You may find yourself at a crossroads when deciding between an Orient watch or a Seiko timepiece. This is completely understandable as there are some factors and features that set these two apart.
To aid you in weighing the two options, we’ll take a closer look into each of the watch’s features for different categories – diver watch, a chronograph, a dress watch, field watch, and premium level watches.
At the end of this article, we’ll help you decipher which watch is the better choice for you!
Origins of Seiko and Orient
Seiko and Orient have long been manufacturing and providing quality timepieces since early the 1900s. Through the years, they have become one of the most trusted brands in the watchmaking industry.
To understand the current reputation of these brands, let’s take a quick look at the history of how these brands came to be.
Seiko has been in the watchmaking industry for a long time:
- They began as a watch repair and jewelry shop in Tokyo, Japan back in 1881.
- After a decade, Seiko decided to participate in the watchmaking industry.
- In 1892, they released their first product which was a “Seikosha Clock”.
- 20 years later, this evolved into wristwatches and to what we know Seiko as today.
Orient, on the other hand, started as a wholesale shop back in 1901.
- They were first known as Shogoro Yoshida Watch Shop which focused on time-keeping devices and sold imported pocket watches.
- In 1912, they expanded their portfolio and included wristwatches in their list of products, and renamed themselves Toyo Tokein Manufacturing. This was when they started their in-house manufacturing of table clocks and gauges.
- Two decades after, they started manufacturing their own wristwatches.
Better Times in the Watchmaking Industry
Orient’s Rise and Fall Story
Due to World War II, production and the economy experienced a downturn.
Being a relatively new company, Orient was forced to shut down. After the war ended, they introduced the company as “Tama Keiki Company” before rebranding themselves a year later to “Orient Watch Company”.
Since then, the growth and presence of Orient watches have grown exponentially. It has grown to be one of the TRUSTED BRANDS in the watch industry.
The Breakthrough of Seiko
Meanwhile, Seiko introduced quartz technology in the watchmaking industry in 1969.
This advancement was a breakthrough in the watch industry. This sped up and enabled the production of more accurate and cost-efficient pieces.
Although this technology has been adapted and widely used by some manufacturers, Orient opted to keep its traditional mechanical timepieces.
This move has created a base of loyal followers and ultimately contributed to the success of Orient.
Seiko has also kept some mechanical pieces in its lineup. However, most of its popular pieces utilize quartz movement technology. Nonetheless, Seiko has been and still is one of the LEADING WATCH BRANDS globally.
Merging of Companies
In 2001, Seiko Watch Group took in Orient as a subsidiary.
8 years later, Orient became a wholly-owned subsidiary by Seiko Epson.
To this day, Orient remains a subsidiary of Seiko Epson. Although they have been a subsidiary for the last 2 decades, it hasn’t deterred them from making their own statement pieces and retaining their own identity.
Today, Orient is one of the GO-TO OPTIONS for mechanical watches.
Meanwhile, Seiko has gained more global recognition. They have been designated as official timekeepers for several international events such as Olympic Games and Fifa World Cup. A rich legacy indeed.
Orient vs Seiko: Battling in the Watchmaking Industry
It’s a moot point to debate on the quality of Orient and Seiko timepieces.
Both brands create high-quality options for different types of watch categories. However, there are areas in which one brand performs better than the other.
Let’s discuss these areas of both watch brands:
#1 – Seiko Has Advanced Technologies and Innovations
Over the decades, Orient has been using the same in-house movements for their watches.
Most of these calibers haven’t gone through technical improvements or innovations, even if the technology is present and sufficient. However, this doesn’t mean to say that the quality is subpar.
Seiko, on the other hand, has experimented and created timepieces as TECHNOLOGY EVOLVED. Features such as solar-powered movement and atomic precision make Seiko watches more attractive and valuable.
#2 – More Movement Options From Seiko
As Seiko employs more technology in their wristwatches, not only is the efficiency improved but also the selection of available movement.
Seiko has released multiple options aside from automatic movement. They are one of the LEADERS in the watchmaking industry for quartz, kinetic, and solar watches.
There are a lot of variations in their watches that can capture more interest and loyalty from the market.
#3 – Seiko Is the Go-To for Divers Watch
Due to their ISO certification for professional diving, Seiko is the preferred choice among most divers.
Although Orient offers a waterproof feature that can withstand the same depth, some go for Seiko divers watch as it’s the more trusted timepiece for water activities and adventures.
