Orient Ray 2. A watch that's better than its spec suggests. It has the X-FACTOR!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 เม.ย. 2021
- The Orient Ray 2. A great “gateway” watch for people getting into watches, as well as collectors! If you are looking for a different choice to the norm (Seiko's and Citizens for example) an Orient has its own charms which I discuss and share in this review. An in-house movement, great lume and well proportioned design add up to something special beyond its specification. I also discuss how a watch with a "lower spec" than something from the popular homage watch sector of the market, still has appeal to watch lovers on a tighter budget?
Go to Amazon or Creation watches and just type in “orient ray 2”. Whilst there, see what other delights you can find that are great value or in your budget. Have fun.
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Like a Toyota Century, Orient always reminds me of some sort of dated golden age Japan-in-the-80s aesthetic... and I love it.
I never understood how someone could sell a watch and then suddenly want to buy it again until this one. At the time Orient wasn't as well known as it is now and you had to know where to find them. A friend asked to buy it so I sold it to him and I wasn't bothered until I started to see it worn by others. I started to miss it.
I have thought about selling my Mako USA2 but then I try it on and say to myself, “ nah, I’m keeping you.”
@@CanadianBeachcomber lol. Don't do it Chris ! Especially with the USA edition. I think it could be a future classic.
It's a weird one, how there are things beyond just looking at it. It's the whole package. Far from perfect, but different and interesting.
@@watchmewithwatches like you say Dan, that X Factor.
I have wanted back every single watch that I sold. I got rid of my Raymond Weil Chronograph and regret it. From now on, I'll buy and keep!!
I love my blue ray 2, took off the rubber strap put it on a dark blue and red nato,looks like the dogs 🏀’s😂😂
I've had this watch for a few years, in the beautiful blue dial version. Pretty much no complaints--I really enjoy it. It looks more expensive than it is, and performs that way as well. Thanks for a nice look at it, hope you've introduced some others to this gem!
The sunburst on the blue dial knocks it out of the park. I have a few others (SKX included) that just sit in the drawer because my Blue Ray2 is stuck to my wrist 24/7
@@ChapeauRouge921 same here, after an upgraded strap and sapphire crystal, it could pass for a 1k watch
Totally agree the proportions are just right. I did swap out the cheap bracelet on mine for a slightly nicer $35 eBay one and it went from being a very nice watch to just outstanding. I have watches worth 8-10 times as much but this one remains one of my favorites.
What an excellent review, thank you... I bought this watch a few weeks ago, and just watched your review. I just love this watch.
Great in-depth look at the Ray 2! I wanted the blue one for ages but never pulled the trigger, ended up getting the blue Orient Kamasu instead. Such a great watch and it's honestly all someone would need. Orient is the new value king amongst major watch brands.
the only and the most accurate review of this watch on youtube.. I've got this watch and it is great to own one! thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
I’ve had my Ray II for 2 years amongst my other pieces which include Omega, Edox, Rolex, Armand Nicolet, a couple of microbrands, Longines & Oris. It’s the watch I continually come back to & wear on a daily basis. Never skipped a beat, taken some serious knocks, and taken to some considerable depths diving. I can’t fault it. Nothing. In fact it gets plenty of positive comments & surprised looks when I say it’s got an in house movt & cost me £140. It honestly can’t be beaten. Aesthetic’s are spot on & I’m getting around +7secs a day. Brilliant watch & if it got stolen or lost I’d not hesitate getting another. The crown though…oh that crown is a b***ard 😂
Love my orient ray 2. Only bad thing is that this crystal tends to scratch much easier than any other watches I own.
Gorgeous watch
You really could could cover every watch need with Orient,From the Defender to the Bambino to Divers and the Star Series.
I would like to review more orient for sure. The star series etc would be great 👍
The new triton looks good value. Been looking at one for less than £200. A 200m dive watch with sapphire and an in-house movement!
Thanks for Review. In house movements for a bargain ....my first watch was an Orient... such a good value
Totally agree!
That crest on the dial reminds me of the Benson and Hedges cigarettes one.
Thanks for sharing. 👍
It does!
