for me anyway) watch, looking forward to it! 30th b-day present for myself ;)
I ordered the blue Orient Ray II as a 39th birthday present to myself :) Should be arriving tomorrow! I hope you're enjoying yours. Cheers!
What did you think of your Blue Orient Ray?
Hello Jesse D.L. It would be very nice of you, if you could please inform me weights of Orient Ray II with and without bracelet. Thanks in advance
You should be aware that the Orient is a Chinese watch with a Japanese movement
Orient is owned by seiko so it's japanese enough, and with current pricing it easily outvalues the skx line.
I'm really taken by the Orient Blue Ray II. Really beautiful. Thanks for the opportunity to see this watch...love the colors
+Mark_B Thank you!
Best regards,
TGV
Just a note to save a second if anyone wants to add a NATO to their Casio F91W :
You'll need spring bars for starters as the watch comes with straight pins on the rubber strap, but more importantly the strap will probably not slip through once the bars are in place, it is necessary to put the strap in place and then squeeze the spring bar in on top of it for both bars. A light folding of the strap in the places the bars will go will help because the cavity for the strap is at a right angle. I just did mine, i took me a minute to figure this out
+Masterpsflood Grat stuff, thank you for adding that!
Best regards,
TGV
The more I look at it the more I love it. It's so beautiful, under $200, automatic, hackable, it shows the date and the day of the week, it's a strap monster and it's perfectly sized. I swear to god I am going to buy this watch as soon as I can. Love it.
The black and blue Orient are not both "Ray" watches. The blue one is a Ray and the black one is the Mako. They have both been updated; most notably losing the day pusher.
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That's the only visual difference between the original and updated version correct? The update gave hand winding and hacking as well
Blurry Face The Blue is a lighter shade that shows more sunburst even in lower light conditions.
You are correct. One is a Mako and one is a Ray
I've owned both the Blue Ray 1 and 2, and have been unbelievably happy with the purchases. I get more compliments on my Ray than I do with watches 5 times the price. It's versatile and reliable. I can wear it on a nice nato in the summer and let that sunburst dial stand out, or on vacation on a rubber strap. If you are considering this watch, do not hesitate. Although the SKX has the cult-like following, this watch is far superior in styling and versatility. If you hand them to any average Joe, they'll choose the Ray over the SKX.
Sounds like the Blue Ray is a keeper. Do you have a Seiko snkl23? They say that it looks really expensive.
Hi TGV! It’s been less than 6 months since I stumbled upon your channel, and today I just got my first mechanical watch! The Orient Ray 2 Blue! Thank you so much gentry for introducing me to the world of horology. I still have much to learn!
Just bought a Mako II, I'll share my thoughts when it arrives. My first diver style watch. I thoroughly enjoy your channel keep up the great videos.
The reason the dials on the Orient's were different was because they are two different watches! The blue dial is an Orient Ray 2 and the black dial one was the Orient Mako 2!
+Ben Kite Yes, the Blue one is an Orient II and the black one is the Mako, just to confirm. Sorry I should of made that clear.
Thanks for watching,
Best regards,
TGV
+The Urban Gentry Also the lume was better on the ray because it was an upgrade to the Orient Mako and one of the upgrades was the lume.
Overall great review this was the final push I needed to get the new ray.
+Ben Kite Fantastic, makes sense, having said that, the Mako wasn't too bad.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I notice you always criticize the Orient divers having a 22mm lug width, but you don't seem to have the same problem with the SKX which has always been 22mm. Any reason?
+mkygod I think the skx has a case width of 43, so the extra 2 mm might balance out the size of the lug width?
most watches over 40 mm looks better with 22mm lug width anyways otherwise it looks unbalanced with natos or unnotched leather imo
The term 'Seiko Fan Boi' kinda sums it up. POS movement that's not accurate, doesn't hack, doesn't hand-wind? "Minor issue" says a Seiko Fan Boi "... it's .... it's a Seiko!" Orient has a (much) better movement which is all three? "Untested" says a Seiko Fan Boi. What we got here is a genuine Seiko Fan Boi ... obnoxiously pretentious accent included for free.
