Orient Mako Owner Review : Simple, cute and light

Looking for a watch with a red dial, I stumbled upon this lovely Orient Mako 40 (reference RA-AC0Q09R) which was on sale online. It's powered by the Orient F6724 caliber, a mechanical, self-winding movement with a hacking seconds function that's a real workhorse. In my case, the movement is well-regulated with an average of +3 seconds across four positions. The only complication is the date (displayed at 3 o'clock). The main appeal of this version lies in the boldness and depth of its dial. Far from a garish red, the brand has opted for a textured burgundy/wine-lees shade, enhanced by a seconds hand with an orange tip that adds a dynamic touch. By removing the crown guards and simplifying the display (only the date at 3 o'clock, instead of the traditional day/date of previous generations), this Mako 40 moves away from being a purely dive watch to establish itself as a sporty-chic timepiece, equally at home in the office or on the beach. Within the catalog, the Mako 40 is positioned as a mid-size alternative. With its small diameter just under 40 mm, it fills a gap for those with slimmer wrists or fans of neo-vintage trends, reducing the historical diameter of the Mako/Kamasu (from 41.8 mm to 39.9 mm). This Mako competes with the Seiko 5 Sports series, but with a significant advantage: water resistance to 200 meters (with the crown screwed down). Furthermore, with a very compact lug-to-lug distance of 46.5 mm, it offers exceptional comfort on the vast majority of wrists. In my case, straight out of the box, it feels small with its dial opening of barely 30 mm. Another distinctive feature is its brushed steel bezel, which gives it a very successful, robust, and high-end look. Of course, it's not all perfect. The steel bracelet is the weak point (a recurring issue with Orient watches in this price range). It's particularly noisy, and I find the links rather loose. The lack of a dive extension and a very basic folding clasp confirm its more urban than purely underwater focus. That said, this watch is literally transformed if you replace its original strap with a beautiful "Tropic" style rubber strap, or a suede leather strap (outside of summer). In my case, a rubber strap that hugs the lugs looks fantastic. I am quite satisfied (although I would have preferred a slightly larger diameter) with this showpiece diver, which I wear without moderation, preferably in good weather.