Orient's Classic Diver FINALLY Got A Refresh (but should you buy one?) - Orient Mako III Review

In this Orient Mako III review video, I see whether the recently released Mako 3 is the best new Orient diver watch. Is this the dive king we've been waiting for? I analyze the new red or orange version RA-AA0820R19B to see how it stands up to previous offerings such as the Mako 2, Ray 2, Kamasu, and Kano, as well as the Seiko SRPD watches. Should you buy this water-resistant automatic? Let's take a look.
Thanks to TUS Watches for providing the review sample Mako III.
How Would You Rate This Watch?
|||||||||||||................. 42% ⭐ 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ yt.strms.net/HAhdd
|||||||||||||||............... 47% ⭐ 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ yt.strms.net/BsrYu
|||........................... 7% ⭐ 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐ yt.strms.net/Pb9t8
|............................. 1% ⭐ 2 Stars ⭐⭐ yt.strms.net/7-GmD
|............................. 2% ⭐ 1 Star!! ⭐ yt.strms.net/08AEK
🛒 WATCH FEATURED (affiliate):
- Red ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-pa...
- Champagne ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-pa...
- Grey ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-pa...
- Blue ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-pa...
OTHERS MENTIONED (affiliate):
Seiko SRPD Series (Amazon) ➡ geni.us/seikosrpd
Seiko SRPD (WatchShop) ➡ tidd.ly/452Wuua
Orient Mako II Black ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-pa...
Orient Mako II Blue ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-pa...
Orient Mako II Pepsi ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-pa...
Orient Ray II ➡ geni.us/orientrayII
Orient Kamasu ➡ geni.us/orientkamasuauto
Orient Kano ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-pa...
☝️ Suggest a watch for review ➡ www.benswatchclub.com/suggest...
🎬 Chapters
0:00 Orient Mako 3 Review
0:18 The Search For A Successor Begins
1:02 It's Finally Here!
1:42 Unboxing & First Impressions
2:16 A Fresh New Look
2:41 Biggest Changes vs Mako II
3:49 A Regression?
3:59 Is This A Rebadged Kamasu + Sizes
4:32 Wear Experience
4:53 Water Resistance & Movement
5:15 Is The Bracelet Any Good?
5:59 The Upgrades Continue (crystal)
6:28 Mako III vs Seiko 5 SRPD - Which To Buy?
8:11 Yes, It Costs More!
8:57 Ratings
9:36 You Need To Know These 2 Things!
📺 Related videos
👀 Subscribe: bit.ly/Sub2BensWatchClub
💪 Get early access to videos: / benswatchclub
✍ Read the full article here:
⌚ Our blog: benswatchclub.com/start-here
🌐 Socials: linktr.ee/benswatchclub
🎼 Music
Epidemic sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
🚨 Disclosures
I use affiliate links when linking products in the video description. Ben's Watch Club 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. We also utilize affiliate programs with retailers such as Jomashop, Aliexpress, WatchShop, and more. Please assume any product links could be affiliated.

[@BensWatchClub]

Remember to rate the watch in the description poll guys! 🛒 WATCH FEATURED (affiliate): - Red ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-page/orient-mako-iii-sapphire-red-automatic-ra-aa0820r19b-200m-men-s-watch?ref=BensWatchClub - Champagne ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-page/orient-mako-iii-sapphire-white-automatic-ra-aa0821s19b-200m-men-s-watch?ref=BensWatchClub - Grey ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-page/orient-mako-iii-sapphire-grey-automatic-ra-aa0819n19b-200m-men-s-watch?ref=BensWatchClub - Blue ➡ www.tuswatches.com/product-page/orient-mako-ii-sapphire-blue-automatic-ra-aa0818l19b-200m-men-s-watch?ref=BensWatchClub

[@Trumptheman72]

Ben damn you!! Are you behind Muff watches? I really wanted one! Now I'm right back to where I was before... MUFFLESS! I was told that you're wonderful spaghetti scammetti were responsible so here I am.