#4 – Orient Offers More Competitive Price Points
Without a doubt, for most of their lineups, Orient dominates the affordable wristwear category. Whether it be timepieces for chronograph, dress watches, or for field activities, there are a number of affordable pieces from Orient.
Compared to Seiko, Orient watches are pretty much HALF THE PRICE. In most cases, Orient watches provide more value for money than Seiko.
#5 – Orient Makes Hard to Beat Top-Tier Wristwear Options
Not only does Orient top the charts for cost-friendly watches but also in the premium or high-end timepieces. Orient is the more sensible option for those interested in premium watches.
Seiko may have been present for a long time but Orient has done a great job in disrupting the trend.
The Orient Star collection has put forth some impressive features such as higher power reserve, power indicators, and advanced watch mechanisms.
Orient vs Seiko: Comparison of Dive, Chronograph, Field, Dress, and Premium Watches
Dive Watches
For dive watches, we’ll be comparing the Orient Mako II and Seiko SKX007. Both timepieces are one of the most popular and best entry-level 200m dive watches from both brands.
Orient Mako II
- Case Size: 41 mm
- Water Resistance: 200m (660 ft)
- Accuracy: +25 / -15 sec per day
- Movement: Automatic
Seiko SKX007
- Case Size: 40 mm
- Water Resistance: 200m (660 ft) ISO
- Accuracy: +50 / -20 sec per day
- Movement: Automatic
From a glance, Orient and Seiko dive watches have a lot of similarities. The two options sport a minimalist yet functional design with durable stainless steel bracelets.
The DIFFERENCE between the Seiko and Orient dive watches can be found underneath the surface.
Accuracy and Diver Qualities
Coming in at roughly $130, Orient Mako II dive watch has hacking and hand-winding mechanisms which are not present in the Seiko SKX007.
It’s also interesting to note that Orient Mako II has higher accuracy than the SKX007. This 200m water-resistant dive watch is suitable for recreational water sports and marine activities.
This watch from Orient made its way to the hearts of the diving community because of its price point and the fact that it comes with all distinct features of a genuine dive watch: luminous hands and indices, a screw-down crown, and a one-way rotating bezel.
Movement and ISO Certifications
Also made of stainless steel, a great alternative would be the Orient Ray II or the Mako XL dive watch.
Both timepieces operate on the same F6922 caliber and also with a 120-click unidirectional bezel. The Orient Ray II is a tiny bit bigger version of the Mako II. The biggest among the three would be the Mako XL.
The critical differentiation between Mako II from Orient and Seiko SKX007 dive watch would be the latter’s ISO certification.
Seiko SKX007 is one of the few dive watches that are ISO 6425 compliant.
This seal of approval serves as a guarantee that a watch is suitable for professional SCUBA and diving activities with depths reaching 200 meters or 660 feet.
Seiko diver watches are CERTIFIED for this type of water activity.
Luminosity
To support this capability, the 007 dive watch also has excellent luminosity.
Seiko is known for only using the best material in the watchmaking industry. However, the 007 has been discontinued since 2019.
Although production is now halted for this type, it is still available online and in some stores.
Our Verdict: Which Is For You?
Orient Mako II: A cheaper and smart option for those into recreational water activities. A good investment with sleek design and reliable quality for any watch enthusiast
Seiko SKX007: Professional divers and those engaged in heavy SCUBA activities. Great piece for avid fans of Seiko since there is limited availability in the market
Chronograph Watches
Chronograph watches serve a double purpose: a display watch and a stopwatch.
It’s a top pick for those engaged in sports or for individuals with a preference for more bulky timepieces. Both options that we’ll look into employ a quartz movement mechanism.
Orient Sporty Chronograph FKV01003B
- Case size: 43mm
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: Mineral
- Chronograph: 1 second to 30 minutes
Seiko Chronograph SSB359
- Case size: 45mm
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: Curved Hardlex
- Chronograph: ⅕ second to 60 minutes
As mentioned earlier, both run using a quartz watch movement.
QUICK FACT: In contrast to a watch with mechanical movement, a quartz watch has an astonishing accuracy due to a quartz crystal. It uses a vibrating mineral called quartz – a mineral that swings at a constant frequency. This is the reason why quartz watches are very reliable and accurate.
Design and Accuracy
The Orient Sporty Chronograph has a unique, striking style with its black dial and red accents.
