Orient “Producer” Automatic – $175 w/ DAPPERED30 ($250)
Code gets you the 30% off price, plus Orient’s freebie package (including a free watch that Orient has set aside). There are more than a few 30% off codes floating out there, and the freebie watch selection might vary depending on the code. So, might want to try a couple to see what pops up.
Orient has another winner on their hands here, quite possibly on par with the successful Bambino, and the hard-to-keep-in-stock Bambino vintage line.
The Producer follows a similar formula to the Bambinos: Keep it simple, tip your hat to the past, put one or two interesting details in the design, and make it an automatic. Doing all of that while keeping the price under $200 with a 30% off code is pretty darn impressive when considering Orient’s competition.
A rectangular case might cause a few to hesitate, but that shape is pure Gatsby. Classic, art-deco corners and sweeping edges, instead of the standard circular case 90% of watches (if not more) are anchored to. They kept that early 20th century feel going with the “concentric graining” on the dial. Think tonal, slightly raised pinstripes, with a sunburst texture barely visible underneath. You kinda have to see it in person to get a real appreciation for it. It gives the watch depth, and makes it look more expensive than it actually is.
The “open-heart” cutout is another detail that might cause some to hesitate again, but it’s nothing like the garish and cheap, full skeleton watches found elsewhere. You get just a hint here. That slight undressing absolutely adds to the watch, instead of detracting or distracting. It’s like a well executed red-carpet dress on a beautiful actress. Y’know… not Cher.
21 jewel in-house Orient movement with a 40+ hour power reserve. Doesn’t hack. No day or date function on the dial, which will be a welcome lack of clutter for some. Mineral crystal and 50m water resistance probably help keep the overall cost down. No exhibition caseback here either (but, you do have the cut out on the dial). 45.5mm x 35.5mm and is 12.2mm thick at the curved crystal’s thickest point. It’s not tiny, so for those with extra-small wrists, it might overwhelm. Dark brown croc-embossed leather band feels pretty good right out of the box.
Will it sell as well as the Orient Bambino vintage line? Maybe not. But if that’s the case, it’s probably just due to the rectangular case. That doesn’t mean it’ll be any less desired by those who are open to adding some corners to their timepiece collection. Applause for Orient’s designers for taking a bit of a leap on this one, all while keeping the Producer firmly rooted in classic design.
Enter here to win the Orient Producer seen in the post above. One entry per person. Deadline for entry is 11:59 pm ET 9/17/14. Thanks to Orient for providing their newest model. Good luck!
UPDATE: Congrats to Thanh L. who won the drawing for the Orient Producer. Thanks again to Orient for providing one of their newest releases!
If I won it, I’d enjoy the heck out of it and wear it often with pride. If I were to purchase it, however, the cut-out might make me think twice. I appreciate the arguments above, but I think I’d prefer either a date window or power reserve indicator. As a rule, I dislike the cut-outs, but this one is well done.
it’s not ever reader appreciation week anymore.
oh, joe… you’re the guy that buys flowers for his girl just because it’s thursday, aren’t you?
Jeez louise guys…you follow up reader appreciation week two days after the fact with this? You’re spoiling us!
Geez Louise…you guys are following Reader Appreciation Week up with this? You’re spoiling us!
Agreed. Would love to win something like this, but I feel as if my own collection is lacking in enough areas that this would be fairly far down the list of planned purchases do to some of its eccentric characteristics.
The design on this one looks solid. Love the layered-ness of the case (very unique). The detailing on that dial is very nice as well. Can’t beat blue hands on white dialed watch!
Orient is bringing sexy back(again) with this one.
That’s sweet. Amazing what a little color on the hands does.
Totally, but it’s a strategic, preemptive strike against predictably forgetting birthday’s, anniversaries, etc…
(glad you guys seem to be enjoying this one)
I like the design, but I wish that the case were smaller. 45.5mm plus the width of the lugs is too large for my pencil wrists.
Non-round watches really don’t get enough play, and while I understand why, I’m glad to see this post. This is a very well executed rectangular face and those blue hands are fantastic. That said, Bruschetta makes a good point about the size of the watch (45.5mm + lugs is definitely on the large side.)
Then don’t enter to win it 🙂
For what it’s worth, it does wear smaller than a 45mm round-case watch. Still wears medium to large, but not enormous.
Not watch guy in the slightest (yet), but I really like these square/rectangular faced pieces. Personally, I never think they look as good in product pics, but when I see them on people, they’ve got some unmistakeable class. Fingers crossed on this one…
The design reminds me of an old Hamilton watch that I inherited from my father. Rectangular watches are underappreciated!
Starting a new job this Monday, and I think this would look real good on my wrist 🙂 Thanks Dappered, and thanks Orient!!
I picked up this watch but with a black face, about 18 months ago on a trip to Macau. I’ve been trying ever since to find more about it on the net, with no success, then it turns up like this?! It’s a stunning watch, and the white face, blue second hands is a great look!
I have the Orient Cosmos with a similar face (no open heart, same hands and similar back, metal band). Had it for two years now and I wear it every day. Fantastic watches coming out of that company.
When is the drawing going to take place? I’d love to win this bad lad.
Quite Stunning… Especially for that price
Dappered is doing a great job by putting these win it contests. Really shows that they appreciate their readers!
Damn I missed the cut off by 13 minutes
I would like to win this!
Recieved it today and am NOT disappointed! The pics don’t do it justice, the strap is magnificent and the open heart is fantastic. The blue hands set it off but the different textures and soft white/hint of silver dial needs to be seen in person.
i love that watch! the black is on my short list to pick up.