Orient Neo 70's Neo 70's Solar Panda Sporty Watch, Dark Gray

Product Information

Let us go to another eye-candy luxury timepiece, this time in the form of the IWC Ingenieur (IW380801) Chronograph.

As fellow bloggers Two Broke Watch Snobs mentioned in their Neo70s review, the movement in this watch is a bit puzzling.

I’ve also worn the Orient Neo70s on a rally-style rubber strap in the summer since it’s very comfortable even in the warmest temperatures. It’s a very well built and well-finished watch, of which, I’d expect nothing less from the Orient brand.

As with all Heritage timepieces, this model takes the traditional route with its self-winding automatic movement. The TAG Heuer Heritage features a 42mm polished stainless-steel case and uses a genuine brown calfskin leather strap for that added rugged charm. As for performance, expect top marks as this timepiece uses the brand’s signature Caliber Heuer 02 chronograph movement which has an accuracy rating of 28,800VPH. So you have the precision of quartz accuracy, a long, 6-month power reserve, and still the smooth sweeping second hand that you would get from a fully mechanical watch. Kind of the best of both worlds, if you ask me. There isn’t a huge variety of affordable and good-looking panda dial chronographs on a budget, though I’ve written an entire article about them if you want to learn more. I will say, what you’re getting with the Orient Neo70s panda that the other alternatives just don’t offer is originality. All of the other watches I’m about to mention are homages of other, very classic and noteworthy, chronograph watches. The sides of the case are polished, and consistent throughout the sides of the bracelet. This makes for a watch that is somewhat subdued but definitely has some sparkle.Even so, I was very impressed. The deep brushed surfaces around the lugs contrast very nicely with the extremely well polished (for the price) bezel and hour markers that really give the watch enough pop and shine, without being overly blingy. The reason being, it is listed as an Orient KBS00 movement but is much more likely just a renamed Seiko movement, which they believe to be the Seiko Solar V175, as they share all of the same specs. The Panda Dial watch certainly has a unique charm to it that captures the attention with its sublime and simple aesthetics. It is also quite an elegant timepiece that also exudes an air of confidence. Interestingly enough, these are traits that we don’t normally attach to the lovable panda. However, one element that panda dial watches do have in common with their namesake is their charming visual design. The watch features a mirror-polished PVD bezel with a laser-etched tachymeter to deliver an impressive level of detail. The overall aesthetic also revolves around an ergonomic design, proven by the high level of comfort that the Formulai 891 delivers with its stainless-steel bracelet and the watch itself. The dimensions could be a touch smaller, but it is wearable enough that almost anybody with wrists larger than let’s say 6 3/4″ will have a great time wearing this watch. If your wrist is smaller, it might be worth it to give this watch a second consideration, as at 42mm in diameter, it’s not the most wearable for those with small wrists.