Orient Star 'Somes' WZ0041FR

[docw]

Ever since Orient introduced this watch model, I was intrigued.  Now that I have finally acquired one, I am referring to it as a ‘grail’ purchase.  Orient Star is Orient’s mid-tier brand, ahead of just Orient, but behind Orient Star Royal.  All three lines exhibit Orient quality, but with different degrees of finishing, movement upgrades and case materials.

This Orient Star is model #WZ0041FR and is a Japan-only model.  In addition to the black dial I have, it comes in green, brown and silver dials as well.
 
The case is all stainless steel and is beautifully finished.  Somewhat of a classic ‘cushion’ style in shape, the sides are high polished and the top is brushed.  The bezel ring is polished.  The case measures about 43mm without the crown, 45.3mm with the crown, but be advised, it does not wear big!  Lug width is 21mm, case thickness is 13.8mm.

The screw down case back is a display type revealing the in-house ‘FR’ caliber Orient movement with 23 jewels and a decent level of finishing, including a signed rotor.  The movement does not manual wind or hack (demerits from me on these points) but keeps excellent time and with a full 40+ hour power reserve as indicated by the power reserve meter.  The meter is quite accurate as well!

The dial is a wonderful black with many subtle details, such as the way the power reserve and seconds subdials are gently inlaid and feature circular patterning.  The markers are applied and have a beautiful machined look to them, as if they are carved out of a solid chunk of metal.  The applied Orient Star logo is also a classy touch.  The hands are silver and again, have a cut, expensive look to them.  The hour and minute hands, power reserve indicator and outer edges of the markers are luminous.  Nice lume and evenly applied.  Under examination with an 8X loupe, no defects or imperfections were noted.

Judging from pictures of this watch, one thing that initially turned me off was the look of the seconds subdial.  I always thought it looked cheap, but in person, it does not.  This watch looks so much better in the flesh than in pictures.  The fit and finish does the Orient Star label proud.  It’s one of those pieces that you can truly derive joy from just by looking at it and studying it.

The crystal is domed sapphire, while the crown is a standard polished affair and does not screw down.  I do wish the crown was signed.  Water resistance is factory rated at 10 bar.

One feature that truly makes this watch unique is the strap.  Orient partnered with Japanese saddle and horse harness maker Somes (Somes Saddle Company -  http://www.somes.co.jp/) to make the strap for this watch.  Somes makes some very nice leather goods like wallets, key chains, handbags and attaches in addition to the horse tack, and their skill is evident here.  While the strap still exhibits a somewhat ‘rustic’ appearance, the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship is plain to see. 

The strap measures 21mm at the lugs and tapers to 20mm at the simple silver buckle.  A single fixed keeper is installed near the buckle.  The color is best described as honey or warm tan, with darker brown stitching.  Luckily, it fits my thin wrist well and looks great.

Overall, this Orient Star ‘Somes’ as I refer to it is an impressively finished and unique watch that has tons of class but easily plays the dual role of sporting enthusiast and boardroom vice president.

Prices range all over the map, Buy It Nows on you know where are in the upper $500 range, while clean used examples go from $250 to $300, depending on color.

Pro:  great looks, unique strap, power reserve meter utility, details abound, Japan-only exclusivity

Con:  no manual winding or hacking, no date display (could bother some), Japan-only pricing

Verdict:  a superb effort from Orient, with a watch that exudes quality, confidence and style; you won’t see this one coming down the street everyday

Thanks for reading and enjoy the pics!

Excelsior,

-Marc

[nhoJ]

A well executed model from Orient.

[ADB]

Thank you for this great review and the excellent macro shots. I have a few Orient Star watches and like you I enjoy Orient's level of finish and attention to detail in this line of watches. I haven't tried any of their Somes but I am tempted after reading your review!
Cheers,

[marios_ch]

very nice review and beautiful photos....  thanks....

[hans caravan]

Very nice review & excellent photos.


A good looking watch that I will never own. The deal-breaker(s) for me is a lack of hack & hand wind. At this price point there isn't any reason not to include them since the competition (seiko, hamilton, tissot) does.

[anzac1957]

Very nice review & excellent photos.


A good looking watch that I will never own. The deal-breaker(s) for me is a lack of hack & hand wind. At this price point there isn't any reason not to include them since the competition (seiko, hamilton, tissot) does.

The newer model does hack and handwind.. 
 
http://www.orient-watch.jp/product/category/item/?item_id=726&category_id=81
 

Orient Japan photo
 
Cheers

[Time]

at the rate that Orient is replacing their movements with the new hackable/windable versions, they are surpassing Seiko by far in this department...

[hans caravan]

The newer model does hack and handwind.. 
 
http://www.orient-watch.jp/product/category/item/?item_id=726&category_id=81
 

Orient Japan photo
 
Cheers

I didn't know- great news for us. In that case I retract my last statement. My WZ0091EL hacks and hand winds so I expected that in all Orient Star models.

[temporarily]

Hi,
 
Also available in "white" [WZ0211EL]
 

 
Cheers,
Elf.

[big bonding]

I'm a big, but new OS watch fan so I was very pleased to find this great forum for Japanese watches.

Great review and pics of your sweet looking watch!

[brinoj]

Great shots and review of the OS. Now time to hunt one....

[MeOnSCTP]

If only the newer version came in the dark green dial variant.....