ORIENT’s In-House Watch Movement

March 13th, 2009 Posted in Orient News | 63 Comments | Comment and Win a Free Orient Watch Comment and Win a Free Orient Watch

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If you’re a newbie in the watch world, you may wonder what makes ORIENT unique and why it has such a cult-like following. A lot of the buzz has to do with ORIENT making its own movements.

What is an In-House Movement?

An in-house movement is developed and manufactured by a watch company for their watch production. Many well-known watch companies do not produce their own movements, but rather, outsource and design a watch around a movement.

Orient, however, develops and assembles their mechanical movements strictly for their own production.

True watchmaking starts with the development of a movement. A movement is simply the mechanism that works the watch. Can you imagine purchasing a watch for thousands of dollars knowing that it wasn’t even made by the company?

Imagine buying a Rolls Royce knowing that it was built by Fiat. Would you pay the premium? This is exactly where Orient fits.

in-house-movement

Which Brands Make Their Own Movements?

Here is a list of watch brands that make their own movements. Even though a lot of watch companies nowadays make some of their own movements in-house and outsource the rest, we are only including companies that make 100% of their own movements entirely in-house:

  • Audemars Piguet
  • Citizen
  • Glashütte
  • Girard Perregaux
  • Grovana Revue Thommen
  • Jaeger-LeCoultre
  • Orient
  • Patek Philippe
  • Prim
  • Rolex
  • SeaGull
  • Seiko
  • Vacheron & Constantin
  • Vostok
  • Vulcain
  • Wempe
  • Zenith

Which Brands DON’T Make Their Own Movements?

This may shock you, but a lot of reputable brands out there use outsourced movements.

  • Ball Watch Co
  • Breitling
  • Breguet
  • Chopard
  • IWC
  • Omega
  • Panerai
  • Tag

Here’s a great discussion about the topic on WatchUSeek.com.

  1. 63 Comments | Comment and Win a Free Orient Watch

  2. By CSJ on Apr 15, 2009

    What about Invicta? Theirs says Miyota.

  3. By Ted on Apr 18, 2009

    Your list is not accurate at all! Vacheron, Wempe, Audemars Piguet and Breguet all make some in house movements, but not all movements are made in house.

    Also, the rotor doesn’t tell you much, it is easy to buy a movement from ETA and just engrave your rotor.

  4. By joey on May 2, 2009

    Ted,

    That’s an excellent point.

    Not all of the movements use their own components, however, they do have a technical team that research and develop new functionality.

    They decide sometimes to use in-house movements but many times they decide to outsource because of cost implications.

    I do agree with your point, and we should perfect this list.

  5. By John Anderson on Dec 23, 2009

    I like a lot of these Orient watches, I dont see any unique designs by them but for the price I am tempted to buy one.

  6. By Neil on Dec 27, 2009

    You are in some pretty high-flying company (Glashutte, Patek, Rolex). Many of the Swiss makers rely on ETA (owned by Swatch) for their movements, but those are becoming harder and harder to come by, as they are now keeping them for their own brands.

    It is fantastic that you have the capability of making your own fine movements!

  7. By John Morgan on Dec 29, 2009

    It’s an eye-opening experience when you realize which watch companis do and do not make their movements inhouse.

    This is very helpful and I will refer to it often, Thanks for the education.

    John Morgan

  8. By Dave on Dec 29, 2009

    Great list. It looks like there aren’t that many watchmakers manufacture their own movements. It certainly puts Orient Watch in some unique company.

  9. By Brian on Dec 29, 2009

    Thanks for the information. I thought that Rolex was also using the zenith el primero movements in some of their watches as well.

  10. By James Chen on Dec 29, 2009

    If most of these company uses the same movement. Why do they charge so much. The only differentiation is the case and the logo

  11. By billy on Dec 29, 2009

    Great watchs at some wonderfull prices!

  12. By billy on Dec 29, 2009

    Top of the line watches at a great prices!

  13. By billy on Dec 29, 2009

    There is no better watches at these prices!

  14. By billy on Dec 29, 2009

    The best for less!

