Orient Defender 2 Review & Strap Alternatives

Review + Strap alternative combination, this time of the affordable Orient Defender 2 field watch. This RA-AK0401L10B variant comes with a blue dial with a stunning grainy texture and a brushed metal bracelet with solid links (hollow end-links) to match the brushed stainless steel case!
This watch by Orient packs a serious punch regarding its price. Solid (& upgraded from 1st generation defender) in-house movement, 100 meters water resistance, great lume, signed screw-down crown... etc.
In addition to a review, I show you how the size of the watch compares to a Seiko SKX009, a Sinn 556A and a Citizen Nighthawk. Then, in the usual fashion, I show you how the watch sits on a variety of different straps, both off the wrist and on the wrist (all the 22mm straps I happen to have). There's leather straps, nato straps, a zulu strap, a perlon strap, a Barton Elite Silicone strap and the likes! I think you will find it useful in order to really get a feel for the scale of this watch on a slimmer (6,5 inch) wrist like mine.
www.instagram....
The Authorized Dealer for Orient Watches in Finland is Timanttiset:
www.timanttise...
(If you want to help the channel out)
Amazon affiliate links to some great DEALS on the Orient Defender 2 watches on the video! (different variants)
United States:
amzn.to/3JFikeH
United Kingdom:
amzn.to/43ZTca4
Germany:
amzn.to/3NxEp0V
Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. I do use affiliate links when linking products in the video description. Nordic Watch Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This was the first time ever a watch was sent to me for review. To be completely transparent, I get to keep the watch afterwards. That being said, this watch will get the same "review-treatment" as any other watch that I've reviewed on the channel, as I think you will notice.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:30 Presenting my newest addition to the watch collection (Sinn 556A)
01:30 Packaging and reference number
02:15 Brief summary on Orient Defender 1 versus Orient Defender 2 differences
02:47 Showcasing the different color and strap versions of the Orient Defender 2
03:20 Brief comments on the price. (Grey market / Authorized Dealer / Second-hand)
04:25 Dimensions and size of the Orient Defender 2
05:03 Orient Defender 2 vs. Sinn 556A size comparison
05:08 Comments on the case and water resistance
05:37 Comments about the Orient Defender 2 bracelet and clasp
06:46 Closer look at the Orient Defender 2 blue dial and subdials
09:10 Closeup on the dial texture and hands
09:33 Lume on the Orient Defender 2 (lumeshot)
10:22 Specs of the Orient F6B22 automatic movement
11:10 Winding, setting the time.(video only) Comments on the crown..
11:26 Weight of the Orient Defender 2 (before and after removing of links)
11:45 Orient Defender 2 on my 6,5 inch wrist (wristshot) T-shirt & Long sleeved shirt
11:37 Orient Defender 2 size comparison with Seiko SKX007 & Citizen Nighthawk
14:30 Strap alternatives showcase begins! (First off: grey Barton Elite Silicone)
15:03 Orient Defender 2 on black leather with white stitching (Hirsch Liberty 22mm)
15:55 Orient Defender 2 on grey Zulu strap
16:43 Orient Defender 2 on grey paratrooper strap with white stripe
17:30 Orient Defender 2 on green nato strap
18:15 Orient Defender 2 on grey seatbelt nato strap
18:49 Orient Defender 2 on red seatbelt nato strap ( Burgundy / Wine Red )
19:25 Orient Defender 2 on grey perlon strap
20:03 Orient Defender 2 on bond style black and grey nato strap (Zuludiver)
20:48 Orient Defender 2 on all black seatbelt nato strap
21:20 Wrapping it up
#orient #orientwatches #nordicwatchchannel
A short video where I show this watch on many straps:
• Orient Defender 2 Stra...
Orient Bambino 36mm review:
• Orient Bambino 5s 36mm...

[@KabobHope]

That watch is pretty sharp. I'm not the biggest fan of bracelets over straps, but the bracelet looks like one of the nicest at this price point. I am looking at one of the Orient divers and all of their watches tend to offer good value and good finishing. Thanks for the review.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I for one would love to get my hands on a Kamasu. We’ll see if that happens next year. I’ve liked the quality on the Orients I’ve handled. Did you watch my review on the 1st generation Orient Ray? It’s an ok bracelet! Having said that, I think other straps complement the field aesthetic that the watch otherwise has. My pleasure!

