I have both, prefer the Orient - not even taking the specs into consideration (which are clearly better on the Orient, but the Seiko is good enough for an everyday piece) , but purely design and fit. The Ray is actually my favourite diver or diver styled watch under 200/250 out there - I simply love the design, especially the sloped bezel. I don't like the super tall/vertical bezel on the Seiko that much.
I have the orient and it's very good. Super solid and well made. Paid 175$ for it. I also have a seiko SRPE/dresskx that cost closer to 300$. The orient is more accurate, better lume, nicer hands.. it's great value. Seiko does beat it in case finishing, but not by a lot.
I say go with the Seiko. For the desk diver you need, it does the job, and no one needs that water resistance for what other professional divers are rated for, but it looks the part, and can be on you for most water activities.
I’ve owned the ray 2 and it’s a great watch. My only issue was the bezel was noticeably difficult to turn. I’ve also owned the seiko 5 and I think the biggest plus about it is all the different colors you can get it in and the huge amount of mod parts that are available. Can’t wait to see what you pick!
If you're looking for something sporting but formal at the same time with good quality and not expensive go with the Orient. Compare to the seiko and citizen the design of dial and hands of the ray 2 more visually pleasing in my opinion.
Have you considered an "Islander"? Mark has an upgraded skx with everything you are after plus sapphire crystal and bezel. I got the pinky for my wife and it is amazing the bracelet is fantastic!!! I highly recommend it.
I don't think many would agree to this, but if it were me, I'd be choosing the Citizen NY0040 without a doubt. The Orient, while looks the cleanest, has too much of that generic submariner-esque diver design going on for my personal taste that I'd feel like I'm settling for a budget option. Citizen 0040 on the other hand is an iconic dive watch in itself and the only true diver out of the three, plus it's got that big connection to marina militare! Again, this is just one man's opinion - I say go with whatever you feel the strongest connection to! Looking forward to the new addition to your collection, whichever that might be! Jack
The citizen is not bad at all. And it's for sure the most iconic of the three. The thing that makes me unsure about it is the movement. Plus it's a tad too big for me I think. But yeah I see where you are coming from with the orient being a bit uninspiring
@@watcharc9569 The Citizen is smaller than the Seiko, and newer versions with an updated 8204 movement are out there (with hacking functionality finally!). Out of the 3 I prefer the Ray, but the Citizen would be a great contender no doubt.
I'm going a little off topic, but I think we should mention some more budget variants that should be considered ...First- Victorinox diver which can be purchased for approximately $ 230 . Bullet-proff watch ! The series of Vostok are also interesting ;: Amphibia Reef or Amphibia Scuba....I was especially impressed by the two Orient models-Orient Kamasu and Orient Kanno-beautiful models...
If you are going for the Seiko SRPD, you are better off getting the Orient Kamasu for about the same price, but with better spec. The latter has a screwed down crown and a sapphire crystal. Comparing both SRPD and the Ray II, I think the Ray is a better choice, considering the cheaper price and the screwed down crown. I have both the SRPD and the Kamasu.
orient ray 2 of course... future project for it should be swap to sapphire crystal, solid links, solid endlinks, coin egde bezel and full lume ceramic bezel insert. that's it. my perfect setup. but i do prefer seiko skx013 with all those upgrades.
Maybe : CITIZEN PROMASTER MARINE BN0151-17L ( in more colors of dial - black , blue , red , green... ) . I plan to buy Seiko 5 Sports SRPD71K1 and I don't care if it's not certified diver : ) . With Seiko I think you will find everything you are looking for, except a certified diver....which is not so important, because with this Seiko you will be free to enjoy many water activities ( swimming , etc ) . That is my humble opinion . Simone , it's not easy for you, it's sweet torment ... : )
The Orient seems to cover most of your requirements... I'd only prefer the Seiko in this case, if you want the "heritage" or rather the best know brand within your selection. If you are open to consider other options and you don't see quartz as the antichrist... why don't you get a Casio Duro? You will be a little bit less broke.
I have not owned any of these. That said I would pick the Ray 2. The Citizen you seem too strongly against the movement to be the right choice. I like the look of the Seiko but I worry about their alignment issues unless you are buying in-person. You also seem to favor some of the design choices of the Ray 2 so that is what I would go with.
@@watcharc9569 Well i think ill go for the Kamasu, cause it have betters specs (crown and sapphire crystal) and lower price, But SRPD looks very cool thow...
