Orient Star launched two new M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding models from its Classic Collection M45, featuring a regular model and a limited-edition model of 140 pieces. The regular model depicts the gentle moon in the still of the night and the slow passage of time, while the limited-edition model portrays a mystical scene of the star cluster Pleiades and the moon, attracting watch enthusiasts with irresistible appeals.
The Classic Collection M45 is composed of classical designs symbolising the grandeur of the universe and eternal passage of time–themes connected to the star cluster Pleiades. The new M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding model has a new, minimalist design, expressing the theme of “a graceful passage of time”, and is composed of hour and minute hands to tell the time, as well as a power reserve indicator and moon phase display, both iconic Orient Star features.
The new models come in two different designs. The regular model with the white dial depicts a scene of the moon shining in the stillness of the night. The fine radial pattern of the dial and thick, clear coating, applied with a wrapping technique, emphasise the blue leaf-shaped hand against the elegant glossiness of the background, giving the watch a sense of sophisticated classicism.
Also memorable is the long minute hand that extends to the minute scale, with its tip slightly rounded as if to mimic the curve of the glass. The leisurely flow of time is expressed through the omission of a second hand and the absence of scales on the power reserve indicator and moon phase display. The dual-curved sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating on both sides (SAR coating) allows you to admire the beautiful, elegant dial in its entirety.
The limited-edition model’s grey gradation dial portrays a beautiful scene of the star cluster Pleiades and the moon mysteriously glowing in the dark. This is the second time exploring the theme of occultation, or the overlapping of the moon and Pleiades, that was first expressed with the M45 F7 Mechanical Moon Phase model released in 2024. The new model’s dial has a stamped pattern expressing the countless stars of the M45 Pleiades star cluster, and a monotone gradation transitioning from grey in the centre to black on the outer edge using uniquely formulated paint.
In addition, the thick, clear coating, applied with a wrapping technique, portrays the depths of the universe stretching into eternity. The dial also features multiple rounds of pad printing on the Roman numerals to create a sense of contour and shading, grey hands with two different finishes (mirror and hairline), and silver-coloured dots expressing the most radiant stars in the Pleiades star cluster.
Both the regular and limited-edition models are powered by the newly developed hand-winding in-house calibre F8A62– a movement with two hands that is not only in keeping with the theme of simplicity, but also takes the watch’s pursuit of classical designs further with its thinness. Equipped with an in-house silicon escape wheel and 70-hour power reserve, calibre F8A62 is characterised by a bridge with a cut-out allowing the blue escape wheel to be viewed from the see-through case back.
It also features Geneva stripes evoking star trails, a crescent-shaped window, and a revamped moon phase display that now features a moon motif made of mother-of-pearl and stars scattered against a lustrous night sky. The attractiveness of the moon phase is elevated by the exquisite finishing and the gentle expression of the mother-of-pearl moon.
The M45 F8 Mechanical Moon Phase Hand Winding models are now available at Solar Time retail shops and exclusive fine watch retailers nationwide, priced between RM14,000 and RM15,000.
