Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Elegant Orient Star M45 F7 Small Second
A convincing release with restrained proportions and in-house movement at an accessible price.
It was hard not to love, or at least feel some tenderness towards the Orient Bambino models (especially the Classic) released by the brand to mark its 75th anniversary. We are tempted again with the M45 F7 Small Second, as Orient Star (established in 1951, part of Seiko Epson since 2017) expands its Classic Collection with the three new references. Named after the Pleiades star cluster (M45), the Classic Collection has long served as the brand’s most traditional range, and with the new model, Orient offers a balanced, uncluttered display that keeps the important information available.
The compact, stainless steel case of the new Orient Star M45 F7 Small Second measures 39mm in diameter and 11.7mm in thickness. Finishing is discreet, combining brushed surfaces with polished accents. The case is topped with a dual-curved sapphire crystal treated with an AR coating on both sides; the exhibition caseback allows a view of the movement. Water-resistance is 30m.
To those who follow the M45 series, the dial looks familiar yet new, as “complexity” is deliberately reduced. Think the Elegant Classic and the Heritage Gothic, combined, but the dial dispenses with a date and relies on a symmetrical layout with central hours and minutes, a notably discreet power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock (an Orient Star signature since the 1990s), and a recessed small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Leaf-shaped hands, Roman numerals and a railway minute track complete the design as all three M45 F7 Small Second versions share a dual-layer dial finished with a fine sandblasted texture. The 75th anniversary edition stands out with its monochromatic grey tone, while the green and ivory dials introduce a gentle colour palette.
Powering the M45 F7 Small Second is the in-house automatic calibre F7H44, developed and manufactured by Epson for Orient Star. Beating at 21,600 vibrations/hour, it offers a power reserve of over 50 hours and an accuracy of -5/+15 seconds/day. The movement features hacking seconds, is decorated with perlage on the bridges, and has a damascened rotor, visible through the sapphire caseback. The anniversary edition features special engraving and numbering.
The M45 F7 Small Second versions are delivered on leather straps with a trifold deployant clasp. The 75th anniversary limited edition with a grey dial (RE-BS0003N) is worn on black, while the regular collection references (RE-BS0001E Green, RE-BS0002S Ivory) are offered with brown straps. The price is EUR 950 for non-limited models, and EUR 1,050 for the limited edition.
For more information, please visit Orient-Watch.com.