Dude's a fucking caricature.
I San Gui isnt orient like a subsidiary of seiko? Lol.
I San Gui I never understood that big deal with hacking, your watch is going to be +/- a few seconds so it still won’t be accurate
I have bought the Mako II 4 months ago. It is my everyday watch and I just love it. I really enjoy it even if it's not the most accurate of my watches, I know, you said it runs 7/8seconds faster per day, but give it time LOL, that will increase.
I have the sunburst blu dial which really plays with the sun, creating a magnificent effect.
Excellent point, the bracelet it's not bad as you said, it's just a shame it has hollow end links, in fact I wear mine on a rubber nato. I agree too on the fact it should have a 20mm lug width, it would look much better.
Fantastic video indeed, TGV.
Best regards,
Michele.
LOL, I've started wearing two watches following your (bad) example! The story is: I recently found a derelict, vintage 1970's LED watch by Benrus in my father's junk depot. The bracelet was missing, but after putting the batteries (LED watches need 2 batteries) it worked instantly, so I decided to rescue it. Fitted a new NATO strap, et voilà! I wear it on my left wrist (even if I'm not left-handed, I wear my main watch on my right wrist), and I set it on the time zone of the place where the lady I love lives, so that every time I look at it and see what time is it, I think of her. :)
+Luca Simoncini Outstanding comment my friend, enjoy it! Congrats on your LED watch rescue,
Thank you Luca,
Bes tregards,
TGV
Just ordered the Orient Ray II in black this Thursday, I'm genuinely excited as it will be my introduction piece to horology.
Thank you TGV for making these amazing videos!
Kind Regards!
Ben
Best bracelets that I'm aware of for both the Ray 2 and Mako 2 are made by Miltat and sold by Strapcode. Solid end links, screwed not pinned, oyster or endmill, choice of clasp style. $~90-100. Well worth the money. Crystal times sells a variety of sapphire crystals specifically for Ray/Mako's 25 for flat 40 for a double dome. AR coating options. So for about $300 you can sport a watch that has pretty much every 'box checked' as far as commonly desired features.
I love seeing my old neighborhood highlighted in your intro's.
Little things like innovating the intro makes videos so much more interesting; you can really feel the effort put in to making it. Great job!
+Fahim Mustafa Thank you so much, very kind :D
Best regards,
TGV
Thanks for the review. I picked up a Pepsi Mako 2 for 80 Euros (as new, just returned to the store by the previous buyer) off eBay as my first mechanical watch and I'm loving the experience so far.
Its Ernie again! It's great you really take him out on nice long walks, it's obvious that he loves you so much! I love the new leather straps from WCWC, the thick contrast coloured stitching looks very nautical and summer looking! The Orient's blue dial is indeed hypnotic, very deep blue but quite vibrant that its never mistaken for navy or black - almost an electric/navy blue. Great review as always!
+idylle♡doll Thank you so much, being in a city, he needs extra long walks, only wish I could take him to my cottage in the UK, he would go crazy with happiness!!!
Best regards,
TGV
Would just like to say thanks for the advice you provide and your hard effort you put into your channel. Just recieved an Orient Ray 2 after making a decision based on your advice. Its badass! Keep up the good work.
I got this blue ray 2 this week, and i love it. The color, the movement. FYI I always ride motocycle everyday and this watch can handle it. Sadly, i've got none skx watch. So I can't compare it. Thank's for the review. Good job
The Orient blue dial is dreamy
+Dean Spence It is indeed! Cheers Dean,
Best regards,
TGV
Just ordered a pepsi dial Mako II. Hopefully it turns out to be the watch I absolutely love.
Hi TGV the differences are nothing to do with the colour. The blue is the Ray and the Black is the Mako, there are multiple colours for both.
+yfzi Great thank you. Yes, they come in different colours.
Best regards,
TGV
For the first time, you reviewed a piece that I actually owned! Much more than that, I learned, in the video that it had manual winding. That is a great feature (orient mako II)
I came here cause I’m about to receive a Mako II I ordered. And thanks to yours words of wisdom I know made the right decision.
