Orient Neo 70’s

 

A Journey Back to the 1970s with a Modern Twist.

Orient introduced the Neo 70’s series in 2010, aiming to capture the bold, adventurous spirit of 1970s watch design while infusing modern technology and proportions. 

Unlike the Orient Star collection, which often emphasizes premium mechanical movements and dressier aesthetics, the Neo 70’s line targets enthusiasts seeking sporty, retro-inspired timepieces at an accessible price point. 

The series includes both three-hand models and chronographs, with the latter gaining particular attention for their “Panda” and “Reverse Panda” dial configuration designs characterized by a light main dial with contrasting darker sub-dials (or vice versa), reminiscent of a panda’s face.

The Neo 70’s Chronograph draws inspiration from the 1970s, an era when chronographs became iconic thanks to their association with motorsport and adventure.

 Brands like Heuer (now TAG Heuer) and Omega popularized the Panda dial with models like the Carrera and Speedmaster, respectively. 

Orient’s Neo 70’s series pays homage to this aesthetic but adapts it for modern wearers, offering larger case sizes, solar-powered movements, and a price point that makes it a standout in the sub-$500.

Design and Features.

The Orient Neo 70’s Chronograph, particularly is a blend of retro flair and contemporary functionality. 

   The watch features a 42mm stainless steel case, with a lug-to-lug measurement of approximately 48mm and a thickness of 11.7mm.

This size is larger than most vintage chronographs (which were often under 40mm) but aligns with modern preferences for a sportier wrist presence. It fits comfortably on medium to large wrists. though smaller wrists might find it slightly overbearing.

The case combines polished sides and brushed lugs, creating a balanced contrast that adds depth without being overly flashy. 

The fixed bezel is polished, keeping the design clean and dressy, unlike the tachymeter bezels on motorsport-focused watches like the TAG Heuer Formula 1.

  The Panda dial is the star of the show, with a milky white or light gray main dial and black sub-dials, creating the classic Panda look. The WV0041TX, for instance, has a white dial, while models like the WV0011TX feature a gray Reverse Panda dial. 

The sub-dials form a triangular pattern: a 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock, a 24-hour time counter at 12 o’clock, and a small seconds counter at 9 o’clock. Applied polished hour markers and dauphine-style hands give the watch a refined, vintage touch. The hands and markers are treated with lume, though it’s not as bright as on dive watches like the Seiko SBDY121, making it more suited for casual low-light use.

Solar charging via panels integrated into the sub-dials, providing up to 6 months of power reserve on a full charge.

High accuracy, with deviations of just a few seconds per month, as reported by owners. Chronograph functionality, measuring up to 60 minutes in 1/20-second increments, with a smooth sweep and reliable reset.

  - While some collectors prefer mechanical movements for their craftsmanship, the solar quartz movement offers low maintenance and eco-friendliness, eliminating the need for battery replacements.

 The watch features a crystal glass, often described as mineral glass, which is less scratch-resistant than the sapphire crystal on the RE-AV0004S or Seiko SBDY121. This is a cost-saving measure but a potential drawback for those prone to scratches.

 The standard stainless steel bracelet had a mix of polished and brushed links, with a 20mm lug width for easy strap swaps. However, the bracelet has received mixed reviews.

Some call it “sub-par” or “rattly,” with folded links rather than solid ones, prompting many owners to swap it for leather, NATO, or rally-style straps. The Neo 70’s versatility with straps is a highlight, as it pairs well with everything from brown leather to olive NATO, enhancing its retro racing vibe.

Conclusion

The Orient Neo 70’s Chronograph excels as a budget-friendly, retro-inspired timepiece with modern functionality. Its solar movement, Panda dial, and solid finishing make it a compelling choice for under $300. However, the mineral glass crystal is a weak point, as sapphire would better justify its price in today’s market, where competitors like Seiko offer sapphire at similar price points.