@@watcharc9569 try with Citizen Promaster NY0040, its an great alternative, still cheap, iso certified diver, used also by 2.special groups of Marina Militare from 1996 to 2005
Newer production of ny0040 have miyota 8204 which have hacking. I had all these watches and i sold them citizen its still for sale, and i will tell you Orient Ray/Mako looks boring also i have ny0090 limited edition and i cant stand the 8 o clock crown, also some BIG negative about new Seiko 5 including dressKx idk why Seiko did this but one of the crown guards from the back side is too long and it scratches your finger when u hand wind it, this guard on my Skx007 is much shorter. I would recommend you dont buy any of these 3 but buy Orient Kamasu its the best from all these three it just have one "problem" the crown is a bit too small and its not very easy to unscrew/screw it back but when u operate it long enough it will not bother you and thats really only thing that is not perfect on this watch, and i recommend you to purchase 20mm milled clasp from aliexpress for its bracelet and u will have great watch super comfortable perfect size 41.8 case with 46.6 LTL for the price is the budget diver king and beats them all big brand divers.
I considered the kamasu and objectively you're right it's better than all of these three. But you know, I don't really like the hand and indices of the kamasu...and plus it's a bit more expensive. Great recommendation though
@@watcharc9569 Wow The hands and indecies on Kamasu is one of the most beautifull and its not direct homage to anything im supriced u dont like them but guess thats why people are different. Well then get the Orient Mako or Ray but definitely Blue sunburst dial, i had both black and blue dials and black was super boring, blue dial on Orient is very rich blue u will not regret.
You're right, they are not a homage to anything and that's super cool. It's just that they seem a bit too... aggressive? Don't know If that makes any sense
@@watcharc9569 No worries bro whatever u like 👌 Orient is definitely budget king for divers, i wish only they remove day wheel on their watches, i like more only date its more balanced also if they make Kanno at 40mm only date it will be crazy good.
Orient is the cheapest the better looks and the smallest of the three. I bought mine two months ago for just 110€. I must say though: Seiko and Citizen are more prestigious when it comes to diver watches
just wanted to inform you guys that I pulled the trigger...wanna guess?
I have both, prefer the Orient - not even taking the specs into consideration (which are clearly better on the Orient, but the Seiko is good enough for an everyday piece) , but purely design and fit. The Ray is actually my favourite diver or diver styled watch under 200/250 out there - I simply love the design, especially the sloped bezel. I don't like the super tall/vertical bezel on the Seiko that much.
I have the orient and it's very good. Super solid and well made. Paid 175$ for it.
I also have a seiko SRPE/dresskx that cost closer to 300$.
The orient is more accurate, better lume, nicer hands.. it's great value. Seiko does beat it in case finishing, but not by a lot.
It's a close call you're right!
I say go with the Seiko. For the desk diver you need, it does the job, and no one needs that water resistance for what other professional divers are rated for, but it looks the part, and can be on you for most water activities.
I’ve owned the ray 2 and it’s a great watch. My only issue was the bezel was noticeably difficult to turn. I’ve also owned the seiko 5 and I think the biggest plus about it is all the different colors you can get it in and the huge amount of mod parts that are available. Can’t wait to see what you pick!
If you're looking for something sporting but formal at the same time with good quality and not expensive go with the Orient. Compare to the seiko and citizen the design of dial and hands of the ray 2 more visually pleasing in my opinion.
I like the orient. It has a really classic look to it.
Have you considered an "Islander"? Mark has an upgraded skx with everything you are after plus sapphire crystal and bezel. I got the pinky for my wife and it is amazing the bracelet is fantastic!!! I highly recommend it.
Yeah islander watches are amazing, the one I tried was astonishing but I was after something with a little more heritage
I don't think many would agree to this, but if it were me, I'd be choosing the Citizen NY0040 without a doubt. The Orient, while looks the cleanest, has too much of that generic submariner-esque diver design going on for my personal taste that I'd feel like I'm settling for a budget option. Citizen 0040 on the other hand is an iconic dive watch in itself and the only true diver out of the three, plus it's got that big connection to marina militare!
Again, this is just one man's opinion - I say go with whatever you feel the strongest connection to! Looking forward to the new addition to your collection, whichever that might be!
Jack
The citizen is not bad at all. And it's for sure the most iconic of the three. The thing that makes me unsure about it is the movement. Plus it's a tad too big for me I think. But yeah I see where you are coming from with the orient being a bit uninspiring
@@watcharc9569 The Citizen is smaller than the Seiko, and newer versions with an updated 8204 movement are out there (with hacking functionality finally!). Out of the 3 I prefer the Ray, but the Citizen would be a great contender no doubt.
Another budget variant: Candino certified diver model C4717/2 , C4717/3 , a real Swiss watch - good quality for the price...Or Wenger diver....
I was unfamiliar with either watches, thanks for making them known to me!
@@watcharc9569 I'm glad I'm helpful
I'm going a little off topic, but I think we should mention some more budget variants that should be considered ...First- Victorinox diver which can be purchased for approximately $ 230 . Bullet-proff watch ! The series of Vostok are also interesting ;: Amphibia Reef or Amphibia Scuba....I was especially impressed by the two Orient models-Orient Kamasu and Orient Kanno-beautiful models...
