The Orient Star M45 F7 Small Second: Celebrate 75 Years of Timeless Elegance

Orient Star is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a stunning new release: the M45 F7 Small Second. Available in three distinctive versions, this collection combines classic design with modern functionality. The regular catalog includes stylish green and ivory options, while a limited edition dark gray model is restricted to just 500 pieces. With its balanced layout and timeless styling, this watch embraces elements that both purists and modern watch enthusiasts will appreciate.

Key Features of the Orient Star M45 F7 Small Second

The M45 F7 Small Second keeps it classic, featuring a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock and a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock. Despite the additional complications, the elongated Roman numerals remain prominent, thanks to the elegant leaf-shaped hands. With a 39mm 316L stainless steel case and a slim profile of just 11.7mm thick, this timepiece strikes just the right balance for those who appreciate classic watch proportions.

As the 75th anniversary festivities continue, Orient Star has been revealing exciting details about its new lineup, which first hinted at this collection earlier in the year. Already making waves are the spectacular M34 F8 Date Meteorite and the oceanic M42 Diver 1964. However, the M45 takes a more grounded and everyday-friendly approach, drawing inspiration from the Pleiades star cluster—commonly known as the Seven Sisters or Subaru (昴), which even inspired the Japanese carmaker’s iconic logo.

A Closer Look at the M45 F7 Small Second

While the gray edition makes headlines, don’t overlook the green model that sets a vibrant mood. Like all Orient Star watches since the 1990s, this one features a power reserve indicator. It might not seem indispensable, but for a watch that may sit unworn over weekends, it becomes an invaluable tool. In contrast, models like the M42 Diver 1964 are better suited for active lifestyles.

This makes the M45 F7 Small Second your ideal weekday companion. With a generous 50-hour power reserve, winding it before Monday is a must. When the small hand hovers near the dot at 11 o’clock, it’s time to give it a quick wind. After a few turns, you’ll see the indicator point towards the 1 o’clock mark, ready for a busy week.

The green dial showcases tonal variation between the main surface and the fan-shaped power reserve scale. This earthy pine green adds a pop of color while maintaining the watch’s formal aesthetic. The recessed sub-seconds register features a sunray finish that complements the textured surface of the dial, while a railway-style minute track allows for precise time setting.

Three Striking Versions: Choose Your Color

The ivory version of the M45 F7 is equally captivating. Its dial tone softens the contrast between elements for a more cohesive look. Under restaurant lighting, the nuances between the power reserve scale and the main dial can be hard to detect, but a closer inspection reveals subtle differences that add to its charm. If you appreciate a streamlined, consistent aesthetic, the ivory variant might be your perfect fit.

Finally, the gray limited edition stands out with its unique grainy dial and sandblasted running seconds sub-dial. This version draws the most inspiration from the cosmos, mimicking a clear night sky. The gray variant uses white printing for the Roman numerals while the ivory model opts for black, with darkened hands and a matching logo at 3 o’clock.

All models boast a 39mm diameter and a 45.7mm lug-to-lug length, making them slightly larger than typical dress watches, yet still accommodating for most wrist sizes. The conical crown offers an excellent grip, complementing the polished bezel for an elegant touch.

Specifications, Pricing, and Where to Buy

The transparent case back showcases the in-house caliber F7H44. The gray-dial version bears a steel surround, featuring the limited-edition number and commemorative “75th Anniversary” engraving. With its rotor elegantly etched with the brand’s logo, the F7H44 boasts an accuracy tolerance of -5/+15 seconds per day, providing competitive specs at this price point. For comparison, Seiko’s 4R35 has a broader deviation range of -35/+45 seconds per day, making the Orient Star’s performance appear even more impressive.

The green and ivory versions come standard with brown leather straps designed with a push-button deployant clasp, while the limited edition gray model features a sleek black leather strap.

All models are currently available for purchase, with the green and ivory versions priced at €999.99 / £869.99, while the limited edition gray-dial model retails for €1,049.99 / £912.99.

Having had the chance to see all three variants in person, I find myself particularly drawn to the ivory dial for its clean and balanced aesthetic. Which version captures your attention the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more details on these stunning Orient Star timepieces, visit the brand’s global website.

Watch Specifications