Introducing: The Orient Star M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m
Orient Star keeps the good times rolling with its next 75th-anniversary timepiece. As part of the Sports Collection M42, this Japanese dive watch complies with the ISO 6425 standard for diving timepieces. Because of this, it can officially be labeled with “Diver’s” and also state the 200m depth rating. The stringent tests ensure this watch performs for its potentially life-saving duties. But even with tough parameters, Orient Star adds a little embellishment with a blue-to-black gradient dial. The 1964 1st Edition reimagines one of Japan’s earliest dive watches, the Olympia Calendar Diver. With its chunky indexes, Broad Arrow hour hand, and steel bezel, the latest version looks the part. Limited to 700 pieces, the new Orient Star goes on sale this month. Let’s explore the details.
Last month, we brought you news of the out-of-this-world M34 F8 Meteorite that kicked off the 75th-anniversary celebrations. After conquering the cosmos connection, Orient Star showcases its ocean inspiration. Indeed, the name M42 references the Orion Nebula, as Orion is the son of Poseidon in Greek mythology. Known as the god of the sea, Poseidon gave Orion the ability to walk on water. Therefore, this release continues Orient Star’s long tradition of celestial nomenclature, staying true to its brand name. I got some hands-on time with the new Orient Star, and I’m impressed with how it feels, especially for its sub-€1.5k price. And the case and design are much closer to the original than the 2nd edition from 2023.
Orient Star M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m
The Orient Star M42 Diver watch uses design details from the vintage 1964 version. However, the overall style feels thoroughly modern. The circular-brushed stainless steel bezel maintains the tool aesthetic of the rest of the 41mm SUS316L steel case. I particularly like the engraved, ink-filled five-minute markers, which comply with ISO 6425 but appear much cleaner than printed ones. The unidirectional bezel’s operation goes some way in preventing inadvertent knocks by only turning counterclockwise. Rotating this way ensures that if any accidental turns occur, the diver will only overestimate the elapsed dive time and surface earlier. Underestimating could lead the diver to believe that more air remains in the tank than there actually is.
The gradient dial is more subtle in person but still mimics a starlit ocean surface. The layout includes Orient Star’s typical power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, counting down from 50 hours. Balancing this counter is the logo at 6 o’clock and perhaps a bit more text (“Automatic Diver’s 200m”) than necessary. But I do like the outsized, applied, luminous indexes, even if the date indicator at 3 o’clock breaks the symmetry. At least there is a nice white frame surrounding the date window, recalling its heritage. The Broad Arrow hour hand is distinctive against the razor-sharp minute hand, so as not to confuse them in low light. Along with this is the white seconds hand with circular lume plot and matching counterweight.
Final specs, thoughts, and pricing
A notable feature of the case is its 14.5mm thickness. While not gargantuan, considering the 200m water resistance, the thickness is a bit overkill. For comparison, the Tudor Black Bay 58 and Breitling Superocean Heritage, other watches with 200m depth ratings, both have sub-12mm profiles. However, these are 3–4 times the price of the Orient Star M42 Diver. Japanese diving watches tend to have thicker (13mm+) cases to meet ISO 6425 standards. The M42 Diver is certainly wearable, but it has a bit more heft for its specs. The 20mm-wide five-row bracelet is a great continuation of the rugged case, with polished inner links. However, these polished links don’t articulate and are instead part of the central steel piece. The clasp opens with twin pushers, locks in place with a security latch, and includes a diver’s extension.
Powering the Orient Star M42 Diver is the in-house automatic caliber F6N47 with an accuracy tolerance of +25/-15 seconds per day. The 50-hour power reserve is plenty, with the handy scale on the dial indicating when to wear or wind it. Unfortunately, the movement lies hidden behind a solid steel screw-in case back, but I always feel less guilty about putting a NATO strap on a watch without an exhibition window. And it does speak for its dive-watch credentials. The crown is also a screw-down type and easy to grip thanks to its deep knurling. This coin-edge style extends to the bezel grip, making it easy to operate even while wearing dive gloves.
The Orient Star M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m launches this month at the price of €1,299.99 / £1,129.99. You can find more information about the 700-piece limited edition on the Orient Star website here.
