So Close… Orient Star Classic Review SAF02005S0

[@KentuckyMan30]

The crystal is a flaw for me not because it isn't sapphire, but because it isn't acrylic. It's still a killer looking watch either way though!

[@zHumanfactor]

I agree with you. An acrylic crystal would complement this vintage style.

[@philippzahn5465]

I’ve owned this watch for years and gotten quite a few scratches on the case but the crystal looks perfect like day one. So the crystal being mineral shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for anyone wanting to get this watch.

[@lolollolol5654]

ty

[@jonabitstream]

Bought the silver-handed version last year, at the beginning of my collecting adventure, and I think it’s the best looking watch I own. Love wearing it, and knowing something this nice can be had for a fraction of the price of luxury watches. Orient wins the day.

[@multipl3]

I can see their reasoning for not having sapphire. Its a dress watch and not likely to get sratched. I have 3-4 watches that are almost 20 years old without a scratch on its mineral glass crystal

[@jtlast9600]

My sieko's don't scratch hardly at all

[@dinhlongle]

But once it cratches, you will be annoyed

[@williamhill7312]

I have had mine about two years, using in an office setting about 2 to 4 days a week. I do not have any scratches and the performance has been perfect, I enjoy it for an everyday work watch

[@jerryglasses2229]

Mineral is a deal killer for me. I'd rather have acrylic. Its way under rated. In some ways it's better than sapphire. Inexpensive, less reflection and a soft feel.

[@matt4398]

More shatter resistance and less fingerprints too

[@TheDevilmayfart]

And even if it does get scratched you can use polywatch. I too approve of acrylic over mineral 👍

[@woonfaseng8737]

ignore the downside of it having domed acrylic crystal .... this is probably the cheapest available OS around as others will have higher power reserve and newer movement and sapphire glass (but newer OS some looks hideous in my opinion) this is a ultra good looking dress watch regardless of what brand or price range we talking about

[@Tony__Tone]

Got the blue hands version a few weeks ago, I'm really taken back by how gorgeous it is

[@saiyajedi]

I’m hoping this model gets a renewal within the next year or two. Aside from the mineral glass crown and a few other minor things, it’s still using the older version of the F6 movement with a 40-hour power reserve instead of the 50 hours of the current iteration. Of course, I’d really like the entire line to be upgraded to at least the F7, which would allow a thinner profile as well….

[@robworthington7431]

I've owned one for close on five years and use it for work; the crystal is still intact.

[@jeonglee657]

I have the white dial with blue hands....as you shared, the dial and the hands play well with the lights. The dome crystal adds to the beauty of it and not a single scratch over 2 years of wear...

[@musik4u343]

This is a tough one. I def like it. But I'd be worried about the crystal, especially if you plan on wearing it often. I'd likely lean towards the standard but of course that's all price dependent. Great review as usual.

[@jnauttube]

I don't worry about the crystal on this one because for me, this one is STRICTLY a dress watch. Mine is almost six years old and the crystal is flawless. But that's just how I wear mine. YMMV.

[@WesWatchRoom]

Very nice review. I think I actually prefer this over the bambino, it just has a bit more personality.

[@waynedonovan6754]

If the price is right I'll buy mineral crystal, but always happy to upgrade if an option. I'm careful with my watches, so have regular office worn mineral crystals watches over 10 years old without scratches on the glass.

[@gynechiatrist]

I never knew that I would like and use a reserve until I got one on a Seiko cocktail time Black Cat. And I love it.

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

Aesthetically, a touch of class, imo.

[@davidrodriguezc3724]

I have this on silver and is sooo stunning! I'd say is my second favorite watch of my collection (only behind my flawless Credor) the mineral crystal is perfect, I mean it's a dress watch you won't be smashing it against anything and the finishing is just superb

[@jimmylaw2136]

Agree. Unless it's cheaper, might as well go for an orient star model with 50 hour reserve...

[@Larnilo]

Bought this watch with the blue hands couple of weeks ago here in Sweden. Really like the size for my small wrist!