I've had my bkue Mako 2 for a year now, and I still like it.It has a few drawbacks like you mentioned, like the hollow end links, mineral crystal, if you're not extra carefully uou will strip the screw down crown, and the biggest part it is cased in China! I have plenty of SNK'S and a second gen Orange Monster for my tool watches that I enjoy. This is my multifunction dress watch now. I often come in need of the timing bezel when wearing a dress watch, so this fits the bill perfectly!
I ordered my Orient Mako II in Jan. 2018. I ordered Benchmark Strap 22mm Navy Blue Oiled Leather NATO Watchband. I wear the watch all day and just take it off when showering. It runs about 3 seconds fast per day and never needs winding or attention. It's been extremely reliable and the leather band has the secondary strap which makes it ultra comfortable.
The only thing I did was take it to a jeweler and have them install heavy-duty oversized strap pins. This was necessary because the stock pins aren't reliable when the nato band is flexed, they come off. With the new pins, they are solid as a rock. Also, I put the strap on reversed so the clasp is on the inside of my wrist. This works much better because it doesn't snag and is much easier to put on.
It was a great investment and I paid just $158.00 on Amazon through Island Watch. It's been a great experience and I have recommended it to several people already.
I think the only other thing I'm going to do is get some more Nato straps and have my jeweler install a sapphire crystal, which should cost around $40.
If you are consistent, like me and wear the watch all day, and if the timing error is consistent, you can take it to a jeweler and they can adjust it in any position and remove the error. When that's done, the watch will run at the correct time when you are wearing it. That is an improvement that will bring the watch up to a much higher spec. I abhor having a watch that needs batteries. Some silver oxide batteries only last a year or even less and they seem to always surprise you at the wrong time when they die.
What does tgv stand for? Anyway, love the channel, gonna order my first watches soon, so hooray! This channel really reinforced my interest and got me hooked on watches for good I’d say! Keep it up mate!
If I had to choose a Ray II, I would definitely go for the blue. The hour markers look really nice and I don't think I can get accustomed to actual numbers on a diver other than the rotating bezel (SKX, Sub, Monster style). With that said, even though the 2 o'clock date pusher is gone, I think that gave it a unique style. It seems a little too similar to the Sub. Overall, I loved the video TGV. You maximized your time by wearing a new strap and watch, and you maximized my time by putting them into an informational video!
+Shawn T Thank you Shawn, very kind. I agree the Ray II is my pick too :D
Best regards,
TGV
Love the new Orient Blue Ray II! My Black and Blue Ray Is were my first foray into mechanicals (and automatics), and it's great to see Orient refreshing this model with a new hacking/handwinding movement, a cleaner, crisper case and improved bezel. Think I am going to have to pick up the blue on and put my gorgeous Ocean Blue Bob Marino strap with deployant clasp on it. Pure Class! Thanks for the review, TGV!
i ordered my blue mako 2 yesterday around 10pm after school and cant wait for it to arrive :D
How has it been?
How has it been?
How has it been?
Beautiful music at the start.
You know, I really like the Ray. A bit too similar to my Seamasters for me to own but I've bought quite a few for friends who wanted a good auto. The Ray 2, though missing the 2 o'clock pusher which I liked, looks very nice. In regards to 20 vs 22mm, I much prefer the broader bands. I wear the Japanese divers on NATOs, I think it just looks nicer on 22. Keep up the good work TGV!
I really want a Mako II with the seconds hand from the Blue Ray, and the bezel from a SKX007K
I bought an Orient Mako II with blue dial. Personally, I prefer the Mako's 12, 6, and 9 numerals, the dashes rather than the dots, as well as the style of the hands compared to the Ray's offerings.
Much less of an homage as well, compared to the Ray. Not against homages, but if it's classy and well priced, why not go more original?👍
i agree, the only problem with the mako 2 IMO is the bezel font is really lame... feels almost like someone forgot to load the font that was required and it just got printed with a basic default font.
