The History of Orient: Japan’s Underdog Watchmaker With a Loyal Following

When people think of Japanese watches, Seiko and Citizen often come to mind first. But for collectors around the world, Orient holds a special place—known for value-packed mechanical watches, iconic designs, and a history rooted deeply in craftsmanship. Despite being the "quiet one" among Japan’s big three watchmakers, Orient has built a legacy that spans more than 70 years.

Here’s the story of how Orient became the beloved brand it is today.

Origins: The Birth of an Independent Watchmaker (1901–1950)

Orient’s history begins with one man: Shogoro Yoshida, who opened a wholesale watch shop in Tokyo in 1901.
This small shop eventually grew into a watch factory called Toyohara Watch Shop, which produced watch cases and gauges.

By 1934, the company—now known as Yoshida Watch Factory—began manufacturing wristwatches. This is considered the earliest chapter of what would become Orient.

However, like many businesses, the company was forced to shut down after World War II. But Yoshida and his team didn’t give up.

A New Start: The Official Founding of Orient (1950–1951)

In 1950, the company reopened as Tama Keiki Co., focusing again on timepieces.
Just one year later, in 1951, the company changed its name to Orient Watch Co., Ltd., marking the official birth of the modern brand.

That same year, they launched one of their first mechanical wristwatches under the Orient name: the Orient Star, a series that still exists today and represents the brand’s highest quality craftsmanship.

1960s–1970s: Innovation and Expansion

The 1960s and 1970s were a golden era for Japanese watchmaking, and Orient was no exception. During this period, the company released many notable models, including:

1960: The Royal Orient

A premium line showcasing high-end finishing and accuracy—this model competed directly with Seiko’s King Seiko and Grand Seiko lines.

1960s: The Fineness

One of the thinnest automatic watches in the world at the time, highlighting Orient’s engineering ability.

1964: The Weekly Auto Orient King Diver

A bold, functional dive-style watch that helped Orient establish its presence in the tool-watch category.

1970s: The “Tama” LED Digital Watches

Orient embraced the quartz and digital revolution, producing a variety of LED watches during the craze.

Despite the industry upheaval caused by quartz technology, Orient maintained its identity by continuing to produce mechanical movements in-house, unlike many brands that abandoned them.

1980s–2000s: Staying True to Mechanical Craftsmanship

Even as quartz watches became dominant, Orient stayed committed to its roots. The brand continued refining its automatic calibers and strengthening its global presence.

Important models during this time include:

• Orient Mako (2004) – A diver-style watch offering incredible value and quickly becoming one of the brand’s best-selling models worldwide.
  
  
• Orient Bambino (early 2010s) – A classic dress watch featuring domed crystal and dial, now a favorite first mechanical watch for many enthusiasts.
  
  

2009–Today: Part of the Seiko Epson Family

In 2009, Orient became a subsidiary of Seiko Epson, and by 2017, it became fully integrated into the Epson group.
This gave Orient access to more advanced manufacturing capabilities while still allowing them to operate independently with their own identity and watch designs.

Today, Orient continues to focus on:

• In-house mechanical movements
  
  
• Affordable yet high-quality watches
  
  
• Classic Japanese design combined with practicality
  
  

The Orient Star line remains the brand’s premium offering, often featuring power reserve indicators, open-heart dials, and beautiful finishing.

Why Orient Still Matters Today

Orient’s legacy is built on three key values:

1. True In-House Watchmaking

They design and manufacture their own mechanical movements—something rare at their price point.

2. Honest, No-Nonsense Watches

No hype. No marketing gimmicks. Just reliable watches made for everyday life.

3. Incredible Value

You get real Japanese craftsmanship at prices far below the competition.

From the budget-friendly Bambino to the refined Orient Star Skeleton, the brand offers something for every collector.

Final Thoughts

Orient may not be the loudest or flashiest Japanese watchmaker, but its legacy is full of passion, innovation, and dedication to mechanical horology. Whether you’re new to watches or a seasoned enthusiast, Orient’s history reminds us that great craftsmanship doesn’t need to be expensive—it just needs to be honest.

If you're looking to explore the world of Japanese watches, Orient is a perfect place to start.