Introducing: The Orient Star M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase
Orient Star unveils three new versions of its flagship F7 Mechanical Moon Phase. Dials in white and navy blue join the regular lineup, while the light blue dial is a limited edition of 190 pieces. Having debuted in 2017, the F7 Mechanical Moon Phase combines three striking elements. The namesake moon phase sits at 6 o’clock with a radial date display on the periphery. North of the celestial sub-dial is the power reserve indicator, a feature of all Orient Star timepieces. However, the 9 o’clock aperture includes the Orient Star’s most superfluous design flourish. The open-heart window partially showcases the mechanics on display with the balance spring beating away. Those are the headlines, but this new Orient Star collection has a lot more going on, so let’s delve into the details.
The original Mechanical Moon Phase symbolized the merger of Orient Watch Co., Ltd. with Seiko Epson Corporation in 2017. This Japanese collaboration laid a strong foundation for the Orient brand and its pursuit of innovative craftsmanship for Orient Star. Similar to Grand Seiko and Seiko, Orient Star is the premium branch of the brand, characterized by high-quality and authentically Japanese design spirit. That spirit lies in the inspiration from nature. The cosmic timekeeper proudly flaunts the lunar cycle with humps to hide parts of the moon disc. This design represents a waxing and waning moon with a crescent, indicating a new or full moon. New for 2025 in the three new colorways is a deep-blue-colored night sky with sharper and brighter stars. No doubt, the Epson arm of the organization, with its supreme printing capabilities, plays its part in refining these elements.
Orient Star M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase
The dual-function sub-dial at 6 o’clock not only contains the moonphase indicator but also features dates along its perimeter, with dots for even dates, and numerals for odd ones. A central leaf-shaped hand points to the corresponding date. Beneath the 12 o’clock position is the power reserve indicator counting down from 50 hours. The leaf hand sweeps from left to right, prompting the wearer to hand-wind or wear it on the wrist for automatic winding to top up the mainspring. On all versions, within the dial’s center is a repeating Orient Star “OS” pattern emblazoned across. It’s quite a subtle stylistic feature that is only visible depending on the angle of light. There are some lighting situations in which the central dial may appear flat. Framing this intricate dial pattern is a fluted ring with a slight curve to accommodate the power reserve indicator hand.
On the outside of the fluted frame are the classic Roman numerals and minute track. These are very elegant numerals, but the dial apertures slightly cut off the ones at 6, 8, and 9 o’clock. The fluted frame also overlaps the semi-skeletonized section, which slightly blocks the view. The layout is visually arresting, but some further refinement could balance some of the dial elements. On all versions, the length of the leaf-shaped hour and minute hands perfectly aligns with their corresponding scales. The white dial includes blued hands to enable contrast and improve legibility. Both the navy blue and light blue models have polished steel hands. However, the navy blue dial stands out with darkened scales for the date and power reserve, while the white and light blue dials feature steel bases for these indications.
Final specifications and pricing
To adjust the time, date, and moon phase, the conical crown is ergonomic to release into the setting positions easily. The 41mm stainless steel case is crafted from high-quality SUS316L alloy, extending to the bracelet. This bracelet, which has 20mm end links, also features a butterfly deployant clasp with a push-button release. The white- and navy-dial versions come with an additional black cordovan strap. In comparison, the light blue limited edition of 190 pieces comes with an additional navy blue leather strap. Powering each watch is the automatic in-house caliber F7M42, which features an accuracy tolerance of +15/-5 seconds per day and a 50-hour power reserve. This movement is visible through the case back’s sapphire display. It also doesn’t make the watch too unwieldy, although the 13.8mm profile is fairly substantial.
As mentioned, the regular collection features white and navy blue dials, and each model costs €1,799.99 / £1,599.99. The limited edition with the light blue dial requires a slight premium, coming in at €1,899.99 / £1,699.99. You can read more about the new Orient Star M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase collection here.
