Discover the perfect blend of style, precision, and reliability with the Orient President—a standout timepiece for discerning shoppers. Renowned for its classic design and accessible luxury, the Orient President offers exceptional craftsmanship at an attractive price point. This guide will help you explore its features, benefits, and tips to make an informed purchase, ensuring you find the ideal watch for your collection.
Orient President: Variation Comparison Table
| Model Reference | Case Material | Dial Color | Bezel Type | Bracelet Type | Movement | Water Resistance | Crystal | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV0J003B | Stainless Steel | Black | Fluted | Jubilee-style, steel | 46E40 Automatic | 100m | Sapphire | Diamond hour markers, cyclops lens |
| EV0J001G | Gold-tone Stainless | Champagne/Gold | Fluted | Jubilee-style, gold | 46E40 Automatic | 100m | Sapphire | Diamond hour markers |
| SEV0J001BY | Gold-plated | Silver | Fluted | Gold-plated Jubilee | 46E automatic | 100m | Sapphire | Custom dial, rare edition |
| Vintage Quartz | Stainless Steel | White | Fluted | Steel | Quartz | 100m | Sapphire | Diamond bezel and dial |
Everyday Usage: How the Orient President Fits Your Life
The Orient President is a watch designed for versatility, easily transitioning from business meetings to social gatherings or even a special dinner. Its 36mm case size makes it suitable for most wrist sizes, and the classic, elegant design—with its jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel—recalls some of the most iconic dress watches in horology.
- Office and Professional Wear: The understated dial, available in black, gold, or silver with a tasteful arrangement of diamond markers and hands, makes it a perfect pairing with formal attire.
- Casual and Semi-Formal Settings: The watch’s manageable size and sparkle make it just as effective when dressing down, adding charm to a smart-casual look.
- Special Occasions: Its distinct design and diamond accents allow it to be a conversation piece at weddings, galas, or celebrations.
The Orient President stands out for balancing durability (thanks to its stainless steel build and sapphire crystal) with a timeless, luxurious aesthetic. With water resistance up to 100 meters, it can handle the rigors of an active lifestyle, though it’s best to avoid wearing it during aquatic sports.
Who Finds It Useful
- Anyone seeking a reliable, classic automatic watch for daily wear
- Those wanting a “President” style at a fraction of Swiss luxury prices
- Collectors attracted to limited and discontinued models now gaining cult status
Benefits of the Orient President
Timeless Design
The Orient President is unequivocally inspired by the classic Rolex Day-Date, but Orient has executed the homage with refinement. It features a fluted bezel, a jubilee-style bracelet, and a domed or flat sapphire crystal with cyclops magnifier for the date—details that elevate its prestigious look without being a mere copy.
Value for Money
One of its strongest suits is the value equation. Compared to Swiss counterparts, the Orient President offers:
- In-house Movement: Reliable automatic caliber 46E series (non-hacking and non-hand-winding) with around 40-hour power reserve.
- Sapphire Crystal: Resists scratches better than mineral glass.
- Solid Build: Polished case and solid-linked bracelet, giving the feel of much more expensive watches.
- Diamond Accents: Certain versions feature genuine diamond markers on the dial or even on the bezel, providing a discreet luxury.
Robustness for Daily Wear
With a screw-down crown and 100-meter water resistance, the Orient President is more practical than many dress watches. It’s equipped to deal with splashes or accidental submersion, making it a more versatile option for everyday life.
Collector Appeal
As production has ceased on most models, the President is becoming increasingly sought after among enthusiasts, with prices rising steadily. Its well-executed homage and robust quality make it a collector’s choice that still offers daily usability.
How to Choose the Right Orient President
1. Consider the Dial and Case Variant
- Stainless Steel vs. Gold-plated: Steel offers understated elegance and better wear resistance. Gold-tone models have more flash, great for those who prefer a statement piece.
- Dial Color: Black dials are classic, versatile, and slightly more formal. Champagne/gold dials add a warm, dressy touch, while rare silver dials can be especially striking.
2. Assess Desired Features
- Diamond Markers: Some models offer diamond hour indices for added luxury.
- Sapphire Crystal: Preferred for its scratch resistance.
- Cyclops Date Window: Helpful if you often check the date, but some may prefer a cleaner dial without the magnifier.
3. Decide on Movement Preference
- Automatic 46E (EV0J-series): Reliable, fully in-house, but note it is non-hacking and cannot be hand-wound. Vintage quartz options exist but are less common.
4. Sizing and Comfort
- Case Diameter (36mm): Ideal for classic taste or smaller wrists. May be understated for those used to larger watches, but perfect for a refined, traditional look.
- Bracelet: Jubilee style offers comfort and flexibility, but check that sizing is compatible with your wrist.
5. Authenticity and Source
- As these watches are discontinued, buy from reputable sellers or platforms offering buyer protection. Inspect photos and ask about box/papers if collectibility matters.
User Tips and Best Practices
- Wearing: Keep the watch clean and dry, especially if it’s gold-plated, to prevent tarnishing or fading.
- Winding and Setting: For the EV0J automatic series, the day change is not quick-set. Adjust the date by pulling to the first crown position; to set the day, pull further and advance the hour hand back and forth between 12 and 3 o’clock. Avoid changing the day/date around midnight to protect the mechanism.
- Water Resistance: While 100m rated, it’s best to avoid prolonged water exposure, especially for vintage pieces, as seals degrade over time. Always check the crown is fully screwed down before exposure to water.