[@Cycad...]

You're review on this watch was spot on and very informative. I wear a suit 3 times a week and this watch is perfect for work. Thank you, Sir!

[@markgrieves1307]

Great review Shane. As has already been said I would rather have acrylic or sapphire than mineral. If anyone has ever tried to polish scratches out of a mineral, without power tools (I don't trust myself) it is beyond hard work. I managed to get a dial readable with fine emery and jewellers paste but not to a high mirror finish. Easier to get a new glass fitted. This Orient Star is in Singapore now for $337, but no box, from Creation Watches, and by using slow post tax and duties seem to get overlooked........

[@77cjam]

Yes Sapphire is harder than mineral. But mineral is still a very scratch resistant material. KZbin reviewers and commenters act like if they don't get sapphire their watch will explode. 🙄

[@stevenv3r836]

yes!! exactly the reason why I didn´t pull the trigger on this one... fantastic review, thanks so much for your in depth and highly qualitative reviews

[@RussKnize]

I got a Bambino as a birthday gift some years ago (same G2V2 as yours). I even got a real croc strap for it. I love the look and I still have it, as it was a gift. However, I later bought this same Orient Star Classic after seeing it featured on another channel. The Bambino is just slightly too large for the classic look I was going for and this one is perfect.

[@bobgox]

thanks for the detailed overview Shane, quite informative ! have a great week :)

[@leonm2407]

Nice work Shane, i believe that anything less than Sapphire sends the wrong message for the Orient Star brand. At the very least you should expect a different grade of movement and sapphire glass when you step up from Orient to Orient Star

[@catlike1]

I don't get the obsession with sapphire crystal. It's a nice to have but totally not a dealbreaker for me. I have the black color-way with the bracelet. A nice watch.

[@stefanmunteanu3019]

We have the 38 mm Bambino now, wich for 130 usd (as I paid for gold and brown leather strap) is just unbeatable!

[@pkmcb300]

Looks great and more like a GO to me.

[@gubberfranzen]

I'm here for the "straptease". Damn Shane I love your strap game. It's a great source of inspiration. Brilliant Bud.

[@dmck8083]

Bought this very watch early last year and wear it regularly. No scratches to date. Unfortunately, as I couldn’t find a UK distributor, I had to import from Seiya Japan with the resulting import duties & taxes. However, despite this making it expensive (for what it is), having set my heart on one after seeing another YT review, I have no regrets. The most disappointing aspect of it is the strap but it is still better than those on the Seiko Presage, so it will probably be replaced at some point. That said, 18 months in and I still love how this watch looks.

[@ddbtdd]

I love the Orient Star and the Sapphire crystal is the only way to go with such a dome.

[@SilverSergeant]

You're right. Full MSRP is a little high for this one. I'm disappointed that they didn't include Sapphire. I certainly didn't think that would be the flaw. But I do like Orient Star...and I love my Cheshire.......

[@craig2100]

Nice looking watch, thanks for the share

[@jacc88888]

I have the black dial version. It’s a great watch. I recently bought a black dial Tissot Heritage Visodate as I’ve always wanted one but am disappointed to be honest. The OS dial seems so much more refined and looks more expensive despite selling for a lot lower price. The Tissot’s hands just look cheap in comparison and it’s a real challenge to read the time in certain light. Don’t have his problem with the OS. Yes the mineral glass crystal is an issue but the rest of the watch more than makes up for this imo. Good review.

[@graciousideals1509]

I like the domed mineral crystal! Not only does it have less glare than sapphire even w/ AR coating, but it's what makes the style of dome possible. My one major complaint are its proportions. The lugs are too small and the caseback is too thick. It's like wearing a macaroon on your wrist.

[@faizalf119]

I can understand the fear with the crystal. I'm a clumsy guy sometimes and that's why I'm using my dress watch orient just for formal occasions. For casual outing I prefer casio duro. At least when I slam my wrist on a metal railing I'm not that worried. My poor little wenger in the other hand got the brunt of my teenage era clumsiness.