[@danielee500]

I like that you present the watch on your wrist with different straps. Like that nato strap with the black strap with 2 grey stripes. Thanks for showing the luminosity of the watch in the dark. This watch comes in black, green, blue and a cream dial. After watching your review, I would get the blue dial. Thanks.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

My pleasure mate! Glad to hear it was helpful👍🏻 I think the blue one is a good choice😉

[@Akalipt0s]

the watch with the second strap (leather) 15:02 looks amazing ,,, i think thats the best strap for that watch

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I agree! The Hirsch Liberty is a great match with the defender 2👍🏻 Strong aviation vibes!

[@daleclark3138]

Good review. Just ordered one of these today for $152.25. I have had three of the gen 1 models for years (black, green and cream dial) but I like the color blue and the new movement. Thanks for showing all the straps.

[@bigwilliearmitage]

I was looking at the same watch from likely the same seller. Let us know how happy you are with the watch/seller. (The sellers 3rd party online reviews are pretty sketchy) I have a 1st gen Flight that has the non-wind/non-hacking movement, and the blue dial is also a very dull blue. This looks like a deeper, richer blue.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

My pleasure mate! That sure sounds like a good deal, congrats!😎

[@daleclark3138]

@@bigwilliearmitage Received today from watchsavings. Have ordered from them in the past. New condition with plastic covering bracelet.

[@silveribis55]

Saw this on Amazon and came here, saw this review, and Orient was right to send you this, you did a fantastic job of talking about it...and then going through so many awesome straps and that does give us so many options. Great great review, and I might...really might want to make this Orient my third piece.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you for the compliments! Always nice to get feedback :) There are some affiliate links to this watch in the description, if you are getting it from amazon😁 It does look great on a nato strap in my opinion and I bet there are some awesome leather strap options too!

[@christiank1014]

I like this Orient! Orient usually has an interesting price point on their watches. I have eyed upon many Orients in the past but have never pulled the trigger. After seeing this video I might have to order a Defender 2 🙊 Nice content and quality, you are improving! 👍 Keep up with the good work!

[@christiank1014]

BTW the grey rubber strap looks killer!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks for the feedback! Orient are somewhat filling the entry-level gap that is forming due to Seiko moving up market with their entry level Seiko 5’s. Lots of interesting value propositions

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks! Had totally forgotten that Barton strap somewhere in the drawer😁

[@sendsome]

I have also noticed the improvement in videography. Keep posting! I subbed

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! Really glad to hear that!

[@markwilkinson3903]

Thanks for the video - I've just come across the Defender 2 and was looking for this sort of review. I have a slightly larger wrist, but this would still be one of the larger watches I would wear. It works well on you.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

No problem, glad you enjoyed and found it useful! If you have a larger wrist I’m sure this will work very well for you😎

[@pokie6087]

My Defender arrived a few days ago. Its got a weird dial. In low light indoors it looks black but outside, or in bright light it changes to dark blue. I thought my eyes were playing tricks until I got someone else to confirm. Strange but very cool. Best of all so far it's running at about +3 seconds a day which is astounding. At the price it's definitely worth considering.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Congrats! Yes the dial is really intriguing and captivating. Nice accuracy! Sounds like you got a fantastic deal :)

[@SK-xg9rs]

Looks like this is a strap monster👌🏻... good review mate👍🏻

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Works great on many straps! Black dial probably even more so. Blue can sometimes be a little restricting in that matter. Thanks mate!🙏🏻

[@rbmwiv]

I bought mine brand new for $130. Identical to the one in the video. I had some coupons and they were running a site wide sale. I really like it and have had it a few months. I wish you could find a sapphire crystal for it. I put the bracelet off my Mako 2 on it, much nicer with 4 holes for micro adjustment.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

That's a nice deal, congrats! You'd think that with some research etc you could be able to find a sapphire of the correct size for it!

[@rishabhr9331]

Hey, does the mako 2 bracelet fit perfectly on the defender 2?? Even i am planning to change by bracelet

[@rbmwiv]

@@rishabhr9331 yes it does if it is the factory open end link bracelet. An aftermarket bracelet would not fit. I tried the nice bracelet I got for the Mako but I couldn’t get it to fit so I just kept it as factory.

[@cAdxm]

Just picked one up

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Awesome! Congrats :)

[@DeliPlays]

Just ordered this watch because of your review! I had some problems with quality control on Orient watches before, I hope it turns out well

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Nice! Glad to hear it👍🏻 Where did you order from? If it’s something obvious you can alawaus return it!

[@yoinkhaha]

Daaaamn that Sinn looks dope

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks! It’s almost the perfect watch for me. Just hate the fact that the AR coating on the outside of the sapphire gets scratched😤

[@3rdstone1]

I really like that blue dial with a subtle structure on it. Still think it could be a couple of mm smaller even though that size works.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Won’t argue with you there. Have the same opinion and that goes for many of their models. Especially their dresswatches which are often between 40-42mm could be something like 37-39mm instead.

