Orient Mako Blue - CEM65002D

[Chunk49]

Hi All

Read a lot about the above and am considering purchasing it. Can existing or previous owners please help by answering a few questions.

1. I can only find it for sale here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ORIENT-Automatic-professio...

which is £30 more expensive than the black version at Creation watches. I cannot see the blue version for sale on Creation's website. Am I being blind?

2. I've read concerns about the bracelet feeling a bit light weight / cheap / rattly - especially due to not having solid end links. How have you found this?

3. The only other concern I've read about this watch is that the mineral (non-saphire) crystal can scratch really easily. Is this observation overly critical / overly hyped?

4. I prefer watches that are fairly thin (depth-wise) - the official figure for this watch is 13mm. How does it wear?

5. Finally, and probably most importantly, I often find that the crown on dive watches ends up leaving a red and sore inprint at the base of my hand (I think I wear watches quite high up my wrist). How do people find this on this watch? Does the crown stick out quite a lot?

Many thanks.

ETA - 6. Is the Mako mk II the better watch / the watch to go for (again in blue)?

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/orient-wat...

ETA v2 7. - I've just become aware of the "Hogrider" - thoughts?

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/orient-wat...

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 11:37

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 12:24

[MG511]

Sky sell them, blue on a bracelet is currently out of stock (quoted at £71) but they have the 'pepsi' at £86 http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/orient-watche...
I have the 'pepsi' on a rubber strap so cannot comment on the bracelet, but the watch is very nice, wears smaller (IMHO) than Seiko divers (which I also have) and the crown doesn't leave marks on my wrist. Feels a very well made watch and keeps excellent time, had mine a couple of years and very pleased with it. Got mine from Sky, took about a week to arrive so slightly longer than Creation but very happy with their service and comms.

[Chunk49]

MG511 said:

Sky sell them, blue on a bracelet is currently out of stock (quoted at £71) but they have the 'pepsi' at £86 http://www.skywatches.com.sg/reviews/orient-watche...
I have the 'pepsi' on a rubber strap so cannot comment on the bracelet, but the watch is very nice, wears smaller (IMHO) than Seiko divers (which I also have) and the crown doesn't leave marks on my wrist. Feels a very well made watch and keeps excellent time, had mine a couple of years and very pleased with it. Got mine from Sky, took about a week to arrive so slightly longer than Creation but very happy with their service and comms.

Many thanks, that's helpful.

I have contacted Sky and asked when it will be back in stock.

[Chunk49]

Also, I've just become aware of the "Hogrider" - thoughts?

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/orient-wat...

[Chunk49]

Also, are there any dealers in London where I could go and try Orient watches on?

[Chunk49]

Anyone? My trigger finger is itchy! Thanks for your help.

[Laser Sag]

Had a black mako and found the bracelet on that a little rattly but have since picked up a blue mako and that one is fine. Fairly sure that a competent watch repairer would be able to adjust the end links to stop the little bit of noise if wanted but it never bothered me enough to find out.
As a cheap beater they are very good value for money, have found that as the lugs are slightly shaped and quite short they sit very well on the wrist.

[Chunk49]

Laser Sag said:

Had a black mako and found the bracelet on that a little rattly but have since picked up a blue mako and that one is fine. Fairly sure that a competent watch repairer would be able to adjust the end links to stop the little bit of noise if wanted but it never bothered me enough to find out.
As a cheap beater they are very good value for money, have found that as the lugs are slightly shaped and quite short they sit very well on the wrist.

Thanks. That's helpful.

How do the Mako's compare with the the Seiko SKX013 and SK007s? These seem a bit more expensive. The Seiko SRP125J1 seems slightly cheaper - why?

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 18:32

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 19:20

[Jovial Joe]

Chunk49 said:

Also, I've just become aware of the "Hogrider" - thoughts?

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/orient-wat...

Nice watch for the money. Bought one as a punt, just to see what the brand was like. Girlfriend's stolen it and won't take it off. Had it 6 months now and runs a consistent 4 seconds fast a day, which for just over £100 is pretty bloody excellent. Pretty solid, nice weight. Only bad points if I'm picky are: Crown stem feels a little fragile. End links on the bracelet are folded and prone to rattle and the lume could be a lot better.
That's being overtly critical and not taking into account the price. Probably because it looks a lot more expensive than it was.
Pic of watch as worn by the Mrs.

[Laser Sag]

Chunk49 said:

Thanks. That's helpful.

How do the Mako's compare with the the Seiko SKX013 and SK007s? These seem a bit more expensive. The Seiko SRP125J1 seems slightly cheaper - why?

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 18:32

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 19:20

The SRP125 is one of the Seiko 5 range, 100m rating rather than the 200m of the others so no screw down crown but it does have their latest hand wind and hacking auto movement which is pretty good at its price.
I have one of the 5s in blue SNZH53 I think it is,its the one people mod to the Fifty Fathoms anyway, nice watch and the blue face looks very good especially in the sun.
Doesn't get the wrist time since the arrival of the Sinn Arktis but then the Sinn is from a different league entirely so that isn't a fair reflection on the 5.
Have only handled the SK007 so can't comment on how they are to wear etc but from a quick inspection I would say they are a better quality than the Orient.
The 007 and 009 are very highly regarded by many on the various forums as reliable and good quality watches

[TheJimi]

Chunk49 said:

Thanks. That's helpful.