[@MuhammadImHardBruceLee]

This is my favourite of the watches that I own.

[@nickdolin393]

Dude, I love your reviews. Almost relaxing, but you cover everything. Subbing now.

[@trevorhofmann1562]

Great review, and I'm in total agreement with you. Fortunately, I only paid $280 CAD ($222 USD) for my all-silver example, and while a beautiful watch that was much more accurate than my SARB033 (which I've since sold), the domed mineral crystal shattered after about six months of ownership. I took it to my watchmaker (who mostly deals in Seikos), and asked him to replace it with sapphire or acrylic, not another mineral crystal, and not only could he not source a sapphire crystal for this watch, but couldn't even locate a mineral replacement. He told me Orient is notorious for lacking parts, so he replaced it with a generic acrylic crystal, and while the fit wasn't quite as perfect, and clarity of the glass not quite as sharp, it looks very good and is less worrisome to wear. All the best

[@han7902]

You got a insane deal on the watch. The best price I can find now in Dec 2021 is around $320 USD.

[@trevorhofmann1562]

@@han7902 Yes, I get lucky occasionally. I scour the local classifieds every day during breaks, and snag the odd great deal. I think $320 USD is still a reasonable price for this watch, however. Then again, I just purchased a new Sea-Gull mechanical chrono with sapphire for about the same price as my used OrientStar Classic. There are a lot of good values in today's market. All the best!

[@whitenikkor]

I'm planning to get the silver one but after viewing this review, I'm having second thoughts.

[@brianmsahin]

Excellent review and a nice looking watch. I only have one dress watch, also an Orient Star but I hardly ever wear it .

[@imranhusain1657]

Yes the crystal keeps me right away

[@danielrs9214]

Great review, I bought this same watch a couple of years ago, I really don’t mind the crystal, I think it helps with the vintage vive. I paired it with a black leather strap and it looks pure class, really similar look to the Longines Heritage Conquest and a lot cheaper. To be 100% honest, like probably most of you, during the las 18 months I haven’t use a lot my dress watches, but I’m happy to know that I have it in my watch box when needed.

[@woonfaseng8737]

i have both presage Green cocktail time (classic sunray) and this OS Classic in white dial plus blue hands (bracelet version) .... Both are stunningly good and both i purchased pre-owned. this version 's size is just nice as Cocktail time seems abit too big at 40.5mm still relatively ok for average wrists but the trend now is smaller again. i even purchased a 34mm semi vintage rolex OP date.

[@WeibenWang]

Hey! I'm the guy who pointed out the half polished and half brushed hands on the Cocktail Time in the Solas review. So I'll take credit for that part of this review. 😉 And now I see that Solas replied to my comment. Did they take up the idea?

[@rodneywatkins4731]

No sapphire? No go! Was seriously concidering this exact model for my next dress watch.

[@RelativeTime]

Yah. At this point it's silly for them not too. I think this may be the only orient star model without.

[@jnauttube]

I love mine. I refer to it as my "Don Draper". Slips nicely under the cuff... however I prefer mine with the standard polished steel hands. I don't go for the gold-tone hands.

[@edwardgreenaway1808]

An outstanding review as always. I love the star classic but I want a hand wind monarch.

[@UncleSkiBum]

I love the brown strap you put on it with the holes (can't remember what they type of strap is called) but looks ace!

[@davidwarren9204]

They are usually called "racing" or "rally" straps, style-wise linked to car racing back in the 60s and 70s. They are good in summer when a leather strap would normally get sweaty, they let your skin breath a little...

[@UncleSkiBum]

@@davidwarren9204 amazing thanks for this buddy, super helpful!

[@RelativeTime]

Yah he nailed it. Not sure if they are appropriate on a dress watch, but I liked how it looked. I'll actually have a review of that strap and a few others from Blushark coming soon.