[@scoobiedude]

The longer I’ve been in watches the less I care about specs and more about style

[@absar8304]

When I started watch journey last year I always thought the higher power reserve would be so important but if you wear a watch everyday even 30 hour power reserve is fine

[@mattewj1268]

That's why I has a Spaghetti Scametti

[@slayergut]

​@@absar8304and if someone rotate watches everyday... a 12hour PR is as good as a 80hours PR.

[@jamessaund]

Interesting point, I started out that way and then now have met in the middle somewhere

[@davidsherrick898]

@@absar8304 funny you say that, but on my Tissot powermatic 80, I'd rather have the better sweep on the second hand and a 40 hour power reserve.

[@sheepdog-kp9hb]

Orient knows how to make a watch no doubt i like how they market their products too. I think they're the underground powerhouse the citizenry likes. Not a fan of the 2 tone bezel though. God be with you

[@Incognito_alien]

EXACTLY the comparison I was looking for. Thank you for the advice.

[@Sand_Tigger]

Great video as always Ben. I love these new models and happily upgraded from my old one. The redesigned bezel and crown, the sapphire crystal, the stunning dials - yes they're worth the extra and still good value

[@davidmoore349]

I have the blue one, because I hadn't seen a watch in that color that was affordable and I liked the look of as much. Been happy with it so far.

[@dickb2128]

I really like your videos. I once, many years ago, lived in Harrogate and visited Leeds a few times. Marvelous city with great shops. I only wish I had been interested in watches when I was living there, 1969 to 1974. I may well order an Orient Mako III soon based on your video. Cheers - Dick from Florida

[@archievthapa3593]

Mind-blowing honest presentation as always !!! Well done !!! Am planning to get one from Jomashop

[@ednammansfield8553]

A really nice looking watch. I wasn't aware of this Mako III before now. I really like the dial and colour of it. The dial style and bezel looks similar to my Casio MTD 1053's that I have which are quartz diver watches as you know. I would definitely purchase the Orient though if it was 40mm like my two Casio's. Nice review Ben and thanks for showing us this watch.

[@Probotector_AUT]

Thanks Ben for showing off this new line up. All color variants are really interesting and I've decided to give the champagne variant a try to replace my Seiko SPB143J1, which I've fallen out of love with.

[@feldela]

Nicely done video here and I’m glad to have run on it. I’ve been following Orient watches for only a year but I liked the Kamari specs and dials so much, that I bought three dials (black, green and red) last year. I’d always liked the styling of the Mako II but held off due to some lesser specs, especially the Mineral crystal. Now the Mako III? That spoke right to me just 2 days ago and I just watched this one. Thanks to the dial styling (I love the green and beige) and the Sapphire Crystal, this one’s a beauty! And, Ben, you’ve give this new Mako iteration a well-documented take that helps the rest of my decision. Overall, this watch gets nearly a 9/10 for a lot of reasons. Thanks again for this video!

[@goose3246]

That’s a huge upgrade! Love the color

[@4evalost948]

Wow love the dial color you don't see that everyday and the bezel very cool colors 👌

[@ElectricShadowsZone]

Thanks for sharing an enjoyable and informative review. How about reviewing the new Orient RA-AC0Q01B Mako 40?

[@Quatorze1516]

Orient is great. I love this brand.

[@dj_laundry_list]

Love the color scheme. Maybe I'll try to build a seiko mod that captures that

[@denniscrowley8517]

I really like this Orient. Sized just right and better equipped. Very nice color as well.

[@KNM48]

I bought the off-white "ivory" version some time ago. It looks really classy.

[@Rauz11]

Me too

[@dickb2128]

I did buy an Orient Mako III exactly like the orange one shown in the video. I think from a looks standpoint it is stunning. I haven't been able to wear it yet because the bracelet is way too big. I was able to adjust it a bit using the tiny holes in the clasp. But I need some links removed and that will have to be done by my local watchmaker. Thanks for making this video. Without it I wouldn't have this nice Orient Mako III. Cheers

[@joytekb]

Gorgious. Only two glitches in otherwise perfect design this red touch on a bezel snd daydate.