  15. By Doug on Dec 29, 2009

    Hi,

    I have been a fan of Orient Watches for some time. I have watches from the following companies; Rolex, Seiko “Spring Drive,” “Nardin” etc,. I especially like the Orinet Star Royal WZ0011FC model in white which I also own,. For those naysayers out there please but a high end Orient watch and see for yourself why they are a great value for the money. There are also 18K models of the Royal Orient Line available in Japan.

    Doug+

  16. By Jay on Jan 5, 2010

    I saw these watches and reviwed them. AND then I bought one!!!!

  17. By Herman on Jan 7, 2010

    8-1-2010

    Hello,

    bay the CEY04004W0 was the best thing i did
    in 2009

    Herman van den Berg

  18. By SteveC on Jan 9, 2010

    Hi,
    I have had Citizen and Seiko automatics, and they cannot hold a candle to the Orient Star I have just bought. The automatic movement is so smooth in comparison. Great watch, great price!

  19. By Josh on Jan 10, 2010

    I am very impressed. Being in the US, I’m new to Orient as they are new to us. I’ve owned an Omega Speedmaster triple date with chronograph and even when I purchased it used, at 15 years old the watch still cost $1700. Consider that the movement was by ETA. Sure, Omega modifies the ETA movements before installing them, as do many of the high end watch makers that use ETA movements as a base, but the fact that like Rolex, Orient makes their own movements is most impressive. The Orient CFM00001S that I just purchased is of such high quality for the price, more than a grand less than my old Omega! And it still has a quality solid band (even the end links!) and the exhibition case back is really cool!

    Thank you Orient for coming to the USA!

  20. By Al on Jan 12, 2010

    I’ve had my Orient Blue Mako (original) since Christmas. What a watch! When I opened the box I was surprised at the quality of fit and finish. In this price range I could have gotten no finer timepiece. And I did shop around for a month.

    The fact that the movements are Orient calibre (in house) makes this watch all the more a tremendous value. I will be purchasing more.

    Thanks, and please try to get some JDM models to this side of the world.

  21. By Tim on Jan 22, 2010

    It’s nice to see a company getting a start in the US that’s making it’s own movements. I like a lot of Swiss stuff, Hamiltons in particular, but it’s nice to see someone that’s not part of the Swatch conglomerate and is not using the same ETA and Valjoux movements as everyone else.

  22. By Dayle on Jan 23, 2010

    “What about Invicta? Theirs says Miyota.”

    MIYOTA movement is made by CITIZEN.

  23. By Jim Naimo on Jan 24, 2010

    In this day and time it is still good to find a company that offers something for everyone. Orient offers a diverse line of watches. While some are very expensive high end models that compete with the best out there one has to remember there are less expensive but extremely well built models put out by Orient. While I may not be able to afford all that Orient offers I can still get a well built watch. That is something Rolex cannot do.

  24. By Jerry Cochran on Jan 27, 2010

    Hello, I became interested in Orient Watches after a discussion at Watch Talk forums. The Orient is highly thought of at that forum and believe me, they know their stuff about timepieces. Even though Orients are typically less expensive, they offer fresh styling, accuracy, complications and simply good looks that are features of many more expensive watches. I believe that Orient watches are a fantastic timepieces for people who like to wear different watches on a daily basis.

  25. By Anand Ranganathan on Jan 29, 2010

    I have seen examples of Orient watches at the general merchandise store we shopped at, when we lived in the the Middle East in the 70’s and the 80’s.Have not seen examples in the U.S.A. until now.
    Time to get one for myself!

  26. By Blake on Feb 1, 2010

    Just purchased the CEM75002D. Can’t wait to get it in the mail! It is such a beautiful watch, now how to tell the wife….

  27. By David on Feb 7, 2010

    I currently have 2 Tag’s and have had quite a few issues with them, I must say that I was very disappointed. This explains a little more of why I have had some issues (outsourcing). I have just purchased 2 Orient watches 1 automatic dive watch (CEM65001B Black Mako) and one quartz chronograph (CTD09003D). If the perform half as good as the reviews and half as good as what I have seen I am sure I will really enjoy them. I will post another update after I have had them a few weeks.

  28. By janari on Feb 18, 2010

    can anyone tell me about orient cal 429? was it a good movement? how about orient chronoace racer 27? was it a good watch?

