These days I am a pretty big watch collector with things at every value level, but I got my startmy first "real" watch purchasewith an original Orient Mako from Amazon a number of years ago.

That original Mako was worn and beaten to within an inch of its life. I wore it everywhere, for all occasions and circumstances, and it showed by the time I gave it away to someone who badly needed a watch. It had been through the ringer, looked like a battlefield artifact, but kept on ticking and keeping very accurate from-the-factory time at about +3s/day.

Well, I recently decided that it was time to get a Mako again now that the Mako II is out. Mako II keeps the unique dial styling, narrow bezel, serious water resistance, and basic feel while adding hacking and hand-winding.

It was a joy to open this up and see a brand new Mako once again, and this one is also eerily accurate at about the same level, straight from the factory. And I liked it so much now that I am a more serious watch hobbyist that I have invested more in itI have added a domed sapphire crystal and a high-end bracelet from Strapcode with screwed links, solid end links, and a forged chamfer clasp. It now competes in every way with much, much more expensive watches, while having that amazing "Mako look."

All of which is to say that this watch is a modern classic and a fabulous value at this price. Stock, it keeps incredibly accurate time for a mechanical watch, swims with the best day-to-day divers out there, runs forever and holds up amazingly well, and looks unique, elegant, and also just a bit aggressive, all at the perfect size (41mm wearing a tad smallnot too large, not to tiny for just about any wrist). And beyond stock, because of the popularity of the Orient Mako/Ray platform, it is now also a great base for a higher-end "project watch" if you want to go that route.

If I was advising someone on a "first serious watch" to spend money ona first watch purchase beyond a TimexI think this would be my absolute strongest recommendation. "Get an Orient Mako II and wear it with joyeverywhere and in every circumstance. It'll serve you well."