At least, they have with a few of their automatic models showing an open dial.  For today, we’ll take a closer look at their Esteem (FDB08005W) model.  While I’ve not experienced an Orient watch first hand, they seem to have a good reputation – and as such, worth taking a closer look.

Ad – Pick Up The Orient Open Heart Automatic Watch with Leather Strap FDB08005W Here – Ad

In and of itself, the design isn’t anything earth-shattering.  You do get a small window to peer in on the semi-skeltonized automatic movement, which is something I’m drawn to.  Past that, you’ve got some fairly standard watch specs:

• 42.5mm steel case (12 mm thick)
• In house automatic movement with 40 hour power reserve
• 50m water resistance

For me, I was drawn to the steel case + brown strap combo (though I’d be tempted to replace the embossed strap regardless).  They do also offer it on a black strap (same case), on  a black strap with a black case / gold tone markers, or a gold-tone case on the brown leather strap.

Regardless of the model you choose, you’re not going to be paying more than $300 for the watch.  And that’s just at MSRP.  Orient often has discount codes available (their page currently lists a 30% off code).  You can at times receive a 50% off code as well; for those, you’ll need to sign up for their mailing list.

If you’ve not given the Orient brand any attention in the past, now may be a good time for you to do so – especially if you’ve been drawn into the dress and / or open-hearted watch categories, like I have been lately.

It’s not every day you see a man in a lab coat test some of the more affordable watches out there but this fellow from the NAWCC School of Horology is totes serious about his craft. Enjoy this seven minute description of watch testing courtesy of our buddies at Watchdig

We don’t often get to run contests here at WWR, but when we do, we get excited. Recently, Orient watches contacted us about doing a giveaway, and we are definitely excited and glad to help them find a new home for one of their timepieces. For the details on how to win, click on constant reader…

Orient Watch is known as the bargain brand with the long names, and the watch that we’re giving away is no exception. The watch in question is the Orient bem72001b, and it’s lovely. It’s a stainless steel case, water resistant to 50 meters, and made with Orient’s in house automatic movement.

How do you win? Well that’s easy. Leave a comment telling us what your first watch was. It’s that easy. Also make sure that you put a real email address in (don’t worry, we’re the only ones who will see it) so we can contact you when you win. The contest will end on October 23, at which time we’ll select a random (or our favorite) comment, and award the watch.

Update: Contest ends at 12:01am Pacific time tonight (October 23rd). We’ll notify the winner via email.