The latest collaboration between Orient Watch and Subaru Tecnica International (STI) comes in the form of the new SpeedTech collection, which features an automatic, ERS and chronograph watch. Today we’re covering the automatic watches SDA05001B0 and SDA05002B0 on rubber and bracelet. As you know, the relationship between Orient and Subaru STI has spanned for the past 5 years. You’ll find that the SpeedTech line is Orient’s most design driven collection in recent memory. The design of the watches was created in the image of the Subaru BRZ GT300, a car that Orient has sponsored at the Super GT race for the past two years.
The SpeedTech Auto STI has many, many design elements that work together to create a one of kind piece. First, the semi skeleton/open heart dial is embellished with carbon fiber material and stainless steel accents. The cut out at the nine o’clock was fashioned to resemble the air outlets on the BRZ GT300. The power reserve indicator is angled at the eleven o’clock marker with a red hand which undoubtedly is a nod to the fuel gauge of a vehicle. The pointy hands feature a unique cut out that starts from the base to the middle and a long hexagonal coat of lume that extends from the middle to the end point. The hour markers are lumed on top of polished steel bars. The inner bezel can be turned using the crown at the four o’clock.
The resemblance to the Subaru BRZ GT300 is also seen in the case and rubber strap. The case is 45mm wide and features a 100m water resistance. The two crowns are on the right hand side and the two o’clock crown (which is used to set the time) bears an etched Orient brand logo. The case itself is very masculine; the use of exposed screws and sloping angles give it a very sporty look. The silky black bezel curves smoothly around the sapphire crystal (which has anti-reflective coating). Beneath the bezel is a very subtle dark metallic blue ring, which is the same blue as found on the BRZ GT300. This is not only our favorite part of the piece, but the one that makes this a distinct Subaru inspired watch. The trapezoidal carbon fiber accents at the top and bottom were cued from the racing grill of the BRZ. The most impressive aspect of the case is its super curved lugs which add the utmost comfort to the wearer. In the current era of large watches, one might think that a 45mm watch would certainly dwarf a small wrist. We’ve found that the curvature of the lugs actually helps the watch wear a bit smaller than it’s advertised. Paired with its optional polyurethane rubber strap, the watch becomes a ‘barely there’ piece which is something that cannot be said for many watches over 42mm.
Finally, Orient opted for a high caliber movement for the SpeedTech Auto STI. The watch is powered by the Orient in house caliber 40R56 which is an automatic, hand-winding and hacking movement. The movement is fully decorated and features Orient’s signature oscillating weight.
The SDA05001B (bracelet) retails for $845 and the SDA05002B (rubber strap) retails $795. Both are available at Orient Watch USA: http://orientwatchusa.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=da05.
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