I just bought the Orient Ray 2, thank you very much sir!
The shots of Astoria make me homesick for my old childhood home. :-)
I've had my Mako II now for a week and I love it! (it's my first diving watch) The finishing is gorgeous and it is alot more refined than the previous model. So far i've measured it loses about 4-5 sec/day, which for a $180 watch you can't complain.
+Peter Anderson So glad to hear, thank you Peter!
Best regards,
TGV
Did not expect the review of the new Mako and Ray so quickly!
Was very much looking forward to your thoughts on the Ray, since I pulled the trigger on one the other night. I shall probably sport it for awhile on the bracelet before deciding wither or not to get a mesh bracelet for it (As I was asking on that very subject last night, before you said your review was incoming), but that nato you had on it looked wonderful, so I think I will be at the very least, getting one to change things up a bit on any whims I may have. As you said, at this price point, one cannot have everything, but your review helped to confirm that besides some little negatives, it is still a solid and fantastic watch for the money. I am now all the more excited to receive mine.
Kind regards,
Seth.
+MetalMan594 I move fast my friend LOL ;-)
On mesh!!!! Thats a great idea I think.
Thank you for the kind words, enjoy the watch!!!
Best regards,
TGV
I just got my Ray II in blue today from Long Island Watch. Very happy so far, but it's my first auto watch. My wife will probably be sending you some hate mail soon! I was surprised by the bracelet. I wasn't expecting much, and it was nicer then I though it would be. Nevertheless, I will still put it on NATOs. I believe this isn't a new movement, just new to to mako and Ray. Thanks for the great vids and inspiration for me to get my first automatic watch!
I'm waiting for my first automatic/mechanical wristwatch; The Orient Ray II (black dial). From all the research I've done on entry-level automatic watches, I'm confident with everything done in-house at Orient. Keep making the vids 👌 👍 🙂
Great vid. BTW, you don't need to cut the F91 strap off. On the strap are arrows, push the pin in that direction (through the case hole) and they just pop out. I've just done mine.
+magicrising Saldy mine refused to come out, the entire spring bar broke doing so, I think I got a bad batch of Casio, anyways, hopefully they are not all like that.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
pleaseee make a comparison video of the new Blue Ray II vs the skx.
+Weblider Great idea! Thank you
I will see what I can do,
Stay tuned I guess!
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you very much for the respond, mu favorite youtuber!
the ostrich strap is made by Morellato, and that's what the m on the buckle stands for. I live near Florence and the brand is very common here, you can find big selections of straps at most of the local jewellers. Great quality and great price point!
+Francesco Papi Thank you for watching,
Best regards,
TGV
+The Urban Gentry Thank you, great content as always!
Great video Tristano!!! love the Navitimer on the leather and I also love that orient 2. Just sold my Mako, I might have to get another! Tristano, what was the song in the intro? You been killing it on the intros!! Keep it up!!! 😄
+chavo8891 Thank you my friend! :D
ua-cam.com/video/3_Iky1OU-Nw/v-deo.html
Best regards,
TGV
[neighbors in NYC, look out the window] "Honey! Come here, look it's happening again... that man with the dog is back... he keeps walking back and forth with a camera on the ground.... what is he doing?"
The marathon strap is beautiful... I'm also disappointed in the stamped clasp for THAT price... BUT, as far as clasps go, once you close the clasp in any bracelet, it's easily forgiven. I love the american seal engraving. Worth the price!
I think you found the right bracelet for your gold Tudor... You gotta stop with the crazy colors, that Tudor needs a classy leather to shine on it's own.
I would love to see a live show with Federico... I like the troll guy too, but I'll be honest, Federico is the truth. He's straight legit.
