When we talk about entry level dive watches, we often tend to think about watches like the Orient Mako, Seiko 5KX, Kamasu, Ray, and so on. Then we have the Orient Kano, the larger entry-level alternative to the Orient Mako. While I usually don’t go for watches in this size range, being offered a chance to review it did teach me some surprising things about it. According to the manufacturer, this movement has a precision of -15 to +25 seconds per day, but many users have reported that their watches are much more accurate, with a range of -1 to +5 seconds per day. However, the steel bracelet tapers down to 20 mm at the clasp, making the bracelet more comfortable and adding a nice visual detail to the watch.

Furthermore, as we’ll see below, the build quality and materials are on par with the best Japanese dive watches, something Orient has ample experience in. ➤ CaseWhat I’d change: Why not play around with some wilder color combos, if not on the dial, on the bezel insert? At launch, the Kano already came in quite a few different flavours and certain variants have been added and removed along the way. Today this watch currently comes in the following variants: Not much should be expected of bracelets in this price range, but I’m quite tempted to say I really like this one. Yes it has folded end links, a stamped clasp and isn’t particularly resistant to scratches despite being a mostly brushed finish, but that doesn’t make it a bad bracelet.

Considering its price, the Kano offers great value in terms of movement, build quality, and finishes. In fact, they are practically the same as those found in more expensive watches from the brand. I wish they'd done a Mako XL 2 like the Mako 2, which solved it's issues. But they probably couldn't increase the crown size, and it'd have meant recasting the case to fit crown and de-pimple. Maybe they tried, but it didn't look right. Much like its smaller brother, the sides and bottom of the case are mirror polished while the top of the lugs are circular brushed giving it a tool like aesthetic. The case design is pretty basic with no intricate bevelling between the two surfaces which is expected for an entry-level automatic. I had the Mako XL with the 46943. It was the because of that movement that I moved it on. I loved the watch, but hated the date pimple and tiny weeny crown. Totally killed a great watch. I loved wearing it with its funky Kermit bezel...such a shame. The tiny crown and random pimple were just too noticeable and destroyed it's diver harmony.To be pedantic, when looking at the Ray vs. Mako (either both Gen1 or both Gen2) they're basically identical watches 'under the skin' -- same case, same bezel, different bezel inserts, different hands and different dial. The bracelet version is also slightly different in style between the two (a polished section on the Ray vs. all-matte on the Mako) but the links, clasp, etc. are functionally the same as well. Due to its size, some people with small or medium-sized wrists may not enjoy the sensations this watch imparts. Basically, the differences lie in the combination of colors and the strap in some cases. Here are all the models:

The day and date window on the watch does not have a frame but is separated from the rest of the dial by a pair of thin lines above and below it.Currently, there are many different models of the Orient Kano available. Let’s take a closer look at each one. What makes each model unique? In summary, the Orient Kano has a clean, simple, and well-balanced dial that provides all the necessary information. ➤ Strap Additionally, it is available in a wide variety of different models, featuring truly eye-catching finishes and colors. The Orient Kano is one of the latest additions to the Japanese brand’s dive watch collection, known for its larger size and vintage inspiration. Visually, the case is polished on the sides and brushed on the top, a classic design feature of dive watches.

If you’re one for a simple yet sporty looking dial, this is one to consider. A flat deep green sunburst face and rectangular markers are basically what makes up the dial of this watch. A printed chapter ring continues the simplicity of the design and ensures no alignment issues.It’s not just the big, high-end brands that are on a roll releasing all manner of new watches. Some of your favorite affordable brands are also getting in on that game. In the Orient Kamasu release, the brand teased that it was just the first of their new divers. We didn’t have to wait long until we found out what the next one is – the Orient Kano was just released yesterday.