Orient has a number of nice classic automatic models that they offer in Japan. They are known to collectors as Japan domestic models (JDM) and are made in Japan with very good quality.

Besides the JDM’s, Orient offers a wide selection of watches in the international market and some of them are pretty well made and certainly worth looking at.

CFD0E003W

This time round I had the opportunity to handle a recent Classic Automatic in the international lineup, the model number is CFD0E003W (shown above).

I first saw the watch in April 2009 among a heap of new arrivals at Big Time. The design of the watch instantly reminded me of the Orient Star, WZ0141FD due to the position of the crown, date window and the power reserve indicator. The CFD0E**** series is like the international equivalent of the WZ0141FD series.

Below is a picture of the WZ0141FD for your reference.

Orient Star WZ0141FD

Besides the crown, date window and power reserve indicator mentioned earlier, another similarity between the two watches is that they both have textured dial. Below is a comparison of the dials and as you can see, the dials are textured but with different texture patterns.

CFD0E003W

Orient Star WZ1014FD

If you compare the other aspects on the dial, you will find that the Orient Star is superior to the CFD0E003W. For example, the Orient Star has applied markers and textured lines on its power reserve subdial and also sword style hour and minute hands that have the 3D look. The CFD0E003W does not have that amount of details but it uses a combination of blue hands, printed Arabic hour numerals and curved crystal to create a simple but classic look.

Below are the side shots of the watches. The finishing on the Orient Star is nicely executed and that of the CFD0E003W is not far behind as you can see.

CFD0E003W

Orient Star WZ0141FD

That’s all for the comparison. Below are the bracelet and caseback shots of the CFD0E003W.

The CFD0E003W comes with stainless steel bracelet with folding bucking and push button lock. There is leather strap version (CFD0E004W) which I plan to pick up in the near future.

Folded end links for the bracelet.

Here’s a caseback shot.

Here’s a quick review of the WZ0141FD:
http://yeomanseiko.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!3318BA07329CD633!2074.entry

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Orient CFD0E003W featured in this post is provided by
Authorized Orient distributor in Singapore:

483 Sims Avenue, Singapore 387555
Tel: 6273 3355 Fax: 6278 8929
bigtime@singnet.com.sg
www.chang.com.sg