Orient Watch FER1X001W0 Chicane Stainless Steel

An Orient picket with a timeless wait and an accurate motility – FER1X001W0 Chicane.

Japanese watch brand Orient is one of the few watchmaking companies owned past Seiko Epson. Today we're reviewing the Orient FER1X001W0 Chicane in stainless steel, a timeless-looking men's watch that came out in 2014. It's not exactly a walk in the park to purchase one of these watches anymore, only I really wanted to get my hands on one, specially since I wanted to compare information technology with other timepieces in the same cost group, such as the Seiko 5.

Indeed, the Orient FER1X001W0 Hanky-panky has a few things in common with the Seiko 5. They both have automatic movements, they both come with stainless steel cases, and they both accept date windows at 3 o'clock. Withal, the Orient watch is powered by a different calibre, and it boasts a slightly sportier wait cheers to its hour and infinitesimal easily, which complement the 12, 6 and ix numerals.

Before I have a close look at this watch, nevertheless, allow's talk about Orient watches in general for a bit.

What's the story behind Orient watches?

This Japanese brand owned by Seiko Epson was established in 1950 past Shogoro Yoshida as an independent watchmaker. However, information technology became a subsidiary of Seiko Epson in 2009, and it was completely absorbed by the visitor in 2017. Orient specializes in the cosmos of mechanical watches, both hand-winding and self-winding ones, but information technology too manufactures solar-powered models, quartz watches, and radio-controlled pieces.

It also makes electronic components and moving parts for Seiko Epson's ain electronic devices. What's truly of import, though, is that Orient makes all of its movements in-house in Nihon. Before information technology was taken over by Seiko Epson, Orient launched its own high-precision Quotient 88700 movement in 2004, which powered the official Imperial Orient watch line.

The Orient FER1X001W0 Chicane that we have right here was launched in 2014. It's not a vintage lookout man past any measure out, but it'due south not exactly a new model either, which is why it can be difficult to come by these days. I was fortunate enough to borrow this watch from a family fellow member for this review. The spotter has been worn well-nigh daily for about four years, and it's still in good condition thanks to its sturdy build.

Example and pattern on this Orient watch.

Orient Watch FER1X001W0 chicane case

The case of the Orient Hanky-panky automatic is made out of stainless steel, which is a mutual textile for watch cases these days. It'southward as well i of the most dependable materials, every bit it doesn't clothing in fourth dimension, and it also helps with the overall h2o-resistance of the product. This detail men'due south sentinel has a 39mm case, which is a bit on the small side. Some buyers have complained that information technology looks more like a women's piece, but I don't see information technology, peculiarly since there are plenty of other brands out in that location that create men's watches in this form factor.

The front of the case is protected by a mineral crystal. I wasn't able to find whatever official specs on the mineral used here, only considering the age of this review sample, it held up very well over the years. Apparently, y'all shouldn't bump the watch into whatever hard objects, as I don't remember the glass will hold upwards likewise well against shocks. As far equally water resistance goes, the official certification is 165 Feet or fifty meters, which is definitely generous for a watch at this toll bespeak. I wouldn't recommend showering with this Orient timepiece, however, just to be on the safety side.

Orient Watch FER1X001W0 Chicane

The case is 10mm thick, which is the sweet spot if you ask me. However, I've worn thicker watches without any problems, as it all comes down to design in the cease. The overall look of the Chicane is clean and sporty, with a steel/silvery look all around, including the case, crown, bezel, and bracelet.

Crown and case back.

orient chicane movement case back

The crown is located at 3 o'clock, and information technology features a classic protruding design. It doesn't dig into your hand during wear, which is always a big plus for me. However, it can't be used to wind upward the watch manually, which might exist a drawback for some of you. Not for me.

The dorsum of the watch boasts an "exhibition" window that shows off the motion, or a part of it anyway. Simply like the front of the instance, the back is likewise protected by a mineral encompass for an extra touch of reliability.

The exact movement powering this sentry is a Th ER1X-AOO-RT model that doesn't disappoint in terms of accurateness and reliability. The chunky bezel surrounding the mineral on the back of the case boasts several engravings of the watch's water resistance, model, and brand.

Easily and punch.

Orient Watch FER1X001W0 Chicane

As I mentioned before, this watch offers a generally clean look. Nonetheless, at that place are plenty of things going on when it comes to the punch. Apart from the sporty hour and infinitesimal easily that I mentioned above, the dial also features Arabic numerals at 12, half-dozen, and 9 o'clock. The rest are simple bar indexes flanked past smaller bar-shaped minute indicators on the outer edge of the punch. The hands and hour markers avowal a luminescent handling that enhances readability when the lights go out.

Below the 12 o'clock marker, we can run into the Orient logo, besides as an "Automatic" logo. In a higher place 6 o'clock, the punch flaunts a "Water Resist" logo, while the very bottom of the dial features the exact model of the movement in very fine lettering. At 3 o'clock there is a small date window with black numbers against a white background. Speaking of colors, the unabridged punch is matte white.

The movement.

orient watch case back

I wish I could tell you more about the movement inside this Orient men's watch, but sadly it's very difficult to dig up any reliable information on information technology. A closer look at the exhibition example has revealed a few things, however. I know for a fact that this movement has 21 jewels and that information technology offers a power reserve of around 40 hours.

About Orient Chicane watches equipped with automatic movements offering these exact specifications, which are pretty much standard in the entry-level automatic watchmaking world.

The bracelet/strap.

orient watch chicane bracelet

Again, in order to continue costs down, Orient has decided to sacrifice the quality of the watch's bracelet to a certain degree. You'd be difficult-pressed to detect anyone who'south truly satisfied with the bracelet on this watch. That's not to say that it's horrible, simply that information technology could have been better.

It's a stainless steel bracelet in silvery-grey, and it was put together using folded links. It does come with a folded clasp, and with a push-downwards mechanism for piece of cake removal. It'southward definitely not an expensive bracelet merely it won't let you downwardly in terms of reliability. Given its tough build, it will get the job done for many years provided you don't abuse it.

Last thoughts nigh the Orient picket FER1X001W0 Chicane.

Orient Watch FER1X001W0 Chicane Stainless Steel

The Orient FER1X001W0 Chicane scout is yet some other strong contender in the entry-level automated watch segment, correct aslope its more popular sibling, the Seiko five. I see no reason why yous shouldn't get this spotter instead of the Seiko, particularly if you tin find it at a lower price bespeak.

It offers pretty much the same benefits, even though the brand itself is definitely not as popular. The main difference between the ii models is that the date window on the Seiko 5 is larger and also includes the day of the week. I don't retrieve this is a dealbreaker myself, every bit the Orient has a smaller engagement window that takes up less space on the punch.

While the Orient watch FER1X001W0 Hanky-panky is out of stock on Amazon at the time of writing, in that location are plenty of similar alternatives available, including the Orient Mako II Japanese Automatic sentinel with a deep blue dial, which offers the same features as this one simply in a slightly different pattern linguistic communication.