[@UncleSkiBum]

@@RelativeTime nice loop forward to it, really like how this channel has progressed and videos are looking really good 😎

[@felo6035]

Great review Shane. Ah, this is a tough one. I absolutely love the watch, but wish it had a sapphire crystal. I may still consider if I can find one at a great price. Thank you again 👍👏🙏

[@gregs.8895]

Nice looking, great straight dress, but I love my Orient Star Standard w/ the open heart. Definately prefer watches with sapphire crystal though.

[@yoinkhaha]

I will never understand why watchmakers use domed mineral instead of domed acrylic if cost in an issue. Inexcusable

[@treehugger3615]

I have this watch! I love it but I seldom wear it because I am afraid of scratching the mineral glass. They now make domed sapphires that look vintage. If I ever scratch it too badly, I will go to AliE and find a sapphire with the right size.

[@tri7661]

I was waiting for an Orient Star review. I prefer the all silver dial. My two complaints are that it doesn’t have a sapphire crystal and it’s case thickness T_T. Still great review

[@dannyg6592]

Enjoyable review to watch, well done. Nice looking watch but there is no excuse for it lacking a sapphire crystal at that price. The mineral crystal and mediocre strap are deal breakers - it does not represent a good value. I would get a Bambino instead, there are so many attractive versions to choose from at just a bit over $100.

[@swordssolitude3861]

I was deciding between this and the Tissot Couturier Powermatic 80 day/date and went with the latter for its sapphire. But both are gorge. Maybe I’ll check out the Standard someday as you suggest

[@zHumanfactor]

As usual, a well-done review. Thanks Shane. I really like this watch as it reminds me of those Longines Heritage-style watches. I'm not a fan of a Power Reserve complication. Similar to a Longine, I think I would like the second hand as a sub-dial.

[@faizalf119]

Funny thing is the original orient star has sub second and they still stunning for vintage watches. The problem is it's so small with 30cm size. Maybe for 60s and 70s style it's fine but it's the 2010s and my wrists are big.

[@markprice6911]

As for the movement, I think when I looked into it Orient bought a model from a swiss company name Athena (?) back in the early 20th Century.

[@zillsburyy1]

ORIENT makes great watches

[@d3xmeister]

I like mineral. I can get any mineral from Cousins UK for under 2 pounds. Of course I replace them myself, which is really, really easy but I understand many don’t want to deal with that. Mineral is generally a plus for me if it keeps cost down

[@alra7086]

Hi Mihai, i’m wondering if you would let me know the size or serial number / type of the replacement crystal for the orient SAF02005S thats available at Cousins uk … many thanks

[@d3xmeister]

@@alra7086 I don’t know about this specific model, but you can find there all sizes and all shapes made by Sterkreutz. You just have to measure it (or find out the official size from a tech sheet, and you order one appropriate in shape and size. There is no crystal I haven’t found yet, and they are dirt cheap.

[@dude28405]

Until recent times orient has been kind of a well guarded secret. I like your choice of straps I own enough watches now that I can probably start building a strap collection to. I really like that watch but I think if they would’ve done a no date it might’ve looked a lot cleaner But with the power meter it probably needs a date which would make a better location at 6 o’clock I only say that because of the power meter at the top I think it would’ve gave a more balanced look in my opinion

[@morgan97475]

Nice looking watch.

[@Texmotodad]

Very handsome. Thx for showing us this one! Is the rotor movement quieter than your Bambino Gen 2 V2?

[@Zultar_Gachelet]

I have 6 orient watches (no OS), 3 of them has double polished/brushed hands..

[@HVG67]

I actually like it - a lot - even with that crystal. Probably same reason why I have the Bambino small seconds in champagne. I just kinda hate the written part of the logo...

