In this last post of 2012, I would like to share with you my collection of classic style watches from Seiko and Orient.
Shown above is a classic style Grand Seiko GMT (SBGM003) that was purchased in 2005 IIRC. It is the watch that started this collection.
Next, I have the Orient Star classic EL05004W. The model number of this watch is WZ0251EL in Japan. Mine is the international version with model number EL05004W. This watch was purchased in 2012.
The main difference between the two models is the rotor. Compare the rotor in the picture below with the one shown in this WZ0251EL post.
Orient celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2010 and released a pair of classic style handwind watches to commemorate the occasion. Here is my DT00002W.
Here’s the Orient Star classic and the 60th Anniversary commemorative watch.
This Seiko mechanical model nicknamed “the little Grand Seiko” is one of my favorite. I have three of these – SARB031, SARB027 and SARB043. This model is very sought after by Seiko collectors.
Here’s the off white SARB031 purchased in 2007.
The silver SARB027 purchased in 2009.
The Roman dialed SARB043 purchased in 2008.
The next watch is a 2012 release from Orient known as Bambino. I have two of these and the ER24002W happens to be the first rose gold watch in this collection.
Here’s my pair of Orient Bambinos ER24005W(left) and ER24002W(right).
In June 2013, I acquired this classic looking Orient Star WZ0081FD in NOS condition. I believe this watch was released in the mid 2000s.
A new variant of Orient Bambino came out in October 2013. I bought the ER2400BW.
Acquired the Orient Star WZ0271EL in November 2013. This is a Japan Domestic Model. Here it is next to the EL05004W. WZ0271EL is on the left.
Related posts:
Orient 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Watch ā DT00002W
https://yeomanseiko.com/2010/08/03/orient-60th-anniversary-limited-edition-watch-dt00002w/
Orient Bambino
https://yeomanseiko.com/2012/03/06/pictorial-review-of-an-orient-classic-er24005w/
Orient Star WZ0081FD
https://yeomanseiko.com/2013/07/29/watch-purchase-nos-orient-star-wz0081fd/
Congratulations Thomas.
You have a beautiful collection. I especially like the Grand Seiko GMT. That blue GMT hand and the cream dial lend character to the watch and gives it an almost regal disposition. TC
Thanks, TC.
How beautiful watches~@@
Thanks for share in this New Year Eve…^^!
Thanks.
Sweet watches,
I’ve been looking at dressier watches and the SARB’s would be my second choice… After some GS’s… š
The Orient are nice too, but for a dressy one I think I prefer a cleaner dial
Great classics you got there.
And since its this time of year,
My best wishes of health, prosperity and peace.
Thanks Jeje. Wishing you happy new year more watches in 2013. š
Wow great collection. Those older SARBS look so awesome & better than the new!! Wish I had one myself.
Thanks! This SARB model is a favourite of mine. It is also the only SARB model I have. I have owned other SARB models but sold them eventually.
I am looking for Seiko SARBs watches… May I know where do you get them and how much?
I bought them when they were still in production. You can’t get them new at the shops now. Monitor the sales forums and hopefully you will find a used one.
Hi Yeoman,
For the Orient, is the japan version more expensive than international version?
Any differnce between the two besides the rotor?
I noticed the back of both seems to have EL05 on them and not the W’ model.
I’m looking to get the one with the blue hands.
How would i be certain that the one am getting is Intl or Japan version?
Hope you can help.
Thanks.
The main difference is the rotor. The engravings on the caseback are the same except for “M9” on the Japan version and “N8” on the international version. I don’t know what these codes represent. The international version is also made in Japan so it depends on which rotor you prefer and the price difference which I’m not sure of. Probably very little difference.
“EL05” on the caseback refers to the movement code and case number.
If you purchase from the Japanese sites, you probably get the Japan version. If you get it from international dealers, then it is likely to be the international version. Ask the seller about the rotor and check the model number of the watch. International version starts with “EL” while Japan version starts with “WZ”.
Thanks yeoman,
I noticed the classic ones are now available in the international market website.
Was at my local watch shop this afternoon and noticed that both open heart and classic orient star have the same retail price. Japan website seem to have both of them quite war apart in terms of price. Weird. š Wonder if the JDM are a factor in the price
To me the JDM and international versions of this watch are the same. I wouldn’t pay more to get the JDM version. The retail shop you went to probably have the price tags mixed up.
The open heart intl version has the same retail price as JDM classic, which i believe doesn’t look right.
Will need to check with them again, as i’ve place an order for the classic one.
Definately taking intl version is there’s price difference.
Thanks Yeoman
Hi,
Just got myself the WZ0241EL. Checked the back, the rotor is with the black curve orient. Should be the JDM model.
However the engraving of mine shows “N4”. It shows EL05-C0-B CS. So im kinda confuse whether it’s JDM or Intl
How will i know whether this is the 40N51 or 40N52 movement?
I think you can use the rotor to judge whether yours is Japan or international version. What about the warranty card? Is it in Japanese or English? International version should come with warranty card in English.
The warranty booklet shows, International Warranty (multi language). But the warranty booklet was in the box whereas, they received their watches in plastic wrap with the tags only. So not sure whether they just provide the default warranty booklet from any of the orient star boxes š
Any way to check which movement? 40N51 or 40N52?
Not sure how to check the movement. I suspect the difference between 40N51 and 40N52 could be just the rotor.
So far all the international versions I’ve seen have the same rotor.
International version Orient Star GMT:
https://yeomanseiko.com/2011/09/10/orient-star-gmt-dj00001b/
International version Orient Star Retrograde:
https://yeomanseiko.com/2011/10/07/orient-star-retrograde-de00002b/
I believe Orient uses this rotor specially for the international version.
Hmmm.. That could be it. Japan website has it with 40N51 while international is 40N52.
here’s a low quality photo of the caseback of my watch.
Everytime i visit your page, i will be poison by the watches you review. Luckily i have a small wrist. So limited selections. Hahaha
Thanks for your help.
Here’s your picture. Definitely a Japan version.
Any leads on where I might be able to find the 60th anniversary Orient? Been searching high and low for it.
Try monitoring Japan Yahoo and the major sales forums.
Saw one NOS listed now in ebay sg…
Hi Thomas,
I love your classic collection. I also like cream dial watches like you. The best cream dial for me is the GS GMT SBGM 003. Are there any model that is close to this dial, like the Seiko SARB 035 (still in production) or SARB 031, or other Orient watches, as you’ve handled or owned them? Thanks. Mark
ownedem?
Hi Mark,
I think the closest would be the SBGW031. The Orient WZ0081FD shown in this post is also pretty close. SARB031 and 035 are not very close. They are off white rather than cream.
Best regards,
Thomas
Thanks for your reply.I think you’re right. Sadly, the Orient Star is not available now, and I can’t afford a GS at present.
do u know what type of crystal is the sarb043 using? a mineral or a sapphire? because it is a domed crystal
It’s actually Hardlex crystal.
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Hi Bro, do you know where can I get the out of production sarb031 in Singapore? Or my best bet will be sales forum and yahoo Japan?
Thanks
You won’t be able to find brand new ones anymore. Yes, sales forums and Yahoo Japan are the places to monitor.