Orient Sporty-Automatic Open Engine Sports CDB02004B model

The Japanese brand has started selling its new Orient Sporty-Automatic Open Engine Sports CDB02004B self-winding watch sporting a birds-eye view at its engine.

Like many other inexpensive timekeepers of late, the new timepiece features a trendy “open heart” dial design.

A small cutout at 8 o’clock provides a good view at the Orient caliber 46A40 automatic movement, or, being more precise, at its balance wheel with hairspring.

I don’t really know why the feature has become so popular in recent times. Probably, it has something to do with the onslaught of quartz-powered watches that, while offering superb accuracy and, often, better finish, are still not as cool as mechanical watches are.

The cutout in the face not only tells urbi et orbi that this is in fact a mechanical timekeeper, but also makes the dial look more entertaining to look at.

As it often happens with “open heart” designs, the OES’s dial looks unbalanced with nothing to compensate the dominating window.

Even if it was technically unfeasible to modify the movement in order to turn it 30 degrees counterclockwise, the watch’s logo could have been moved to 2 o’clock. Not brilliant, I know, but certainly better than the actual layout.

Like many other inexpensive pieces from Orient, this model is powered by their Caliber 46A40 automatic movement.

Built on 21 jewels, the caliber offers only basic functionality with the standard hours, minutes and seconds hands and guarantees at least 40 hours of constant power supply.

It must be also mentioned that the model is equipped with a solid display back that, too, sports a small cutout offering an unobstructed view at the balance wheel. Like there was something interesting to look at.

Here is a short promotional video from OrientWatchUSA that seems a little biased, but offers a good view at different angles at the Orient Racing CDB02004B.

Photos: Orient

Orient Sporty-Automatic Open Engine Sports CDB02004B watch specification

Price range: $310
Movement: Orient caliber 46A40, made in Japan, automatic, 21 jewels, 21600 vph
Complications: N/A
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Stainless steel
Case shape: Round
Transparent case back: Yes
Case size: 41.0 mm
Case height: 11.2 mm
Dial: Black
Hands: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Crystal: Glass