+Fred T LOL
Great comment, thank you Fred. I got to say, thats what I like about NYC, nobody cares, I could be dressed a big bird playing a trumpet walking back and fourth with a baby T-rex and nobody would bat an eye lid ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
Finally settled on a purchase. My 3 options were the Ray 2, Stuhrling Regatta and the Accutron Alpha. Eliminated the Regatta first because quality isn't consistent, and thought hard about how well the exposed Alpha went with my wardrobe. I couldn't choose between the Alpha and Ray 2, but settled for the latter because I needed something for everyday wear first. Once I get my first paycheck (Turning 18 soon so I don't have to worry about spending money I make on food and housing yet) I'll spend 200 and get the Alpha. Collection limit is 5 and with this Ray I'll be at my 3rd serious watch and first automatic
I bought the Raven Ray 2 version a few months back, I absolutely love it, wasn't sure about the strap so I swapped it for a bond nato, much better, couldn't be happier
+Alan Hegarty Bet it looks super on the bond nato :D
Keep enjoying it! Thank you Alan,
Best regards,
TGV
I know this is a old video but I really do enjoy browsing your content TGV now I have been bitten by the horological bug. I bought my first SKX for $362 AUD through Amazon but the chapter ring didn't align and the lumed hour markers were poorly placed. Sending it back for a refund and going to try a blue mako II for only $191 AUD as it will make use of the NATO kit I bought for the SKX. The Seiko left a bitter taste in my mouth haha. All the best during these trying times sir.
bought a Orient RN-AA0007L in japan- looking into replacing the strap. Very nice to see you review orient watches.
Beautiful intro music sir, what's the name please? How about a Spotify playlist?
+Mont Blanc Thank you, not sure the track name but its one this album...
ua-cam.com/video/3_Iky1OU-Nw/v-deo.html
Best regards,
TGV
I still throw my RayII on regularly...Just an all round good looking watch. I only paid $130 which is outstanding and probably the best value of any of my collection. I also find that there is no need to change it out, if you do not want to , for any occasion! I can’t say that about My Oris or Hamilton...
I have a Mako USA, pretty annoying that the Mako II and Ray II didn't get solid endlinks and a sapphire crystal like the USA.
Thank you for watching,, I agree.
Best regards,
TGV
What's worse, Orient said they discontinued the Mako USA for good, and Squale confirmed to me in an email that the 20 Atmos 1545 is discontinued as well. WHAT THE HELL
I just receive the Mako USA and I discovered there is the MAKO II. :-( However I'm proud of been one of the few people in Europe to have one of these beautiful timepeace. The MAKO USA has the full end links which is very nice. On the other hand I believe the Mako II has a better shape now and it is a pretty boy. As you said. The SKX is so far the winner in this price range even in my opinion. Great video as Always Tristano.
+Stefano Cecchini Thank you Stefano, always great to hear from you.
I don't think there will ever be a diver under $200 to beat our beloved SKX, but these come close!
Best regards,
TGV
It does seem better than an SKX to me. I really don't like the SKX's 4 o'clock crown.. I know it's an icon but I just find the Mako 2 so much better looking.
Can't go wrong with those Orient Makos. I own one about 5 years old with a blue face & "Pepsi" bezel. The band was rubber and stiff so I replaced it with a ss shark mesh. Just a great all around sport watch. The in house automatic movement is fantastic. Love that watch.
+Michael Francalanzo Thank you Michael, great to hear, bet it looks cool on the mesh, good to hear 5 years and its still going strong!
Best regards,
TGV
Michael Francalanzo is it still running?
FYI you can push the pins out in the direction of the arrows on the Casio F91W stock band without cutting the strap. I'm sure someone already informed you in a previous comment.
+Paul Miller Thank you Paul, I am aware, sadly there was a fault with mine :(
Thanks for watching,
Best regards,
TGV
Stay Classy TGV, I enjoy your Channel. keep up the good work.
I'm so glad you went through with this idea. I already have my Ray II and love it, but there has been a serious deficit in the area of reviews on these new releases.
+Red Beard Thank you, I can certainly see why you love the Ray II, its a winner.
Best regards,
TGV
Your intros are great, thanks for the reviews. Alex from Greece
Like the nato strap on the f-91w so much I ordered a black one to throw on mine. Good stuff thanks!
+George Miller Haha, fantastic!
