Orient Star’s M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton from the Contemporary M34 Collection flaunts a mechanical yet stylish design that adds depth to the conventional skeleton dial.

The lineup includes two models: RE-BZ0001S with a stainless steel case, and RE-BZ0002B with a black plated stainless steel case.

The first thing to note is the dial design. As the name suggests, the movement inside can be glimpsed through the skeleton. Full skeleton dials often give a dressy impression, but the dual-layered open frame structure of the new models accentuates the three-dimensionality and depth of the dial. (*Close-up images of the dial appear in the middle section of this article.)

The mechanical yet stylish dial of the M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton is an irresistible design that strikes a chord with all mechanical enthusiasts, not to mention watch lovers and car enthusiasts. At the same time, it embodies Orient Star’s pride as a Japanese watchmaker known for building movements with precision and sophistication.

Spotlight on Made-in-Japan Quality!

As many of you know, Japanese watchmakers competed against the Swiss in astronomical observatory chronometry competitions in the sixties, and by the seventies and eighties they swept the world with quartz movements that outperformed mechanical movements in precision.

The pursuit of precision has long been a part of Japanese tradition, and Orient Star has firmly inherited this in its watchmaking. The brand’s made-in-Japan quality is evident in every step, from the rigorous parts manufacturing process – made possible with advances in precision processing technology – to the meticulous assembly.

From here, we will examine the new M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton and the features that highlight its made-in-Japan quality.

●Feature 01
Elaborate Dial Design

Dual layered dials are placed above the movement to give the watch a mechanical feel. This structure, along with the silicon escape wheel (the blue part visible at the bottom left near the centre of the dial), offers a glimpse into this Japanese watchmaker’s precision-oriented technology.

In addition, the straight hands and applied indices ensure high legibility with separately finished surfaces and Luminous Light. The bezel with hex screws is another distinctive feature.

●Feature 02
Cool Case Design

The stainless steel (SUS316L) case features a delicate brushed finish, while the mirror finish by Sallaz polishing on the lugs adds an accent to the watch.

●Feature 03
Spotlight on the Elaborate Movement!

This series features Orient Star’s F8 movement with silicon escape wheel offering longer running time. And the lineup now includes an automatic calibre F8F64 with power reserve of 60 hours and high accuracy of +15 seconds to -5 seconds per day.

●Feature 04
It’s Impressive on the Inside Too! The Silicon Escape Wheel

Silicon is lightweight, resistant to magnetism and abrasion, and helps to improve the performance of movements. The Swiss watch industry uses silicon to create parts such as balance springs and escapements.

In Japan, it was Epson who took on the challenge of making escape wheels out of silicon. Using a precision technology called MEMS acquired through their development of print heads, they managed to cut silicon with a high precision of one thousandth of a millimetre. In 2021, Orient Star launched a model with these silicon escape wheels for the first time.

The M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton in Two New Models!

M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton RE-BZ0001S

Movement = Automatic (with hand winding) mechanical calibre F8F64
Accuracy = + 15 seconds to – 5 seconds per day　
Power reserve = 60 hours
Case material = Stainless steel (SUS316L)
Glass (Front) = Sapphire crystal (SAR coating)
Glass (Back) = Sapphire crystal　　
Luminous Light = Yes
Bracelet = Stainless steel (SUS316L)
Bracelet colour = Silver　
Bracelet width = 21 mm
Buckle = Trifold deployant buckle with push button
Weight = 180 g
Case height = 50.0 mm　Width = 42.3 mm　Thickness = 12.4 mm
Water resistance = Water resistance to 10 bar
Magnetic resistance = Type 1
Other features = Second hand hacking, see-through case back, 24 jewels, screw-down crown
Standard warranty = 2 years
Suggested retail price: US $2,200.00

M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton RE-BZ0001S features a bracelet made of the same material as the case with H-shaped links, highlighting the solid metallic texture.

M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton RE-BZ0002B

A fierce, sporty model featuring a black plated case and dial, and a Cordura ballistic nylon strap. Same specifications as RE-BZ0001S above. Suggested retail price: US $2,200.00

M34 Avant-garde F8 Skeleton RE-BZ0002B’s strap is made of highly durable Cordura ballistic nylon with calf leather reinforcement on the edges that are prone to friction. The back of the strap is synthetic leather that feels good to the touch.

About Orient Star

The Orient Star story began in 1950 with the founding of Tama Keiki Co., Ltd. which manufactured watches. One year later, the company was renamed Orient Watch Co., Ltd. The brand Orient Star, aimed at creating “shining star” watches, was born.

Since then, it has captivated watch enthusiasts with its genuine mechanical watch excellence.

After collaborating with Seiko Epson Corporation for over 20 years, the two companies officially merged in 2017. The merger launched Orient Star’s brand and sincere craftsmanship into a new era of mechanical watches.

Enquiries: https://global.orientstar-watch.com/pages/contact

Photos = Masahiro Okamura　Composition, text, styling = Takafumi Kobayashi

(ENGINE WEB original)　https://engineweb.jp/