Introduction
The Orient Mako II (ref. FAA02002D9) is a watch that needs little introduction among budget-conscious enthusiasts. It’s the sequel to the beloved Mako, refining the case, dial, and bezel while keeping the price firmly in the entry-level luxury territory. Over a week of daily wear—from office meetings to weekend beach trips—this Japanese diver proved that you don’t need to spend a mortgage payment to get a capable, good-looking automatic watch. In this review, I’ll focus on what matters most: how it actually feels on the wrist, how it performs in real-world conditions, and whether it deserves a spot in your collection.
Manufacture History
Orient has been producing reliable, in-house mechanical movements since its founding in 1950. Known for offering exceptional value, the brand’s Mako line—launched in the early 2000s—became a benchmark for affordable dive watches. The Mako II, introduced around 2015, refined the original’s design with improved lume, a more legible dial, and a solid end-link bracelet.
Movement
The Cal. 46943 is a workhorse movement with hand-winding and hacking seconds. While not heavily decorated, it’s robust and easy to service. The rotor is skeletonized and signed, offering a glimpse of the escapement. Power reserve is 40 hours, frequency 21,600 vph, 21 jewels. It’s not COSC-certified, but for the price, accuracy is respectable.
Specifications
- Case diameter: 41.5mm
- Thickness: 13mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Mineral
- Water resistance: 200m
- Lume: Orient proprietary
- Bracelet: Stainless steel with folding clasp
Wrist Feel
On a 6.5-inch wrist, the Mako II wears surprisingly well for a 41.5mm diver. The 48mm lug-to-lug keeps the watch from overhanging, and the relatively short, downward-curving lugs hug the wrist nicely. The 13mm thickness is noticeable but not excessive—it slides under a dress shirt cuff with a slight tug. The bracelet is comfortable, though the stamped clasp and hollow end links remind you of its price point. The weight is balanced, not top-heavy, making it suitable for all-day wear. The bezel action is crisp with 120 clicks, and the crown is easy to grip and screw down.
Accuracy
Over a week of mixed wear (8 hours/day, desk job with occasional movement), the Mako II ran at about +12 seconds per day. This is within Orient’s stated tolerance of +25/-15 seconds. Overnight, positional variance added another 2-3 seconds. For a non-COSC movement at this price, it’s perfectly acceptable. Expect real-world accuracy of +10 to +20 seconds per day depending on your activity level.
Occasions
The Mako II is versatile enough for daily wear, sport, travel, and even dressier settings with a strap change. Its 200m water resistance makes it a true diver, not just a desk diver.
Wrist Presence
3.5/5 – The Mako II has a solid, tool-watch presence without being flashy. The blue dial catches light nicely, and the applied indices add depth. It’s not a conversation starter like a Submariner, but it commands respect among those who know watches.
Reference Variants
- FAA02001D9 – Black dial, stainless steel bracelet
- FAA02002D9 – Blue dial (reviewed), stainless steel bracelet
- FAA02003D9 – Pepsi bezel, stainless steel bracelet
- FAA02004D9 – Green dial, limited availability
Family References
Orient Mako (original), Mako USA, Mako XL.
Other Notable Orient Models
Orient Kamasu, Orient Bambino, Orient Ray II.
Similar Watches
- Seiko SKX007 – Iconic entry-level diver with similar specs.
- Citizen Promaster Diver NY0040 – Japanese automatic diver with 200m WR.
- Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB – Budget Submariner homage with Seiko movement.
Homages
Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB ($80) – Direct Submariner homage, but lacks originality.
Investment Value
MSRP $290, current retail ~$250, pre-owned $150-$220. Trend: stable. Not an investment; buy to wear.
Service Interval
Every 5 years, ~$150. Can be done by any watchmaker; parts available.
Pros and Cons
Pros: In-house movement, 200m WR, excellent legibility, comfortable fit. Cons: Mineral crystal, stamped clasp, lume fades, no display caseback.
Final Verdict
The Orient Mako II (FAA02002D9) is a fantastic entry-level automatic diver that punches well above its price point. It offers genuine 200m water resistance, a reliable in-house movement, and a comfortable, well-proportioned case. While the mineral crystal and stamped clasp remind you of its budget origins, the overall package is hard to beat. If you want a no-fuss, everyday diver that looks good and works even better, the Mako II is a no-brainer.