You're right this is a stunning watch. In my experience ever mineral crystal watch gets scratched sooner or later which is why I'm very reluctant to buy watches with mineral crystal. Thankfully Orient offers a good alternative named Kamasu. But what these watches both have in common are the puny crowns. Once you see this yoy cannot unsee it. It was a nice review in which you made a good approach to explain this watch and I'm looking forward to see the mod video Dan! 👍
Thanks Alex, im looking forward to doing the mods very much. I hope it goes alright! 🙏
I appreciate how well you explain that value priced watches can be enjoyable. It is okay the like a watch for how it looks and feels on your wrist especially when it is a manufacturer with horological relavence. Cheers.
Thanks Chris, there are plenty of value watches with a depth of character for sure. This is definately one of them!
Well said. The original Seiko 5 watches come to mind. Great, inexpensive watches with the historically significant 5 standards that had to be met at a fair price.
@@davemck1887 Good point.
@@davemck1887 as much as I love an homage, I want to share these gems too, as there are many watches like this people could miss out on.
Great review - thanks. I've been after the USA version with sapphire for ages!
Thanks mate!
I have this watch and I can tell you that it is my favorite of all my collection
I got the blue version a couple of months ago, also from Amazon. It looks stunning, absolutely dazzles.👍
Blue would be very nice, very appropriate for a dive watch
Ordered mine yesterday...
Yay Geepas! I have the Day 2 Raven and I have a love/hate relationship with it. I think the face is ok. The PVD is amazing. The hollow end links and the pressed clasp makes me sad. The Orient logo is pretty classy.
My favorite part is the black, redrilled second hand against the black dial. It makes it look like a red arrow traveling around by itself. So cool.
I just bought a Phoibos with the MOP dial, so I'm thinking of giving this one to my son.
Great idea, I'm sure he will love it. The all black finish must be nice and stealthy
I have owned Kamasu about a year now lovely looking watch ben pondering ray 2 a while now either black or blue but after your review gona order my black ray 2 on Friday I also own Mako XL fulliy lumed dial I love that 👶baby
Ive always wanted that full lume Mako, it looks amazing!
Excellent review! Orient make great watches. I looked at this watch and it was a little bit small for my 7.9" wrist. Actually I can't really say that, I just wanted a bigger one. So instead, I got an orange bezel Mako XL, which is 44.5mm and about 50mm lug to lug. It's one of my favourites, probably wear it more than the others. OK, it has an older movement non hacking or handwinding but I wear it so much it doesn't matter and +4 spd which is good. I hear that complete discontinuation of the Mako XL has happened or coming soon. The bezel action is perfect. There's also a very nice green bezel version. I really recommend the Ray for many people but for the bigger wristed person, the Mako XL may suit and price is still very good. It's actually the watch I get most favourable comments on. The online pics don't do the watch justice at all, and you would be pleasantly surprised seeing it for real.
Thanks Brian
I have the mako2 which is very similar and I’ve never really taken to it. In-fact going to sell it as it’s never worn. They do look nice though. Great review👍🏻 Ps look forward to seeing the mods!
I'm about to sell mine and buy a Kamasu, a pretty great watch. I also have the original gen one with double pushers and an aged movement. Such great watches.
i have the burgundy dial kamasu, bought it for €220 new on ebay :) it's a great value piece, could not be happier. great lume xD
I have this watch in blue and gave had it for a couple of years and was the beginning of my watch journey. Other than a TAG in the very early 2000's. It great value for money and a I now where it on a NATO. Could starter watch.
I agree, for many as a starter watch they would really enjoy it.
I love my black Ray II
Thanks for sharing.
It makes a lot of sense compared to £100 + Ali Express.
Buying history and style and originality.
Possibly one of the best logos in horology.
Yes! I agree, looks fantastic.
I really like it, not had my hands on a modern Orient so definitely interested in this....🏴⌚🏴⌚
Hi Brian, I think you would like it. 👍
I would pay extra for a sapphire crystal.
Me too. Well, I will be putting one in it!
Orient is currently providing much more value for money than any other Japanese brand. In particular their diver watches are all a dream come true. My favourite is the so called Triton, such a marble piece, with its spring charge indicator. Unfortunately a bit too big for my own sake.
I agree, I've seen a Triton and was very impressed with how it looked and felt. Very good watch for the money and looks unique.
I love my ray 2...
Lol got my Orient Ray Raven 2.... 2 days ago...... It's identical to this with the exception it has gloss bezel insert and all orange Dial. As soon I unboxed it I was in love. Still not sure why it's called the raven.. Maybe something to do with the gloss treatment. Top review M8.