Thank you George,
Best regards,
TGV
The Mako looks great on a genuine Isofrane. It's simply The Best combo for this watch I think. I used to have a Blue Mako on isofrane (since then the watch is with my dad now, and the Isofrane is on an Orient saturation Diver)
The Orient is a really great watch. Thanks for showing.
I orderes mako II from longisland watches and I was so excited. I received the box yesterday here in cold Finland but the box was empty. Someone had stole it in the supply chain.. However longislandwatch was really fair and sent me a new one! Have you tgv ever experienced this?
For that reason I make unboxing videos, before I use the knife at the opening I meticulously record the parcel from all the angles. There is nothing worse than be stolen and even have over you the suspicion of being a con man. By the way: greetings from the sunny Spain ;-)
Perico De Lospalotes Gracias hermano! I'm about to order my first watch and was worried about theft. Your idea of recording the unboxing is a great way to ensure you're not suspected of trying to scam the seller!
Happy that you have got a new one. It would be so nice, if you could please inform me the weights of orient mako II with and without bracelet. Thanks in advance.
Why don't you order from Europe, there is a fantastic dealer in the Netherlands, official dealer, meaning you also get an international Orient warranty. Delivery is free and shipping is by some sort of courier to your door, no chance of getting lost/stolen.
Was it that much cheaper from the US with postage included?
I won't advertise here, but you can search for "orient official dealer netherlands".
Ok! I love your into with your pup! Good walk around with him.... Really like the leather bands you showed and they seem easy to install. Marathon band with the seal of The US is very cool.
+Bryan Peeler Thank you Bryan!
Best regards,
TGV
That's great TGV! Thanks for the tip on the F91. I don't think I would have thought of slicing the strap the long way to get it off the pins. Ive been randomly checking Walmarts for months waiting to see an F91 so haven't gotten one yet. Its sort of a fun anti-watch watch.
I got mine from Amazon for $10. Just fyi in case you're tired of waiting
+George Miller yeah I know but that seems too easy. I still like the thrill of checking the rack for a $10 watch I don't really need other than to maybe wear using my AK in three gun matches.
I have Orient Ray 2 in Blue, i love it. Lucky to get one on sale. I'm really into watches now, I have one totally different watch I'm going to buy next time.
I could see an IT, techy guy wearing the Casio F-91W and yet the nato strap makes it more fun and interesting, well done TGV. You got such a good eye for straps! I just made an Instagram account to follow you!
+Jane Doe Thank you Jane! :D
Will look out for you on the insta
Best regards,
TGV
Pulled the trigger from Long Island Watches today...thanks for the review, Tristano!
+KCnoSurrender Yay! Congrats.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
It's crazy how I search for a watch and you're channel ends up having a video on most of the ones I search,, I'd subscribe 1000 times to your channel if I could,!
:D Thank you so much my friend, its the nicest thing I have heard all day.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
As always, best content in the industry, old chap.
Ciao, Trist.
+Fabio Cassano Too kind my friend. Very flattered.
Best regards,
TGV
Seems better than the Skx
Watch it there son
Both the orient and seiko are trash watches. Both will break and become unserviceable due to lack of original parts
Both are in house movements thought
And it is. The only thing it does lack is "cult factor" which is meaningless outside Seiko Fan Bubble 😉
@@Ferien7 woah woah hold on there buddy. Seiko and orient have a reliable movement theres tons of original parts for it. Like 7S26 have tons of parts. Seems like you're a Swiss Watch fanboy
Hello TGV! great video as allways ;)!
+carbite1 Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
I like the aesthetics of the day pusher on the original, but the hacking and hand winding upgrade on the new models is a serious step up. I think the original ray with the blue dial has a better balance with the pusher - it looks elegant, but has a ' tool' feel with the pusher.