[@lucasmartinez2376]

hello Ben amazing videos! Could you please review the lf20w?

[@TinBin-Craig]

nice watch i really like the blue and the grey versions... 8/10 for style cheers

[@user-ik3wq4qh9k]

I’ve got a few of there divers and they are some of my favorites

[@JHamilton791]

That's the crown from the original Mako, nice to see it back. They really cheapened the dial, crown, and lume on the Mako II, so I swapped mine to the II.

[@TheGrenadier97]

The Mako III are fantastic developments, but i will expect until next year when prices may get down. I'm considering the blue, looks quite different from other blue divers in my eyes.

[@polosatikbeslt6261]

213 euro ... Much less ?

[@TheGrenadier97]

I've bought my Kamasu II for something around US$180 from Singapore last Christmas, but that may be exceptional. I think that $200 won't be hard to find.

[@idunoh1902]

They’re all about ~$250 now

[@docteurgreene]

I received today the Red/Orange version (the one we see at 1:50). First time I buy a watch with a 3 digits price... But I wanted to please myself by purchasing some cool stuff. The watch is absolutely beautiful, heavy, the bracelet is perfect and for sure this watch will last for years.

[@WillSavage]

Is that Winchester where you were on that hight st? I used to live near Winchester when I was a kid so I thought it rung a bell when I saw that shot haha

[@jtec99]

Bro I saw your movie Split! You were awesome

[@MrEnaher]

Could you Review the Mako 40 Also, it looks so good.

[@abhies2379]

Taper on the bracelet would have been nice. And the burnt orange red color looks amazing.

[@BensWatchClub]

I think so too!

[@nedflanders3769]

I just ordered the grey dial version yesterday, but now I’m wondering if I should’ve picked that burnt orange version!

[@ChromeMan04]

This actually looks real nice

[@Rauz11]

I have one with champaine dial. 😍😍 amazing watch

[@Adams420]

I like these new ones but I think I still slightly prefer my RA-AA08. I think it's the nicest dial that Orient have put out.

[@tom1399]

Please can you review the new Orient Mako 40, like the Bambino, I've been waiting for a smaller diver size from Orient!!

[@BAF605]

I'm totally confused about which Orient is which but that hasn't stopped me picking up sapphire crystal diver models at bargain prices when I see them, I've picked up Kamasus, as low as £130 and Tritons and M Force models under £200. These look good and will probably be available for less in time

[@jmad8163]

Where do you buy the cheap deals?

[@BAF605]

@@jmad8163 The Tritons were on Amazon UK, M Force on eBay UK, Kamasu Creation Watches Singapore.

[@jmad8163]

Where do I buy 130 kamasu? Cheapest I see is 200 for any of the dial types...

[@BAF605]

@@jmad8163 I bought blue dial on rubber strap from Creation in Singapore. The watch is listed as a Mako 3 but the bezel and dial configuration show it is plainly a Kamasu. I have just checked on their website, the watch is in stock.

[@grqfes]

the orange one looks SO good dude i might have to break the bank

[@leeporter70]

Tom at TUS is the bees knees😁

[@MrHighbury]

Tasty looking watch that 👍🏻

[@mordeth1964]

Nice watch. It has (I think anyway) a bit of a Casio MTD 1053D vibe👍

[@rioriggs3568]

Besides the dial, what is the difference between the Mako III and the Kamasu? I have the RA-AA0812L19B and it seems very similar to the Mako III

[@andromedagodit2492]

Indeed, after seeing so many, I tend to focus on quality n price. 😁

[@rayray..3349]

Ben The RAY II Is the MOST Important in my Collection Of 30 Watches, & Y I am Here TodayTHANK U😎🙏🙏🙏

[@yessirra0509]

Orient Ray II with blue sunburst dial is a wonderful watch. I own it, it runs perfect, and everything was perfect value wise. I will never sell it, I consider it a success.

