Orient Star has once again captured attention with its latest offering, the M45 F7 Small Second collection, which gracefully expands its esteemed Classic series. This new range draws inspiration from the celestial elegance of the Pleiades star cluster, designated M45, reflecting a commitment to timeless design and precision engineering. The collection distinguishes itself through a deliberate simplification of its display, ensuring clarity while maintaining crucial information accessibility.
Orient Star M45 F7 Small Second: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
In a noteworthy release, Orient Star, a distinguished horology brand with roots tracing back to 1951 and part of the Seiko Epson family since 2017, has recently unveiled three new references within its Classic Collection: the M45 F7 Small Second. This launch marks an evolution of their beloved classic designs, offering a refined and balanced aesthetic. The timepieces feature a compact 39mm stainless steel case, meticulously finished with a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, and stand at a height of 11.7mm. Each watch is protected by a dual-curved sapphire crystal with a dual-sided anti-reflective coating, enhancing legibility. The intricate F7H44 in-house automatic movement, boasting a power reserve exceeding 50 hours and an accuracy ranging from -5 to +15 seconds per day, is showcased through an exhibition caseback. This movement is adorned with perlage decoration on its bridges and a damascened rotor, underscoring Orient Star's dedication to internal craftsmanship. The dial's design emphasizes symmetry, featuring central hour and minute hands, a subtly integrated power reserve indicator at the 12 o’clock position—a hallmark of Orient Star since the 1990s—and a recessed small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Leaf-shaped hands, elegant Roman numerals, and a precise railway minute track complete the dial's refined appearance. All three variations of the M45 F7 Small Second are crafted with a dual-layer dial and a fine sandblasted texture. The 75th-anniversary limited edition (RE-BS0003N) presents a monochromatic grey palette, while the standard models (RE-BS0001E Green and RE-BS0002S Ivory) introduce a softer color scheme with their green and ivory dials, respectively. These watches are complemented by comfortable leather straps, secured with a trifold deployant clasp and push-button release. The non-limited editions are priced at EUR 950, and the anniversary limited edition at EUR 1,050.
This release from Orient Star exemplifies a thoughtful balance between classic watchmaking traditions and contemporary design preferences. The M45 F7 Small Second series offers enthusiasts and new collectors alike an opportunity to experience sophisticated horology that is both visually appealing and mechanically sound, reinforcing Orient Star's position as a purveyor of quality timepieces.