Orient Star, the esteemed Japanese watchmaker, has just launched two breathtaking additions to its Contemporary Collection M34, and they’re quite literally out of this world. Inspired by the celestial spectacle of the Perseid meteor shower, the new M34 F8 Date models are miniature galaxies strapped to your wrist, boasting a world-first technology that will leave you starry-eyed.

A Celestial Inspiration Takes Form

Forget boring dials because Orient Star has truly reached for the stars with these releases. The Contemporary Collection M34, already a nod to the star-studded constellation Perseus and its annual meteor display, welcomes two distinct yet equally captivating siblings.

World-First Innovation: M34 F8 Date Black Dial Meteor Shower

One, a limited-edition marvel cloaked in deep black, pioneers a world-first nanoparticle metal multilayering technology on its dial. Imagine the delicate dance of shooting stars captured in exquisite detail, thanks to the layers of nanometre-sized ultra-fine metal particles – a technique previously exclusive to the realm of electronics, now gracing the intricate landscape of a watch dial for the very first time. Orient Star is crafting a miniature universe, limited to a mere 160 pieces for the truly discerning stargazer.

The result? A dial that seems to hold the very depths of space within its confines. The gradation and the smooth, thick, clear coating add a tangible sense of vastness, while the hairline and mirror finishes on the hands and indices act like distant stars, sharply contrasting against the inky black. Even the date window at 3 o’clock gets a touch of celestial sparkle with its diamond-cut frame, enhancing the dynamic meteor shower design. It’s a dial that begs to be admired, a conversation starter that transcends mere time-telling.

M34 F8 Date in Ethereal Green: Capturing the Aurora of Space

But the cosmic journey does not end there. Joining the limited-edition black beauty is a regular model sporting a newly introduced lush green dial. While it doesn’t employ revolutionary nanoparticle layering, it’s no less captivating. Taking inspiration from the mesmerising patterns of the Perseids, much like its earlier blue dial predecessor, this green iteration elevates the visual experience with in-house developed optical multilayer film technology. This isn’t your average paint job. Orient Star’s clever layering of near-transparent films at the nano-level manipulates light, causing the colours and patterns to shift and shimmer with every subtle movement of your wrist. It’s like witnessing the ethereal glow of the aurora borealis captured on a dial, a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that brings the meteor shower’s fleeting beauty to life.

Crafted with Precision: The Shinshu Dial Studio

Both these stellar dials are the proud creations of the Dial Studio at Shinshu Watch Studio in Nagano, Japan. This dedicated atelier is where Orient Star’s artistic visions take tangible form, with skilled artisans meticulously handling everything from surface finishing to the delicate placement of indices and the crafting of the hands. It’s a prime example of the brand’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship meeting cutting-edge innovation.

The Heart of the Cosmos: Advanced Mechanical Movement of the M34 F8 Date

The magic of the M34 F8 Date extends beyond its captivating face. Nestled within the robust 40mm case, inspired by the legendary Greek hero Perseus himself, beats the heart of Orient Star’s advanced watchmaking prowess: the in-house automatic mechanical calibre F8N64. It’s equipped with a silicon escape wheel, a signature technology for Orient Star, ensuring enhanced accuracy and longevity. With a precision of +15 to -5 seconds per day and a generous 60-hour power reserve, this movement is a reliable companion for your daily adventures, both terrestrial and cosmic. And for those who appreciate the inner workings, the movement, with its beauty chamfered Geneva stripes on the rotor, is a joy to behold through the see-through sapphire crystal case-back.

Details that Shine: Case, Crystal and Bracelet

The attention to detail doesn’t stop there. The M34 F8 Date boasts a dual curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides (SAR coating), ensuring crystal-clear visibility of the stunning dials from any angle. The elegant and comfortable metal bracelets are crafted from high-quality stainless steel (SUS316L), promising durability and a premium feel on the wrist. And with a water resistance of 10 bar, this timepiece is as practical as it is beautiful, ready to accompany you through life’s everyday moments.

The M Constellations: A Universe of Design

The M34 F8 Date belongs to Orient Star’s M Collections, a design-focused range that draws inspiration from Greek mythology, nebulae and star clusters. This collection aims to offer higher quality timepieces for both seasoned watch enthusiasts and those who appreciate the finer things in life. Within the M Collections, the Contemporary Collection M43 stands out with its sharp, powerful and cutting-edge designs, perfectly embodying the spirit of the Perseus constellation and its dazzling meteor shower.

Owning a Piece of the Night Sky

With the introduction of these two new M34 F8 Date models, Orient Star has not only captured the fleeting beauty of a celestial event but has also pushed the boundaries of watchmaking innovation. Whether you’re drawn to the groundbreaking nanoparticle technology of the black dial or the mesmerising, colour-shifting allure of the green dial, these timepieces are more than just watches – they’re wearable pieces of art, miniature windows to the wonders of the universe, ready to spark joy and conversation with every glance. So, prepare to be captivated, because with the Orient Star M34 F8 Date, the stars are truly within reach.