[@KhaledAlfaris]

Mine even runs great, I'm getting about +3s/day

[@yatzyac]

Agreed! I've got the same one. It looks brilliant in sunlight and the plain black dial (shown in this video) looks pitiful in comparison. Also, despite not having a sapphire crystal, the crystal on mine is still flawless.

[@tonydillinger2553]

I like the red on the kamasu

[@ratio1983]

do you have descriptive video about your camera setup ?

[@STROND]

The red dial version is nice......it is about the style these days for me as well as the spec. I now wear a watch to tell the time, stop watches and GMT etc....are ok but an app on your phone can do all of this and much more, so a watch can be for many, a way of telling the time at a glance and of course the styling has to be good !

[@S-Ltd1000]

You completely overlooked the Triton mini which imo is the best of the current range of budget orient divers.

[@Murdoc370]

A Beat Error of a whopping 4.3 ms doesn't seem "ok" to me, but rather "catastrophic" on the verge of "defective", even for an affordable movement... but then again, there's a good chance it could be improved by adjusting. The colour is loveley though :)

[@kaczynski2333]

How about cover the fact that Hardlex and mineral crystals are more scratch prone, but less likely to shatter.

[@speedlime1515]

Great review, lovely watch. Just going to put it out there --- E45

[@BensWatchClub]

Unfortunately, it doesn't work for my dyshidrotic eczema...in fact, nothing I've ever tried does except steroids 😩

[@marko0marko0marko01]

Will you review new 5kx 38mm Seiko 'divers' (more like diver style..)?

[@rode.kurniawan]

Can you go casual swimming with the orient kamasu? Ive gone swimming with my orient kamasu and forget to screw down the crown.. is it still fine? Or does the water could potentially get in. (Swimming dept is around 1.5 meters)

[@krasnaludek298]

I’ve had my Mako 3 w/ Champagne face for about a month now. The dial has no looseness or “play,” so that must be luck of the draw. My only complaint is the bracelet, as it’s quite cheap & “tinny” feeling to the point of also squeaking before mineral oil is applied. I swapped for a silicone strap. Overall, great watch for $240 US. 👍🏻

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Was That beat error terrible or did I see that wrong?

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

Is there a nice Orient diver with size od 38mm or 39mm ?

[@Human_2.0]

It's lovely wow

[@shubhamsoni1311]

Please make a review of Bambino Version 8 Model: RA-AK0701S10B.

[@nittanyburg20]

Orient is unbeatable at this price point in my opinion. My Kamasu accompanies me on every dive

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

They really are killing it at the affordable level. I keep wanting to go higher in price/quality then I remind myself how much I love these orients. Why pay more for same amount of enjoyment?!

[@jmad8163]

Rotary super 7 will destroy them

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

@@jmad8163 sorry, hard no. Those are nice enough but 1/3 more expensive for a bland design. Again, they look like nice enough watches, but at 30% markup over orient, they aren’t that impressive.

[@himanshusengar94]

Bro Could you please do a review on watch brand :- Daniel klein, Guess, kenneth cole. This watch brands are really doing great in indian market and I want to know If they really hold any value in watch expert eye, I really looking forward towards your response.

[@PeanutPundit]

00:40 From left to right... Kamasu, Kanno, Ray. Mako's have Arabic numerals at the 6, 9, and 12.

[@SlapShotRegatta22]

I've been looking for an excuse to purchase an Orient watch since I learned of their existence years ago. I thought this new release would finally compel me to pick one up but I thoroughly dislike the gold/gilt accents on the black dial. Eh, I guess I'll just wait for the Mako IV

[@vic7939]

Already have the best Orient, the green teal Kamasu.

