After getting into watches seriously, the Orient Mako was the diver that served as the gateway drug into this hobby. I know it was either that or a Seiko SKX for most of us but because of this, the Orient Mako will always have a special place in the collection. I still have it, it was my wedding watch, and that beautiful blue dial still gets me from time to time. Recently, the brand announced a set of anniversary models for their 75th anniversary and the dials just shot out in a way that was too appealing to not mention here on TBWS. Let’s take a look at these new Orient Mako references RA-AA0823L and RA-AC0Q12L.
Launched in 2004, the Mako quickly earned cult status among dive watch enthusiasts. It’s simple, rugged, and built very well. Add to that the fun color options and a price point that won’t make you second-guess your mortgage, and you’ve got a recipe for a dive watch that people actually want to wear. The first new model here, the RA-AA0823L, is the bigger of the two, measuring 41.8mm in diameter with a 46.8mm lug-to-lug. The second model, the RA-AC0Q12L, is the more compact version, measuring in at 39.9mm in diameter with a 46.5mm lug-to-lug. Both feature 200m of water resistance and sapphire crystals. For my money, I’m a little curious about the smaller 39mm with the brushed bezel insert.
It looks like for the 75th anniversary, rather than pumping out the usual polished, safe models, Orient has decided to have some fun. If you’ve been paying attention, you know that the Mako has been through a couple of different iterations since its launch, with updates that were always in response to collector feedback. So it’s only fitting that these new models celebrate both the brand’s history and the Mako’s status as a cult collector classic.
The new 75th Anniversary models are a nod to the original Mako, but with a bit more flair. Both feature stunning sky-blue dials (or “ice blue,” depending on who you ask) with a sunburst pattern that makes the light dance in ways you don’t see on your average dive watch. The second hand? Gold-plated and sunlight-inspired—a touch of luxury, I suppose, but still rooted in the utilitarian spirit of the Mako. And just to keep things retro, Orient has brought back the cursive logo from the 1950s, giving these watches a slightly vintage vibe.
Flip them over, and you’ll find a neat little inscription that reads “Orient Since 1950 – 75th Anniversary,” plus individual serial numbers engraved on the back. It’s a small detail, but one that adds a personal touch. These are limited editions, after all—6,000 pieces worldwide. I don’t think they’ll be tough to get, but who knows? I still sometimes think about “upgrading” and picking up a newer Mako for fun. With what the brand has done for their anniversary this year so far, I may be keeping an eye out for more releases like this.
Both watches are priced at EUR 429.99 for the larger model and EUR 399.99 for the smaller one. At the end of the day, these watches are a tribute to what Orient does best: giving you a solid, fun, and affordable dive watch that will serve you for years. But at these prices, Orient is blowing past some of the affordable Seiko champions like the standard “Turtle” models and newer/improved Seiko 5 options like the GMT. It’s tough to figure out which way to go and both brand still offer supreme value and quality for the money even now in 2025. Which direction would you go—Seiko or Orient? Either way, if you’ve been on the fence about grabbing a Mako before, now’s as good a time as any.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.