Hands-On With the Orient M-Force AC0L
Orient is a brand that has been around for well over seven decades, being founded in 1950. Now part of Seiko Epson, it can look back on an extensive heritage, and a good portion of that is in diving watches. That Orient knows what they are doing becomes instantly clear when handling the Orient M-Force with reference AC0L.
Orient launched its M-Force collection of diving watches back in 1997 and has since shown how it mastered this particular type of watch. Coming up with an original approach to diving watches is quite a challenge, all the more if you want to keep it an appropriate choice for the sport/profession it was intended for. Orient achieved this by taking the task very seriously, but at the same time, the maker didn’t get too serious either. With a diameter of 45mm, the M-Force seems to follow past trends, but this is far from the truth. With this Orient, the size is both functional as well as part of its character.
The dial legibility is very good with bold hour markers, oversized hands, and a wide diving bezel. Because it is all so well proportioned, this Orient actually looks smaller than it is. The only part for which this doesn’t count is the crown protector, which is not only oversized but also over-engineered. It adds quite a bit of character, and refined details prevent it from just being loud without adding anything else to the design. It also helps that this is a real tool watch and not something for show.
The M-Force is water resistant up to 20 ATM/200 meters, ISO 6425 compliant, and fitted with a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. Wearing comfort seems like an issue, but as Orient has been in this game for quite some time, they have that covered. Short lugs and a flat back of the watch make it sit firmly, even on smaller wrists. The rubber strap is made for diving and can easily fit over a wet suit, but it also sits nicely when just strapped on the wrist. One slight downside is that it attracts dust like crazy, and it’s not easy to wipe off.
This particular version of the M-Force is a limited edition of 2,000 pieces. Orient even went through the trouble of numbering these watches individually. What sets it apart from its regular production siblings is the dark finish of the case, bezel, and crown protector, combined with a stunning dial. Orient got its inspiration for the unusual color and texture from volanic eruptions, and it is another detail that adds a great deal of character to this watch. Inside ticks caliber F6727, an automatic workhorse movement that offers a power reserve of 40-hours, making this Orient M-Force ref. AC0L a capable companion for when you are looking for a diving watch that unites the best of both worlds in being seriously fun.
Limited to 2,000 pieces, the Orient M-Force ref. AC0L retails for $870.
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