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Orient Star has released the Sakigake Three Hand, a 75th-anniversary watch that removes the power-reserve indicator the brand has used since 1996 and debuts the new in-house F7542 automatic movement. Four dial variants are offered, including a copper limited edition of 900 pieces, priced from roughly $1,000.
Orient Star has marked its 75th anniversary with the Sakigake Three Hand, a watch that removes the power-reserve indicator the Japanese brand has placed on its dials since 1996 — a design change Esquire calls “a significant change of direction.” The new model also introduces Orient Star’s in-house F7542 automatic movement and starts at roughly $1,000.
The Sakigake Three Hand does away with two features that have characterized Orient Star watches: the power-reserve indicator, used on the brand’s dials since 1996, and the date window. According to Esquire’s report, what remains is an unusually clean three-hand automatic intended as an everyday watch. The release coincides with the brand’s 75th anniversary; Orient Star has been making watches since 1951.
The watch measures 38.7mm in diameter and uses a 316L stainless-steel case paired with a newly designed bracelet. The sunburst dial carries faceted, petal-shaped hour markers and skeletonized hands, and it comes in four colors: gold, silver, light blue, and copper. The copper-dial version is a limited edition of 900 pieces.
Inside is the new in-house F7542 automatic movement, which Orient Star says offers more than 50 hours of power reserve. The specification also includes a sapphire crystal front and back, 100 meters of water resistance, and a screw-down crown. Pricing is €880 (just under $1,000) for the light-blue model and €960 (about $1,088) for the copper limited edition.
Why Dropping the Power Reserve Matters
The power-reserve indicator has been part of Orient Star’s visual identity for roughly three decades, so removing it is a deliberate design statement rather than a routine update. The change positions the Sakigake as a cleaner, more minimalist option in the affordable automatic segment, where dial clutter is a common complaint among buyers.
The release also matters for the price-to-specification ratio. At around $1,000, the watch combines an in-house movement, sapphire crystal on both sides, 100 meters of water resistance, and a screw-down crown — a package that Esquire describes as “quite a lot of watch here for the money.” For readers comparing entry-level luxury automatics, the Sakigake adds a competitive new option with an uncommon dial layout for the brand.
Orient Star’s Design History Since 1951
Orient Star, a Japanese watch brand established in 1951, has built its reputation around affordable automatic watches, frequently featuring power-reserve indicators on its dials since 1996. That indicator became one of the brand’s most recognizable traits across its three-hand and open-heart models.
The Sakigake Three Hand represents a departure from that formula for the brand’s 75th anniversary year. Alongside the design change, the model debuts the F7542, a new in-house automatic calibre replacing the familiar power-reserve-displaying movements in this application. The copper limited edition of 900 pieces ties the anniversary release to a collectible format, a common practice among watch brands marking milestones.
“What remains is an unusually clean, handsome everyday automatic that feels like a significant change of direction for the Japanese brand.”
— Esquire
Unconfirmed Details for Buyers
Several details remain unclear from the initial report. Exact regional availability and release dates outside Europe have not been confirmed, and the dollar prices cited are approximations of the euro pricing rather than confirmed US retail figures. Precise lug-to-lug measurements, case thickness, and lug width were not included in the initial information.
It is also not yet clear whether the gold, silver, and light-blue variants are permanent additions to the catalogue or anniversary-only runs, nor has Orient Star publicly detailed the full technical specification of the F7542 movement, such as its accuracy rating or jewel count.
Availability and Hands-On Reviews Ahead
Readers can expect wider availability through Orient Star’s official channels, including the brand’s UK site referenced in the report, with additional retail distribution likely to be confirmed region by region. Watch publications will publish hands-on reviews covering the F7542’s real-world accuracy, finishing, and wearing comfort on the new bracelet.
Given the copper limited edition’s run of 900 pieces, that variant is the most likely to sell through quickly, and resale pricing patterns should become apparent in the months after launch. Further anniversary releases from Orient Star during its 75th year remain possible but have not been announced.
Key Questions
How much does the Orient Star Sakigake Three Hand cost?
The light-blue model costs €880, or just under $1,000. The copper-dial limited edition is €960, about $1,088.
What is unusual about the Sakigake Three Hand’s design?
It removes the power-reserve indicator that Orient Star has used on its dials since 1996, along with the date window, leaving a clean three-hand layout with sunburst dial, petal-shaped markers, and skeletonized hands.
What movement does the Sakigake use?
It houses Orient Star’s new in-house F7542 automatic movement, which offers more than 50 hours of power reserve.
How limited is the copper version?
The copper-dial variant is limited to 900 pieces, making it the collectible option among the four dial colors.
What are the case specifications?
The case measures 38.7mm in 316L stainless steel, with sapphire crystals front and back, 100 meters of water resistance, and a screw-down crown.
Source: rss
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