A Classic Japanese Dive Watch from the 1960s Makes a Comeback—And It Isn’t a Seiko!
Rediscover a piece of horological history.
Orient Star
Published on February 4, 2026
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When we talk about the pioneering dive watches from Japan, the Seiko 62MAS (introduced in 1965) often gets the spotlight as the first of its kind.
However, it’s important to note that there were several other watches released before the 62MAS that, while perhaps not as rugged, still embody the essential features of a dive watch. These include enhanced water-resistance ratings, rotating bezels for timing, and luminous markers for visibility underwater.
One noteworthy example is Seiko’s own Silverwave, which made its debut in 1961. Yet, Seiko was not alone in this early exploration of dive watches; Orient also ventured into this territory. In fact, Orient launched the Olympia Calendar Diver in 1964, showcasing their commitment to producing quality dive watches.
Fast forward to today, and this pre-62MAS Japanese diver has been revitalized in a modern edition by Orient’s premium sub-brand, Orient Star.
A Timeless Classic Reimagined
The original Olympia Calendar Diver is often overlooked in discussions about vintage dive watches. Despite lacking the prestigious accolades and impressive depth ratings of renowned Swiss brands such as Rolex and Blancpain—its water resistance was rated at just 40m—this watch was undeniably stylish. Its design featured a broad-arrow handset reminiscent of Omega, balanced markings on its coin-edge stainless steel bezel, and elegantly crafted lugs and indices.
In 2022, Orient Star paid homage to the Olympia Calendar Diver with a limited-edition black-dial version that captured much of the essence of the 1964 original. This included the steel bezel adorned with identical black markings, the familiar broad-arrow handset (now accompanied by a playful lollipop seconds hand), and the classic case design that eschews crown guards for an authentic vintage aesthetic.
Following up on this successful reissue, Orient Star released another limited edition in 2023 featuring a silver dial. Now, in celebration of the sub-brand's 75th anniversary, they have launched the Olympia Calendar Diver once again, presenting what many believe to be the most striking version yet.
The New Oriental Star M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m
This latest offering, named the Orient Star M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m, retains the beloved design elements from previous iterations. While enthusiasts will appreciate the continuity, some might debate the changes made. For instance, the elegant faceted applied indices at the 12, 6, and 9 positions have been replaced with standard rectangular indices, and a power-reserve indicator has been added beneath the 12:00 mark. Although this power-reserve indicator is a hallmark of Orient Star, many aficionados might argue that the overall look would be more appealing without it.
The most significant alteration is the new gradient dial, which transitions from a blue-gray center to a deep black at the edges. This design choice draws inspiration from the ocean shimmering under a starlit sky, giving the watch a contemporary flair while still honoring its vintage roots.
Other enhancements from previous models remain intact, including improved lume (with an additional luminescent pearl on the bezel), a domed sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective coating, a screw-down crown and case back, and a modern automatic movement powered by the Orient Caliber F6N47. Most impressively, this model boasts a much-enhanced water resistance rating of 200m and adheres to the ISO 6425 standard for diving watches, making it both stylish and functional.
Availability and Pricing
Similar to its predecessors, the new Orient Star M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m will be produced in limited numbers, with only 700 pieces available. This quantity sits between the 500 units of the initial black version and the 900 pieces of the subsequent silver variant.
The watch will be presented on a jubilee-style bracelet that, while lacking the distinctive faceted links of the original 1960s model, still complements the diver's aesthetic beautifully. Pricing details are yet to be announced but are expected to be available closer to the launch date at Orient Star retailers in March.
Specifications
- Case Size: 41mm
- Movement: Orient Cal. F6N47 automatic
- Water Resistance: 200m
About the Author
Johnny Brayson is a gear editor at Gear Patrol, where he specializes in watches. He has a penchant for timepieces rich in intricate details and believes that many watches could benefit from a slightly smaller profile.
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