  29. By Erick on Feb 18, 2010

    Tissot should be placed in the “does not” section, they, and as other companies use the Valjoux 7750 movement, its a good movement, but my PRS516 has the same movements like in the Ball Watch Co, and a few Rolex’s,and cost 1,000’s of dollars but compared to the Orient watches, this Japanese watch company is very very good, very reliable, very well made, i am looking into buying my second Orient soon.

  30. By Jeff York on Feb 24, 2010

    I have owned my my first Orient watch(Titanium with slide rule)for 4 yrs and second one(with the full calendar) for 2yrs. I love the feel and function of both these watches. The titanium for the size is the lightest watch I have in my collection of 75 watches. Even with the bracelet, it weights less than some with leather bands. What I like the best is I get them started and they keep time. I seldom have to keep resetting the time on them. I take one off and 40 hours later they are still running. I have watches from all over the world and by far these are my favorites.

  31. By Aldo on Feb 26, 2010

    “NOW BREITLING DOES HIS OWN MOVEMENT, THE B01″

    So you can change Breitling and put it up in the first list.

  32. By David on Feb 26, 2010

    Its funny that a Omega is the “official” ‘time’ keeper of the Olympics when they dont even make their own movements, and never have since the “Speedmaster” days. All they make are the cases, “the glass-and-chrome”, the “window dressings”.

    Its amazing what alittle propaganda and marketing will do. Keep up the awesome time keeping production ORIENT!

  33. By Jawahar Joe on Feb 26, 2010

    I had my first day/date automatic way back in the 70’s in India (Mangalore). It was stolen and could not afford to buy another automatic. When I came to the US, automatic watches were unheard of. Thank you, Orient, for bringing these fabulous watches to US.

  34. By vasilis on Mar 4, 2010

    I love mechanical watches from japan and i have enjoyed my 21 year old seiko very much without ever having any problems. I have been looking at orient watches on the internet and I must say that they have won me, but it’s difficult to bye one in Greece where I presently live because they are very hard to find and when found they are highly overpriced. :-( (((

  35. By JJM on Mar 6, 2010

    The best automatic for the price! No contest.

  36. By Ha on Mar 13, 2010

    I don’t know what people mean when they say that orient watches have no unique design? If you want truly unique and strange without much quality, go with Marc Ecko watches. For the price, I’m really tempted in buying an orient watch.

  37. By Jared Lesser on Mar 15, 2010

    To go along with this discussion, perhaps you could provide images of a few different Orient movements along with their caliber numbers. I’m sure many Orient enthusiasts would be keen to see the various movements offered in different watch lines, and see the differences between calibers.

  38. By Tim Bradley on Mar 18, 2010

    I think it’s fantastic that Orient makes it movements in-house. That gives a lot more ability for quality control of the entire watch.

    I was surprised by some of the watch manufacturers that don’t make their own movements–some of them are at the top end of the price spectrum. Presumably, you could spend thousands of dollars on a watch that has a pretty ordinary movement, right? What’s the point of that?

    Part of the reason I purchased a watch from Orient (an orange Mako–LOVE IT!) was that, although the brand is still a little bit “under the radar” here in the States, they have a good reputation for quality products.

  39. By randy on Mar 27, 2010

    stunning watch with the orange face. definitely stands out.

  40. By Hogrider1234 on Apr 4, 2010

    I’ll be curious what Orient has in store for 2010…Hey guys…you need some national exposure…like ShopNBC…

    we at Watchgeek.net are watching ;)

  41. By HR on Apr 8, 2010

    I have to agree with the comment by JJM: “The best automatic for the price! No contest.” It’s been a week since I have my 2ER00002D Diver watch and I absolutely love it. Keeps better time than my other two Swiss watches. Too bad this model is going to be discontinued (I heard). I wish Orient would have upgraded it by adding a sapphire crystal and a nicer bracelet.

  42. By Pointeau on Apr 13, 2010

    I have an Orient automatic Model EV09-C1. Anice looking watch with full day display, it keeps fairly accurate time. However, there are three problems with it, all of which keep me from buying other Orient automatic watches, or other Japanese automatics, or any automatics, with the same features: 1. It is not a hacking movement. 2. It cannot be wound by hand. 3. On this day/date version only the date is quickset; to advance the day you have to wind through 24 hours to get the day to change. Sorry, those are three big differences that keep me buying watches with ETA movements, or other Swiss watches with in-house movements. Let me know when Orient has changed their design and I’ll be ready with money in hand.