If you are going for the Seiko SRPD, you are better off getting the Orient Kamasu for about the same price, but with better spec. The latter has a screwed down crown and a sapphire crystal. Comparing both SRPD and the Ray II, I think the Ray is a better choice, considering the cheaper price and the screwed down crown. I have both the SRPD and the Kamasu.
orient ray 2 of course... future project for it should be swap to sapphire crystal, solid links, solid endlinks, coin egde bezel and full lume ceramic bezel insert. that's it. my perfect setup. but i do prefer seiko skx013 with all those upgrades.
You're not wrong. But modding is a world I am extremely ignorant of. Fascinating nonetheless!
Maybe : CITIZEN PROMASTER MARINE BN0151-17L ( in more colors of dial - black , blue , red , green... ) . I plan to buy Seiko 5 Sports SRPD71K1 and I don't care if it's not certified diver : ) . With Seiko I think you will find everything you are looking for, except a certified diver....which is not so important, because with this Seiko you will be free to enjoy many water activities ( swimming , etc ) . That is my humble opinion . Simone , it's not easy for you, it's sweet torment ... : )
Good point! It's 100% a sweet torment😂
The Orient seems to cover most of your requirements... I'd only prefer the Seiko in this case, if you want the "heritage" or rather the best know brand within your selection.
If you are open to consider other options and you don't see quartz as the antichrist... why don't you get a Casio Duro? You will be a little bit less broke.
I am all for quartz watches! But sadly the duro is not easy to find here in Italy and puls it's a little on the big side...
I have not owned any of these. That said I would pick the Ray 2. The Citizen you seem too strongly against the movement to be the right choice. I like the look of the Seiko but I worry about their alignment issues unless you are buying in-person. You also seem to favor some of the design choices of the Ray 2 so that is what I would go with.
You chose well.
I’m in the same situation right now brother, I’m between Seiko srpd blue OR Orient Kamasu blue!!!!
Both superb watches. Tough decision to make!
@@watcharc9569 Well i think ill go for the Kamasu, cause it have betters specs (crown and sapphire crystal) and lower price, But SRPD looks very cool thow...
i don`t know if it fits your budget,but what about a seiko turtle?
I thought about the mini turtle, but that would stretch my budget a bit too much..plus it's not easy to find where I live. Cracking watch though
I would say Seiko, if that would be the SKX, but with those 5KX fake divers... Go with Orient
The skx would have been perfect for me...too bad
@@watcharc9569 yes, but no hand wind, no hack, and now it costs over 200$ + tax and shipping
Yeah no right now it doesn't make sense anymore
@@watcharc9569 try with Citizen Promaster NY0040, its an great alternative, still cheap, iso certified diver, used also by 2.special groups of Marina Militare from 1996 to 2005
Newer production of ny0040 have miyota 8204 which have hacking. I had all these watches and i sold them citizen its still for sale, and i will tell you Orient Ray/Mako looks boring also i have ny0090 limited edition and i cant stand the 8 o clock crown, also some BIG negative about new Seiko 5 including dressKx idk why Seiko did this but one of the crown guards from the back side is too long and it scratches your finger when u hand wind it, this guard on my Skx007 is much shorter. I would recommend you dont buy any of these 3 but buy Orient Kamasu its the best from all these three it just have one "problem" the crown is a bit too small and its not very easy to unscrew/screw it back but when u operate it long enough it will not bother you and thats really only thing that is not perfect on this watch, and i recommend you to purchase 20mm milled clasp from aliexpress for its bracelet and u will have great watch super comfortable perfect size 41.8 case with 46.6 LTL for the price is the budget diver king and beats them all big brand divers.
I considered the kamasu and objectively you're right it's better than all of these three. But you know, I don't really like the hand and indices of the kamasu...and plus it's a bit more expensive. Great recommendation though
@@watcharc9569 Wow The hands and indecies on Kamasu is one of the most beautifull and its not direct homage to anything im supriced u dont like them but guess thats why people are different. Well then get the Orient Mako or Ray but definitely Blue sunburst dial, i had both black and blue dials and black was super boring, blue dial on Orient is very rich blue u will not regret.
You're right, they are not a homage to anything and that's super cool. It's just that they seem a bit too... aggressive? Don't know If that makes any sense
@@watcharc9569 No worries bro whatever u like 👌 Orient is definitely budget king for divers, i wish only they remove day wheel on their watches, i like more only date its more balanced also if they make Kanno at 40mm only date it will be crazy good.
Orient is the cheapest the better looks and the smallest of the three. I bought mine two months ago for just 110€. I must say though: Seiko and Citizen are more prestigious when it comes to diver watches
Orient.