Orient Triton Review & Complete Guide
Orient is a brand we have talked a lot about in the Millenary Journal, and for good reasons. Orient makes some of the best affordable watches in its price range if you look at quality, finishing, and durability. With that said, it is also easy to see why Orient’s watches are so immensely popular.
Seiko is undoubtedly one of the leaders in this industry, but Orient is a brand that is in there competing and a brand that is strong enough to compete with brands like Seiko in this affordable watch segment.
Orient Triton Review
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Before we dig in, it’s worth knowing the Orient Triton is sometimes known as the Orient Neptune. These are, however, identical watches and only two different names for the same watch. Different markets use the name Neptune, whilst other markets use the name Triton.
The Orient Triton is built as a dive watch and offers everything you’d expect a dive watch to be. It is available in three different iterations, so if you like the overall concept and styling of the Triton, you can be sure to find one that you like. In the collection, we have three different versions:
- Reference EL0001B00A – all-black model
- Reference EL0002L00A – all blue model
- Reference EL0003B00A – all-black model, finished in gold and steel
In this article, we will look at the Orient Triton model as a whole, since the only thing that separates these three is their styling. What they do have in common, however, is that they offer exceptional value for money and great performance, and this is something that lays the foundation for the success of any model.
But before we dig in, let’s start with some background and history of the Orient. Because whilst Orient is a relatively large brand, there are many who are not yet familiar with Orient in the same way they are familiar with brands like Casio or Seiko.
The history of Orient goes all the way back to 1901, so despite what some people believe, Orient is by no means a new brand. It was in 1901 that the Japanese Shogoro Yoshida opened a wholesale shop called Yoshida Watch Shop in Ueno, Taito, Tokyo, Japan. He started out selling imported pocket watches and then moved to manufacture gold wristwatch cases. Further on, the company started manufacturing table clocks and gauges.
After having to shut down as a result of World War 2, the company restarted again in 1950 under the name Tama Keiki Company. The watch continued to make watches, and in 1951, the company changed its name to Orient Watch Company, Limited, and became the watch company we know today.
Today, Orient is known for making high-quality affordable timepieces, many of which with durable and robust in-house movements, and this is also one of the reasons why the brand’s watches are so popular amongst devoted watch enthusiasts.
With a better understanding of the brand’s history and past, let’s look closer at and review one of its modern creations, the Orient Triton.
Orient Triton Case
The watch is presented with a stainless steel case measuring 43.4mm in diameter and with a thickness of 13.5mm. With that said, it is a relatively large watch, but not surprisingly large for a dive watch. It does have a sporty presence on the wrist and is most suitable for men with medium to large wrists.
Overall, the watch has a classic dive watch-inspired design which is brushed on the top and polished on the sides. The lugs have beveled edges that are polished, and this just goes to show that Orient has really paid attention to the details and finishing of this watch, despite its affordable price.
Another detail worth pointing out is that the crown is positioned at 4 o’clock instead of the standard 3 o’clock position. Apart from giving it a distinct look, this has one key benefit, and this is to improve comfort when wearing it. Because of the crown position, it does not dig into the wrist when wearing it. The crown is of course protected by the crown guards.
Being a dive watch, it of course has a unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel has a black aluminum insert (blue insert the blue version) with a 60-minute graduation scale and a luminous pip positioned at 12 o’clock. The bezel rotates with 120 clicks and has teeth around the edges to improve the grip and make it easier to operate. The bezel operates nicely and has a quality feel to it, which is something that not all affordable watches have.
On top of the case sits an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and this is yet another detail of this watch that stands out. This is considering the fact that many affordable watches use mineral crystals, but Orient opted for a sapphire. A great value proposition.
A great dive watch also needs great water resistance, and the Orient Triton is water-resistant to 200m/660 feet. This means you can go swimming and diving with it, and it won’t break a sweat. In fact, the watch meets the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) for a Class 1 Diver watch, meaning it is suitable for recreational diving.