  43. By Pointeau on Apr 13, 2010

    In reply to:” Its funny that a Omega is the “official” ‘time’ keeper of the Olympics when they dont even make their own movements, and never have since the “Speedmaster” days.”

    Omega uses ETA movements, yes, but ETA and Omega are both part of the SWATCH group, so technically Omega’s movements are produced by the same company that owns Omega. Furthermore, Omega takes ETA movements and modifies them to their own specifications, refining them to meet the highest possible standards. They don’t just put the Omega name on the movement.

    I like my Orient watch, and I do think it was a great value for $100 or so. Still, I don’t wear it very often because now after only one year it is running fast by 15-20 seconds per day. On the other hand (or wrist) all of my watches with ETA movements, including a $300 Invicta Swiss Automatic, even after 4-5 years, are keeping time to within 5 seconds per day. My Omega with an ETA 2892 movement, just recently serviced, is dead-on balls-out accurate (+/- 1 second per day). The point is this: what difference does it make that a watch company produces its own movements if companies like ETA can supply quality movements equal to or better than the OEM? In fact few companies have the experience and expertise that ETA has, including Orient and Seiko. And dig this, many of your ETA movements are not expensive and can be replaced for less than $100.

    As I said in an earlier post, the three most annoying aspects of Japanese automatic movements are that they are not hacking, cannot be hand wound, and in the case of my Orient, not fully quickset. There’s room for improvement and I for one would rather have one expensive watch than ten cheap ones.

  44. By Tan Chin Teik on Apr 14, 2010

    I own a few brands automatic watches like Seiko.Citizen.Rado.Tissot.Titoni.I noticed these watches are make with different jewels. 21 or 25. Only watch with 25 jewels is Titoni. The rest is 21 jewels.Accuracy wise the one with 25 jewels.I do noticed Orient automatic do have 23 jewels. What is the different when choosing an automatic watch with higher than 21 jewels.

  45. By Mark on May 2, 2010

    I’m looking for an automatic, orange-dialed diver to add to the stable. Orient watches seem to have a good reputation with some of the groups on the web I belong to.

  46. By John Kelsey on May 12, 2010

    I stopped wearing my Rolex Datejust because I just bought my 2ER0000D and I like it better. It also keeps better time. It consistently loses 4 seconds a day. After I have it for a few months, I will get it adjusted. I, too, would have liked a better bracelet and saphire crystal.

  47. By Michael on May 12, 2010

    I just got in my Mako. Awesome watch and I cannot wait to wear it. I have not even worn it and my family is already jealous.

  48. By TimW on May 14, 2010

    My new mako arrives tomorrow, I’m pumped. thanks for the great prices and fast shipping!

  49. By Bill Albertson on May 18, 2010

    I ordered a CDB05001W and received it May 5, 2010. I set it to the Atomic Clock broadcast on short wave. In thirteen days it has gained 4 seconds. Thats outstanding. Thank you Orient Watch Company.

  50. By Mandy S on May 22, 2010

    It’s funny how Gallet Watch is never mentioned. Besides manufacturing their own innovative chronograph movements for years, they have been privately supplying components and modules to a number of companies that make the big “in-house” claims. You guys in the industry press have a responsibility to look beyond the expensive advertising and piles of press releases that the big industry players shower on the market.

  51. By Brian2 on May 26, 2010

    I have been looking for high quality, durable, and unique yet affordable everyday watches for some time now. I think that Orient is moving to the top of my list along with some Hamilton’s and Seiko’s. One thing that concerns me is “1 year warranty”. I assume that if the quality is there that the company would stand behind their product, so why just the 1 year.

  52. By Gil Guemes on Jun 2, 2010

    The only complaint I have with my new CEM65002D Mako is the bracelet needs another link to fit my wrist comfortably… Mongo has a big wrist!