Hi Guys love the channel ordered my ray ll blue from CREATION WATCHES for $187 Australia dollars on a Wednesday arrived on the Monday. Loving the watch first descent one I've had for 45 years. I have ordered 4 NATO straps to play with after your recommendations of them 2 striped and two solid should be fun to try out the different looks. Ps I've just joined the Facebook group and really enjoying it. bye for now from John in Sydney Australia
I bought an SKX013 on the strength of one of your videos back in April. Love it. Then I bought my Orient Ray II in June. It's the orange version which I haven't seen around. I absolutely love that too. And... it only cost me £114 from Singapore to UK. Bargain :-)
Very nice review, thank you. I've had my eye on Orient.... Also, I love your dog. What a champ!!!
+Patrick Morrissey Thank you Patrick, very kind of you to say. He is indeed a little star! :D
Best regards,
TGV
Hi TGV - I've been enjoying my blue Mako USA. I agree that Orient is a good make for the price point. I enjoy switching out straps with it. I've been using Ostrich straps for a couple of years now and on the right watch they really pop. Cheers!
+John Viano Thank you John, rather new to Ostrich myself but loving it so far!
Best regards,
TGV
Many things to review TGV! Thanks a lot for the good work!! I really like those new leather straps, thinking on getting the blue one :) as for the orient watches, they are quite nice considering the price tag, wouldn't mind getting one later on just to try it out... And yes you are right! SKX all the way lol... Cheers!!!
Got Mako II Pepsi. Beautiful blue dial, blue bezel. Because it`s pepsi I have plenty option of straps, belts, bracelet. Absolutely you can`t go wrong with this watch.
Keeps +8s on wrist as you said or +4s as is lie in the box on the counterside of the crown..
Great video Tristano. Just a thought with the strap on the Casio. I wonder if you could simply push the lug pin out as one does with a Swatch. Its got lug holes so it makes me think one could do that.
Perhaps if you did not try this give it a go to see if that can be done to save others cutting their straps. Ciao.
+ianmedium Believe me I tried and tried, ended up braking the spring bar and unable to fit it back in, the only way was to cut off the straps sadly.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Ahh shoot. Have a look at a post I just made on the FB page if that helps.
Thank you TGV.. love the new Orients ..
Thank you Wissam, hard not to love them right?!? ;-)
Best regards,
TGV
I've just recently got a hold of a bargain on a blue Orient Ray (the first version) and I gotta say - these are some absolutely gorgeous watches at this price point! I love it so much that it dominates over my (also recently purchased) Seiko SKX007 considering wrist time. Not a fan of the zoo on the dial, but otherwise - Orients are truly fantastic pieces!
Fantastic video! I'm thinking of the Orient Ray in blue as a gift for my son. I was originally looking at the Mako USA but I didn't like how the crystal sat below the bezel.
Have you ever considered doing a video on watch maintenance and servicing? Where, when, and the cost of servicing various levels of watch?
I bought a yellow f 91W for fun for the summer 😁 am going to put a rubber strap on it. It's amazing how much such a cheap watch can do!
+luke.gear Excellent idea! I think I will do the same,
Thank you Luke,
Best regards,
TGV
New orient looks well refined from the black ray raven....Casio looked great aswell on the camo type NATO....
+The Master Plumbing & Gas Channel Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
+The Urban Gentry Hi TRV...Pat here from Dublin, if you got a chance could you advice me or give me some tips on starting my own channel...as you can see I haven't actually uploaded anything yet. waiting on some equipment to arrive. Thanks in advance ...Pat.
Excellent video! My Marathon bracelet gave me a headache! A challenge to adjust! I found it unique but too expensive. My gsar is always on a camo naro strap anyway. This is my new beater watch and I can't wait to wear it for the new hiking season.
You do know that the color is not the only difference between those two Orient watches? They are different watches: one is the Ray and the other is the Mako! You compare them as if they were the same watch, only different colors and you seem surprised they have different markers and such...
FlorinU
He knows they are two different models he also knows they have exactly the same movements inside, so that being said there's only need to show both and when reviewing just show the one
Nice watches and great vid. Just suscribed to your channel.
Happy New year from Montréal, Québec, Canada
Love the new ray and the movement seems to have had a great upgrade! I do slightly miss that date pusher though haha. Although it was troublesome and kind of pointless, it was a very quirky and unique thing that was exclusive to the ray and mako.
