The Japanese King of Affordable Automatic Watches Debuts a Versatile New Diver

Orient is best known for its classically-inspired, absurdly affordable automatic dress watches, namely the expansive Bambino collection. But the Japanese watchmaker also produces a thriving assortment of dive watches.

For years now, Orient’s two most popular diver lines have been the AC0Q and the Kamasu. A new generation of the former adopts the latter’s dial design, creating a hybrid that is more than the sum of its parts.

Orient Watch

Outside of the dial, the AC0Q Diver II is identical to the first generation. It has a 40mm stainless steel case with brushed surfaces and polished chamfered edges.

It is topped with the same stainless steel 120-click unidirectional bezel, marked with an etched-and-lacquered 60-minute track, including a fully graduated 15-minute segment and a faux pip.

The Oyster-style three-link bracelet is identical, finished with matching vertical brushing and secured with a folding safety clasp. The signed, fluted and unguarded crown also remains unchanged.

Orient Watch

The AC0Q Diver II is powered by the same movement as its predecessor, the Caliber F6722 automatic. It beats at 3Hz and offers a 41-hour power reserve.

Like most automatic Orient watches, the movement can also be recharged manually, which is more useful in practice than it sounds. Giving the crown 10 to 15 turns before taking it off typically maxes out the power reserve.

Keeping it in the family

The big update for the second-generation AC0Q is the dial, which is very familiar to Orient fans. It is lifted directly from the Kamasu.

There is an arrow-tipped hour hand, sword minute hand and arrow seconds hand indicating an applied hours track encircled by a printed minutes track. The hands and hour markers are fitted with lume inserts that have a slightly yellowed tone, enhancing the watch’s vintage look.

Orient Watch

The AC0Q Diver II debuts with a set of radiant sunburst dials. There are three regular production references in blue, brown and green.

It’s a small change, but I appreciate how the “20 bar” indication is now printed in the same script font as “Water Resistant.”

A steely disposition

Joining the three core colors for the launch are two limited-edition dials. There is a smoky gray that creates a uniform look with the brushed steel case and bracelet, along with a smoky beige color that is confusingly also called brown.

Orient Watch

The gray dial is the only AC0Q Diver II with the Orient logo and water resistance indication printed in black.

Availability and pricing

Blending the best features of its two most popular dive watches was a layup for Orient. The AC0Q’s weak spot was its hands, and the Kamasu is just a little too big. This update solves both issues and adds a gorgeous selection of dials that avoid all the obvious, overused colors.

The Orient AC0Q Diver II is available now from Orient Watch USA for $530. Unsurprisingly, it launches with a 30-percent-off promotion, dropping the price to $370. Not bad.

Orient Watch

Orient AC0Q Diver II

Specs

Case Size	40mm
Movement	Epson Caliber F6722 automatic
Water Resistance	200m

• $370 at Orient
  $530 (30% off)

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