Orient CEM65006D "Mako" Automatic Diver
Yes, I know how you never tire of learning new nicknames for otherwise uninterestingly named watches. In this case it's the Mako, a name made up by some forum poster who didn't want to type "CEM65006D" all the time (or CEM65001B, CEM65002D or CEM65001M for the other color combinations.) This is a really impressive watch, especially for its modest price (around $150 or less.) The fit and finish of the stainless steel case, bezel and bracelet is every bit as good as a Seiko, as is the accuracy of the 21 jewel Orient movement. It has some features in common with the typical Submariner-style watch, but it's larger at 42mm wide (without the crown, closer to 46 with) with 22mm wide lugs and seems to have a lower profile as well. One bit of Orient quirkiness: As we've seen before, they tend to have pushbuttons to set the day of the week (something typical of the Orient movements) and in this case it is a somewhat oversized pusher with a screwdown lock to maintain the 200m water resistance. It definitely adds a unique touch to the watch. While it is available in with black and orange dials in addition to the blue, I really think the blue is the best looking and has the deepest, most reflective finish of the three, while still affording great visiblity in low light. I also like how the red on the "Pepsi" bezel coordinates with the red-tipped second hand and Orient logo on the dial. This is a real winner in the bang-for-the-buck category and should provide decades of great looking, trouble-free service.
Yes, I know how you never tire of learning new nicknames for otherwise uninterestingly named watches. In this case it's the Mako, a name made up by some forum poster who didn't want to type "CEM65006D" all the time (or CEM65001B, CEM65002D or CEM65001M for the other color combinations.) This is a really impressive watch, especially for its modest price (around $150 or less.) The fit and finish of the stainless steel case, bezel and bracelet is every bit as good as a Seiko, as is the accuracy of the 21 jewel Orient movement. It has some features in common with the typical Submariner-style watch, but it's larger at 42mm wide (without the crown, closer to 46 with) with 22mm wide lugs and seems to have a lower profile as well. One bit of Orient quirkiness: As we've seen before, they tend to have pushbuttons to set the day of the week (something typical of the Orient movements) and in this case it is a somewhat oversized pusher with a screwdown lock to maintain the 200m water resistance. It definitely adds a unique touch to the watch. While it is available in with black and orange dials in addition to the blue, I really think the blue is the best looking and has the deepest, most reflective finish of the three, while still affording great visiblity in low light. I also like how the red on the "Pepsi" bezel coordinates with the red-tipped second hand and Orient logo on the dial. This is a real winner in the bang-for-the-buck category and should provide decades of great looking, trouble-free service.
Thanks for the review and photos! I just ordered this watch with the orange face to have a new "beater" watch. These are amazingly cheap for what you get.
ReplyDeleteHave you had any problems with the crystal scratching? The only non-sapphire crystal watch I own is the Seiko SKX007 and it's Hardlex, not normal mineral crystal. The Seiko is solid and hasn't scratched at all, but I was wondering how this watch does?
Thanks!
Having just ordered one of the Orient's that was a good review on it.
ReplyDeleteAlso have a Seiko Orange Monster purchased from the UK before they were released here in the USA and beware the crystal does tend to scratch and mark. Mine has some bad scratches and nicks in it and I am not that bad with my watches.
Don't know and have not asked if they can be polished out.
Looking for a good watch shop in the LA area to replace batteries and pressure test some of my watches.
Very nice short and concise review on the Mako, Jason. :-)
ReplyDeleteI once mulled over buying the Pepsi Mako diver but was disappointed with its relatively weak lume. My watchmaker was offering it for a very good price, lower than the SKX007K diver that he also sold.
BTW, would you be interested in a link exchange? I'm looking for good watch blogs to add to my blogroll.
I noted that you referenced to my old domain (http://quartzimodo.info) in your post about the SKXA51K Orange Knight.
I've since switched hosts and changed domain name. It's now at http://quartzimodo.com. If it's fine with you, I'll add your watch blog to my site.
Thanks!
Quartzimodo.