How does the Orient Mako II Classic Reissue compare and is it still good in 2024?
When it comes to diver watches, most people will recommend one from either Omega or Rolex.
However, these watches are too expensive for many users who are looking for affordable models they can wear for everyday use.
Orient Mako II is one of the most popular and cheapest diver’s watches available today.
Here’s why you should consider getting one regardless if you’re a beginner or a professional diver.
Orient Mako II History
The original Orient Mako was a crowd favourite during its time.
Divers recommend it to both beginner and seasoned professionals who need a reliable but cheap watch they can use on their underwater adventures.
However, the components of the Orient Mako are outdated and won’t be able to keep up with the need of today’s users.
This is why Orient released the direct descendant of the original Mako: the Mako II.
Orient Mako II is one of the highly recommended diving watches for first-time buyers.
It’s incredibly affordable, has a great look, and has the basic features needed for a professional diving accessory.
Most of the design of the original Mako was retained on Mako II to honour one of Orient’s most popular models.
One of the biggest changes from the original Mako to the Mako II is the presence of the quickset button at the 2 o’clock position.
The newer Mako II has removed this traditional button to stick with current industry standards.
Design and Movement
The Orient Mako II measures 41.5mm wide and 13mm thick, which is just the right size for a diver watch.
Mako II’s classic case presents a mix of brushed and polished surfaces to give an expensive look that defies its affordable price.
The case retains the familiar flair present in the original Orient Mako.
The indistinguishable transition from polished to brushed surfaces is a subtle hint of the brand’s excellent craftsmanship.
The strap is made of stainless steel with hollow end links.
The way the end links meet the case looks like they’re not two separate parts.
By eliminating the gap between the case and the bracelet, the Orient Mako II becomes more comfortable to wear.
The bracelet’s double-lock clasp is perfect to keep the watch in place even when you’re underwater.
The micro-adjustment feature also allows you to perfectly fit the watch to your wrist size.
The Orient Mako II has a 120-click bezel which is an upgrade from the original Mako’s 60-click bezel.
This gives the watch more precise clicks with no play.
The bezel has an aluminium insert with Arabic numeral minute markers in 10-minute progressions.
It also has a luminous triangular pip at the noon position which is the standard for diver watches.
The slits on the bezel are angled toward the top of the watch, making the bezel hard to grip and turn.
The bezel can also be too stiff to rotate at times, so you have to put in a little effort in turning it.
The screw-down crown and solid case back help protect the components of the watch from underwater pressure.
The sides also have crown guards to protect the crown from accidental rotation and damage.
The deep blue color of the Orient Mako II’s dial has a sunburst finish, making the watch look exquisite.
The Orient Mako II is also available in other variants like the plain black and the Pepsi dial versions.
On the dial, you’ll see sword-shaped hands for and a red-tipped arrow seconds hand.
The luminous hands and hour markers give a nice glow, but they’re not as good as the ones found on Seiko watches.
The day-date window on the 3 o’clock position is also just the right size.
It’s further emphasized by the thin metal detailing around it.
The Orient Mako II has a mineral crystal to protect the dial.
This keeps the price of the watch affordable compared to more expensive timepieces that use sapphire crystal.
Rest assured that the mineral crystal is scratch-resistant and can withstand bumps and drops.
The Orient F6922 calibre has 22 jewels, a day-date function, and a 40-hour power reserve.
It has an accuracy of -/+ 15 seconds per day, which is acceptable for the watch’s price.
What makes the Orient Mako II a step above the old movement on the original Mako is the inclusion of manual winding and hacking features.
The manual winding function is a convenient addition because you won’t have to shake your Orient Mako II to recharge its battery.
You can just manually wind the watch and adjust it accurately with the second hacking feature before wearing it.
Notable Mako II Points To Consider
Here are some points to consider that will help you decide whether you should buy the Orient Mako II or not.
Movement
The original Orient Mako had an Orient 46943 automatic movement which was notorious for having inaccurate movement and weak functionality.
This problem has been fixed with the release of the Orient Mako II which features an Orient F6922 calibre.
Back then, the Orient F6922 calibre was made only for higher tier products from the brand.
However, improvements in production allowed Orient to put this quality calibre into more affordable models like the Mako II.
Warranty
Orient offers a one-year warranty for material and factory defects you find on the watch.
Bring the guarantee booklet to the shop where you purchased the watch or to any authorized Orient service center for repairs.
Water-resistance
The Orient Mako II is water-resistant up to a depth of 200 meters underwater.
This is an astounding feature since most of the watches within the price range of the Mako II only have a 100-meter water-resistance rating.
FAQs About Orient Mako II Watch
Can I replace the strap of my Orient Mako II?
Yes.
There are different stainless steel bracelet styles you can choose from and you can buy most of them online.
Is my Mako II made in Japan?
Model numbers that start with “S” are those that are made in Japan.
Anything else can be made from any of the factories of Orient located in different countries.
Is the bezel of the Orient Mako II scratch-resistant?
It’s not.
It can easily get scratched, so you have to take extra care when using it.
Conclusion
Priced around $140, the Orient Mako II is one of the top candidates for a budget diver watch.
It’s stylish, functional, and reliable that you won’t regret buying yourself one as a gift.
Whether you’re a professional diver or a collector looking for a beater diver watch that won’t break the bank, the Orient Mako II is a highly recommended option to consider purchasing.
