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<\/a><\/div>\nEarlier this month, Orient announced the new Mako GMT \u2013 a first new GMT
\nmodel by the brand in years. I was able to spend some time with this new watch,
\nand specifically \u2013 with the limited edition, gradient-blue dial reference
\nRA-BC0005L.<\/p>\n
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How It Looks<\/b><\/p>\n
The watch is immediately recognizable as a Mako, or at least a very
\nclose relative of it. It shares the main design characteristics of the standard
\nMako, such as case shape, markers, and hands. That’s not a bad thing, as Orient’s classic diver-design model is quite handsome and, of course, enjoys considerable popularity and a good reputation.<\/p>\n
The main visual differences are the addition of a 24-hour hand, and the removal of the day disc, leaving only the date indication. While day-of-week
\ndisplays have their proponents, I don’t think it’s a major loss, and since the
\ndate window is roughly the size of the hour markers, it actually allows for a
\nmore balanced dial.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\nThe 24-hour hand is deliberately and rightfully more subtle and does not stand out against the dial as much as the familiar hour, minute, and second hands. In this particular version, the watch face is painted in a deep, rich
\nshade of blue, and the 24-hour hand is lighter blue. <\/p>\n
The rotating bezel presents 24 hours, allowing the wearer to adjust the
\ntime pointed to by the 24 hour hand. It complements the dial colors with a very
\npleasing combination of blue for the upper half, and dark grey \u2013 titanium-like
\nshade \u2013 for the lower half. <\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\nWhile most of the case and bracelet metal is left in its natural color, the crown and bezel sides are blackened. I’m not sure how much that enhances the look of this watch, but it is the sort of thing Orient likes to include in its special editions. I’d be happier without this black plating,
\nat least on the crown, but it is not a big deal.<\/p>\n
All in all, if you like how the standard Mako looks, then you will not
\nbe disappointed by the Mako GMT. <\/p>\n
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How It Wears<\/b><\/p>\n
The Mako GMT is larger than the standard, non-GMT version. Case width is
\n42.8mm (instead of 41.8), lug-to-lug length grew from 46.8 to 49.5mm, and
\nthickness grew from 12.8 to 13.4mm. It also feels proportionally heavier,
\nthough I do not have the exact weight at the time of writing.<\/p>\n
Despite the size, it is still quite comfortable, but I suppose the extra
\ndimensions might make it less attractive for people at the lower range of wrist
\nsizes, for whom the non-GMT watch was still a good fit. <\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\nThe bracelet was never the Mako’s strongest point, and that has not
\nchanged with the new models. When you just hold the watch in your hand and play
\nwith the bracelet, it is noticeably rattly and even a bit squeaky. When worn,
\nhowever, it feels fine, and the loose feeling nearly disappears.<\/p>\n
Lug width is 22mm, so finding replacement straps should be easy. I do
\nnot think any aftermarket bracelets designed for the standard Mako (or other
\nOrient models) would fit here, unfortunately, but until vendors come up with
\nsuitable end-links, a decent blue or black rubber band might do the trick.<\/p>\n
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How It Functions<\/b><\/p>\n
The watch uses a new movement, caliber F6P22, which hints at its old
\nrelative that also featured a 24-hour hand, caliber 46P. The new movement still
\noffers a 40-hour power reserve, automatic and hand-winding, and second-hand
\nhacking. It’s simple, and with most of the mechanical parts identical to the
\nfamiliar F6 movements, expect workhorse reliability and easy maintenance.<\/p>\n
As far as GMT watches go, this is of course a “caller GMT”, which
\nmeans you don’t have a local time setting. Instead, you can use the second time zone, as indicated by the 24-hour hand and the bezel, to follow an “away time”, presumably someone you need to call at their convenient time, hence the name.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/div>\nPersonally, I would have loved to see a true (“traveler”) GMT
\nfunctionality \u2013 but I guess that depends on how much one actually gets to
\ntravel in different time zones. The caller GMT, I believe, is more a stylistic
\nfeature than a very useful function. A 24-hour hand, however, helps when setting the time and date, ensuring one does not try to set the date close
\nto midnight.<\/p>\n
The screw-in crown works well here, and I had no problem locking and
\nunlocking it. Other than not having a weekday to set, it all feels much like
\nthe non-GMT version.<\/p>\n