Have had my Mako II USA for a couple of months now. I find I wear it more than any of my watches. It's very accurate (~+4) and the fit and finish is great. I think you could pay 1000's and really not get a better watch ... and I have watches for comparison.
JR I have a question.. I have been thinking about this watch. I guess you said it above but I want you to elaborate on this since you own this watch. Do you think the quality of this watch is just as good as a higher end Swiss mechanical watch? I am really thinking of pulling the trigger on this watch and I am not a diver but I want to buy a durable watch that I will not be afraid to wear it hard. This looks like a great value for what you get but I am not knowledgeable on watches. Thank you for any info you can give me.
zero 4U I think its a great watch for the price. I was wearing it a few days ago and was in a shop that had a Longines Hydroconquest. I think that they are comparable if you get the USA version with sapphire and SEL. The bracelet on the Longine might be a bit better, but not 1200usd better. Mine is as from factory and is +4~6 sec a day accurate. I have about 11 watches now and the Mako gets the most wrist time.
Just received my Mako II USA in blue. All was 100%. Bezel alignment was perfect. The new bracelet with SEL is really great. I think this watch compares to Swiss stuff at 1k+ ... and those would all have ETA ... not in-house movements. I was going to buy an M-Force this week, but this one satisfied by itch. I think I will enjoy wearing it more than the heavier M-Force.
I received mine yesterday , after comparing it to the Mako USA I, I found the following differences: 1. The crown is smaller on the Mako USA II. 2. The bezel is a lot harder to turn on the Mako USA II. 3. In my case, the bezel on the Mako USA II doesn't align perfectly at the 12 o'clock position. The Mako USA I I have does. 4. Because the Mako USA II has a smaller crown, it is harder to properly screw it. 5. The windable function on the Mako USA II is a little tricky. It tends to start screwing back up instead of wind the watch. Currently debating if I should return it to Orient or keep it. I love the looks, however based on the aspects described above, I am not 100% sure if I should keep it.
Sounds like you just need to return it for a swap, you always get bad ones, especially when new products are launched but its unusal in that orient is known for good quality control in the past.
awesome review, had to sub for you saying what's been on my mind the past couple days and that's orient stealing me away from purchasing a skx model,can't beat the price with this orient
I was really happy to see you reviewing the blue dial, as there are still very few reviews out there on the mako usa ii as is. The blue sold me because I want the sunburst dial.
So tempted to get a blue ray 2. My love for blue divers is getting deep also. Not a fan of the usa dial style. Like the updated specs tho. The mesh bracelet looks awesome btw.
6 tick, 7 ticks (omega), 8 ticks or highbeat movements, all are a trade off in price/run time/longevity ~ having a 60+ runtime for standbuy is nice if you tend to swap around a small watch collection but its overated and if i need long run time, accuracy Id go a clean sweep of the Bulova quartz.
This is a great watch. My only complaint is the crown is difficult to operate because it is too small. I always end up with a chipped nail trying to fish out the crown to set the time or wind the watch
Great review, very thorough and the watch comparison at the end was interesting too. The one mod I'd like to do to a Mako USA II would be a domed sapphire. Any idea whether the existing Mako domed sapphire mods would fit, and if so which one/s?
I think this watch is the absolute best value you can get, made in Japan, Sapphire, screw-down crown, solid end links, hand winding, hacking, 200 meters, and not to mention the fact that it’s aesthetically beautiful.
Ferien7 I recently bought one a few weeks ago and the bezel lines up right and has audible tactile clicks, but the insert is just aluminum and not ceramic, and the ridges aren’t very sharp and they are polished so it makes it pretty hard to get a good grip on it, I’m sure it’s even worse when it’s wet.
Appalachian Gunman I’m not talking about functionality. Of course that’s terrible too. I’m talking about how the bezel ring itself (not the insert) looks, like cheap plastic that’s been coated to look like steel. It’s super cheap and tacky looking, like something you’d get out of a gumball machine.
Hey average bro, Which sites can I buy the orient mako usa / orient ray 2? Really after the ray 2, I'm from aus. And islandwatches/amazon are all sold out :/
Matt Miller I think orient is using the exact same bracelet as their previous Mako USA, so no screw-in links, just simple pins and resizing yourself should be straight forward
The problem with this watch and the original Mako USA is that the inset sapphire crystal leaves the bezel more prone to damage. When something hits the crystal, it'll (hopefully) not shatter and "skate" on the surface and then hit the bezel with full force because it's higher than the sapphire. I've already chipped the blue paint on my Mako USA MK 1. So either make the crystal flush with the bezel or make the bezel ceramic.
