Introducing: The Retro-Futuristic Orient Revival World Map Watch
“Proper ‘70s vibes.” These were the immortal words spoken by our esteemed managing editor, Nacho Conde Garzón, when I sent over this funky revival watch from Orient. Specifically, this new World Map watch takes its cues from the 1969 Orient World Diver. However, we can assume that the original watch lived its best life in the 1970s. This new limited edition of 1,500 pieces is part of Orient’s Revival collection. As this year marks Orient’s 75th Anniversary, the Revival collection continues to reissue classic timepieces from the brand’s back catalog. Although we saw the World Map watch brought back before in 2021, the execution here, especially with the vintage cursive logo on the dial, brings back all the nostalgic tones. In some way, this 2025 re-edition, with its gold-plated details, is the watch the World Map always should’ve been. Let’s explore.
At first glance, the dial is a lot to take in. Despite the World Map moniker, the central theme is not overly explicit. That’s due to the familiar atlas pattern eschewed for a more accurate layout. Due to the lens effect of a spherical celestial body, familiar landmasses appear more bulbous than a traditional, or Mercator, world map. For instance, Africa appears much broader than we’re used to. What also obfuscates the world map somewhat is the combination of color and pattern. The base central dial has alternating blue and light blue concentric rings to symbolize the oceans. In comparison, the atlas pattern radiates white, yellow, and orange rays to reflect the lands. This combo seems jarring on paper, but the bold styling works in practice and makes a strong statement.
Orient Revival World Map 75th Anniversary
Mechanically speaking, the Orient World Map is not a GMT watch. While there is a 24-hour scale, no independent fourth hand indicates another time zone. However, the gold-plated crown at 4 o’clock bidirectionally rotates the inner bezel. Turning this allows a quick reference to another time zone with the relevant position of the hour hand indicating against the 24-hour inner ring. I emphasize that this is a quick reference, as the hour hand cycles 12 hours, so it will not accurately track two time zones throughout the day. You can also use the radiating rays of the atlas pattern to align with the 24-hour scale for timezone sectors. However, this only applies to the Southern Hemisphere. The black inner bezel with white typeface offers a more monochromatic style against the multi-colored dial. The outer bezel fluting with gold plating is also for styling rather than functionality. But just as it does on the Rolex Datejust, the fluted bezel frames the dial display wonderfully.
The stainless steel case is a tonneau shape with the spring bars connecting beneath the top surface. The 43.5mm diameter sounds daunting, but with this bracelet connection, the watch only has a 46mm lug-to-lug. However, the 13.9mm case thickness is a significant dimension that adds heft and wrist presence. The case houses the in-house caliber F6922. While this is a mechanical automatic movement, it also offers optional manual winding and hacking seconds. These are two appreciated features for a watch at this one’s price point. However, the lenient tolerance of +25/-15 seconds per day and low 40-hour power reserve are more in line with entry-level mechanical timepieces.
Final specs and pricing
The 20mm-wide stainless steel bracelet connects beneath the lip of the case. The folding deployant clasp includes a push-button release, making it feel secure on the wrist. Despite lacking a screw-down crown, the Orient World Map still achieves a water resistance rating of 200 meters (20 bar). A steel surround frames the day/date display, which contains red lettering for weekend days. Another interesting design choice is the application of luminescence. While the hands include lume, the rest of the dial lacks any glow power. However, the wider white markers at two-hour increments on the 24-hour scale are also luminescent. This may or may not be helpful depending on the position of the inner rotating bezel. But when not referencing another time zone, I would set the double marker at 12 o’clock for low-light reading.
On the case back is the unique LE number out of 1,500 pieces and the “75th Anniversary” commemorative text. For me, the real standout is the striking display with an exquisitely thin seconds hand that does not impede the dazzlingly retro dial design. The cursive Orient logo is the real kicker that sets this watch apart from other Orient Revival watches. The Orient Revival World Map comes in a special 75th-anniversary box and is available for €473.
What do you think of this release? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
