Orient Kamasu: The Sapphire-Crystal Diver

The Orient Kamasu is the diver that took the Mako formula upmarket without raising the price much. Also known as the Mako III , it added a sapphire crystal and sharper finishing to Orient's proven 200-metre automatic diver, and it quickly became one of the most recommended dive watches under US$500.

Origins and Name

The Kamasu went on sale in Japan in late 2018 and was presented internationally at Baselworld in 2019. Kamasu is Japanese for barracuda, a reference to the predatory fish's sharp profile echoed in the watch's angular details. Because it succeeded the Mako II, many retailers and fans also call it the Mako III.

Specifications

The Kamasu measures about 41.8mm across and roughly 12.8–13mm thick, with 22mm lugs. Its headline upgrade is a sapphire crystal , rare at this price, alongside a 120-click unidirectional bezel with an aluminium insert, a screw-down crown and 200 metres of water resistance. Inside is the in-house F6922 automatic with hand-winding, hacking, day-date and about 40 hours of power reserve. It has been offered in black, blue, green and red dials, and later variants added further colours and finishes.

Why It's Recommended

The Kamasu combines three things that rarely meet below US$500: sapphire, an in-house automatic with hacking and hand-winding, and a genuine 200m dive case. That is why it appears in our guide to the best watches under $500 as our best diver at that price.

How It Compares

Against the Seiko SKX and the Seiko 5 Sports, the Kamasu offers a sapphire crystal and a movement that hacks and hand-winds. Against the quartz Casio Duro, it costs several times more but brings an automatic movement and better finishing. Its predecessor, the Mako II, remains a cheaper option with a mineral crystal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Orient Kamasu called the Mako III?
It succeeded the Mako II as Orient's core affordable diver, so many retailers and fans call it the Mako III.

What does Kamasu mean?
Kamasu is Japanese for barracuda.

Does the Orient Kamasu have a sapphire crystal?
Yes, which is unusual for a dive watch at its price.

What movement is in the Orient Kamasu?
Orient's in-house F6922 automatic, with hand-winding, hacking, day-date and about 40 hours of power reserve.

When was the Kamasu released?
It went on sale in Japan in late 2018 and was presented internationally at Baselworld in 2019.

Related Reading

• Orient: Brand History
• Orient Mako & Ray
• Best Watches Under $500