I also purchased the original and agree that this is a nice watch however the sapphire being lower does leave it very prone to damage on the bezel. My bezel was scratched within the first week and now has MANY scratches. Having no scratches on the crystal is nice but with the bezel damaging SO easy it makes the sapphire crystal nearly pointless. I am not sure what it would cost to have the bezel replaced however it would be pointless unless the crystal was also replaced. Replace the bezel and crystal? I am fairly confident for the money it would cost to replace those items, I would be best off just replacing the watch.
Interesting! I'm starting to believe on what you say! I got an automatic Citizen Promaster and has a pair of scratches on its mineral crystal, bezel intact. I also have a quartz Victorinox Maverick with sapphire crystal and guess where are the scratches? Exactly, on the bezel. I guess the best option to avoid scratches could be a dress model (without bezel therefore) like the Orient Agent.
A Very interest comparisons, beautiful video and watches! I am interested in buying a mako usa 2 or blue ray... I love both! When is possible to buy a different bezel to mod these Orient watches?for the glass i already identified a pair of seller on internet, one is longislandwatches. But for the bezel someone can help me please?
Quick question ... in 2018... where do you buy these? I’m from Canada. And the only way, I’m finding, is through the Orient USA website at retail cost. Any other authorized dealers outside of the US?
just got mine. Im a little disappointed about the bracelet. Even with the solid end links it still has a gap and that annoying rattle. Does your rattle?
I'm considering about mako usa II. But that looks also good your ray II mode. Which one is reasonable? Just buy mako usa II? Or buy ray II and change the mode ? I have no idea.
How do you spell the name of the after market bezel that you put to your Orient ray II? I heard the name that you said on the video, but I googled it and I could not find it.
Thanks for the video! Its perfect. I recently bought Mako II black dial because I couldn't find the original USA version anywhere. And then the next day I got the watch delivered I came across your video of Mako USA II. I got the Mako II for around 195 and this one is for 262 .50. I really want the sapphire but just cant make a decision what should I do. Any help is appreciated. Again is investing 260 for this watch justifiable for the sapphire? Please help!!
It's not just the sapphire, the solid end-links count for a lot if you enjoy wearing it on bracelet. You can always just add sapphire to your Mako II but an SEL bracelet isn't an option outside of the USA line.
Thats a very valid point and I forgot to mention that. I am most probably going to use it with the NATO strap. Not sure yet as it depends upon the existing band. Also I just ordered the mako USA II from the their website as I couldn't find it anywhere for less. But yours is the only video that I found for this watch. Thanks again and you definitely have earned one more subscriber for your channel.
Your missing an L.... We dont end you for not liking the Ocean1. I have one and love it. best watch under $1k IMO, period. Awesome lume, build quality and looks to die for on the wrsit. They have worked out the kinks in the clasp now as of my shipment too. Its about twice the price of the std.mako2 and worth every cent.
what is with the youtubers wearing watch on right hand side. most people wear a watch on left side and not over a white glove and thats how they want to see it. Atleast you removed the gloove. Anyways rest of video was good.
Nguyên Do a bit of business consulting. Am retired from USA now. Got my Mako II USA ... its really a great watch for the price. Actually, its a great watch ...regardless of price.
![Average Bros [Mark Alamares]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/AMTyfBoS_HGUS5NeMIdml3FQHYPLCvE10yYPfvjGSZRfNEkgmgSJlVqPFEQ4yky_fTnRrnqQ=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
This watch is just perfect! Well done Orient.
A great piece for sure
Love that you keep picking up these blue dialed divers. Makes comparisons between all of them much more clear and conceptual.
Thanks man, appreciate the feedback.
I was expecting this video on your channel ever since I read about the release of the Mako USA II.
Thanks for the review :)
haha, thanks for watching
Have had my Mako II USA for a couple of months now. I find I wear it more than any of my watches. It's very accurate (~+4) and the fit and finish is great. I think you could pay 1000's and really not get a better watch ... and I have watches for comparison.
