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<\/a><\/div>\nOrient Now, Announced<\/a><\/span> \n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n How In The The Let Examined Some How As It is interesting to note that the M34 F8 Date appears larger than its dimensions suggest; I actually had to measure it to be sure it isn’t the same size as the OS Basic Date (which is, in fact, 2mm wider and 3mm longer!). That is probably The On The How The There is noticeable variance between positions, and I could see it gaining or losing a second or two per day, depending on whether it was at rest, active, or lying flat, but it seems Orient got the mix right.<\/p>\n Operating Legibility, Everyday Bottom The Yes, For With And \n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The
\npresented the M34
\nF8 Date<\/a><\/span> two years ago. Since its introduction, this model has become the
\nbrand’s own “mini-Grand-Seiko” (no longer a poor man’s Grand Seiko,
\nthough!). With its sharply polished case, upgraded specs, and distinctive dials,
\nit was pretty obvious what target market this watch was after, and it made
\nsense: priced like what GS used to cost eons ago, this became an extremely
\ncompelling offering.<\/p>\n
\nafter a few textured dials in various colors and one very special “meteor
\nshower” dial, comes the real deal: an Orient first, reference RE-BX0010A
\nboasts an actual meteorite. And what a beauty it is!<\/p>\n
\nonly a couple of weeks ago, I was happy to get my hands on a sample and enjoy
\nsome quality time with this special timepiece \u2013 and here are my thoughts\u2026<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nIt Looks<\/b><\/p>\n
\ncase photos haven’t made it clear, let me spell it out: this is one seriously
\nimpressive watch. And a seriously gorgeous one too. Even before diving into the
\ndetails, this watch simply exudes quality and refinement. <\/p>\n
\nM34 F8 Date combines brushed and polished surfaces to great effect. The mostly
\nbrushed surfaces give it visual heft and substance, and provide contrast for
\nthe shiny bezel, chamfers, and polished bits on the bracelet, which can then
\nglitter without appearing too flashy. <\/p>\n
\nmeteorite dial matches this balance of textures perfectly, as grey patches are
\nintermixed with silvery streaks, which shine or dim depending on how light hits
\nthem. Seen in still photos, this might give the illusion of a blurry dial that
\nwould impede legibility. In reality, though, the 3D effect created by even a
\nslight movement makes the markers stand out. <\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nme also emphasize: not all meteorite dials are the same. There are different
\nmaterials, and you don’t just slice some rock and throw it in the watch: there
\nis careful selection, chemical treatment, and so on. I have seen watches with
\nmeteorite dials \u2013 this one is truly executed to a very high standard.<\/p>\n
\nclosely, it becomes clear how well the markers and hands are finished, making
\nthem more reflective and contributing to their visibility. In fact, almost any
\npart of this watch where you might want to zoom in, would reveal very fine
\nexecution. Even the date aperture isn’t just a cutout, but given a lovely (and
\nalmost unnoticeable) frame.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nelements may be at the same level as other, less expensive Orient Stars \u2013 I
\nhave seen similarly high quality cases in the likes of the Contemporary
\nStandard<\/a><\/span> and Basic
\nDate<\/a><\/span>. The H-link bracelet, though, looks better than most Orients
\nI’ve handled \u2013 possibly, the best-looking bracelet currently offered by the
\nbrand.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nIt Wears<\/b><\/p>\n
\nwith most Orient Star watches, case dimensions are fairly modest: 40mm wide by
\n47.3mm lug to lug. While it is not very thin at 12.9mm, the thickness isn’t really
\nvery disturbing on the wrist.<\/p>\n
\ndue to the visual impact of the dial.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nwatch weighs 156g (assuming it’s the same as other M34 F8 Date versions). This
\nis about the same as that Basic Date, despite being smaller \u2013 and almost the
\nsame as the Contemporary Standard, despite being bigger\u2026 well, honestly, none of
\nthese models is a featherweight, nor a heavyweight. They’ve all got decent heft
\nthat’s easy to live with, and the F8 Date is no exception.<\/p>\n
\nthe wrist, it feels comfortable and composed. The review sample I got did not
\nhave all its links, so I wore it a bit tighter than I am used to \u2013 still, it
\nwas comfortable enough to get through the day with it. This is evidence of its well-balanced
\nweight distribution, as well as the smoothness of the inside of the buckle.<\/p>\n
\nbracelet provides decent sideways flexibility, I think more so than other
\nOrient Star bracelets, and that probably also contributed to the comfort. It is
\n20mm wide at the lugs, so in theory it could be easily replaced, but trust me:
\nyou’ll want to keep it.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nIt Functions<\/b><\/p>\n
\nM34 F8 Date is powered by caliber F8N64, offering 60+ hours of power reserve,
\nand a stated accuracy of +15\/-5 seconds per day. Real-life accuracy is, however, better \u2013 in fact, the best I have measured in any Orient \u2013 it gained about 3 seconds in a week.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nthe watch is straightforward. The crown does not lock in, and it is fairly
\nlarge and grippy. So, winding and setting the watch are as easy as it gets. The
\npower reserve indicator is handy in showing whether any winding is needed at
\nall.<\/p>\n
\nas mentioned above, is quite good considering there is no lume on the hands or
\nthe dial, thanks to the natural contrast between the hands and the dial. It is
\nfurther aided by the superb anti-reflective coating, which turns any glaring
\nlight into a faint blue spot.<\/p>\n
\npracticality is not compromised, as the watch features 100m (10 bar) water
\nresistance, and tough sapphire glass front and back. It feels robust, and while
\nI would not call such a pretty thing “beater,” it is not a piece you
\nneed to take off your wrist too often.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nLine<\/b><\/p>\n
\nM34 F8 Date Meteorite is one of the most impressive watches to have ever borne
\nthe Orient Star logo. It takes the already fantastic M34 F8 Date and adds some
\nserious icing to that cake with its exquisite dial. <\/p>\n
\nit is not cheap: the premium for the Meteorite is almost 25% above the standard
\nF8 Date, which is not an inexpensive watch to begin with. But, ignore the brand
\nname for a moment, consider only the watchmaking expertise at hand, and
\nsuddenly it does not seem so expensive.<\/p>\n
\nthe official price of \u20ac3,250 you are getting a robust in-house movement that
\nhas been modernized with silicon<\/a><\/span>
\nand an upgraded power reserve, offers excellent accuracy and carries with it a
\nlegacy of high reliability; you’re getting fine craftsmanship all round; and it is a limited edition, 255 pieces to be precise.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nthe M34 F8 Date, Orient continues its journey to compete with the heavyweights
\nof the watchmaking scene. Whereas the beautiful M45
\nF8 Moon Phase<\/a><\/span> excels in subtle, dress-watch elegance, the Orient
\nStar M34 F8 Date seems like the closest thing to a mechanical Grand Seiko that
\nisn’t Grand Seiko. <\/p>\n
\nyet it is entirely Orient Star, with its own identity and uniqueness, owing to
\nthe Meteorite dial, the unmistakable power reserve, and subtle
\ndesign elements. I really hope Orient succeeds in getting consumers to accept
\nits higher-end products like this, because it deserves it \u2013 and frankly, watch
\nbuyers too deserve more watches like the M34 F8 Date Meteorite.<\/p>\n
\nblog would like to thank Orient \u2013 Epson Europe for providing us this watch for
\nreview.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n