Okay, so I’ve been digging into this whole Orient Watch thing, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. You wouldn’t believe the twists and turns this company’s history has taken. I started off just wanting to know a bit more about the brand, and now I feel like I’ve been through a time machine.

The Beginning
It all kicked off way back in 1901. This guy, Shogoro Yoshida, opens up a shop called “Yoshida Watch Shop” in Tokyo. Classic, right? He was just selling imported pocket watches, and business was booming. Then, in 1912, he decided, “Hey, I can make these myself.” So, he started crafting gold wristwatch cases. Fast forward to 1920, and he’s got a whole operation going called “Toyo Tokei Manufacturing,” making table clocks.
The Birth of Orient
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. In 1934, Yoshida starts making wristwatches, and they set up a factory in Hino. But, boom, World War II hits, and the factory shuts down. But Yoshida, he’s a persistent guy. In 1950, he brings it back to life, and in 1951, he renames it to “Orient Watch Company.” That’s also when it’s flagship model, the “Orient Star.” That’s when the Orient we know today was born. Can you believe it? From a little shop to a legit watch company.
Orient’s Focus
So, Orient, they’ve been all about mechanical watches since 1950. These guys are based in Tokyo and they are all about that Japanese craftsmanship. I was reading that they’re big on combining that traditional skill with some seriously slick watch designs. They are really proud of their heritage, and it shows.
The Ray
Then, in 2004, Orient dropped a new diver watch called the Ray. This thing is no joke. It’s water-resistant up to 200 meters, has a stainless steel case, and a unidirectional bezel. And of course, it’s got their trusty automatic movement, the 46943. I’ve seen pictures, and it’s a good-looking watch, I gotta say.
Honestly, I was surprised by how much history is packed into this brand. From a small shop in Tokyo to a globally recognized watchmaker. And they’ve stuck to their guns, focusing on mechanical watches and Japanese craftsmanship the whole way through. It’s a pretty cool story, if you ask me.

- Started in 1901 with a small watch shop.
- Expanded into manufacturing in the 1910s and 1920s.
- Rebranded as Orient Watch Company in 1951.
- Known for mechanical watches and Japanese craftsmanship.
- Launched the popular Ray diver watch in 2004.
I’ve gone down a rabbit hole, reading forums, old articles, you name it. It’s been a blast piecing together the history of Orient. I initially thought it was going to be a simple task. But, it turned out to be a pretty fun project. Learning about Orient’s journey has been a wild, but rewarding experience.