JR I have a question.. I have been thinking about this watch. I guess you said it above but I want you to elaborate on this since you own this watch. Do you think the quality of this watch is just as good as a higher end Swiss mechanical watch? I am really thinking of pulling the trigger on this watch and I am not a diver but I want to buy a durable watch that I will not be afraid to wear it hard. This looks like a great value for what you get but I am not knowledgeable on watches. Thank you for any info you can give me.
zero 4U I think its a great watch for the price. I was wearing it a few days ago and was in a shop that had a Longines Hydroconquest. I think that they are comparable if you get the USA version with sapphire and SEL. The bracelet on the Longine might be a bit better, but not 1200usd better. Mine is as from factory and is +4~6 sec a day accurate. I have about 11 watches now and the Mako gets the most wrist time.
Hi J.R. Regenold, Would it be possible for you to update me the weights of our Mako II USA with and without the original bracelet? Thanks in advance
I had looked at this watch before, but didn't know about the 30off discount. As soon as I saw your video I ordered it. Thank you!
Just received my Mako II USA in blue. All was 100%. Bezel alignment was perfect. The new bracelet with SEL is really great. I think this watch compares to Swiss stuff at 1k+ ... and those would all have ETA ... not in-house movements. I was going to buy an M-Force this week, but this one satisfied by itch. I think I will enjoy wearing it more than the heavier M-Force.
Congrats, dimensions please, width 42, thickness 13 ? good luck!
+Clarc King Correct. Nice on wrist.
I received mine yesterday , after comparing it to the Mako USA I, I found the following differences:
1. The crown is smaller on the Mako USA II.
2. The bezel is a lot harder to turn on the Mako USA II.
3. In my case, the bezel on the Mako USA II doesn't align perfectly at the 12 o'clock position. The Mako USA I I have does.
4. Because the Mako USA II has a smaller crown, it is harder to properly screw it.
5. The windable function on the Mako USA II is a little tricky. It tends to start screwing back up instead of wind the watch.
Currently debating if I should return it to Orient or keep it.
I love the looks, however based on the aspects described above, I am not 100% sure if I should keep it.
Sounds like you just need to return it for a swap, you always get bad ones, especially when new products are launched but its unusal in that orient is known for good quality control in the past.
awesome review, had to sub for you saying what's been on my mind the past couple days and that's orient stealing me away from purchasing a skx model,can't beat the price with this orient
I will get the one with the white dial.Beautiful
great choice, big fan of the white dial too
I was really happy to see you reviewing the blue dial, as there are still very few reviews out there on the mako usa ii as is. The blue sold me because I want the sunburst dial.
Awesome watch from Orient USA 🇺🇸 love the blue dial and looks great on your wrist, great presence 👍🏻
So tempted to get a blue ray 2. My love for blue divers is getting deep also. Not a fan of the usa dial style. Like the updated specs tho. The mesh bracelet looks awesome btw.
Thanks boss
Man I wish Orient would come out with a 8 beat movement. I really love orient watches they are quatiy watches that are afrodable.
That would be pretty cool but I'm sure it' end up costing well over $1k though
6 tick, 7 ticks (omega), 8 ticks or highbeat movements, all are a trade off in price/run time/longevity ~ having a 60+ runtime for standbuy is nice if you tend to swap around a small watch collection but its overated and if i need long run time, accuracy Id go a clean sweep of the Bulova quartz.
This is a great watch. My only complaint is the crown is difficult to operate because it is too small.
I always end up with a chipped nail trying to fish out the crown to set the time or wind the watch
Great review as always. Im waiting for my Mako USA II. 50% off on Orient USA website. It was a no brainer.
Nice review and nice Mods! Your Ray 2 looks awesome!!
Thank you Sir!
What do you use that fits the drilled lugs to push out the pins? The holes are smaller than on a drilled lug Seiko?
Great review, very thorough and the watch comparison at the end was interesting too.
The one mod I'd like to do to a Mako USA II would be a domed sapphire. Any idea whether the existing Mako domed sapphire mods would fit, and if so which one/s?
I think this watch is the absolute best value you can get, made in Japan, Sapphire, screw-down crown, solid end links, hand winding, hacking, 200 meters, and not to mention the fact that it’s aesthetically beautiful.
