Two Ice Blue Orient Mako Limited Editions for the Brand’s 75th Anniversary

First released in 2004, the Orient Mako quickly became a hit, for it was a compelling take on the dive watch at a very accessible price. This competitor to the Seiko SKX Series, 5 Sports series or Citizen Promaster Marine and Challenge Diver. It is, from a value standpoint, one of the best automatic dive watches on the market… Depth-ready, solid, fun. A great watch for low money. This year, Orient is celebrating its 75th anniversary. After seeing special Bambino models and Snoopy/Peanuts-themed models, it is time now for the cult dive watch to get its special edition models too. 

Orient releases here not one but two editions of the Mako dive watch: a classic version and a more compact model. But first, let’s remind ourselves of the Mako watch. As we explained in this article covering the 10th anniversary limited edition of the watch, the Orient Mako is a fairly young model, but still gained almost immediately cult status. The reason…? It was a simple, no-nonsense dive watch with everything you need in it, built like a tank, designed as it should, with fun colours available and yet, a price that would make it a great option for newcomers to mechanical watches – not far from what Seiko has done with the SKX and 5 Sports series. But even better, Orient was fully aware of the status of its watch and listened to the community to bring regular updates to the Mako, which has known 3 different generations and even came in more compact editions.

Building on this, it was just a matter of time for us to see a bunch of special editions Orient Mako models to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary, just like there was no surprise in seeing Bambino models playing on the same commemorative vibe – the Bambino is the brand’s other modern best-seller. Both new Mako models are based on the brand’s classic dive watch, but come with unprecedented colour schemes and textured dials. They each feature sky-blue (or ice blue) dials that stand out, with sunburst stamped patterns, sunlight-inspired gold-coloured second hands and a vintage Orient cursive logo from the 1950s. These features all enhance the character of these timepieces, compared to the rather technical look of the standard models. The other novelty for the Orient Mako 75th Anniversary limited edition can be found on the back, with a cursive inscription “Orient Since 1950 – 75th Anniversary”, and individual serial numbers engraved.

The first model, reference RA-AA0823L, is based on the classic Mako, with its 41.8mm diameter and relatively compact 46.8mm length. We’re here looking at an entry-level 200m dive watch (which is not ISO compliant) but with very decent features despite its low price. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, the bezel is unidirectional and features a dark blue aluminium insert with 60-minute scale and the classic notches of the collection and inside is an in-house automatic movement beating at 3Hz and storing 40h power reserve. This larger model features a day-date display and is worn on a 22mm steel bracelet with trifold deployant buckle with push button and security latch.

The second model, reference RA-AC0Q12L, is based on the more recent and more compact Orient Mako 40. This less hardcore edition measures a very pleasant 39.9mm diameter with a reasonable L2L of 46.5mm. Yet, it is still a competent 200m dive watch with sapphire crystal, screw-down crown and unidirectional bezel. Here, the diving scale is engraved on a brushed metallic insert for a more restrained look and the crown isn’t set in guards like the bigger version. Inside is the same base automatic movement but only here with a classic date display. It is worn on a 20mm steel bracelet with trifold deployant buckle with push button and security latch.

Both released as limited editions of 6,000 pieces available worldwide, the new Orient Mako 75th Anniversary are priced at EUR 429.99 for the large version and EUR 399.99 for the Mako 40. For more details, please visit Orient-watch.com.