Orient has spent decades proving a genuine in-house mechanical watch doesn’t have to be expensive. A wholly owned part of Seiko Epson, it uses that backing to keep offering true automatic movements at prices few rivals can touch.

The Bambino has become one of the most recommended dress watches in the world, looking far above its price. The Mako, Ray and Kamasu divers deliver 200m automatics that punch well past their cost, while Orient Star adds refined finishing for those wanting more. The appeal is simple and rare: a real in-house automatic — hacking, hand-winding and all — at an entry price. For many collectors, it’s the first serious mechanical watch they own.

WatchBay carries a curated selection of sought-after Orient watches.