Introducing The New Orient Star M34 F8 Skeleton 75th Anniversary

Within the landscape of Japanese watchmaking, Orient Star has long occupied a distinctive position. Sitting above Orient’s mainstream offerings, the brand has built its reputation on mechanical credibility, in-house movements, and a technically driven approach.

That philosophy is articulated through the M Collections, a framework inspired by astronomical objects catalogued by the renowned 18th-century French astronomer Charles Messier. Each line carries its own character, with M34 positioned as the most versatile of the family, bridging everyday wearability with technical expression.

To mark its 75th anniversary, Orient Star turns to this platform with a limited skeletonised model, the M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding 75th Anniversary, distinguished by a beautifully executed laser-engraved meteorite-inspired pattern.

The case measures 39 mm in diameter with a thickness of 10.8 mm. Crafted from stainless steel, it is finished with a black surface treatment, while the bezel, crown, and caseback remain in a contrasting steel tone. The caseback is fitted with a sapphire crystal, offering a full view of the movement and its distinctive surface treatment. Water resistance is rated at 50 metres.

The watch employs a ring-shaped openworked structure that frames the movement beneath. The colour palette transitions through a black-to-grey gradient with a matte finish, evoking the depth and darkness of space. Roman numerals and applied indices are positioned on this open ring, ensuring legibility without obscuring the mechanics below. The dial layout includes central hour and minute hands, a small seconds display, and Orient Star’s signature power reserve indicator.

Powering the watch is the calibre F8B65, a manually wound movement developed from Orient Star’s F8 architecture. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz) and delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. What sets this calibre apart is its surface treatment: both the dial-facing and caseback-facing sides are finished with a laser-processed pattern inspired by the natural structures found in meteorites.

The movement also incorporates a proprietary silicon escape wheel produced using advanced microelectromechanical systems technology. This component improves energy efficiency and contributes to stable timekeeping, placing Orient Star among a small group of manufacturers that develop silicon escape wheels in-house.

The watch is delivered with a black-coated stainless steel bracelet, accompanied by an additional black cordovan leather strap. Produced as a limited edition of 430 pieces, the model is priced at USD 3,250, approximately AED 12,000.

For more information, visit Orient Star’s official website.