[@yacovmitchenko1490]

Yes, the sapphire crystal would be an essential feature. The lack of it is probably the reason why I choose not to buy the watch. The upgrades, to my mind, don't quite justify the difference in price between this one and the previous bambinos. This Orient Star is usually about twice as expensive as, say, the champagne-colored, small seconds bambino, which I have. Aesthetically, both are on a par - simply stunning. Granted, the Star offers the power indicator, which is highly use.ful. Maybe the movement, also, is slightly superior. Then again, the crystal protrudes more than the crystal on my watch (a negative for me). I appreciate, however, that the Star is smaller. All in all, the added pros here are just not enough for the price. Maybe if the watch were 300 dollars (no more), I'd give it serious consideration. And I would only consider the version with a white dial and blue hands, as yours is strikingly similar to my bambino.

[@JS-ev4xc]

Mineral crystal is a deal breaker at this price. I would rather it uses acrylic if not sapphire, at least it can be polished. Like Presage, it is so painful to see a beautiful watch handicapped by its crystal selection.

[@laurentlefellic]

I have the Orient Star Heritage RE-AW0004S. It is more expensive than this one (I got mine for 535€). But, it has the F6G42 mouvement, a sapphire cristal, and a 38.7mm case.

[@wendyandgeoffpattison2610]

Hardlex is only a few points behind sapphire on the hardness scale, so is it a deal breaker? I don't think so. L.I.W. has sapphire crystals for the Seiko cocktail time watches but by the time you buy it and have it professionally fitted, you are looking at another $200-$300. Is it worth it? Maybe not.

[@cybr600]

It's a good looking watch and I don't mind mineral crystal at all. I think it resonates with the classic look of the watch. I wish I haven't had two Bambino unless it would be my next purchase. By the way, you have a good collection of straps as well. What is your main source of acquiring them?

[@ChromeMan04]

Mineral glass was also a dealbreaker for me. Beautiful watch tho.

[@bruceleroy8063]

Got this on a Forstner bonklip bracelet. Done.

[@RelativeTime]

That's an interesting combo. I'm sure it looks great.

[@bruceleroy8063]

@@RelativeTimeThanks. Its actually the plain silver dial version with silver hands but yeah, very vintage looking.

[@shawnlavigne9069]

If this had sapphire, I would have bought it long ago.

[@gheorghefalcaru]

Bravo!

[@DonCacomixtle]

great review as always, btw do you know if these models are discontinued?

[@RelativeTime]

As far as I know they aren't. But I'll try and look into it.

[@AlexanderB.]

Couldn't agree more about the mineral crystal. It completely kills this watch for me. Its most likely going to scratch as it is very exposed due to it's shape. Let's say the Orient Star Standard is dressy enough....

[@lolollolol5654]

I think who wants a sapphire should go buy a military driver and not shovel with this beautiful dresswatch

[@charulathandcvlogs6138]

Awesome

[@RogerSartet007]

This would be my favorite if it weren't for the date at 3.... . Orient should reissue this either without date or with the date at 6. Apart from that, I think its dimensions are ideal for me. It is indeed drop dead gorgeous. Maybe they could also swap the crown out for the one on the small seconds Bambino (which I own).... Thank you for this review, Shane! PS: I feel exactly the same way: So close and yet no cigare

[@lolollolol5654]

0:11 oh my god, what watch strap is this. i am so in love with it. can somebody pls tell me name, material and model? is that tweed?

[@RelativeTime]

It's a Harris tweed strap from Vario.

[@lolollolol5654]

@@RelativeTime thank you very much

[@mrbacchus6127]

Does any other Orient Star use mineral? This is why I went Sarb035 when cross shopping these years ago.

[@Chimney1966]

So 1970's watch one can get... Those days, most watch crystals were mineral, and only some very few top end brands had sapphire crystals as standard... Pure retro I would say...

[@watchchimp3102]

That's definitely a stunner and a sapphire crystal should be included, but it would run up the price quite a bit! That rally strap does look great, but I find the standard Orient straps aren't nearly as bad as their reputation. When I got my first Bambino, I also bought a strap for it, but after it arrived I decided to keep the stock strap. Why? Because they are sort of overbuilt. They are stiff, but the do become more supple. The finish looks too shiny, but it quickly becomes more nuanced and interesting. What I thought was a black strap initially, turned out to be more of a burgundy strap very quickly after I had worn it several times. I say, keep the stock strap on for awhile and give it a chance! You might be surprised 😮

[@lolollolol5654]

do you know the strap at 0:11? what ist this material/model?

