Orient Vs Seiko Watches: Which is the better watch brand?
If you’re on the hunt for a new watch, you may be overwhelmed by the number of choices and brands available today.
While we previously discussed the differences between Bulova vs Movado luxury watches, Orient and Seiko are also two popular watch brands that have been creating stylish, high-quality, and reliable timepieces for a very long time.
These two watch companies bring a lot to the table in the world of watch enthusiasts and Japanese watchmaking as a whole.
In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the similarities and differences between Orient watches and Seiko watches in terms of design, quality, price, and functionality.
By the end of this post, I hope you’ll have a better idea of which brand suits your style, budget, and needs.
History of Orient
The Orient watch company has been producing high-quality mechanical watches for over 70 years. Orient was founded in 1950 in Tokyo, Japan, by Shogoro Yoshida and quickly gained a strong reputation for innovation and precision.
The Orient brand was one of the first Japanese companies to produce its own in-house movement for watches. Like Seiko, they continue to do so to this day. Over the years, Orient has released a variety of popular watch collections, including the Bambino, the Mako, and the Ray.
In recent years, the brand has gained a following among watch enthusiasts who appreciate the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail all while being offered at an affordable price point.
Today, Orient Watches are a subsidiary of Seiko, though they each operate independently with their distinct brands and unique designs and features offered.
History of Seiko
Seiko is also a Japanese brand with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1881. Their founder, Kintaro Hattori, started as a Japanese watchmaker repairing watches before launching his own watch shop in Tokyo.
Seiko’s first watch, the Laurel, was released in 1913 and was Japan’s first wristwatch. Since then, Seiko has been a leader in watch innovation and technology, introducing groundbreaking technologies such as the quartz movement and kinetic watches.
Seiko has also been widely known for its stylish and high-performing watches, from its classic diver watch to its more sporty chronographs and pocket watches.
Today, Seiko continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking and has earned a loyal following of fans and clients who appreciate their extremely high quality, craftsmanship, and innovative designs.
Are Orient and Seiko the same company?
In 2009 the Seiko Epson Corporation, a subsidiary of Seiko Holdings Corporation acquired Orient Watch Co., Ltd. Despite being owned by Seiko, Orient has continued to operate as an independent company and brand within the Seiko watch family.
While Seiko and Orient share some similarities in terms of their watchmaking, as mentioned above, they very much remain different and distinct brands with their own watch aesthetics and features.
Orient vs Seiko
The Main Differences and Similarities Between Orient and Seiko
Price Range
When it comes to Orient and Seiko watches, regardless of the brand you go with, you can expect to get a high-quality timepiece that will last for many years.
Orient timepieces are priced competitively at a typically more affordable price, with most models falling in the $100-$500 range. For the quality of their movements and materials, this is a great deal!
Seiko watches, on the other hand, while slightly pricier, are still a great option considering the quality and innovation they offer. You can find Seiko watches for as low as $100 or as high as $5,000, depending of course on the model and features.
Regardless of the price you pay, you’re getting a watch that’s built to last and perform.
Quality and Durability
Of course, a watch is more than just a fashion accessory when it’s on the higher end of your price range, it’s also an investment. When it comes to quality and durability, both Orient and Seiko are solid choices for watches.
Orient watches are known for their accurate and reliable automatic movements, which are made in-house. The cases and straps are made from high-quality materials, such as their stainless steel bracelets and genuine leather strap, ensuring that your watch will withstand the test of time.
Plus, as we’ll get to in a bit, Orient offers a variety of water-resistant watches for those who love to swim or snorkel.
Seiko watches, meanwhile, are praised for their precise movements and innovative technologies. From their solar power watch technology to their Spring Drive movements, Seiko is constantly pushing the boundaries of watchmaking – which is one of the reasons they’re so highly sought after.
Additionally, Seiko watches are built to last, with scratch-resistant mineral crystal and sapphire crystal, durable cases, and tough straps.
No matter which brand you choose, you can rest assured that you’re getting a watch that will last for years to come.
Design
When it comes to watches, design and style are some of the most important factors to consider. Both Orient and Seiko offer unique aesthetics that cater to all different tastes.
Orient watches feature a timeless and classic look with minimalist designs, traditional faces, and leather straps. However, they have been known to add a pop of color or interesting texture to make their watches stand out from others on the market.
Additionally, they have innovative skeleton watches that showcase the mechanical movements and inner workings of the watch.
Seiko watches, on the other hand, are more adventurous, with bold colors, complex dials, and modern materials such as a stainless steel case. From sporty dive watches to flashy chronographs, Seiko has something for everyone for every occasion.
If you prefer vintage styles, Seiko’s reissues of their classic and original models are hard to resist.
Ultimately, the choice between Orient and Seiko depends on personal preference and personal style. Check out some of the popular models from both brands and choose the one that speaks to you.
Movement
Does Orient use Seiko movements?
