Orient Automatic Day / Date Watch Review (CET05001W)

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This is a review of the Orient Automatic Day/Date (CET05001W) which I purchased at DiscountWatchsStore.com.

Price / Service / Delivery / Packaging

I ordered it on Friday, and it was at my doorstep on Monday from CT to NY. No complaints there. The price ($109, use coupon code PRE10 to get 10% off) was the best I could find on the Internet from an Authorized Dealer, and only a few dollars more than on e-bay. For a few bucks, I definitely prefer to have a manufacturer's warranty, although Orient watches have a great reputation in terms of reliability. Also, you get a nice Tiffany colored Microfiber Cloth with your purchase. The watch came packed in a plain brown cardboard box with some crumpled brown paper holding the watch box in place. Nothing to write home about, but it got the job done. The watch came in a black presentation box with instructions and a warranty card. Upon opening, the watch appeared to be handled. There was some dirt on the underside where the case meets the bracelet, and the sticker on the back which has the model number printed, was worn. The thin, clear plastic which usually covers and protects the bracelet was also absent. Additionally, although I ordered the bracelet unsized, the bracelet was sized to the smallest size, and additional links were included in a plastic bag, which I found unusual, as most watches come from the factory with all links attached. I called to confirm, and they were refreshingly honest and told me that sometimes watches are returned because customers just don't like the look/color/size and subsequently resold, after making sure there is nothing wrong with the watch. He told me that if there was anything wrong with the watch, they would gladly take it back. I'm OK with a returned watch, as one can't realistically expect these companies to return an item to the manufacturer just because a customer didn't like it. The watch I received didn't have any scratches, so I'm satisfied with the purchase.

Watch

Mechanically, the watch features 21 jewels and can not be hand wound by the crown. It is not hackable, but is back hackable (the second hand can be stopped by applying a slight backwards twist to the crown and holding it). The second hand sweeps relatively nicely, and steadily without any play. The face is a nice whitish silver with blue markings and dark blue hands. In the right light, they turn a cobalt blue. The face is beautifully textured which was the main feature which drew me to this watch. This watch comes in black and blue variants, but the white appealed to me most because the silver plays with light the most. There is a day subdial at 3 o'clock and a 24hr subdial at 11 o'clock. At the 6 o'clock position is the date window, and underneath is printed: Japan BK ET05-Aoo T. Only the hour and minute hands are lumed, the second hand is not. Round hour markings along the periphery are lumed as well. The watch is rated at 50m water resistance, and has a stainless steel case. The Crown is not a screw down type, but has the Orient twin lion insignia etched in it. The bracelet is composed of sold steel links, and has a decent feel to it, although I would prefer it to be a bit more substantial. There are 5 rows of links, and the second and fourth rows are polished, while the remaining rows are brushed. The clasp is of the push-button single deployment type with the Orient logo imprinted on the face. For the price I paid, I believe this is a great watch. It easily can pass for a $300+ watch. Gorgeous face, elegant looks, with a solid watch movement. Highly recommended.