This one is powered by quartz caliber and comes with 3 sub-dials. It also has a date window in between 4 and 5 o’clock dials. All of this is encased in a stainless steel crown.
The stopwatch accuracy is in increments of 1-second and can measure up to 30 minutes. The tachymeter bezel is located at the middle bottom window.
The cost of this chronograph watch is just a little over $80, a great steal for an Orient chronograph watch.
Although doubling the price of an Orient watch, the SSB359 brings a lot of value to the table. With the whole piece predominantly black, the 3 sub-dials are accentuated.
Upping the accuracy rate to one-fifth of a second increments and measures up to 60 minutes, this Seiko timepiece is a tough one to beat. Moreover, the SSB359 has millisecond markers found in the chapter ring of the watch.
In contrast to the Orient Sporty Chronograph, the tachymeter ring of the SSB359 is found on the bezel, effectively increasing the ease of use and readability.
The main dial also holds the second hand of the chronograph. This also indicates that the sub-dials contain the main second’s counter.
Our Verdict: Which Is For You?
Orient Sporty Chronograph: The Orient watch is for you if you need an eye-catching but also a cost-efficient and reliable chronograph to track or measure time-sensitive activities or sports.
Seiko SSB359: Pick this timepiece if the activities you’ll engage in would require a more accurate chronograph that can measure up to a fifth of a second or track up to 60 minutes.
Field Watches
Although not the top-selling models in the watch industry, field watches are durable and affordable options.
There are notable features from both Seiko and Orient that come in handy during strenuous outdoor activities. These watches also come at a relatively friendly price compared to other watches.
Orient Flight Green Field Watch FUNG2004F
- Case size: 42mm
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: mineral
Seiko SNK805
- Case size: 37mm
- Movement: Automatic with Hand-Winding Mechanism
- Crystal: Hardlex
The Flight Green Dial FUNG2004F timepiece from Orient has an easy-to-read dial and luminous silver-tone hands.
- It’s perfect for field activities, even during the night or in dark areas
- It is also scratch and water-resistant and has a date indicator on the right side
- This Orient watch runs on a quartz movement mechanism
The outdoor look of this Orient watch comes from the band material which is made of fabric. The field green dial is complemented by an army green strap and a tang buckle clasp.
On the other hand, SNK805 is a smaller field watch, with its case diameter measuring only 37mm – ideal for smaller wrists.
- It also has luminous accents along its hour and minute markers
- There is a day and date window located at the three o’clock position
One interesting feature of this Seiko field watch is that it’s an automatic mechanical watch.
This means that it can keep functioning even without a battery. Seiko has designed it in such a way that the movement of the arm generates power for the watch mechanism.
Our Verdict: Which Is For You?
Orient Flight Green Watch: A good value-for-money field watch. Perfect for those looking for sturdy build quality and a more accurate option with a classic outdoors look.
Seiko 5 SNK805: Compared to Seiko, this is a more versatile option. It can be used as a field watch but also can easily be used in casual outfits as well. The arm movement triggering the watch mechanism is also an interesting feature of this Seiko watch as well.
You might also like: Best Seiko 5 Watches
Dress Watches
Seiko and Orient carry elegant timepieces for the dress watch category.
For this category, we will look at Bambino Open Heart and SNE102. Both dress watches have pretty much the same price points. These dress watches are at around $200, with Seiko costing roughly $20 more.
Orient Bambino Open Heart
- Case size: 40.5mm
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Curved Mineral
Seiko Dress SNE102
- Case size: 39mm
- Movement: Solar Quartz
- Crystal: Hardlex
Orient Bambino: Sophistication At Its Finest
The Orient Bambino Open Heart has been a CROWD FAVORITE due to its clever open-heart design. The intricate movement of its F6T22 caliber is seen through the small round cut in the watch’s dial pad.
You might like: Best Orient Bambino Watches
Another unique quality of this watch is that this model is also one of the few timepieces from Orient that doesn’t have a day and date window.
The stainless steel casing plus the signature domed crystal and dial are paired with a black leather bracelet, giving it a distinct and effortless look.
Seiko SNE102: The Perfect Casual Piece
Meanwhile, the Seiko SNE102 has a bit more minimalist design.
The black dial and gold casing only come with the essentials – three-hand movement as well as day and date window. This style gives the Seiko watch a sophisticated twist from the classic look of Seiko watches.
Moreover, even without constant light exposure, the solar-powered movement of the Seiko SNE102 provides a power reserve of up to 6 months.