[@3rdstone1]

@@NordicWatchChannel Agreed, I've often found Orient's dress watches (Bambinos as well) too big myself. 37-39mm are ideal sizes for dress watches indeed.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yep same here!

[@3rdstone1]

@Chad Kyng Spam.

[@bigwilliearmitage]

I think one of the ways Orient saves on costs is by using the same cases for multiple watches. The same is true for this 42.4mm case which is also used for the Flight model, and maybe others. But, I would also prefer something smaller; apprx. 40mm.

[@Flying4Film]

Excellent review and congrats on the airbus type rating. I love the look of this watch, but the size puts me off.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! Timing of my graduation turned out to be terrible but what can you do. Somewhat the same thing with me! I ended up selling this watch later

[@Flying4Film]

@@NordicWatchChannel I completely understand. I was furloughed for close to a year due to Covid, but I’m finally back with my airline and they’re hiring pilots like crazy now. Good luck with everything!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Glad to hear that it’s taking a step towards the better! Things were starting to look better here too but the sanctions between the EU and Russia are just as bad as covid to the airline I am ”headed for”, so that’s a bummer! But it’s good to hear that things are looking up with regards to covids impact on travel👍🏻all the best!

[@OlkjU287]

Great video 👍🏼

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it🤓

[@Pie976]

Bellissimo il Sinn 556A.....il mio preferito..... complimenti.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Wish I knew Italian.. Google translate to the rescue! Thank you very much! I love the Sinn 556A!

[@nikospapaioannou3219]

Very nice watch

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It sure is!

[@paulrobinson3534]

Going nato for sure

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It looks great on nato straps!😎

[@RM-pg4js]

They should have named this watch IronBoy...this watch can take a beaten...i dropped mine from a second floor porch..still working..8 mounths later !

[@NordicWatchChannel]

That woule be a good nickname! They could use that on the Orient M-Force too😂 Glad to hear it survived the fall!💪🏼

[@RM-pg4js]

@@NordicWatchChannel be carefull with the Orient Kanno..my Crown fell off..read reviews on Amazon with same problem.. Can you believe that ?! I still have my crownless Kanno. Sad..

[@NordicWatchChannel]

That sounds pretty bad! Disappointing to hear that about Orient👎🏼

[@jamesthomas3512]

Great review! Just one question is changing the strap difficult with female end links?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! I don’t think female endlinks makes any difference in strap changing🤔 Just as easy as on any watch!

[@Ferien7]

It would be cool to include the weight in grams also

[@NordicWatchChannel]

11:25 my friend :D

[@pureenlightmen]

I like your video...

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Glad to hear that! Thanks mate :)

[@EastMontana1]

Ok, what is the watch the you have on your wrist? Can’t understand a word you say….

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Haha! It’s my Sinn 556A. Sorry to hear that you can’t understand what I’m saying!

[@yoinkhaha]

Here the Orient looks better than I had been picturing it. Obviously the bracelet is not great at this price point but you can switch that out as you did... My main issue is this watch seems to be shooting for some tooly aesthetic with those subdials without actually providing any functionality. Why have all this ridiculous off-center subdial positioning if I can't even set a second time zone? Why do I need a big, weirdly positioned circle to tell me the day? Of course they are shooting for the entry market, but also seemingly trying to trick inexperienced buyers a bit with the subdial design..

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yeah pretty basic level bracelet for the price, nothing special but does the job. I prefer the look and feel of it on other straps anyway! Hmm yeah the subdial configuration is a little weird. I understand the ”military time” 24 hrs subsial but the day subdial doesn’t really make sense.

[@yoinkhaha]

Nordic Watch Channel I guess maybe some people really like the aesthetic. I wonder if I were out in the wilderness for a weekend if I would start to appreciate the circular dials, haha

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hahah who knows😂👌🏻

[@yoinkhaha]

@@NordicWatchChannel Update 1 yr later: I now own this exact watch (got a great deal, 110 euro or something, so what the heck). I can confirm that the subdial layout is only strange at first and when you get used to it, it starts to feel more visually balanced with the Orient logo. The finishing is very good for the price. The bracelet is meh, it’s ok, I put it on straps for more fun though. Kinda a strap monster. Awesome that the crown screws down. Runs about +8s/day, I believe. Lume is just okay. Overall worth a look if one can get it on sale, but lacks the “je ne sais quois” impact of some more inspired watches. Case and dial quality verrry good for the price, reliable so far.