To celebrate the 70th anniversary of ORIENT STAR, Epson will release two top-of-the-line Skeleton models in its Classic Collection on March 18, 2021. ORIENT STAR, founded in 1951, celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2021 by consistently producing high-quality, Made in Japan timepieces that combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest watchmaking technology, based on the ideal of mechanical timepieces known as "shining stars." Epson will unveil new ORIENT STAR models, leveraging its unique aesthetic sensibility and technology, under the theme "NOWHERE, NOW HERE." The flagship model is the Skeleton from the Classic Collection, which combines traditional skeleton design with a newly developed manual-wound movement with a power reserve of over 70 hours.
Alongside the "Semi-Skeleton," which allows a portion of the movement to be seen through an openwork dial, the "Skeleton," which leaves only the movement's baseplate and components exposed, revealing the entire internal mechanism, has been beloved by many as a style of expression unique to mechanical watches. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the skeleton movement, which first appeared in 1991. This beautiful movement, comprised of over 100 precision parts, is assembled by hand by dedicated craftsmen in Akita, a region that has long been a producer of Orient Star watches, and is imbued with exceptional skill and passion. The new "Skeleton" combines a classic design with a groundbreaking movement utilizing cutting-edge technology, making it a truly exceptional piece commemorating Orient Star's 70th anniversary. The latest 46-series F8 movement, the in-house calibers F8B62 and F8B63, boast an extended power reserve of 70 hours, up from 50 hours for the current model, further enhancing practicality. Even if you take off your watch on a Friday night, even with the mainspring fully wound, it will continue to run until Monday morning with ease. A new, lighter and more precisely manufactured silicon escape wheel improves the escapement's energy transmission efficiency, achieving a 70-hour power reserve. The silicon escape wheel, developed in-house using MEMS processing technology, also used in the manufacture of Epson's high-resolution printheads, features an innovative, unique structure that imparts spring properties. Furthermore, this escape wheel utilizes Epson's semiconductor technology, adjusting the light reflectivity by controlling the film thickness at the nanometer level, achieving a vibrant blue color. The vibrant blue spiral shape, always visible through the skeletonized structure, evokes the Milky Way, a design that ties in with the 70th anniversary theme of "Space."
A refined aesthetic is essential for a skeleton movement that can be viewed through the open dial. The new 46 Series F8 movement achieves high precision of +15 to -5 seconds per day while maintaining long power runs and maximizing accuracy with a skeleton-only structure. The movement parts at 9 o'clock are designed with a cutout shape reminiscent of a twin-tailed comet, and together with the blue silicon escape wheel, they express the cosmic vision of Orient Star.
The front and back of the watch are also machined differently—a swirl pattern on the dial and a wave pattern on the case back—and the carefully chamfered parts also shine beautifully. The intricate finish, showcasing the master craftsman's skill, can be admired in detail through the double-sided anti-reflective coated, spherical sapphire crystal, bringing the joy of owning a mechanical watch with a high-quality movement.
Two models are available: one with a champagne dial and a gold movement, and one with a white dial and a silver movement. Both models feature cases made from high-quality SUS316L stainless steel and come with hand-stitched genuine crocodile leather bands.
About "ORIENT STAR"
"ORIENT STAR" was born in 1951 with the desire to create a mechanical watch that can be called a "shining star" in all aspects, from design to parts to manufacturing. In 1957, "Orient Star Dynamic," featuring three hands for the hours, minutes, and seconds set on a central axis, was born, followed in 1971 by the "46 Series," a practical, highly precise core movement that supports Orient Star and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Furthermore, in 1991, Orient Star released the "Mon Bijou" skeleton watch, which pursued a sense of quality and aesthetics. In 1996, Orient Star introduced the power reserve indicator, now an icon of the brand, further expanding the world of originality in domestically produced mechanical watches. In 2017, the company merged with Seiko Epson Corporation, a company that has made numerous achievements in the history of wristwatches through innovative design and development. Combining the craftsmanship, original design, and advanced technology of both companies, the company established the foundation for a new leap forward. In the same year, the company unveiled its iconic model, the "Mechanical Moon Phase," a mechanical watch that ticks the time of the universe, heralding the beginning of a new era of Orient Star watchmaking that embodies three joys: "the joy of wearing," "the joy of showing off," and "the joy of connecting." Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2021, Orient Star will continue to shine as a brand, evolving both its technology and design. The Skeleton series features a cutting-edge movement featuring a silicon escape wheel that combines improved durability with beautiful design, incorporating models and motifs that evoke a sense of space. The theme for its 70th anniversary is "NOWHERE, NOW HERE." Orient Star continues to actively promote these uniquely MADE IN JAPAN masterpieces, combining meticulous craftsmanship with high-quality in-house mechanical movements and unique designs.