Thats the magic x factor for you!
Good review, liked the Japanese music. Great watch, the clasp and bracelet wouldn't worry me, but I don't like the day and date window.
Thanks Duncan, nice you appreciate the little details I'm trying to add in! Lol. I will get back to you you soon regards to borrowing your watch too. Thanks mate!
Well worth the money , I've got one as a daily beater there so cheap and so reliable it's hard to find anything better for the price maybe a steeldive because they're also very good for the money
I agree, a great beater diver watch thats easy on the eye with excellent lume! With a new bezel and sapphire upgrade it's even nicer!
@@watchmewithwatches oh totally ,I've seen you do some mods Dan and they was awesome
Quite like the watch apart from the small crown I wear it less then my defender 2 just so I don’t need to use the crown as it’s much harder to operate on this .
one of my only gripes with my mako ii is that crown. it’s completely serviceable, but i did wish it was 1-2mm larger
otherwise, one of my favorite watches!
I agree, there is a knack to it, but if you wear it most days, the crown is less of an issue.
I prefer my Rolex submarine 5000$ 14k gold watch while driving my Porsche targa i crap 100$ bills little people. Thanks for the review bishes
During the intro. music I was waiting for grasshopper to appear.
My Mako 2 bezel is strachey compared to this, but it is the only one of my collection ( yet) that has received a compliment ( for the sunburst blue? Proof most people just don't care).
Of all my 5 ( now 4) watches from Aliexpress there's been something amiss ( even a sea ghost timekeeping should have made me return it) unless one spends enough ( more than an Orient Ray/Mako/ Kamasu) - the San Martin 62 mas is worth it.
Its seems you can get a watch for not much more (from citizen, casio etc) that doesn't have issues very often at all! The orient I have seems to just want to be on my wrist all the time at the moment. That says a lot about its charms.
Thank you Dan for another awesome unboxing. I absolutely love Orient watches. Recently I bought an Orient Kamasu with deep red dial and it is just brilliant. These divers from Orient do have that special x-factor which I traslate into their tremendous history & heritage, in- house movements, and overall outstanding quality. Tremendous value for money.
Thank you again for your amazing work. Your channel just keeps getting better and better. Always a real pleasure to watch your videos. Have a wonderful weekend my friend. All the best 👍
Thank you Felo, it's always a joy to read your kind words and know people out there enjoy my videos! That red dial kamasu you mention really does look good, the deep red looks like a nice glass of wine!
@@watchmewithwatches 🙏👍🙏👍
Love my ray 2, especially on my strapcode bracelet.
Definitely, I wonder though if the cost of the bracelet is worth it? What do you think having got that bracelet?
Yes, not just a better clasp and screws, but lovely finishing, polishing and no sharp edges.
@@watchmewithwatches strapcode bracelets are ok, if you somehow get them for the listed price. I had to pay a total of 40$ worth of taxes and shipping for a 50$ item, which is a scam if I compare it to a random aliexpress $20 (which actually stays $20 when it finds your home) oyster bracelet with quick adjustments.
Bought a Strapcode bracelet from Amazon UK and it takes the watch to another level. After a short time the hollow end links on the original start to rattle a little. Have both Mako 2 in black and Ray 2 in blue. 👍
I have the Ray Raven 2 and I think the Ray 2 is a good value watch atm. It's 50 - 70 pounds cheaper than a Kamasu and apart from the lack of a sapphire crystal it's pretty comparable so for some people that cheaper price might be the difference maker. I got mine after I got a Kamasu because i wanted a black PVD coated watch, but apart from that I wouldn't recommend getting a Ray if you already have a Kamasu because of how similar they are. Some people just won't be able to get past the Chinese spec monsters but I guess they will never understand why this is probably a better choice.
I agree, the depth of horology runs deeper than pure specs. It's the other little details that add a depth of character and interest to a watch which is a lovely part of horology.
I’m in the watch for more than two years… I also have the Kamasu(sapphire and much better lume For just over US$200)....Same crappy bracelet though… Not a fan of the bracelets at all… They don’t taper enough and the clasps are garbage(IMO)....Love both of the watches and their main stairs my collection never to be sold… Never an issue… I agree with you on the crown… Most of their watches have that same small crown… Would love to see them add another couple of mill. Thanks for the great review!
