The "Orient Grand Prix Special" that arrived today has a design reminiscent of Patek Philippe's Calatrava, and
is a masterpiece of Japanese-made watches, also known by nicknames such as the Japanese "Calatrava."
It is said that the place true watch enthusiasts eventually arrive at is Orient.
Orient was founded in 1950, after World War II.
Including its predecessor company, it is one of Japan's three major watch brands with over 100 years of history.
At one point, it even collaborated with Seiko and other companies, and it was a key player that supported Japanese watches from behind the scenes.
However, perhaps because it does not have as much name recognition as Seiko or Citizen,
it is often asked, "What brand is that?"
For a Japanese-made watch, its design has a glamorous impression,
and some of its products seem to be inspired by European watch brands, among other things,
making vintage Orient watches extremely profound and unique.
Born around 1961, the Grand Prix Special is a representative item of vintage Orient.
With bullet-shaped bullet indices, dauphine hands, and dots around the periphery,
it features a dial design also seen in Patek Philippe and IWC.
Furthermore, the bezel is a thick, flat type,
and the lugs are also thick and solidly designed,
so while the overall design feels like it may have originated from the Calatrava,
the size of the watch is a relatively large case size for that time.
Even among watches from the same era, it has an impactful design and size,
and it is a well-known fact among some enthusiasts that it is a highly coveted watch for lovers of vintage Japanese watches.
Seiko, which manufactures orthodox wristwatches,
Citizen, which puts innovative ideas and functions at the forefront,
and Orient, which adopts dynamic watch designs and functions that set it apart from both companies,
the characteristics of these three companies are extremely interesting,
so it is easy to understand why the Japanese wristwatch market is so exciting.
However, since Seiko is major worldwide when it comes to Japanese-made wristwatches,
Orient can feel like a relatively obscure brand,
but Orient, which people who have bought all kinds of wristwatches eventually arrive at,
is a rare watch brand that has fulfilled the desires of many watch lovers.
There are many watches with unique designs from the same era,
but products from well-known watch brands are extremely expensive.
Some are often more expensive than a house or a car.
Not only can you buy them at an affordable price, but there are also extraordinary watches,
and one-of-a-kind items like the Grand Prix 100, which gives form to an exceptionally bold idea,
the appeal of Orient is that the more you know, the more you realize how interesting wristwatches are.
First of all, even the accessible Grand Prix Special is a high-end model for Orient.
The elegance felt from this watch exudes an exceptional quality that other brands do not have.
The value of a wristwatch is not in its price or name recognition.
It is how much it satisfies and convinces you.
If you are choosing a watch that is right for you, you cannot overlook Orient!
