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Orient Tristar is the budget range of the Orient brand. Although regular Orient watches are already good value for money and also very cheap considering the specifications of each piece, Tristar takes this a step further.
Although this is not a common theme in Western watch brands, in Asia it is relatively normal to have brands that produce watches at very different prices. The prime example of this is the parent company of Orient, Seiko. The Seiko 5 can be purchased for under $100, whereas there are watches within the Grand Seiko series that sell for 5 figure sums.
Orient are a less extreme variation of this and sell their regular watches for $150-$250, whereas the Orient Tristar range typically sells anywhere from $90-$180.
Another similarity between Orient and Orient Tristar is their production of purely automatic watches. Neither series makes quartz watches, since there is already so much competition in Japan, it makes sense for Orient to stick to what they do best.
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Are Orient Tristar Watches Good Quality?
Any watch made by Orient is decent quality and good value for money – with the Orient Tristar series being no exception to this.
Orient use in house movements, so cannot be directly compared to brands who make anything similar. However, these movements generally keep within +/- 10 to 15 seconds per day, so are really not bad considering the cost. The only real watch that is both a similar price and specification is the Seiko 5, which is visually very different from an Orient Tristar.
In summary, other than Seiko, you will not find a better value for money watch than an Orient Tristar. Granted, there are cheaper quartz watches available that have vastly more accurate movements. But these cannot really be compared against automatic watches.
The Differences Between Orient & Orient Tristar
The first noticeable difference between a Tristar and regular Orient watch is the style and case size of each watch. Many regular Orient models are made in the style of dive watches and therefore have a much bulkier case. Orient Tristar watches have a very traditional look and feel about them, often using slightly smaller case sizes that are under 40mm.
Secondly, there is a small difference in both price and specification. Orient Tristar watches are budget timepieces so use cheaper materials such as mineral glass, as well as slightly lower spec movements. In turn, this causes Orient to lower the sales price of Orient Tristar watches.
Lastly compared with normal Orient watches, there is a much smaller selection of Orient Tristar watches. This is mostly due to price once again. Since it is much cheaper to mass produce the same movements and case sizes, Orient can offer the Tristar at a cheaper price.
The Best Orient Tristar Watches
Orient Tristar Automatic Black & Gold Day-Date
The classic 37mm dress watch is pretty much the design that comes into our heads when somebody mentions an Orient Tristar. There is nothing spectacular about this watch, but it is both very cheap and reliable, with useful day-date functions.
This is one of the few watches from the Tristar range which you’re able to buy in a variety of colors if you’re not a fan of gold. Quite clearly a throwback, the 37mm case size is a little on the small side for a garish modern day watch, but the Orient Tristar range came out in the 1970s and is still producing watches that are tested classics.
Orient Blue Multi-Function Dial RA-AK0507L
It isn’t easy to make a watch with an automatic movement displaying 2 subdials and a date window for under $150, but Orient has managed it. Whilst this asymmetric style may not be for everyone, Orient must be given credit for this particular Tristar model since it is relatively complicated given the price.
This less traditional dress watch has a case size of 39.5mm, so will appeal to those who prefer modern watches and want an automatic watch for a reasonable price.
As this is a budget Tristar watch, there are not really any other variations of this watch since it is mass produced to keep costs low. Overall though, it is great value for money.
Orient WV0011AA Grey Dial Watch
This watch is priced highly for an Orient Tristar but has an original day-date complication, as well as a very modern look about it.
Keeping up with other watches, Orient have chosen to use a 42mm case size, which is a little above average for a watch with no bezel. The date has a cyclops over the 3 o’clock window which is a little unnecessary but adds to the originality of the watch.
The secondary crown in the 4 o’clock position can be used to rotate the outer dial, which again is not too useful but another strange feature added to this watch.
In short, this Tristar certainly looks cool, but some of the functions are over the top and simply not needed in terms of practical use.
