Orient Disk Review

Today we have in for review the Disk by Orient, a fun and youthful watch with unique design elements that help it really stand out. The Disk makes use of some simple, but clever functionality on the dial to impressive effect, while maintaining a simple, sleek aesthetic. It further differentiates itself from other watches with a similar design aesthetic by being an automatic. More often than not, especially at the sub-$250 price point, watches like the Disk are quartz and marketed squarely at a non-watch enthusiast market.  Not the case with the Disk. So, for the more discerning buyer, how does the Disk stand up?

Case: Steel with IP coating
Movement: ORIENT caliber 48743 automatic
Dial: Black
Lume: No
Lens: Mineral
Strap: Steel with IP coating
Water Res.: 50m
Dimensions: 41.4x47mm
Thickness: 11.3 mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Warranty: 1 year International Guarantee
Price: $340 or $238 (30% off) with coupon code “wornandwound”

Dial
The Orient Disk features a rather unique and effective implementation of a sandwich dial.  A matte grey top dial has slim rectangular perforations at each of the twelve hour markers, revealing a lime green second dial underneath. The resulting effect is simple yet eye catching, as the lime green color of the lower dial pops in contrast to the otherwise muted color palate of the rest of the dial and case.  There are also grey hash markers along a raised inner bezel at each hour, and along the outer rim of the main dial for each minute/second.

The most interesting feature of Disk however is found toward the center of the dial, as the inner two thirds of the dial is in fact a rotating disc (hence the name of the watch).  A triangular perforation pointed toward the hour hash markers reveals the colorful second dial and as the hour changes, so does the color revealed, from a combination of white and green to all white or all green.  This is in actuality a super simple feature to implement, but Orient does a good job of utilizing it to maximum effect.

The minute and second hands of the Disk are more traditional, with the minute being a slim fence post shaped hand and the second hand being a long thin needle.  At three o’clock there is a date window with white text on black background and lime green trim, which matches nicely with the dials other colors. Lastly, at twelve o’clock you’ll find an applied Orient logo which has been slightly recessed into the dail.

All told, the sandwich dial of the Disk, in addition to allowing for the unique rotating disk hour hand, creates a well balanced level of depth and texture.  Not to mention the lime green markers stand out quite well, and the stark white minute and second hands pop all the same against the dark grey dial.

Case
The case of the Disk is modest in size and maintains a sleek and simple design. As such, it appropriately and effectively accentuates the main feature of the watch, its dial. Looking straight at the watch, you’ll note that the dial is all present, taking up nearly all of the top case real estate. Further, the shape of the case is simple, and detracts nothing from the dial’s color and unique configuration.  Meanwhile, the lugs taper slightly, and avoid being too aggressive. Again, this presents a nice balance against the dial design.  The gunmetal IP (ion plating) coating seen throughout the Disk case is shiny, but not so much that it’s distracting.

At 41.4mm in diameter and 11.3mm tall, the Disk is also surprisingly wearable, fitting comfortably on most wrists with a relatively low profile. This is great, because while the Disk may very well appeal to those who are looking to draw some attention to their wrist, even the most outgoing among us doesn’t want their watch to be too glaring.  In the case of a watch like the Disk, with such a unique and eye-catching design, its impressive that the case works to both accentuate the design and make the watch more user friendly.

Looking on the back of the case, you find a bit more color and luster.  Surrounded by a polished steel, screw down case back is a blue tinted display window, under which the Orient caliber 48743 automatic movement is visible.  This is an interesting touch, and it makes a lot of sense on a watch like this. A tinted display window is fun and youthful, just how I’d describe the Disk,  However, I would have like the color chosen to match the color pallet of the rest of the watch.  Possible a green or smoke colored glass would have worked better.  Nevertheless, I’d imagine that the type of person that really geeks out over the Disk is going to love this detail.

Straps and Wearability
The Disk reviewed was accompanied by a three link, stainless steel bracelet with deployment clasp.  The bracelet features the same IP coating found on the case of the Disk, matching exactly.  A very nice feature of the bracelet, and one which makes it quite wearable, is it tapers from 22mm at the lugs to 20mm at the buckle.

On the wrist, the Disk is quite comfortable.  The modest case size makes it appropriate most wrist sizes.  Really, the only concern with the Disk from the perspective of wearability is the extent to which it makes sense with most attire.  I certainly wouldn’t say the Disk appropriate for wear in a formal setting, be it at the office or otherwise.  That said, depending on your personality and style, the youthful, somewhat extreme look of the Disk could fit right in. One thing to keep in mind is that, unlike a more classically styled watch, you’re going to have to try a bit harder to dress around the Disk given its color palette.

Conclusion
With the Disk, Orient has done a good job of making a watch that, while rather simple at its core, has been transformed into something completely more interesting and unique through the effective implementation of thoughtful, creative design. And while the Disk is probably not a watch for everyone, we don’t think that’s a bad thing at all.  We venture to guess that the Disk going to feel right at home on the wrist of someone a bit younger, young at heart or really just anyone who has a more playful sense of style. Best of all, Orient has been kind enough to offer worn&wound readers a discount on the Disk. Use the code “wornandwound” at checkout to receive 30% off the $340 price, free UPS ground shipping, a free (yes FREE) Orient men’s watch, Orient Watch USA t-shirt and Orient lanyard.

by Blake Malin

watch provided for review by Orient Watch USA