Appalachian Gunman the bezel is really cheap looking
Ferien7 I recently bought one a few weeks ago and the bezel lines up right and has audible tactile clicks, but the insert is just aluminum and not ceramic, and the ridges aren’t very sharp and they are polished so it makes it pretty hard to get a good grip on it, I’m sure it’s even worse when it’s wet.
Appalachian Gunman I’m not talking about functionality. Of course that’s terrible too. I’m talking about how the bezel ring itself (not the insert) looks, like cheap plastic that’s been coated to look like steel. It’s super cheap and tacky looking, like something you’d get out of a gumball machine.
Ferien7 I’m not sure about that, I guess you’d have to take it off to find out.
Pretty, very nice... but how are you ever going to get a replacement bezel insert because Orient doesn't supply spares if you need a replacement?
Bro that Orient Ray II is fucking amazing !! I think I'm a have to get that bezel swapped ASAP, are you dropping a vid on it ?
we have the exact same sized wrist. did u need remove links, if so how many? difficult to remove?
I still wish they hadn't discontinued mako usa 1...... I really like that watch for its cost.
Hey average bro,
Which sites can I buy the orient mako usa / orient ray 2? Really after the ray 2, I'm from aus. And islandwatches/amazon are all sold out :/
Great review. I just ordered one and waiting on delivery. Were you able to size it yourself? Are they screw-in links or pin? Thanks
Matt Miller I think orient is using the exact same bracelet as their previous Mako USA, so no screw-in links, just simple pins and resizing yourself should be straight forward
The problem with this watch and the original Mako USA is that the inset sapphire crystal leaves the bezel more prone to damage. When something hits the crystal, it'll (hopefully) not shatter and "skate" on the surface and then hit the bezel with full force because it's higher than the sapphire. I've already chipped the blue paint on my Mako USA MK 1. So either make the crystal flush with the bezel or make the bezel ceramic.
I also purchased the original and agree that this is a nice watch however the sapphire being lower does leave it very prone to damage on the bezel. My bezel was scratched within the first week and now has MANY scratches. Having no scratches on the crystal is nice but with the bezel damaging SO easy it makes the sapphire crystal nearly pointless. I am not sure what it would cost to have the bezel replaced however it would be pointless unless the crystal was also replaced. Replace the bezel and crystal? I am fairly confident for the money it would cost to replace those items, I would be best off just replacing the watch.
Interesting! I'm starting to believe on what you say! I got an automatic Citizen Promaster and has a pair of scratches on its mineral crystal, bezel intact. I also have a quartz Victorinox Maverick with sapphire crystal and guess where are the scratches? Exactly, on the bezel. I guess the best option to avoid scratches could be a dress model (without bezel therefore) like the Orient Agent.
Love the Oreint!! Awesome watch for the price point. Nice vid!
Looks like Orient finally nailed it
agreed
Damn man i want all of these on video :D Great mods and watches.
Do you happen to know if the chapter ring is independent of the dial and can be swapped out for a different color?
A Very interest comparisons, beautiful video and watches! I am interested in buying a mako usa 2 or blue ray... I love both! When is possible to buy a different bezel to mod these Orient watches?for the glass i already identified a pair of seller on internet, one is longislandwatches. But for the bezel someone can help me please?
Quick question ... in 2018... where do you buy these? I’m from Canada. And the only way, I’m finding, is through the Orient USA website at retail cost. Any other authorized dealers outside of the US?
They're still exclusive to Orient USA, but there's a 30% discount you can normally apply, should be able to find with a quick Google search, thanks
just got mine. Im a little disappointed about the bracelet. Even with the solid end links it still has a gap and that annoying rattle. Does your rattle?
Beautiful watch. What's the model number?
the water resistance is not ISO certified. Is it safe to use in pool like the SKX?
The 007/009 bezel insert from Yobokies fits the Orient Mako?
Awesome review! Really enjoy these videos from you. Where can you get the 30%off might i ask?
From the Orient USA website using the code '30off'
Can you please give more information about your Orient Blue Ray mod? I want to get one ... :)
Good watch
great review, thanks!
I'm considering about mako usa II.
But that looks also good your ray II mode. Which one is reasonable? Just buy mako usa II? Or buy ray II and change the mode ? I have no idea.
