While I may have started leaning towards thinner, more dressy watches, in my own watch preferences, I still find myself drawn to divers. There’s just a go anywhere sort of an attitude to them, and on a bracelet, you can certainly get away with trying to pair them with a suit (just make sure you’ve got wide cuffs). If you find yourself rowing that same boat, then you may want to have a look at the just-announced Orient Triton Diver.
Now, for me, when I look at dive watches, I’m mostly checking out the style, as well as whatever WR rating it carries. It’s a much smaller slice of those watches that could actually carry a real-world dive certification. Well, wouldn’t you know, the Orient Triton Diver actually complies with the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) for a Class 1 diver watch, which means it’s got some cred (literally) to be used as a SCUBA watch.
In terms of the existing Orient lineup, the Orient Triton Diver is slotted right between the Mako USA II and the Pro Saturation Diver. If the Mako was simply not hardcore enough for you, but the Pro Saturation too extreme, well, hopefully the Orient Triton Diver will play Goldilocks for you.
From the spec sheet, a 43.4mm steel case (on a steel bracelet), 13.6mm thickness, and an AR-coated sapphire crystal sounds a lot like what we see from many independent, smaller brands that are developing divers out there. The one big differentiator (aside from the styling) would be the movement inside. Here, we’ve got the Orient 40N50 caliber taking care of business. With a 40-hour power reserve (indicated on the dial side too) and a date complication, it’s got everything you’d need in a basic dive watch.
On the dial of the Orient Triton Diver, as I mentioned, you’ve got a power-reserve indicator (something you generally don’t see on divers), the aforementioned date display, and a crisp white (via the luminous paint) against the dark dial (blue or black). In other words, it makes for a solid everyday sort of a watch. Should you want yours a little dressier (I guess?), there’s a version that adds some gold tone to the bezel and indices.
Overall finishing looks to be matte (which would make it less of a dress impersonator), but certainly will help hide any sort of fingerprints or smudges. The releases from Orient so far this year have been eye-catching, and this Orient Triton Diver certainly follows that trend. Pricing for them starts at $655, and we’re inquiring about getting one in for a hands-on review. orientwatchusa.com
Tech Specs from Orient
- Case Diameter: 43.4mm without crown
- Case Thickness: 13.6mm
- Water Resistance: 200m, JIS Class 1 Diver
- Sapphire Crystal (with AR coating)
- Stainless Steel Bracelet with extension
- Movement
- Orient Caliber 40N50 (Made in Japan)
- Self-Winding, hand-winding, seconds hand-halt mechanism (hacking)
- Vibrations: 21,600 VPH
- Jewels: 22 Jewels
- Power Reserve: 40+ Hours
- Functions: Date display, power reserve
- MSRP: Starting at $655