  53. By angelo dinglasan on Jun 5, 2010

    First saw the Orient watch in the Philippines when I was on vacation a few years ago. I used to work for a mercedes dealership her in san jose ca. Little did I know that several of the mechanics here were aficionados of the orient brqand of watch. I think the quality is very good for the price. I have 2 rolex’s but would like to get an orient watch for daily wearing. In house automatic movement excites me.

  54. By Gregorio on Jun 5, 2010

    @Pointeau

    What you’re saying is factual, but not relevant to price.

    Orient has made a basic mechanical movement which reflects its price. On top of that, it’s an in-house movement. I challenge you to find an in-house manufacturer that has these types of features at the same price.

    If Orient were to use ETA movements, the retail price of an Orient would at least double.

    Do you really want that realization for those 3 things?

  55. By Chuck Houser on Jun 6, 2010

    I think orient makes beautiful watches for the price. I bought one years ago I like it a lot. My concern is with service. I had an encounter with Puri-Time, Inc. years ago that left me a not so happy camper. I’ve been thinking lately of trying again but am hesitant to pull the trigger.

  56. By James on Jun 8, 2010

    (The Orient 300m Saturation Divers watch)

    I have been a Divers watch user specifically all my life, and have relied upon and used the trusted Seiko brand divers watch for 30+ years with great results.

    Through the past 2 years & after many hours of research & study of the Orient brand history and looking over there professional line of Scuba Diving watches by reading any & all accounts of them available, I have come to the realization that the “OS 300m Saturation Divers Watch” may very well be the highest quality and best practicle divers watch made for the working Scuba Diver and alike.

    Thanks,
    James

  57. By Arun on Jun 9, 2010

    Like others said, Orient makes thier in house movements. I own a orange Mako. I am surprised and proud to see none of the movements in the market has quick response on just picking up the watch the movement responeds quickly from complete stop to running. I have multiple Seiko’s, Omega, Rolex and Citizen automatic. They don’t unless you shake little more than three small swings. And accuracy is far better than modified omega ETA movements with 21,600 BPM (6 beats/min). I am also surprised to see, Orient uses the same type of magic lever concept like seiko uses on their automatic moving parts. Which makes the watch to gain main spring power in a very little movement of the rotater and that drives the power down to the complete balance to tick. Amazingly smooth and very clean and simple movement. Less complicated compared to Swiss Movements. Anyone who owns this indigenous engineering marvels should be very proud to own and feel like any other expensive watches they own.

  58. By Valentine on Jun 12, 2010

    I just recently developed an interest in automatic watches. The mechanics and timeless skills that have developed over the years fascinate me. I’m an engineer and love complications. I believe that Oreints is doing a great job, by bringing such wonderful pieces at an affordable level to all those with similar interests. This is good & consumer friendly business principle.

  59. By Srikanth. on Jun 16, 2010

    When are you guys coming to India?

  60. By Chris Chamberlin on Jul 3, 2010

    I have been impressed with the quality of the Orient watch for some time. I own the CEZ05003B watch which looks great and keeps good time. I would encourage anyone to purchase an Orient watch: mechanical is so much better than quartz. It takes a true craftsman to make a mechanical watch; anyone can make a quartz watch. Semper Fi

  61. By Michael Wong on Jul 15, 2010

    I hear so many good things about Orient watches being a great value. Loving the Mako. That watch definitely getting the most love from people and I hope to get one for myself someday.

  62. By Larry Cannon on Jul 22, 2010

    I bought an Orient Metro and have had it a week and a half now. For the first two or three days I was resetting it forward and backward slightly. But it has since stabilized and I haven’t touched the setting in almost a week. I have two other Japanese automatic watches (different maker), and when I’m wearing them, need to reset both slightly every morning. My ONLY wish is that Orient would provide exhibition backs on most of their watches, fancy or not. It’s just neat being able to see in.

  63. By Henry Haslebacher on Jul 23, 2010

    I discovered mechanical watches about 3 years ago. I eventually discovered the Orient brand and last year I bought an Orient CEV09002B. The styling is excellent with a day/date design. The accuracy is very good for a mechanical watch, losing or gaining only a few seconds a day which can be adjusted by laying the watch either on its back or its side. The next morning, it’s usually pretty good as gauged by my atomic clock. I intend to buy more Orient watches.

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