You can't go wrong either way
+Average Bros oh I see thanks for reply. So how much is you paid for ray II mod?
I forget the exact pricing but the crystal was about $35, Bezel was $65, insert was $25, i think
+Average Bros oh I see thank you Helpful advice! :)
Your Orient Ray II modified version looks amazing!!! Did you modified yourself or you bought it already modified ?
I did some of the easy stuff like the bezel and bracelet and Alex at Artifice swapped the sapphire for me.
How do you spell the name of the after market bezel that you put to your Orient ray II? I heard the name that you said on the video, but I googled it and I could not find it.
yobokies
Thanks, I really appreciate that you share all this information.
How about orient bambino v4, are you going to review that too in the coming future?
working on it, hopefully Orient USA will have some review units soon.
Thanks for the video! Its perfect. I recently bought Mako II black dial because I couldn't find the original USA version anywhere. And then the next day I got the watch delivered I came across your video of Mako USA II. I got the Mako II for around 195 and this one is for 262 .50. I really want the sapphire but just cant make a decision what should I do. Any help is appreciated. Again is investing 260 for this watch justifiable for the sapphire? Please help!!
It's not just the sapphire, the solid end-links count for a lot if you enjoy wearing it on bracelet. You can always just add sapphire to your Mako II but an SEL bracelet isn't an option outside of the USA line.
Thats a very valid point and I forgot to mention that. I am most probably going to use it with the NATO strap. Not sure yet as it depends upon the existing band. Also I just ordered the mako USA II from the their website as I couldn't find it anywhere for less. But yours is the only video that I found for this watch. Thanks again and you definitely have earned one more subscriber for your channel.
...and the drilled lugs, if you appreciate the convenience
+Average Bros - how about a how to do it or a where to get it done video on that (Mako II sapphire mod)?
Subscribed! keepm coming!
Where can I get the bracelet that's on the SKX?
You can get them on eBay, Amazon, or Strapcode.
How many clicks does the yobokies bezel have? Is it 60 or 120?
120
what is the difference between mako usa II and mako II? Thanks
zero 4U the USA has a saphire crystal and different dial. Plus it hacks and hand winds, which I’m not sure if the regular Mako ii features.
USA ii also has solid end links which in my opinion doesn’t feels as cheap to me.
Can you make a video on your Ray II mods? It looks great
I plan to once it's finished, still plan on swapping the hands out
Hello! What brand is that dive mesh band?
ruclips.net/video/9ytQFQIvB7A/видео.html
does the bracelet taper?
Yes, it does down to 20mm at the clasp
Average Bros
The OSD clasp is 18mm though. Exact same dimensions as the Seiko MM300/SNDA59 clasp.
Please do a comparison to a Steinhart Ocean One.
If somebody lends me one, sure but I have no desire to buy one, sorry.
Your missing an L.... We dont end you for not liking the Ocean1. I have one and love it. best watch under $1k IMO, period. Awesome lume, build quality and looks to die for on the wrsit. They have worked out the kinks in the clasp now as of my shipment too. Its about twice the price of the std.mako2 and worth every cent.
+Steve Hardy - AB did say he'd do it, if s/b lends him one ...hmm
Where can I buy this?
Christian Cerna orient usa’s website. If you google it their site will pop right up
Could you reply the reference number of this model, please?
orientwatchusa.com/shop/mens-watches/saa0200bd9/
what is with the youtubers wearing watch on right hand side. most people wear a watch on left side and not over a white glove and thats how they want to see it. Atleast you removed the gloove. Anyways rest of video was good.
Got one coming ... blue. Will add comments after Aug 5, when my friend brings it home (Saigon)
+Nguyên 4 năm .. gần Tân Phú
Nguyên Do a bit of business consulting. Am retired from USA now. Got my Mako II USA ... its really a great watch for the price. Actually, its a great watch ...regardless of price.
I prefer my regular Mako USA. The upgrades are not worth the price difference.
so much better than Seiko
very durable watch, 200 meters is fair enough..
That bezel looks soooo cheap
japanese version of rolex submariner. .
There is very little about this watch that looks like a Submariner
Is it 300 meters?
Baraq Badar
Nope, 200. It's also $250 as opposed to $8500
Are you kidding? Reviewing a cheap dive watch while wearing GLOVES? Man this is not a Patek.