[@watchchimp3102]

@@lolollolol5654 I believe it's a tweed strap. Most likely by Vario.

[@lolollolol5654]

@@watchchimp3102 thank you very much

[@alra7086]

Can you find a sapphire crystal to replace the mineral glass?

[@mikepurdy3952]

Yea, I would have already ordered One, if it had a Sapphire Crystal. I "also" would have already ordered the 38mm. Seiko Cocktail (red-dial), if It had a Sapphire Crystal. I just Won't buy ANY MORE Watches that don't have Sapphire...

[@girishrocks2007]

Hey Shane, Are you planning to review the Orient Maestro anytime soon?

[@RelativeTime]

At some point I would like to, but no immediate plans.

[@JB-qt8eh]

Check out Orient star classic wz0011dd or Wz0021dd, sapphire crystal, manual winding, 37mm.

[@johnvuela1211]

Greetings, thanks for the tip. By any chance do you know if these 2 models are still available at any online seller? Thank you in advance.

[@JB-qt8eh]

@@johnvuela1211 check out Ebay, once in a while you will find 1 or 2 for sale. These are JDM watches and only available for sale in Japan about 7 years ago, discontinued watches for a while now. Good luck, hope you find one.

[@johnvuela1211]

@@JB-qt8eh thank you kind

[@Furniture121]

The thickness, and crystal are enough to keep me away. It's too bad that they chose to go mineral crystal.

[@stephenbridges2791]

I like the looks, but; the small size just wouldn't work for me. I have the opposite problem of many. An 8.5 inch wrist. Afraid it would look like a kid's watch on me. Good review, as always; Shane.

[@manuvns]

is it worth 150$ in used market ? in good condition

[@tomek3754]

Sapphire>acrylic>mineral

[@michaelhorn8962]

Is the outer edge of the dial really curved, or is it just the thick edge of the crystal causes distortion that makes the edge of the dial look curved?

[@H0kram]

The dial is curved.

[@RelativeTime]

It's curved, just slightly at the edges.

[@robbabcock_]

It's pretty but man, acrylic? At the price? Yikes! That's a tough sell.⌚

[@dmck8083]

It isn’t acrylic, it’s mineral glass.

[@robertschriek1353]

Thats way too fat for an elegant dress watch imho, thanks for your as usual great review

[@ozludo]

It's a very pretty watch Shane, but prices are too high here in Australia. I don't know why we don't have a local distributor for Orient, but we seem to be stuck with grey market imports (Jomashop or folks in Singapore) or buying direct from Japan. As for a comparable watch - try the SARY107. That's the 2019 Cocktail Time "Gimlet" with power reserve and date dial. It has the same problem (no sapphire) but a phenomenal textured dial. Just awfully nice. I keep postponing the decision to get one and it's gonna get me. On a somewhat tangential note, what are your thoughts on the retro reissue Alpinists? The SPB241 is presently winning an award for "worst placement of a Prospex logo, anywhere, ever" and it is terribly disappointing. It's not quite as jarring on the '43 and '45, but why have Seiko done this? If I had hair I'd pull it out.

[@Alias_Anybody]

Starking: Sapphire crystal in 25€ watches Orient/Seiko: Whistling intensifies

[@nintendokings]

Grey strap at 7:45?

[@RelativeTime]

Distressed leather strap from Vario. Should be a link in the description if you can't find it.

[@chuckw4203]

It’s a good looking watch, but the price point is a hard no…

[@iceicebaby6980]

I'm in Asia, and Orient isn't that special at all. Seiko definitely has an edge here in terms of prestige. I used to think, "Hey, if it's cheap maybe I'll not care about a flaw." Then I got older and realized it is NEVER worth it. The flaw always drives the value to zero.