- Bracelet Adjustment: Use the clasp’s micro-adjustment and removable links for tailored fitment; if unfamiliar, seek help from a watch technician to avoid scratches.
- Service and Maintenance: Have the movement serviced by a watchmaker experienced with Orient’s 46E series to ensure longevity, especially as parts may become less available.
- Storage: Store in a dry, padded box to minimize scratches. If not wearing for extended periods, keep the watch running with a watch winder or manually reset when using again.
Technical Specifications Comparison Table
| Model | Case Size | Lug-to-Lug | Lug Width | Thickness | Water Resistance | Movement | Crystal | Power Reserve | Hacking/Hand-Wind | Dial Features | Bezel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV0J003B | 36mm | 44mm | 20mm | 11mm | 100m | 46E40 Auto | Sapphire | ~40 hours | No / No | Day & date; diamonds | Fluted |
| EV0J001G | 36mm | 44mm | 20mm | 11mm | 100m | 46E40 Auto | Sapphire | ~40 hours | No / No | Day & date; diamonds | Fluted |
| SEV0J001BY | 36mm | 44mm | 20mm | 11mm | 100m | 46E Auto | Sapphire | ~40 hours | No / No | Day & date; custom dial | Fluted |
| Vintage Quartz | 35mm | 44mm | 20mm | 10mm | 100m | Quartz | Sapphire | Battery life | N/A | Date; diamond bezel/dial | Fluted |
Choosing and Using the Orient President: Practical Tips
- Inspect Before Buying: Due to the discontinuation, many units are only available pre-owned. Examine high-resolution photos of the dial, crown, bracelet, and case-back for signs of excessive wear or replacement parts.
- Buy Complete If Possible: Watches with original box, papers, and unmodified bracelets will fetch higher resale value and help authenticate your purchase.
- Understand the Movement: Non-hacking, non-hand-winding movements require you to wear the watch regularly to keep it running, or gently shake it to restart after it’s stopped. Be gentle to avoid damaging the rotor.
- Sizing Suitability: At 36mm, it’s more true to mid-20th-century proportions. On larger wrists, it exudes vintage charm but may seem small compared to modern sport watches.
- Bracelet Condition: Check for “stretch” in the jubilee bracelet, a common sign of age in older watches. Excessive looseness impacts comfort and durability.
- Maintenance: Expect to service the automatic movement every 3–5 years for optimal performance. Battery changes for quartz models should be performed by professionals to preserve case integrity and water resistance.
- Alternate Options: Alternatives in similar style include Seiko 5s, Rotary Savannah, Bulova Super Seville, and Hamilton Jazzmaster, but the Orient President stands out with its blend of reliability and unique finishing.
Conclusion
The Orient President is a remarkably well-made tribute to an horological icon, blending classic styling, robust Japanese engineering, and impressive value. Whether you’re looking for a daily dress watch, a step into vintage-inspired timepieces, or an affordable collectible with rising scarcity, it’s an outstanding choice. While manually winding and hacking features may be absent, the core strengths—reliable in-house movements, sapphire crystal, solid construction, and that unmistakable “President” aesthetic—make it a timepiece that continues to earn admiration.
With the model’s discontinuation, demand is rising, and prices are trending upwards. For those who act promptly, there’s still a chance to experience this modern classic before it becomes truly elusive.
FAQ
- How does the Orient President compare to the Rolex Day-Date (“President”)?
The Orient President is a respectful homage, emulating much of the classic Day-Date’s design details—fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, day and date display—at a fraction of the price. While build and finishing are not at Swiss luxury levels, its value, in-house movement, and execution are excellent for the price.
- Is the Orient President an automatic watch?
Most models, especially those in the EV0J and SEV0J series, use an in-house automatic (self-winding) movement, specifically the 46E series. Some early or rare variants might be quartz-driven.
- Can I hand-wind or hack the movement for precise setting?
The 46E automatic movement is non-hand-winding and non-hacking, meaning you can’t manually wind it or stop the seconds hand for precise setting. It is powered solely by the movement of your wrist while wearing.
- How do I set the day and date on the Orient President?
The date is quick-set via the first crown position. Setting the day requires advancing the hours past midnight and “cycling” between 12 and 3 o’clock until the desired day appears. Avoid changing the day/date during the hours surrounding midnight to prevent mechanism damage.
- What is the case size of the Orient President?
The majority of models feature a 36mm case diameter, 44mm lug-to-lug, about 11mm thick, and a 20mm lug width—ideal for most wrists, giving a classic, understated vintage appearance.
- Is the Orient President water-resistant?
Yes, most models are rated for 100 meters water resistance and feature a screw-down crown, making them suitable for handwashing, rain, and swimming. However, vintage watches should have seals checked before immersion in water.
- What makes the Orient President collectible?
Its discontinuation, classic design, reliable in-house movements, and faithful homage to an iconic watch have driven up demand among enthusiasts and collectors. Complete, well-maintained examples are especially sought after.
- Are there different versions of the Orient President?
Yes. Variations include dial colors (black, gold/champagne, silver), metal finishes (stainless or gold-tone), and dial accents (diamond markers, pure metal indices). Some rare custom versions exist with unique combinations.
- How does the bracelet feel and wear?
The jubilee-style bracelet is comfortable, flexible, and secure. It may develop “stretch” over time if worn hard. Most feature a double push-button clasp for added security.
- Where can I buy an Orient President today?
The Orient President is only available through secondary sellers, watch forums, trusted online marketplaces, and pre-owned watch dealers, as it is discontinued. Always purchase from reputable sources and verify authenticity before buying.