Review: ORIENT BLACK MAKO CEM65001B AUTOMATIC

[Cana]

Sorry to hear you find so much wrong with your Mako. I picked up he same model just about a month ago. Only with the rubber strap, which I replaced with a wachadoo I had laying around. Mine feels great, looks great, keeps great time. The bezel tunes with no trouble at all, even with my large hands and 6 1/2 inch wrist. This is one of my many watches (30) and I rate it very good for the price.

[anzac1957]

It really sounds like you should send your Mako back for replacement. The bezel should indeed turn freely with light finger pressure..

[Ahriman4891]

It *should*, but mine also doesn't turn -- unless I grab the watch with both hands and apply considerable force. It cannot be done while wearing the watch, obviously. I believe it's a fairly common occurrence with Makos.

However, as far as other aspects of the watch are concerned, I don't really find it flimsy.

[MINIDriver]

It *should*, but mine also doesn't turn -- unless I grab the watch with both hands and apply considerable force. It cannot be done while wearing the watch, obviously. I believe it's a fairly common occurrence with Makos.

However, as far as other aspects of the watch are concerned, I don't really find it flimsy.

My bezel, at first, was extremely stiff. Doing several rotations in succession made the bezel turn a lot easier and smoother.

But I do agree on that Orient needs to pay close attention to the bezel mechanism, especially, since they are owned by Seiko. Seiko has the best and smoothest rotating bezels in the business.

[Ahriman4891]

For me it's the opposite -- after a couple complete revolutions, it's more and more reluctant to move... At least the alignment is good.

However, I was very pleasantly surprised by the bezel on my $120 Seiko5 -- unidirectional, 120 clicks (didn't expect that), smoothness and alignment about as good as on my Tuna Maybe I got lucky. The bezel on my father's 300m Eco-Drive diver is nowhere near the Seikos, but still orders of magnitute better than on the Mako.

[moeharri]

I probably could have tried to send the watch back for a replacement, but I always worry about getting a piece with more defects (not to mention I'd have to cover shipping at least one way).

I rarely use the bezel, but I still wanted it to be possible to use it while on the wrist. I've been working on it to loosen it up, but it's still extremely tight.

I wear the watch a couple of days a week yet and really enjoy the dial font, color, and initial bright lume.

[Gurra1980]

I probably could have tried to send the watch back for a replacement, but I always worry about getting a piece with more defects (not to mention I'd have to cover shipping at least one way).

I don't think you can get a worse mako than yours. I have a mako and am amazed by the build and feel of it, I also have a Rolex Sub and the mako seems very good compared to it. The mako bracelet feels more substatial and solid compared to Rolex. The case is just as good finished if not better. I agree that the clasp ratles, but I especially love the smooth solid crown, and uses to release it to set the time and date just for fun I think it feels that good.

[BenL]

I probably could have tried to send the watch back for a replacement, but I always worry about getting a piece with more defects (not to mention I'd have to cover shipping at least one way).

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with the Mako. It does sound like your experience is more the exception than the rule - Mako owners are normally quite satisfied.

[siv]

I just got my Black Mako ($99 Watch of the Day from Oriental Watch Site) and I am pleased with the weight, build quality etc - it's a well made watch for the price. It is a little small, light and the bracelet has some flex but it's $99!!!!

The Bezel had me stumped. When I first took the watch out of the box, I thought that the bezel was fixed and just for show until I reread this review. I have trouble turning it when it's on my wrist. I can only turn it when I use my nails in the ridges and must apply absolutely no pressue downwards. I also need to apply equal pressure to opposite sides of the bezel. Actually I quite like it - I'm not a diver and I have OCD so always want the 0 lined up with the 12 so having the bezel tough to move is a good thing!

All in all, this is a great looking watch and I enjoy having it on my wrist.

[Stingraid]

I also just received my Black Mako from the $99 deal of the day. I couldn't be happier .

The build quality seems great and it feels comparable in weight and presence to my Black Monster. Also, I was concerned about how the bezel quality would be after reading this review, however mine seems to be up to par. Sorry to hear about your troubles.

Best wishes!