Vintage Orient Watches and the Three Stars

Orient was founded in Tokyo in 1950, building on a watch business started by Shogoro Yoshida in 1901. The company became known for making its own mechanical movements and for colourful, adventurous dials.

The three stars

Many vintage Orient automatics carry three small stars under the crest and are known as Tri Star or 3 Star models. They were the brand's everyday automatics: day and date, a robust in-house movement, and often a push button at 2 o'clock to change the day.

Why people collect them

Dials in strong colours, gradients and textures that few other brands offered.
Faceted crystals and unusual case shapes from the 1970s.
Reliable movements that keep working for decades.

Buying tips

Check the faceted crystal for chips, test the day button, and look closely at the dial for moisture marks. Original bracelets are often thin and light, which is normal for the period.