The accuracy is not affected at all by this high-quality mechanism. In fact, it even has a high accuracy – with gaining or losing only 15 seconds in a 30 day period.
Our Verdict: Which Is For You?
Orient Bambino Open Heart: A better option for those who prefer a more sophisticated dress watch. This is perfect for men leaning towards a more elegant style to complete their outfits.
Seiko SNE102: Our personal pick for a day date or casual attire events. This Seiko dress watch embodies a classic black dial that can easily be paired with any outfit and give it a classic touch.
Premium-level Watches
Premium watches are much more difficult to compare as they don’t have a particular purpose to serve.
For example, it’s easier to determine the best option if the category is an affordable chronograph watch.
The market for high-end options behaves differently as it usually is unaffected by price nor product functionality.
The Orient vs Seiko debate may have started with the premium models from both brands.
Watch enthusiasts and collectors often compare the ones from the Orient Star or Royal Orient collection and the Grand Seikos. These are one of the oldest timepieces, dating all the way back to the 1960s.
In most premium-level watches, the watchmakers tug more on:
- Brand loyalty
- Resonance
- Personal identity
As these are premium investments, most watch collectors and enthusiasts go for a watch they resonate with the most or the timepiece that represents their identity.
Orient and Seiko are also experts in this category. Use of materials, design, and scarcity are the biggest differentiators for this category.
For this category, we will look at two watches belonging to the upper tier: Orient Star Automatic and Presage SSA379J1 from Seiko.
Orient Star Classic Automatic Open Heart Modern Blue Skeleton SDK05002D
- Case size: 41 mm
- Movement: Automatic Self-Winding with Hand-Winding Mechanism
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Dial Window Type: Anti-reflective Sapphire
- Water Pressure Depth: 100 meters
Seiko Presage SSA379J1
- Case size: 42 mm
- Movement: Automatic with Manual Winding
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Dial Window Type: Sapphire
- Water Pressure Depth: 30 meters
Orient: A Unique Timepiece That Stands Out
The Orient Star line is what strengthened the presence of Orient in the watch industry.
Just shy of $900, the Classic Automatic Open Heart timepiece has an anti-reflective sapphire dial and a steel bracelet.
This Orient Star watch has 24 jewels and runs on a 40S60 caliber. Orient isn’t afraid to move away from traditional styles as well.
The dial for this Orient Star piece is packed with a power reserve indicator and one sub-dial. Interestingly, the second hand is found in the sub-dial and not in the main dial.
This timepiece from the Orient Star collection also has a partially skeletonized dial which is cut stylishly to show the internal mechanism of the watch.
This is also one of the models from the Orient Star collection with a hand-winding mechanism, meaning arm movements can generate the power for the watch.
This marks the COURAGE and CREATIVITY of Orient to merge modern designs with traditional features of a watch.
Seiko: A Classic That Never Gets Old
Meanwhile, the Seiko Presage SSA379J1 is also equipped with a sapphire crystal dial, backed by the top-tier automatic self-winding 4R39 caliber.
The silver crown of the watch is complemented with a leather wristband to give it a solid, timeless finish perfect for dress, formal, and even on a casual date!
Although this Seiko watch doesn’t have a power indicator and less amount of power reserve compared to Orient Star timepieces, it still has a good amount of power reserve amounting to about 41 hours.
A reasonable sum for a Seiko watch, this is a steal with its classic premium piece heightened with hints of elegant touches.
The best part? Despite the premium feel and quality, it’s surprisingly AFFORDABLE!
Our Verdict: Which Is For You?
Orient Star Classic Open Heart: A great pick for those who prefer to make a bold yet sophisticated statement. The Orient Star collection is known for its impressive time reserve and power indicator, which are both a sweet addition to this premium collection.
Seiko Presage SSA379J1: This Seiko watch is perfect for those who want to purchase a reasonable yet timeless piece. The conservative and classic design of this Seiko watch adds flair and subtle elegance to any ensemble.
Final Verdict: Orient vs Seiko
We hope this Orient vs Seiko comparison article enlightened you in your decision-making process. Both Seiko and Orient offer quality wristwatches that have stood the test of time.
The choice between the two boils down to the type of activity, budget, and of course, personal preference.
Bottom line, you can’t go wrong with a Seiko or Orient watch. Whatever the decision is, undoubtedly, any timepiece from both brands would be a smart purchase.