As part of the 75th Anniversary releases, Orient Star sent us a loaner for the new M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding model. Here is our hands-on review after a month on the wrist.
Review: the new Orient Star M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding model
The Orient Star M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding Model Ref. RE-AZ0105N retails at USD 3,250. Limited Edition of 430 pieces.
The case and bracelet
The case of this novelty is based on the M34 Contemporary Collection. The case shape is the standard M34 classical case with integrated lugs. A polished bezel adorns the case over the dial. The case measures a nominal 39mm in diameter and is crafted from SUS316L Stainless Steel with a black plating. The bezel and crown is retained in the natural steel hue. The bracelet is also three link design, also in the same stainless steel and is black plated. It carries a trifold deployant buckle with push button for opening. No fine adjustment mechanism is indicated.
The watch, with case and bracelet feels quite substantial in weight, though only 39mm in diameter. And the black plating seems to be rather thick, with a hand feel that is somewhat like black ceramic. This black portion contrasts nicely with the matte finished bezel and crown retains the silvery-grey hue of natural steel.
The watch is supplied with an additional cordovan leather strap in black. Our review sample did not contain this additional strap.
The dial and hands
The dial is inspired by the Perseid meteor shower. This is depicted by the skeletonised dial design. The dial is fully skeletonised, leaving only a ring for the subsidiary seconds hands, and the fan shaped power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock with a large pierced interior. These two dial elements plus a plaque bearing the logo and Orient Star branding are bolted by screws to the movement plate.
The indices are appliqué and attached to a ring in the periphery of the dial, extending into the space opened up by the skeletonising process. The indices feature a ruled top surface, with the sides which are chamfered and faceted in high polish. The 12 o’clock numeral is a flat plate, machined into the shape of the Roman XII.
The hour and minute hands are also faceted and carry different finishes on each of the facets.
The movement
The movement is the F6B65. This is an advanced hand wound movement with a silicon escape wheel visible as a bright blue cog from the dial side. This silicon escape wheel is an in-house development, and makes the long power reserve of 70 hours possible.
The Orient Star literature states that this is a new movement, but the only change is that it now features a laser engraving. The movement plate carries a meteorite pattern, typical of the Widmanstätten motif common in iron based meteorite. But we do note that this is a laser engraved pattern based on the meteorite, and not actual meteorite. This pattern is engraved on both sides of the movement.
Movement finishing is generally good with the implementation of many haute horlogerie elements like the use of anglage on all the bridge and plate openings, including those opened for the skeleton structure. However, as noted in our other Orient Star reviews, we not find any sharp internal or external angles applied to these openings and bridges, indicating that the anglage is done by machine. We find this to be perfectly acceptable for a watch at this price range and to expect hand made sharp angles would not be possible given the cost and time constraints.
As usual, the specifications state an accuracy of +15s/-5s a day is achieved by the movement. As we have discussed in other reviews of Orient Star watches, this is a very conservative number. In our daily use over the one month loaner, we are satisfied that the watch keeps good time, fully sufficient for non-chronometric usage.
Concluding thoughts
We enjoyed our time with the Orient Star M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding watch. It feels very robust and fully capable for our usage as urban warriors. The watch is also very beautiful, and we particularly loved the contrast of the polished, faceted elements (indices, hands) against the dark indicator scales over the exposed grey movement bits. Especially the magnificent blue escape wheel which plays a peek-a-boo, visible from the dial side.
For more information, please visit the Orient Star 75th Anniversary site.
Orient Star M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding Specifications
| Collection | Contemporary Collection (M34) |
| Model name | M34 F8 Skeleton Hand Winding |
| Reference | RE-AZ0105N |
| Movement | Hand winding mechanical in-house calibre F8B65 |
| Power reserve | Over 70 hours |
| Accuracy | +15 seconds ~ -5 seconds per day |
| Case material | Stainless steel (SUS316L), black plated (excluding bezel and crown) |
| Case size | Height 46.5 mm / width 39.0 mm / thickness 10.8 mm |
| Caseback | Orient Star 75th Anniversary, limited edition and serial number engraving |
| Glass | Front: Dual curve sapphire crystal (SAR coating), back: sapphire crystal |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel (SUS316L) / trifold deployant buckle with push button / width 20 mm / exchangeable cordovan leather strap (black) |
| Dial colour (material) | Grey gradation |
| Limited Edition | 430 pieces |
| Other features | Water resistance to 5 bar (50 m), power reserve indicator, second hand hacking, 22 jewels, see-through exhibition case back |