How do the Mako's compare with the the Seiko SKX013 and SK007s? These seem a bit more expensive. The Seiko SRP125J1 seems slightly cheaper - why?

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 18:32

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 19:20

As already said, the SKX watches will be superior to the Mako, and worth the extra outlay.

My advice?

Buy a 007, or if you fancy a bit of colour with the blue face / pepsi dial, go for the 009.

[Chunk49]

TheJimi said:

Chunk49 said:

Thanks. That's helpful.

How do the Mako's compare with the the Seiko SKX013 and SK007s? These seem a bit more expensive. The Seiko SRP125J1 seems slightly cheaper - why?

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 18:32

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 19:20

As already said, the SKX watches will be superior to the Mako, and worth the extra outlay.

My advice?

Buy a 007, or if you fancy a bit of colour with the blue face / pepsi dial, go for the 009.

Thanks for your input. Really appreciate it. If I was to get a 007 I'd get one on an oyster, so would add to the cost that bit further.

When you say "superior and worth the extra outlay" would do you mean by this? The movement? The Hardlex? The styling? Build quality? Or just an overall feel? Thanks for your help.

How thick at the 007 incidentally? I don't want a really thick watch ideally.

Also, could I have your thoughts on 007 vs the 125?

Edited by Chunk49 on Thursday 27th February 10:01

[Jonboy]

I have worn a Mako almost daily for the last couple of years. I can honestly say it has been a fantastic watch and in some respects I prefer it to my most recent purchase a Glycine sub combat.

I wrote a review comparing it to my Monster when I first got it and I would not hesitate in recommending one to anybody
Here is my review with some up close if poor quality photos if it helps:

http://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.php?184581-Orien...

There are one or two small scratches and rough edges on the outside edge of the crystal now, but after 2 years use, especially for the price I paid, I really would not let that put me off buying another... Damn you I might pull the trigger on an orange one now!

[TheJimi]

Chunk49 said:

TheJimi said:

Chunk49 said:

Thanks. That's helpful.

How do the Mako's compare with the the Seiko SKX013 and SK007s? These seem a bit more expensive. The Seiko SRP125J1 seems slightly cheaper - why?

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 18:32

Edited by Chunk49 on Wednesday 26th February 19:20

As already said, the SKX watches will be superior to the Mako, and worth the extra outlay.

My advice?

Buy a 007, or if you fancy a bit of colour with the blue face / pepsi dial, go for the 009.

Thanks for your input. Really appreciate it. If I was to get a 007 I'd get one on an oyster, so would add to the cost that bit further.

When you say "superior and worth the extra outlay" would do you mean by this? The movement? The Hardlex? The styling? Build quality? Or just an overall feel? Thanks for your help.

How thick at the 007 incidentally? I don't want a really thick watch ideally.

Also, could I have your thoughts on 007 vs the 125?

Firstly, I've never handled an SRP125J1, so I can't comment. As for the price disparity, the proper ISO certified "Divers" tend to be more expensive than the non-divers, of which the Seiko 5 Seiko SRP125J1 is one.

As for the rationale for the SKX watches being superior to the Mako, there's not a massive gulf of a difference, but my rationale behind saying stems from handling the two (I own a 007) and the 007 just *feels* like the better quality item.

The 007 does have a fair bit of heft to it, but I've never had a problem wearing it with shirt cuffs.

Dimensions:

•Diameter: 42mm
•Lug-to-lug: 45.5mm
•Thickness: 12.7mm
•Lug width: 22mm

Put it another way - I've yet to read of anyone regretting buying an SKX model.

Edited by TheJimi on Friday 28th February 09:50

[BrassMan]

Chunk49 said:

Hi All
1. I can only find it for sale here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ORIENT-Automatic-professio...

which is £30 more expensive than the black version at Creation watches. I cannot see the blue version for sale on Creation's website. Am I being blind?

2. I've read concerns about the bracelet feeling a bit light weight / cheap / rattly - especially due to not having solid end links. How have you found this?

3. The only other concern I've read about this watch is that the mineral (non-saphire) crystal can scratch really easily. Is this observation overly critical / overly hyped?

4. I prefer watches that are fairly thin (depth-wise) - the official figure for this watch is 13mm. How does it wear?

5. Finally, and probably most importantly, I often find that the crown on dive watches ends up leaving a red and sore imprint at the base of my hand (I think I wear watches quite high up my wrist). How do people find this on this watch? Does the crown stick out quite a lot?

ETA - 6. Is the Mako mk II the better watch / the watch to go for (again in blue)?

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/orient-wat...

ETA v2 7. - I've just become aware of the "Hogrider" - thoughts?

http://www.creationwatches.com/products/orient-wat...

1. The blue (bracelet) is sold out.
2. Never worn on the std. bracelet.
3. Only if you're really clumsy (grinding it down undressed brick or into door handles etc).
4. On the rubber strap, it feels like the weight is held quite close to your wrist. For comparison a Monster seems to carry it's weight further out, exaggerating the weight difference.
5. No worse than any other watch, but I wear mine quite tight.
6. The Ray? I hear that the differences are cosmetic. Mako XL? Never seen one and would be too big for me anyway.

Seiko and Citizen are both solid choices, but if the Orient has grabbed your eye over them then go for it.

[Chunk49]

A MIDO Ocean Star Captain IV is now also on my list! What does these retail at in London? My sense is that they may be about 8 times the price of the Mako! Any owners on here?