All in all, the finishing of the case is really nicely executed, considering its price.
Orient Triton Review – Dial
Moving on to the dial, the Orient Triton offers exactly what you expect a dive watch to offer. A classic design, great legibility, and clear contrast.
It is presented either with a black or a blue dial and has large applied hour markers with metal frames around them. The hour markers are filled with generous amounts of luminescent material that glows in the dark which is crucial for a dive watch and helps with the legibility in low-lit conditions, for example when you are beneath the surface. At 3 6, 9, and 12, the markers are square/rectangular, and the rest of the markers are round.
The hour hand is broad and has an arrow tip, and the minutes hand is sword-shaped. They are designed in the same way as the markers, with luminescence on them, and metal frames around them. A common issue with affordable watches is that the lime tends to be quite weak and not last very long, but the lume on this watch is actually quite good.
At 4 o’clock, the watch has a date window discreetly tucked into the dial. Some people dislike date windows as they think they harm the overall design of the watch, but considering the fact that most people will wear it as an everyday watch, the date function can be rather convenient.
Another feature that stands out about this watch is its power reserve indicator presented at 12 o’clock on the dial. A power reserve isn’t a crucial feature in a dive watch, but it’s a nice touch that gives it personality, in my opinion. In addition, it can be quite useful to know how much of the 40-hour power reserve is left and if you need to wind it to prevent it from stopping.
Overall, the dial has a classic dive watch appearance.
Movement
This is the highlight of this watch for many watch nerds and enthusiasts.
It is easy to find an affordable dive watch, but it’s not as easy to find an affordable dive watch with an automatic in-house movement that has proven to be a robust and durable workhorse that can continue to tick for years without any issues.
Inside the Orient Triton is the in-house automatic Orient caliber 40N5A. This movement is a great value proposition and a movement that is often found in Orient watches that are far more expensive than this.
The movement has a power reserve of 40 hours, has 22 jewels, and incorporates a hacking function. The movement operates at a frequency of 21600 beats per hour. The benefit of the hacking seconds function is that it allows you to set the time accurately down to the seconds.
This movement is manufactured in-house by Orient in Japan.
All in all, this is a great movement that is perfect for a dive watch like the Triton.
Bracelet
The watch is presented on a stainless steel bracelet with three links. One broad link in the center, and two smaller links on the sides. To retain the watch’s sporty appearance, the bracelet has a completely brushed finish. For the clasp, Orient has opted for a push-button deployment clasp.
The bracelet is 22mm, and it is worth noting that the bracelet does not taper. Tapering helps improve comfort, so this would have been nice to see, but it is not the end of the world. If you want something different the watch also looks great on a NATO strap.
In terms of quality, the bracelet is relatively good. Like most affordable watches, there is some room for improvement in terms of rigidity and durability since it does have a tad of rattle to it, but it’s certainly not the end of the world. The bracelet has pins and not screws for adjusting the links.
Specifications
- Movement: Orient automatic caliber 40N5A. Hacking seconds
- Diameter: 43.4mm
- Thickness: 13.5mm
- Water Resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Lug width: 22mm
- Bracelet: Stainless steel with push-button deployment clasp
- Frequency: 21600 beats per hour
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire with Anti Reflective Coating
- Crown: screw-down
- Back: screw-down
- Bezel: unidirectional, 120 clicks
- Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve indicator
- Jewels: 22
Conclusion
With all of this said, it is evident that the Orient Triton dive watch offers exceptional value for money. And with this in mind, it is easy to see why it is so popular.
This watch offers everything you’d expect from a dive watch and more. And to mention the most important details, it has great legibility, nice case finishing, great water resistance, and superb in-house automatic movement. With all of the things that this one offers, you’ll struggle to find other watches that tick as many boxes as this one does.
Whether you actually need a well-performing dive watch that you can take with you when diving or you just like the design of dive watches, you cannot go wrong with the Orient Triton.
With the three different models to choose from, you can also be sure to find one you like.
The Orient Triton is available to order on Amazon.
