Contemporary Modern Skeleton Green - Ltd Ed 1600pcs Ref. RE-AV0140E

Orient is a revered name in Japanese watchmaking, particularly celebrated among enthusiasts who collect Japanese Domestic Market timepieces. While other major brands have expanded aggressively into global markets, Orient has maintained a dedicated following by focusing on high quality, accessible horology. The company trace its origin back to 1901 when Shogoro Yoshida opened a pocket watch shop, later establishing Orient as an independent manufacturer in 1950. Throughout its long history, the firm has remained committed to producing reliable in house mechanical movements. Joining the Seiko Epson Group in the early 2000s allowed Orient to preserve its traditional watchmaking philosophy alongside sibling brands. Today, Orient continues to build versatile watches ranging from elegant dress models to robust sports timepieces.

Much like Grand Seiko operates as the luxury arm of Seiko, Orient Star functions as the premium Japanese Domestic Market line within the brand portfolio. This flagship division splits into 3 core categories, comprising Classic, Sports, and Contemporary, with this piece highlighting the modern Contemporary series. 

Orient Star Contemporary Modern Skeleton Green - Ltd Ed 1600pcs Ref. RE-AV0140E

Dating back to 1951, Orient Star debuted with in house timepieces featuring elegant case geometry, blued hands, mechanical movement architecture, and timeless dial layouts. Over the decades, the line expanded to include iconic dress models like the Orient Star Dynamic, openworked designs such as the 1990s Orient Mon Bijou, and notable dive instruments including the Weekly Auto Orient King Diver reference 19410 which introduced the brand first automatic mechanism.

Openwork watchmaking is deeply ingrained in Orient Star heritage, tracing back to 1991 and gaining significant momentum in October 2003 with the launch of its first semi skeleton timepiece, the Orient Star reference WZ0011FH. Today, in its 75th anniversary year, Orient Star continues to deliver unique Made in Japan timepieces to collectors worldwide. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Orient Star releases a brand new aurora inspired dial design featuring the Contemporary Modern Skeleton. Engineered as a 100m water resistant everyday timepiece, it features a multi finished bracelet that combines robust durability with refined aesthetic elegance.

For a start, the Contemporary Modern Skeleton offers a solid SUS316L stainless steel case. Further, measuring 41mm wide, 12mm thick and 49mm lug to lug, paired with a push-pull crown while still bears a decent 100m water-resistant. Since this falls under Orient's premium line, the case gets a byzantine satin-brushed and polished finishing while the back of the watch features full polishing. Even the bezel gets the full high gloss polish treatment tastefully.

Green dial with semi skeleton display

Protected by a flat sapphire crystal, the visual execution of the Orient Star Contemporary Modern Skeleton captures light across an aurora inspired green gradient surface with a matte sandblasted finish. Applied faceted metallic hour markers line the perimeter, led by a classic Roman numeral at the 12 position. The expanded openwork reveals key elements of the mechanical movement beneath, including an enlarged small seconds display. A signature fan shaped power reserve indicator sits near 12, displaying remaining power reserve at a glance. Remarkably, even with this complication alongside skeletonized cutouts placed at 2, 4 through 7, and a prominent open balance window at 9, overall legibility remains exceptional.

That said, the legible handset bears the same color tone luminous with those on top of the hour markers, to aid the semi-skeleton dial. Speaking of which, the Contemporary Modern Skeleton's openwork at 9 o'clock showcased their attention to detail by framing it with metallic trim, and high-polished balance bridge for the wearer to indulge when glancing at the time. Lastly, the beautiful sub-second dial is metallic, fitting with the opened work and rest of the applied markers. With it placed at the bottom of the dial, giving it a more balanced look in coherence with the power reserve indicator at the top side.

The in house calibre F6F44 represents a top tier automatic movement reserved exclusively for Orient Star timepieces. The 24 jewel movement provides a reliable 50 hour power reserve, beating at 21600 vibrations per hour with a daily tolerance of +25 to -15 seconds. This horological engine powers the signature fan shaped power reserve indicator at 12, a sub seconds display at 6, and a visual open heart cutout at 9. Protecting this mechanism is a clear glass exhibition case back featuring custom limited edition text and individual serial number engravings that emphasize its true exclusivity.

41mm stainless steel case

Pairing the watch case is a well multi-finished solid end link bracelet. Solidly made from SUS316L stainless steel, the bracelet enhances much elegance of the whole watch, while it feels still feel sturdy and fitting. This assures the wearer a safe and secure fitting when strapping the Orient Star Contemporary on the wrist.

Overall the Orient Star Contemporary Modern Skeleton presents a dynamic modern feel while allowing collectors to admire impeccable openwork craftsmanship across the dial. It achieves a balance of functional utility and refined aesthetics, honoring the watchmaking legacy Orient has cultivated since the 1950s. Positioned in the luxury tier of the catalog, this JDM mechanical timepiece delivers a level of robust construction and finishing that exceeds expectations. Featuring a 100m water resistant case paired with the proprietary automatic calibre, power reserve indicator, and small seconds display, this release offers remarkable value. Limited to just 1600 pieces worldwide, it represents an outstanding acquisition for discerning watch collectors.

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