It looks like Orient is finally going to reintroduce its M-Force series to the North American market. The offensive will begin with the new Wunderwaffe: the 2011 M-Force 200M (refs. EL03001B, EL03001D & EL03002M) automatic diver. Available in three colors of its dial (black, blue, and orange with the pale green luminescent substance on its hour markers and hands,) the new timekeeper is officially rated for 200 meters, which makes it a perfect companion for recreational scuba diving.
It would be stupid to use a mechanical timekeeper as the main diving tool, but, if partnered with an electronic diving computer from Suunto or some other serious diving gear manufacturer, it will be a nice backup accessory. Still, despite its rugged look, the new M-Force can easily be worn as a casual watch for those who want to draw some attention to their active lifestyle.
The M-Force sports the Japanese-made Caliber 40N50 self-winding movement. Built on 22 jewels, it beats at a rather slow frequency of 21,600 vph. Not affecting accuracy, the “heartbeat” increases the mechanism’s longevity reducing the wear of the moving parts.
Unlike their older lower-grade calibers, the cal. 40N50 can actually compete with some Swiss-made mechanisms thanks to its better precision.
The ability to wind the mechanism by hand, as well as the introduction of a hacking seconds module, too, makes the movement a lot more interesting proposition for a gadget that is going to be offered at a minimum recommended price of $720 USD. Being introduced just four (or five?) years ago, there is still not enough data on the mechanism’s reliability in the long run, so I can’t say anything about its long-term reliability.
On the other hand, a watch in this price range is not a piece of art that you are buying in order to pass to your grandson when he joins the Army, so this shouldn’t worry you too much.
The movement lurks inside a massive stainless steel case and is protected from salty water with a screwed solid case back and a screw-down crown, which is ergonomically placed at 4 o’clock: a feature that many consider a must for something that poses as a “tool.” As all normal diving companions, the new M-Force is equipped with a rugged-looking unidirectional rotating bezel.
There are three versions of the dial, but each one comes equipped with huge luminous hour markers and hands. Even the seconds hand has a small dip of lume closer to the tip. From where I stand, the power reserve indicator on this model is not particularly necessary but is still a nice feature to have if you don’t plan to wear the M-Force 200M on a daily basis.
See also: TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 Diver
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 4.5/5
Versatility: 3/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Photos: Orient
Orient M-Force 200M specification
Price: $720 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber 40N5A, 21,600 vph, 22 jewels, Made in Japan
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve
Power reserve: 40 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 46.00 mm
Lug width: 22.00 mm
Case height: 13.30 mm
Dial: Black (Ref. EL03001B) / Blue (Ref. EL03001D) / Orange (Ref. EL03002M)
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 200 meters
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp
Crystal: Sapphire
Back: Solid, screwed-in