When it comes to watch movements, both Orient and Seiko offer some impressive options. Orient watches are well-known for their reliable mechanical movements, which are often produced in-house.
These movements are powered by a series of gears and springs that work together to keep accurate time and require regular winding to keep them running. If you appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition of mechanical movements, Orient is a great choice.
On the other hand, the Seiko brand is known for its constantly evolving technology and diverse range of movements. Many Seiko watches feature solar-powered movements. These work by converting light energy into electrical energy in order to power the watch.
Seiko also offers kinetic energy storage systems, which use the movement of the wearer’s wrist to generate power for the watch. These features are very convenient for those who don’t want to worry about regular winding or battery replacements.
Deciding on which movement is better really depends on your personal preference and needs. If you value the traditional feel and reliability of mechanical movement, Orient is the best option. Whereas if you prefer the convenience and innovation of a solar-powered or kinetic movement, Seiko watches would be right up your alley.
Water Activities
When it comes to water activities, both Orient and Seiko are very well known for watches that are well-suited for everything from diving to casual swimming, thanks to their water-resistant features. This includes additions such as screw-down crowns, case backs, bezels, and sturdy bracelets or straps.
In particular, the Orient Mako and Seiko Prospex series are popular among water sports enthusiasts, with an impressive rating of up to 200 meters of water resistance or more. Whether you prefer Orient or Seiko watches, you can be sure that they will be able to keep up with even the toughest aquatic conditions.
Target Clientele
Is Orient as good as Seiko?
While both brands offer high-quality watches that are popular among watch collectors and clients, the big difference between the 2 brands is that Orient tends to cater more to the entry-level and mid-range watch markets, with a focus on affordable yet stylish timepieces. Orient has a wide range of diverse styles including dress watches, sports watches, and diving watches.
Seiko, on the other hand, offers a wide range of watches that cater to a broad range of buyers, from casual wearers to serious collectors, as their prices range from entry-level to luxury. Seiko also has a reputation for offering exceptional watch value for the money. Their watches are known for their quality, reliability, and accuracy.
Whether Orient is as good as Seiko will depend on the qualities, functionality, and style you are looking for.
The Best Orient Watches
Orient Ray ii
The Orient Ray ii is one of Orient’s most popular dive watches with a rugged yet stylish design. It features a stainless steel case and bracelet, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and water resistance up to 200 meters.
It also has a reliable automatic movement as well as luminous hands – including the minute hand and second hand – for easy visibility underwater.
Orient Mako ii
The Orient Mako II is a sleek and sporty automatic watch that offers a good look both in and out of the water. This watch has all of the same water-resistant features as the Ray ii along with a classic design featuring a deep blue dial, silver-tone hands and markers, and a day date display function. It’s the perfect accessory for any wrist size as well.
Orient Kamasu
The Orient Kamasu is another popular and affordable dive watch from Orient, with a bold and distinctive design. It features a colored or black dial and bezel, stainless steel case and bracelet, with deep water resistance as well. It also has reliable automatic movement and a power reserve of up to 40 hours.
The Best Seiko Watches
Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko watches are one of the most popular Seiko watches available due to their precision, beauty, and craftsmanship. Each timepiece is created using only the finest materials and features incredible attention to detail that sets it apart from the rest of the Seiko collections.
The movements of Grand Seiko watches are all handcrafted and extremely accurate. These watches are also known for their unique design, which combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary style.
The collection contains everything from the classic Grand Seiko Snowflake to the sporty Grand Seiko Sport. There is a variety of Grand Seiko watched that are suitable for every taste and occasion.
Seiko SRPD Collection
The Seiko SKX had long been a favorite watch for watch enthusiasts, however, after it was discontinued the Seiko SRPD collection quickly became a contending favorite! It boasts many of the similar design aspects as the SKX along with a unidirectional bezel and stainless steel case.
Additionally, the watches in this collection have an updated automatic movement with hand-winding capabilities.
Seiko Prospex
This Seiko dive watch features a classic dive watch design, with a durable stainless steel case, unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, and is water resistant up to 200 meters. Like the Orient Ray ii, it also has reliable automatic movement and luminescent hands and markers for easy visibility in low-light conditions or underwater.
Conclusion
So, which is the better brand: Orient or Seiko? The truth is, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a watch in terms of functionality and design. Both brands offer timepieces at a great value that are high-quality and reliable with their own unique features and styles.
If you’re a fan of classic designs that are a bit more affordable, you can’t go wrong with an Orient watch. On the other hand, if you’re looking for new technology, a wider range of options, and are ok with a higher price point, Seiko may be the better choice for you. Either would be a great addition to any watch collection or wardrobe.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find a watch that fits your own personal taste and style. Whether you prefer a simple and timeless look or something bold and flashy, both Orient and Seiko timepieces have something to offer at varying price points.
With their excellent craftsmanship, attention to detail, and overall value, you truly can’t go wrong with either of these Japanese watch brands. So take your time, do your research, and find the watch that will make you feel confident and stylish every time you put it on!
