Orient introduced the first M-Force in 1997 (and you can read about that piece of history here).The name was intended to indicate its "Mechanical Force" – beingdriven by an automatic movement – as well as its being "Massive" andboasting a "Maverick" design.
The latest generation of M-Force watches was introduced in September2020, and while initial responses to the advertised images were mixed, therewas no denying the three "M's" have been met in full: Mechanical, ofcourse, it is; Massive it is as well, measuring 47mm in diameter (well almost…but we'll get to that later); and its design can undoubtedly be described as Maverick.
To be honest, it took me a while to warm up to the design. As betterphotographs of the watch began to surface in social media, I actually startedto like it. Eventually I decided to treat myself to a brand new M-Force.Choosing one model to go for could have been a tough task, as each of the fiveversions available has a certain unique appeal, but the task was made easierthanks to my local AD – who offered a single choice. Very well then – astealthy reference RA-AC0L03B it is!
How It Looks
It was the Cartier brand who, many decades ago, coined the term"tank case" to describe a certain type of square watch design,usually attributed to rather delicate, elegant dress watches. Well, I am sorryCartier but that was no tank. THIS is a tank:
This watch looks tough, like an armored vehicle. And armored it is, withits most prominent feature being that bulk of a crown guard. However what seemslike an overgrown piece of metal that throws the case off balance in photos,makes more sense in real life, and on the wrist. It even adds a certain senseof directional edge, and hence speed, to the otherwise very rounded design.
Other unique elements that stand out include the bezel-guard oppositethe crown, the unusual "technical" font on the bezel, and the nicelycut out hands. Together, they give the M-Force a very technical, tool-watchappearance, which is quite different from the brand's other diver-style modelslike the Kamasu.
The particular version being reviewed also stands out with its stealthyappearance created the matte-finished black plating on the case and bezel,black silicon strap, and greyed-out hands, dial (and bezel) text, and even theOrient logo.
A few elements in red stick out against this dark background: the tipsof the minute and second hands; the "Diver's 200m" writing and the"O" in the Orient logo, on the dial; and the red ring adorning thecrown. This is just enough color for the watch not to look too boring oraustere, and certainly not in excess.
Upon closer examination, one can appreciate the decent quality andcohesiveness of the execution. The case, bezel, dial and hands all feature avery particular grainy texture that bonds them visually. The case feels verysmooth though, like a pebble. The only bright spots seem to be those flashes ofred paint.
Note that unlike most dive watches, there is no bezel insert here. Thebezel is a single piece of metal with the minute markers engraved into it. Thistoo is characteristic of most M-Force models since the very first 1997 release,and definitely adds to the perceived robustness of the watch. Naturally thisalso means you cannot just replace a scratched insert, and if needed – the entirebezel will need replacing.
Overall, I like how this M-Force looks. It is bold, very confidentlydesigned, and manages to make use of just a few standout elements to achieve animmediately recognizable identity.
This aligns well with the DNA of M-Force watches of previousgenerations: most of them (with the possible exception of the 2016"Bravo" model) weren't really streamlined designs, but rather unusualcreations always having some oddball feature or other, be it a strangely shapedcase, an irregular bezel, or something else.
How It Wears
It's an M-Force so it has got to wear big and imposing, right? Well, tosome extent it does. But as I hinted at the beginning of this review, it's notthe huge paperweight of a watch that the specs might make you think.
In fact, it weighs almost exactly the same as the elegant and mostun-tank-like OrientStar Diver! On the silicon strap, the M-Force weighs only 5 gramsmore, at 132g vs the OS's 127. On a steel bracelet, the Orient Star's 2mm widerlug width makes the broader bracelet even things out, and both weigh about thesame (205 / 206g).
Part of this is because official dimensions are a bit misleading. The47mm figure is inclusive of the crown guards; take those away, and you get a45mm wide case. However the bezel is only about 42mm wide. Thickness is a veryreasonable 13.2mm (compared with the OS diver's 14mm) and lug to lug is 52mm.
Not a small watch by any means, then, but not a hulking beast either. Onthe wrist, it feels surprisingly light, very comfortable, and just like awell-proportioned diver or sports watch.
The standard silicon strap is soft and supple, and adds to the comfort.Inside it is not smooth but has a kind of grainy texture. The 20mm lug widthwhich might have seemed too small for a 47mm wide watch, makes more sense giventhe actual dimensions and the thickness of the lugs.