[@aajayi]

Can someone please tell me what the difference is between the MAKO III and the Kamasu? Thanks

[@ChapeauRouge921]

So this is now more expensive than a Kamasu? I think I'll stick with the Kamasu then. The Mako has a better crown but I don't don't think rhat is enough reason to turn my back on the icon that Kamasu is. Now if they bring out a no date Ray 3 with this specs I will have a serious reconsider

[@MrChippinator]

I used to own a gen 1 Mako. I liked it at the time but, after a while, you wish you had hacking, hand-winding and a higher beat-rate. For starter watches, there is nothing better though.

[@andreisiatat111]

Please please make a Mako,Ray,Kamasu 38 mm and 45 mm lug to lug

[@philipleminhtien9942]

Should I get a Kamasu or the Mako 3?

[@hitchhicker92]

I got the Kamasu for about 100$ (best value I have ever seen pending the arrival of a Tandorio that I recently ordered for 50....) I dig the new style a lot too but paying 250 is a 150% up-mark which yeah... NO!

[@kevinwaterfield7400]

Wished they would do a no date/day one

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

If they reissue the Orient Saturation Diver 300 m I think they might sell a few. I want the Beast, not the Twirp.

[@nuhuh9893]

Might be an unpopular opinion but I prefer the old Mako II colours. This new one looks more like a Seiko mod gone wrong, like someone threw it together with the only spare parts they had lying around. If they lose the red accent on the bezel and replace the yellow seconds tip with a silver one I might be interested.

[@glenm2113]

Have you seen the big mistake on the newly launched orient mako 40mm with the steel bezel? All the pictures online, of all versions show the 26 second marker way out of line.

[@randomsandler]

Did not expect Orient to make such a rookie mistake…disappointing!

[@randomsandler]

I hope Ben could make a video addressing this issue. The watch community needs to be notified…people out there are still buying those defective Mako 40 at retail price!

[@Szlasa]

Hands and shape with crown guards look like an Omega Seamaster 2254.50

[@Hrethgir]

I don't much care for the 3 colors colorway they are using. Almost looks like they just weren't quite able to match the dial and bezel colors. I've got a Ray II in blue sunburst, love that watch. Grip on the polished bezel sucks though.

[@cwong548]

I got the white dial one for around 220 usd, I am happy with it. Thou the first thing I did was removing that bracelet, and buying myself a nato strap. The bracelet is horrible, it feels finicky and light weight.

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

Couple items…. 1. Prices are already below $250 on various sites. That’s natural drop after release. 2. Pretty sure mako2, Kamasu, and this watch all have same case and bracelet. This watch really is simply the mako2 with sapphire and new colorways.

[@sethwarden7727]

@MikeSmith-er1qs Would you mind sharing which sites we might find this watch for under $250? Thank you

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

@@sethwarden7727 jomashop

[@midnightoracle982]

Maybe it’s me but I don’t see how this new Mako 3 looks any better than the Ray 2 (which I own in black on the bracelet) or the Mako 2-maybe you gave to see it in person… I also think the four new colorways are bizarre including this burnt orange/ brown version. Sapphire crystal aside there is no other material upgrade justifying a 100 quid price increase. The new Mako 3 chrono panda on the other hand is a real looker and offers something different with the solar movement.

[@mttqll8623]

What colors are those?

[@JR-gp2zk]

Hate to say it. I am a big fan of the burnt orange Mako 3 dial, but not a fan of the red on the bezel. Wish it was orange or jist all gray.

[@saikiranmushkara8955]

Shows why Ben is still the best on KZbin for watch content! PS: I'm afraid you've added one more watch to my list for a teeny-tiny wrist :P

[@BensWatchClub]

If you have a really tiny wrist, maybe hold off, got another Orient coming soon that may be slightly better for you

[@saikiranmushkara8955]

@@BensWatchClub I've almost the same wrist as yours, so I think these might be fine. But, surely, I'll be waiting for the upcoming video!

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

@@BensWatchClubnow you’re just teasing us!!! :)

[@CarlRencer]

what i wanna know is what makes you think you can account for peoples taste? (but should you buy one?)

[@brianmcnichols8092]

As usual, the first thing to do with an Orient is replace the bracelet. At this price, I want solid end links and machined clasp.

