All About the Orient Defender
Orient is a Japanese watch brand well-known for its expertise in crafting reasonably-priced, functional timepieces. While the brand is best known for designing outstanding dive watches, it also has a selection of top-notch, affordable field watches in its catalogue. In particular, the Orient Defender is one of the best field watches in the market, going head-to-head with iconic models such as Timex’s Expedition Scout and Seiko’s famous Alpinist.
The Orient Defender is a well-built field watch, featuring a suave and easy-to-use design that is perfect for individuals who enjoy outdoor escapades. Proudly carrying the Orient name, the Orient Defender meets all four qualities a field watch should have: legible, durable, reliable, and affordable. Without further ado, let us take a look at the excellent features the Orient Defender has to offer.
Anatomy of the Orient Defender
Case: Matte Steel
Dial: Grey
Movement: Orient 46B40
Glass: Mineral crystal
Strap: Leather
Water resistance: 100m
Case and Caseback
The Orient Defender features a 42mm stainless steel case, with a thick bezel, also made out of stainless steel, that protects the dial. Both the bezel and the case boast a sleek matte finish that has a dull gleam under the light, which adds to the watch’s resistance against scratches. With its 12mm case thickness, the Orient Defender is quite a light and manageable piece that can fit well on wrists of all sizes.
In addition, you can find a small crown on the right side of the case, placed unusually between the 3 and 4 o’clock markers. One downside to the Orient Defender is that, although the crown has teeth-like edges to provide wearers with a better grip, it is also quite small in size. As such, it can be hard to grasp or turn the crown, especially when you are wearing the watch.
On the underside of the watch, there is a sturdy caseback made out of polished steel. The caseback features details on the watch’s basic specifications, along with a delicate engraving of the Orient logo. Both the caseback and crown are securely screwed in to prevent water from damaging the inner mechanisms of the Orient Defender, and they also help contribute to the watch’s 100m depth rating. This water resistance capacity is enough to withstand a few splashes and even a quick swim. However, the Orient Defender is not designed as a dive watch, so if you plan to go on an extreme water adventure, you should probably opt for a dedicated dive watch instead.
Dial
Most patrons would agree that the highlight of the Orient Defender is its military-style dial, which incorporates a touch of modern inspiration. The dial of the Orient Defender comes in a handsome dark grey colour, with its sword-shaped hands and hour and minute indices all in a contrasting off-white colour for optimal legibility. The hour markers take the shape of thick rectangular blocks so they can be more easily differentiated from the minute track, with the 12 o’clock marker appearing as two inverted rhombuses. The hour markers and hands are also generously coated with lume, allowing for excellent readability even in dim lighting conditions.
At the very rim of the dial, you can also find smaller applied indices, designed as part of the seconds track. This is rather unusual, as most watches tend to come with just hour and minute indicators. The inclusion of a seconds track allows you to keep more precise time with the Orient Defender, adding to its functionality.
The most striking aspect of the dial is that it is adorned with two sub-dials of different sizes, which function as the day-of-the-week and 24-hour time indicators. A smaller sub-dial, which serves to tell 24-hour time, can be found between 10 and 11 o’clock. The larger sub-dial, which is located next to the 3 o’clock marker, keeps track of the days of the week. The different sizes and lopsided placements of the sub-dials give the watch face a quirky, asymmetrical look, adding to its sleek and modern aesthetic.
Finally, you can also find a date aperture on the Orient Defender’s dial, taking the place of the 6 o’clock marker. This rectangular date display bears thin black text and a white outline to better contrast it against the grey dial. All of these features on the Orient Defender’s dial come together to promise you an excellent timekeeping experience, whether you are on the field or in the dark.
Movement: Orient 46B40
Another impressive feature of the Orient Defender is its powerful in-house mechanical movement. The Orient Defender is equipped with the brand’s very own calibre 46B40 movement. This mechanism possesses a substantial 40-hour power reserve and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. It is a highly reliable movement, offering an average accuracy of +/-6 seconds per day. It is also responsible for powering the day-of-the-week and 24-hour sub-dials.
Strap
The Orient Defender’s gleaming stainless steel case is paired with a soft and supple black leather strap that perfectly complements its dark dial. This is one of the nicest straps you can find in the Orient collection and has a natural pebbling to it that feels extremely comfortable against your skin. The strap is fastened by a classic tang buckle, which helps keep the watch securely fastened on your wrist.
Price
As mentioned, Orient is known for producing durable, versatile, and affordable watches. As such, even with its top-notch practical features, the Orient Defender is offered at a very reasonable price of just $175 USD.
Alternatives to the Orient Defender
The Orient Defender stands out as a remarkably affordable field watch, made from high-quality materials and equipped with many of the essential features an outdoor watch should possess. That said, let us not assume that the Orient Defender is for everyone. Maybe, you do not like its overly modern style, or you want something a little more lavish and luxurious. For those who feel this way, we have also curated a list of 5 of the best alternative field watches to the Orient Defender that you should definitely consider adding to your collection.
1. Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H69529913
If you are into military-inspired field watches, this Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H69529913 is a great option. This is a 42mm field watch powered by Hamilton’s in-house calibre H-50 movement. It possesses an 80-hour power reserve, so it is more than capable of dealing with any long outdoor adventures. This Hamilton watch is housed in a case and bezel that are made of solid stainless steel, perfectly complementing its striking white dial and navy green textile strap.
