Win it: The New Orient Producer Automatic

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!