[@bezimienny_andzej6425]

On one hand, I really like Orient's more elegant design. I absolutely love how legible and good looking Rays and Makos are. On the other - I find their bezels kinda hard to grip and incompatibility with SKX007 adds insult to injury. Oh and if one strips the thread on Ray 2 crown tube, the entire case has to be replaced since the crown tube is an integral part. And of course parts availability for Orients simply doesn't exist. Bezel click spring? Can't buy. Crystal gasket? Can't buy. The only way to get them is to send the watch to the only "authorised watch repair service" in my country, which inflates the prices at will simply because he can.

[@TheGeekazoid]

I need an opinion this or the Kamasu with the red dial??

[@barca7766]

What did u end up getting

[@TheGeekazoid]

@@barca7766 Kamasu red dial

[@thegorn]

I prefer the look of the Kamasu

[@vext01]

I dislike orient's jingly end links. Anyone know of an aftermarket replacement?

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

It looks great. Love that color way and it looks a little more to watch like than my Kamasu(I think that’s mostly because of the dial)… great to see that they increase the size of the crown… Always thought or it needed to do that on there divers… The bracelet stinks as it is the same bracelet that they put on all of their 22 mm divers… I purchased a Jubilee style bracelet with solid end, links, and a milled clasp for 30 bucks from eBay but I know Amazon and other sources have them… It totally transformed the watch… Looks and wears better and looks like a much more expensive watch… I know that I’m oyster style bracelet is available to for about the same price… Definitely going t Thanks for the great review.

[@manusverzoni2384]

Ok. They came up with a Casio!

[@normanhunter7]

Your not wrong, I have a casio MTP S120 and there's not much difference facewise.

[@vatazhka]

Why? The dial looks exactly like the very first Orient Mako from 2004.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Nice shirt Ben! 😂😂😂

[@ianokeeffe]

Looks like a Longines hydro conquest

[@RadicallyGreen]

They are better. I have an automatic hydroconquest and it sucks compared to my Ray 2.

[@kinjolnath]

How would you compare the original Kamasu (Crimson Red) with this Orange Mako 3?

[@abhishekdey1144]

And also they released Mako 40mm.. hope Orient won't become another Seiko

[@adamkenton2585]

does the strap ripp off hairs ?

[@BensWatchClub]

Not for me, no

[@HellhoundX90]

Not unless he was wearing it on his head…..

[@brianmccord7387]

I wish they'd cut the bracelet down to 20mm. 22 is out of proportion to the case.

[@Xanduur]

I like all the colors, but I just don’t like the 6, 9, 12 numerals

[@bmw128racer]

Most of the "improvements" are purely subjective. The two significant improvements are the crystal and the crown.

[@vatazhka]

The price is slightly high because it's a new release. Have you seen their newest release, the RA-AC0Q07V10B?

[@BensWatchClub]

that one is in the studio currently 😱

[@H0kram]

Their references need a serious lift, it always sounds as if we're talking about military stuff like torpedoes or something.

[@vatazhka]

​@@BensWatchClubQuite an attention grabber, huh? It re-uses dial and hands from an older model, but still manages to look modern.

[@BensWatchClub]

@@vatazhka have you got the model name that it reused? Intrigued

[@vatazhka]

@@BensWatchClub Sure, it's Nami ako Mako XL II (FAC09002T0 for the golden-brown, but there were other colourways). A huge one at 45 mm, if memory serves well.

[@malcolmd53]

2023 still no ceramic bezel,nice watch though

[@stefan2901]

I have the Kamasu, but i kinda prefer the look on Kamasu2. I see this just as a reskin of Kamasu, and for me it doesn't work mainly because of the hands, i just don't like them, looks small and taken from another watch. My ideal Orient budget diver would be Kamasu2 with K1 lume (which is outstanding, i can read the time even in the morning, before sunrise), maybe the crown from this, no day, only date, and perhaps no crown guards.