Like the Orient Defender, the dial of this Khaki Field watch is also furnished with luminous hands and indices. However, the Khaki Field Ref. H69529913 differs in that it has a more straightforward dial design, with no sub-dials. This watch has a 24-hour layout as well, but it takes the form of hour markers running from 1 to 24 instead of the sub-dial utilised in the Orient Defender. The hands and hour markers on this watch also come in dark grey, to better contrast against the white dial.
Furthermore, this Hamilton field watch is equipped with 50 metres of water resistance and a sapphire crystal that adds to the watch face’s protection. You can purchase this rugged and dependable field watch for $579 USD.
2. Tudor Heritage Ranger Swiss Ref. 79910-0013
Next up, we have the Tudor Heritage Ranger Swiss Ref. 79910-0013, which is an exquisite and luxurious field watch jam-packed with practical features. This timepiece features a 41mm stainless steel case, with thin lugs and a stunning jet-black dial. Its dial is equipped with luminous arrow-shaped hands and hour markers that come in a mix of Arabic numerals and thin rectangular indices. A brown leather strap with white stitching completes the watch’s handsome appearance while also providing comfort to your wrist.
When it comes to this Tudor watch’s performance, it is powered by a reliable ETA 2824 calibre. This movement delivers a solid 38-hour power reserve, an accuracy rating of +/-12 seconds a day, and a 150m water resistance rating. This Heritage Ranger piece has a retail price of $3,299 USD.
3. Luminox Atacama Adventurer Field Ref. XL.1767
The Luminox Atacama Adventurer Field Ref. XL.1767 is a rugged and casual field watch that will surely look great on your wrist. This timekeeper is robustly built to withstand any sort of harsh conditions, making it the perfect companion for your escapades. It comes in a 42mm gunmetal stainless steel case, paired with a textured khaki green section dial. The watch’s sporty look is completed by a matching khaki green textile strap. It is powered by a first-class RONDA 6004.D quartz movement that delivers up to 40 months of battery life.
Like the other Luminox watches, this Atacama Adventurer Field timepiece is equipped with Luminox’s signature Light Technology, which promises to provide wearers incredible watch illumination that can last for up to 25 years. As part of this technology, the dial’s hands and hour markers are fitted with tritium gas tubes that powerfully glow green and yellow in the dark. There is also a small date aperture located at 3 o’clock, with a black background for easier legibility.
One impressive aspect of the Luminox Atacama Adventurer Field Ref. XL.1767 is that even as a field watch, it has an impressive 200m water resistance capacity, which is good enough for some intensive water sports. You just have to shell out around $529 USD before you can finally own this Luminox field watch.
4. Seiko Prospex Alpinist Ref. SPB119J1
If you are looking for a vintage-inspired minimalist field watch, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist Ref. SPB119J1 is the right choice for you. It features a slimmer 39.5mm stainless steel case, which is perfect for small-to-average-sized wrists. This is paired with an exquisite beige dial and a suave brown leather strap.
Like most other field watches, this Seiko Prospex watch’s hands and indices are well-coated with luminous material. The hour markers come in a mix of proper Arabic numerals and triangular indices. Furthermore, the most eye-catching thing about this watch is probably its black cathedral hands, which are a classic for military watches and add to the watch’s whole vintage aesthetic. On the right side of the watch face, the 3 o’clock marker is replaced by a large date display, with the date written in oversized black font.
Performance-wise, this Seiko watch is powered by an in-house calibre 6R35 with an outstanding power reserve of 70 hours. It is also equipped with a 200m depth rating. All these top-tier features can be yours for a relatively affordable price of $635 USD.
5. Panerai Luminor Due GMT Ref. PAM00944
Last but certainly not least, the Panerai Luminor Due GMT Ref. PAM00944 is a high-end field watch that deserves to be on your radar. It is one of the most reliable field watches on the market, with its luxurious design and ability to withstand all sorts of harsh conditions.
This Panerai watch is larger than the aforementioned pieces, coming in a sturdy 45mm stainless steel case with an unusual square shape. With its striking anthracite dial and brown leather strap, this watch definitely adds a bit of heft to your wrist. On the right side of the case, you can also find the Panerai Luminor Due’s signature oversized crown and crown guard, which takes the shape of a large semi-circle.
The anthracite dial is definitely the highlight of this watch, with its exquisite sunburst finish. It features two small sub-dials that serve as the day/night display and the power reserve indicator, and a compact date aperture at the 3 o’clock marker. As with most field watches, this timekeeper comes with luminous silver hands and indices which allow you to easily read the time in the dark.
Aside from that, this watch also delivers unmatched technical features, thanks to the powerful calibre P.4002 movement that runs it. It has an incredible power reserve capacity that can last up to a full 3 days, which is more than enough for any expeditions you might have planned. Considering its status as a luxury field watch and its top-notch features, it is no surprise that this timepiece retails at a higher price of $9,829 USD.
Final Thoughts
On the whole, Orient is a famous Japanese watchmaker capable of producing well-rounded, durable, and highly-functional timepieces. The brand has once again showcased its expertise with the Orient Defender, an affordable and high-quality field watch under the Orient Sports collection. This sturdy timepiece has great features and a distinctive, modern style that will surely look good on your wrist. If you enjoy occasional outdoor escapades and are looking for a dependable watch to cope with your needs, then you should definitely consider the Orient Defender.
All images are from Orient Watches’ official website unless otherwise stated.
Featured image courtesy to (u/rossonero3) on Reddit.
Want to discover another Japanese outdoor watch on the market? Why not spare some time to read our article guide about Casio Pathfinder: One of the Toughest Outdoor Watches.