+Xtemplate Thank you for sharing that.
I can understand that, each to their own,
Best regards,
TGV
Orient Watch is a brand name of the Seiko Epson used for the designs, manufacture and marketing of watches. Until April 2007, it was a wholly owned sub-subsidiary of the corporation known as the Orient Watch Company, Limited Oriento Tokei Kabushikigaisha).It was founded in Hino, Tokyo, Japan (13 July 1950). From 2001, it was a subsidiary of the corporation (the one of three core companies of the Seiko Group) and became a wholly owned subsidiary in 2009 until the company was dissolved and its assets absorbed by its parent company Orient x STI Collaboration 2010 Limited Edition
Orient primarily markets mechanical watches (self-winding & hand-winding),[ but it also produces quartz, light-powered (solar) and radio-controlled models.Outside of the main business, the company produces some moving parts and electronic components that are then assembled into Seiko Epson's electronic devices.
The company manufactures all of its movements in-house in Japan.
Great sound track - a bit of a throw back to the 1989 Love Story stuff by Richard Clayderman
+Gary Xu Thank you :D Great tune!!!
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you, came looking for this comment
I've purchased from Milano Watch Bands a few times before and have been very pleased with their service!
I was excited to see the new leather NATOs from WCWC a week or so ago, but to be honest, was disappointed to see the price. I can buy a variety of Colarebs for less. Since you've experienced both, perhaps the quality isn't the same between them, which might justify the cost?
I love both Orients. I just checked Long Island and saw they had a combination of the two: blue dial with the numbers of the black dial. Nice!
+Ken Cooper So glad to hear, that you. I feel rather late to the "Milano" party, you should of told me Ken!!! LOL ;-)
As for the price of the WCWC, I agree I would pick a Colareb too, they really are king of the leather straps for me, but then they don't do a one piece to for me the price is justified, even if a tad high.
Best regards,
TGV
+The Urban Gentry You're right. I hadn't considered the fact that it's a longer single piece of leather which typically is more expensive.
The orient Kamasu red is a thing of beauty
Yeah kamasu or seiko mini turtle though 😕
For ordinary people, this watches are high-end beauties ! Especialy the blue dial Ray 2 !A very good watch in accuracy and water resistance, and looks of course !
Got my Orient blue ray 2 and it's f*&# handsome, my skx has more character but they both great in my opinion.
Ray 2 has more character !
I can tell you really enjoy making the intro cuts
+Ben Aronson LOL, thank you Ben, you are right, always love being with my best buddy Ernie.
Best regards,
TGV
Oh, and I should add that I also own a Seiko SKX173. Between the 173 and the black Ray II, I tend to wear the Ray II more. I don't know if it's because it's brand new, or because, like you said, it's more refined and easier to wear. The SKX is a bit bulky, and more so just brute elegance. I work in an office and wear the Ray II with nicer clothes and the SKX on weekends.
+Red Beard Good idea, I agree it wears much better.
I think your setup for weekend/weekends sounds perfect.
Thanks for sharing,
Best regards,
TGV
That black one looks pretty slick.
New Orient models have better movement but US models have saphirre crystal and solid end links. Now, Orient have to put all this in one watch!
+maitrehg Hear hear!
Thank you my friend, excellent idea.
Best regards,
TGV
That's the only reason because I don't buy instantly a Blue Ray, I really hate the mineral crystal. Could you give me a link in order to know where I can buy an Orient Blue Ray with sapphire crystal?
I know this is an older comment, but there's now a II version of the USA.
Love these. But the only thing I have against NATO straps (Which I do love by the way) is that they make the watch sit higher, and with an already thick / deep watch case, this can then make me feel concerned about bashing it on doorways etc...
+Captain Rambunctious I know exactly what you mean, I think the Breitling may be the tallest watch, I guess we will have to get rid of all the doorways! LOL, Thank you
Best regards,
TGV
I would love a re review of these watches it would be great 👍