That said, I think the strap supplied is about 10-15mm too long. Thiswatch wears perfectly on my 7.25" wrist, but I'm fairly certain it wouldbe just as perfect for 7" and very wearable for people with a 6.5"+wrist who love big watches, and they would certainly feel the strap length makeit hang a bit funny. So maybe, if you're a smaller wrist person, get ready toreplace or cut the strap short – or just go for one of the bracelet models.
How It Functions
Now let us put the watch to work, and first thing is crown action.Screwing and un-screwing is easy enough. The crown is large and grippy, and itsthreading seems to have been well executed. When pulled out, it is obvious thecrown stem is thick and robust, and while the crown does wobble ever soslightly, it is hardly noticeable.
Winding is easy, with a very slight feeling of grinding or roughness(less so than on the Kamasu). Setting the time and date is effortless, and thecrown guards leave enough space for the crown to be held and turned at ease.
Operating the bezel is similarly easy, with just the right amount ofresistance. The bezel turns with a very satisfying clicking sound, and withvery little back-play that would be virtually unnoticeable unless you payspecial attention to it.
Legibility is excellent. The markers, which are embossed rather thanapplied, are large and filled with lume, and contrast well and clearly againstthe darker dial. The hands are dark grey on this version, but their tips areclearly painted, lumed, and make reading the time as easy as can be.
In the dark, you get a fairly strong and long lasting visibility of theluminous parts, including the bezel pip. I've seen stronger luminosity in varioushardcore dive watches, but the size of the markers and hands here make them easyto discern in low light, nonetheless.
The movement here is Orient's in-house caliber F6727. This movement iscurrently unique to the M-Force, and it seems to be based on the more widelyused F6722, having the same functionality, layout, jewel count etc. Possibly,it is the same caliber only with some added shock protection, as has beenhinted by M-Force marketing presentations.
Performance is satisfactory: I have measured its accuracy over 72 hoursof normal usage, on and off the wrist, resulting in the watch gaining 10seconds per day on average. As stated accuracy is +25/-15 seconds per day, thisis just fine, although not exceptional.
What the movement, and thus the watch, lacks, in comparison to mostother M-Force models of the past, is the power reserve indicator. Nowadays itis only Orient Stars that get this feature. Is that a great loss? Sentimentallyspeaking, a PR gauge would make it more of a classic-looking M-Force.Practically speaking, it would be unnecessary, perhaps even a distraction. Thewatch design seems coherent and sensible without it, and legibility is definitelybest just the way it is.
The M-Force is proud of being a very capable watch outside the comfortzone of office wear. Front crystal is sapphire, and is further protected by thebeing slightly recessed below the bezel, which in itself is protected by thecrown guard and the opposing bezel guard. Apparently, there is furtherprotection inside the watch, by a system of rings that absorb shocks betweenthe dial, movement and case.
Water resistance is an ISO-standard air-divers' 200 meters. I did nottake the watch for a deep dive, but it feels perfectly safe to bathe, swim, andsnorkel, which is what most of owners might ask of it.
The Bottom Line
Yes! Despite initial concerns I had prior to getting my hands on thiswatch in person, the new M-Force is a great addition to the Orient line-up. Itmight not fit exactly into the niche prescribed by M-Forces of old, but it doesoffer a welcome upgrade to the brand's existing range of sports watches,providing better specs and quality than Kamasu and Kanno, and sliding into theprice gap just below the Orient Star 200m diver.
Different M-Force models all currently seem to be selling at around500-600 USD online, and from what I'm hearing – they're selling well. And thismakes sense, as you're getting a highly capable watch for the price.
As wearable as the M-Force is, its dimensions should still be taken intoconsideration before buying. I'd say, this is probably less suitable for peopleof wrists under 6.5" unless they really are fond of overhanging watches. Between6.5-7" it would feel big but not ridiculous and more down to personaltaste – it really doesn't wear larger than most rounded smartwatches. If youare 7"+ then it's a no-brainer.
Other than that, if you like how this watch looks in my photos, youwon't be disappointed seeing it in person. The new M-Force is an excellentwatch, and very much worth considering if you're looking for a tough sportywatch that can go anywhere.
We'd be very happy to learn about your experience with the M-Force.Have you a different dial version, or one of the bracelet models? Please shareyour thoughts about it in comments below!
