“Whoa there, Orient… this… this Diver 1964 is… Whoa…”
For real, though. Those who know me will be well aware that I’m not the biggest fan of dive watches. Sure, I can appreciate them but this, the Orient Star Diver 1964 is…
Whoa indeed.
*picks jaw off floor*
Right, let’s… DIVE into it. As part of its ongoing 70th anniversary celebrations, Orient Star has unveiled the Diver 1964 limited edition model under its ‘Sports’ collection. The watch is limited to just 500 units worldwide and is a rather faithful reproduction of the brand’s very first diver. That will be the Orient Star Olympia Calendar Diver from 1964.
So, what’s the story with the “reissue”? First off, the stainless steel case measures in at a very palatable 40.2 mm. The case stands at 14.5 mm thick. The coin edge, unidirectional steel bezel has a lumed pip (yay!). Elsewhere, there’s plenty of lume to be found on the applied markers and arrow hands.
In keeping with the all-steel (and diver’s) aesthetics, the Orient Star Diver 1964 (ref no. RE-AU0501B) comes on a steel bracelet with deployant buckle. Lug width stands at 20 mm and there’s even a diver’s extension feature for added adaptability.
“Is this a proper dive watch or a dive-inspired piece, Orient Star?”
Is water wet? Orient Star wouldn’t be able to live with themselves if they made the latter. For the Diver 1964, we get 200 m of water resistance, a screw-down crown and a solid, screwed-in caseback with the running production number engraved. Additionally, there’s a curved sapphire crystal with AR coating.
The movement inside is Orient Star’s automatic, 22-jeweled F6N47 calibre with 50 hours of power reserve. The company quotes an accuracy rating of +25/-15 secs per day. A framed date window and power reserve counter further spices things up on the otherwise sombre black dial.
Last but not least, the Orient Star Diver 1964 retails for about US$1,200 (RM5,020). This isn’t an official figure so best check with your nearest dealer to be sure.
This is an amazing watch! I phoned my dealer and they seemed to be ”sold out” 🙁 Otherwise i would buy it…
It most definitely is! And sorry to hear that, mate. It is a limited run model after all but keep looking about! Here’s hoping you come across one for sale soon!