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Alongside the "Semi-Skeleton," which allows a portion of the movement to be seen through an openwork dial, the "Skeleton," which leaves only the movement's baseplate and components exposed, revealing the entire internal mechanism, has been beloved by many as a style of expression unique to mechanical watches. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the skeleton movement, which first appeared in 1991. This beautiful movement, comprised of over 100 precision parts, is assembled by hand by dedicated craftsmen in Akita, a region that has long been a producer of Orient Star watches, and is imbued with exceptional skill and passion. The new "Skeleton" combines a classic design with a groundbreaking movement utilizing cutting-edge technology, making it a truly exceptional piece commemorating Orient Star's 70th anniversary. The latest 46-series F8 movement, the in-house calibers F8B62 and F8B63, boast an extended power reserve of 70 hours, up from 50 hours for the current model, further enhancing practicality. Even if you take off your watch on a Friday night, even with the mainspring fully wound, it will continue to run until Monday morning with ease. A new, lighter and more precisely manufactured silicon escape wheel improves the escapement's energy transmission efficiency, achieving a 70-hour power reserve. The silicon escape wheel, developed in-house using MEMS processing technology, also used in the manufacture of Epson's high-resolution printheads, features an innovative, unique structure that imparts spring properties. Furthermore, this escape wheel utilizes Epson's semiconductor technology, adjusting the light reflectivity by controlling the film thickness at the nanometer level, achieving a vibrant blue color. The vibrant blue spiral shape, always visible through the skeletonized structure, evokes the Milky Way, a design that ties in with the 70th anniversary theme of "Space."
A refined aesthetic is essential for a skeleton movement that can be viewed through the open dial. The new 46 Series F8 movement achieves high precision of +15 to -5 seconds per day while maintaining long power runs and maximizing accuracy with a skeleton-only structure. The movement parts at 9 o'clock are designed with a cutout shape reminiscent of a twin-tailed comet, and together with the blue silicon escape wheel, they express the cosmic vision of Orient Star.
The front and back of the watch are also machined differently—a swirl pattern on the dial and a wave pattern on the case back—and the carefully chamfered parts also shine beautifully. The intricate finish, showcasing the master craftsman's skill, can be admired in detail through the double-sided anti-reflective coated, spherical sapphire crystal, bringing the joy of owning a mechanical watch with a high-quality movement.
Two models are available: one with a champagne dial and a gold movement, and one with a white dial and a silver movement. Both models feature cases made from high-quality SUS316L stainless steel and come with hand-stitched genuine crocodile leather bands.
About "ORIENT STAR"
"ORIENT STAR" was born in 1951 with the desire to create a mechanical watch that can be called a "shining star" in all aspects, from design to parts to manufacturing. In 1957, "Orient Star Dynamic," featuring three hands for the hours, minutes, and seconds set on a central axis, was born, followed in 1971 by the "46 Series," a practical, highly precise core movement that supports Orient Star and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Furthermore, in 1991, Orient Star released the "Mon Bijou" skeleton watch, which pursued a sense of quality and aesthetics. In 1996, Orient Star introduced the power reserve indicator, now an icon of the brand, further expanding the world of originality in domestically produced mechanical watches. In 2017, the company merged with Seiko Epson Corporation, a company that has made numerous achievements in the history of wristwatches through innovative design and development. Combining the craftsmanship, original design, and advanced technology of both companies, the company established the foundation for a new leap forward. In the same year, the company unveiled its iconic model, the "Mechanical Moon Phase," a mechanical watch that ticks the time of the universe, heralding the beginning of a new era of Orient Star watchmaking that embodies three joys: "the joy of wearing," "the joy of showing off," and "the joy of connecting." Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2021, Orient Star will continue to shine as a brand, evolving both its technology and design. The Skeleton series features a cutting-edge movement featuring a silicon escape wheel that combines improved durability with beautiful design, incorporating models and motifs that evoke a sense of space. The theme for its 70th anniversary is "NOWHERE, NOW HERE." Orient Star continues to actively promote these uniquely MADE IN JAPAN masterpieces, combining meticulous craftsmanship with high-quality in-house mechanical movements and unique designs.
Click here for company press release details
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