Thanks John
My Ray 2 had +10 sec/day but after I dropped it on the floor it’s now -3sec/day. Not sure if I prefer a more accurate watch or one runs to fast. 🤔😕 Love the watch as a beater though.
I ordered a Kamasu two days ago, because I need another watch like I need a hole in the head, but I am excited.
What dial color did you get? They are gorgeous!
@@watchmewithwatches I got the green one. It’s going to be my summer companion.
very nice watch for the price :)
On your outdoor shoot, I noticed the brushed finish on lugs are a bit rough. Is it just because of the lightning?
It must be the lighting, they look good 👍
Nice to see Geepas getting some love in the comments 😜
Always!
I've always wondered the way too much hype about Mako, Kamasu, Kano. Imho a diver or diver style watch looks best with round indexes. No batons, sticks, arrows, shevrons. But that's just me.
Round indexes were the most attractive thing for me and a must . It took me a while to realize it too, i was liking certain watches but I didn't realize why. It's the round indexes. Then I figured out it why when I heard the ray2 being called a sub homage. Then it clicked for me. That's why I liked the Ray2 , that's why I adore round indexes. It's the Submariner look , the most copied watch ever. So yeah... It's ray 2 for me until I can truly afford a Sub.
I love my Ray II, but I don't know if I want to wear it tomorrow while going to the bathhouse... 😬 I have bad luck with "waterproofed" "20atm" watches
Don’t you go worrying about it’s water resistance. Tough as old boots is the Ray II & I’ve had mine down to 110 metres diving without any problems (although I did swap out the strap for a dive strap). Enjoy!
Thank you very much for the information (No pop up spring action when you lose the crown) because I got it and I thought it was broken or something wrong.. I realized that is absolutely normal after checking your video of Orient Ray2. Anyway, it's odd that this watch doesn't have pop up spring action crown that every other watches have. Even Mako2 has pop-up screw crown.
Those random cuts with the oriental music is killing me
Good or bad?
@@watchmewithwatches Both!
The Ray is still my favorit, but the small crown is an issue.
When new it was very tricky and stiff, but after a while is loosens up and is easier to operate for sure!
The reason the the tips are cut off is to make it harder to recognize the poor alignment. (This statement was intended as humor)
Mine is about a second slow in 24hrs. It's impressive, but I'd rather the watch be faster than slower so I'm only 98% happy with it. I don't care about stainless steel straps anyways, i always use canvas/nato straps, and I don't have to pay higher price for steel strap.
Holy crap that's good accuracy! Orient accuracy are always way better than Seiko.
Nice watch, thanks for showing it mate
No problem 👍
They do not test it coming out of the factory. Some say it can be up to 30-45 seconds a day off. MINE ISN'T! My Ray 2 is very close to yours. Seconds a day off; +6 to +10 maybe. This watch is much better than the 3 Star I once owned. Solid, heavy, fits well, does the job. I am a little disappointed in the Blue Face as it only really pops in bright light. It is so good I want to see it all the time. Crown is a bummer and I will hate February when it comes around or those 30 day months.
Everybody in the world should fist pump the sky shouting GEEPAS! GEEPAS! GEEPAS!
Geepas is always part of the team!
Orient is the new Seiko.
Very good point. I agree.
First
Thanks for commenting!
Can i Scuba dive with this Ray 2 🤭
Well, 200m diver should be fine! It's supposed to be a dive watch. It's got case back, crystal and crown seals.
@@watchmewithwatches so you mean possible to dive Scuba...??
@@bhaihussain6271 I can't possibly verify that without trying myself. Sorry I can't help any more than that! It's good to check out watch forums to see if people have used an Orient Ray 2 scuba diving.
Can’t hear half of what your saying
Sorry to "hear" that. Pun intended.
For the love of God that bezel has to go. Sooner rather than later!
Soon.....
Why don’t you ever put a link in for the timepiece you are reviewing. You are quick enough to beg for patreon support.
Lol
Yeab the orient has some flaws
Definately, but don't we all! Lol
I'd take an Orient over a crappy Pagani or any Ali watch anyday regardless. And sapphire has a far better refractive properties and is far clearer than mineral glass. I wrote a piece on this in WUS...