Orient Mako vs Orient TriStar

Side-by-side comparison of specifications and features

OrientMako

38.5mm

OrientTriStar

RA-AB0E

Key Differences

Best Value

Orient TriStar (RA-AB0E)

Starting from $170

Best Water Resistance

Orient Mako (38.5mm)

200m (4x more)

Biggest Price Drop

Orient Mako (38.5mm)

-47.8% in 30 days

Price Comparison

Orient Mako

MSRP

$350

New

$451

Used

$170

Orient TriStar

MSRP

$170

New

$240

Used

$90

MSRP New (Amazon) Used (eBay)

Comparison of Orient Mako, Orient TriStar
Specification	Orient Mako	Orient TriStar
Pricing
MSRP	$350	$170
New Price	$451	$240
Used Price (Low)	$170	$90
Used Price (High)	$1,600	$360
30-Day Trend	↓ -47.8%	↑ +147.5%
Used Price Range	$170 - $1,600	$90 - $360
Identity
Reference	38.5mm	RA-AB0E
Nickname	N/A	N/A
Style	Diver, Sports	Casual, Sports
Release Era	2000s	2010s
Dimensions
Diameter	38.5mm	37mm
Thickness	N/A	N/A
Lug Width	N/A	N/A
Lug to Lug	N/A	N/A
Movement
Movement	Automatic	Automatic
Power Reserve / Battery	N/A	N/A
Accuracy	N/A	N/A
Case
Case Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Crystal	Mineral Crystal	Mineral Crystal
Water Resistance	200m (diving)	50m (swimming)
Bezel	Unidirectional rotating	Fixed
Dial
Dial Color	Black	Blue
Luminous	Yes	Yes
Community
Review Rating	N/A	N/A
In Collections	N/A	N/A
On Wishlists	N/A	N/A
Forum Threads	N/A	N/A

Quick Summary

If you are deciding between Orient Mako and Orient TriStar, the real decision is usually about water-ready utility versus dressier everyday wear, diver character versus casual versatility, entry price versus premium finishing or specs. Treat it as a value-versus-upgrade decision — confirm the extra spend solves a problem you will notice every week.

How to choose

The biggest practical difference is usually movement and upkeep. Start with wrist fit and movement preference, then use water resistance and price to break the tie.

Orient Mako

Orient Mako is a better fit for mechanical-watch enthusiasts, diver styling.

Orient TriStar

Orient TriStar is a better fit for mechanical-watch enthusiasts, casual styling.

Key Differences

Movement and upkeep

Orient Mako: automatic movement

Orient TriStar: automatic movement

Both use the same movement type, so maintenance differences are limited and fit or feature details should decide the purchase.

Size and wearability

Orient Mako: 38.5mm

Orient TriStar: 37mm

Their size profiles are relatively close, so fit comes down to shape, weight, and how each watch sits on your wrist.

Water resistance

Orient Mako: 200m

Orient TriStar: 50m

Water resistance is a meaningful separator here — the higher-rated option gives more flexibility for swimming or rougher daily use.

Price and value

Orient Mako: $273

Orient TriStar: $170

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Style and use case

Orient Mako: diver

Orient TriStar: casual

Orient Mako leans more diver, while Orient TriStar pulls toward casual use case — pick the one that matches how you will actually wear it.

Crystal and materials

Orient Mako: mineral crystal · steel

Orient TriStar: mineral crystal · steel

Materials are broadly similar, so finish, fit, and price will matter more than the materials list alone.

Choose Orient Mako If...

Swimming, beach use, or tougher daily wear is part of the plan.
You are specifically shopping for a diver style watch.
You are comfortable paying more for a stronger feature set.

Choose Orient TriStar If...

You are specifically shopping for a casual style watch.
You want the lower current entry price.

Price and Value Notes

Orient TriStar is often the value play at current pricing, while Orient Mako makes more sense if you will use its extra features regularly.

There is a real price gap here — treat the more expensive option as an upgrade decision and confirm whether the extra spend buys something you will notice in weekly use.

Where to Check Deals

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay using the buttons below — listing prices, seller quality, and condition can change quickly.

Check current deals on Amazon and eBay

Prices change often, so compare the latest listings and condition options before you buy.

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Orient Mako

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary

Check Price on eBayFrom $273 · Live listings

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Orient TriStar

Check Price on AmazonOpens in new tab · Price may vary

Check Price on eBayFrom $200 · Live listings

Affiliate links — WatchCompared earns a commission on qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect your price.

Comparison FAQ

Which one is better for smaller wrists?

Start with case width and lug-to-lug. The watch that looks smaller on paper is often the safer choice, but lug shape and thickness still affect how it wears.

Which is better for swimming or rough daily wear?

Use the water resistance row as the first filter. Higher ratings generally give more flexibility for swimming and water exposure, but strap choice and overall condition still matter.

Should I choose based on price alone?

Price matters, but the better buy is the watch that matches your fit, feature priorities, and use case. Check live listings first, then decide whether the price gap actually changes the ownership experience.