Orient GM Automatic 25 Jewels - Turquoise Dial - 1970s

A turquoise color, of a kind simply not seen in European watchmaking in those years – and proof of just how carefree Japanese manufacturers were with color in the 1970s.

The case back features the Orient crest with lion and crown, the "ORIENT" lettering within a laurel wreath, and the markings "ALL STAINLESS STEEL" and "WATER RESISTANT," along with the case number G269114-70 CT.

Orient and the automatics of the 1970s

After Seiko and Citizen, Orient was the third major Japanese manufacturer to produce its own movements. Unlike the two larger brands, Orient never sold based on prestige, but rather on solid, proprietary designs at accessible prices – and on dials that others wouldn't dare to create.

The watch is powered by an automatic movement with 25 jewels and a day-date display. Twenty-five jewels was not a top-tier figure in the range at the time, but it was significantly more than a simple utility movement required; the number is indicative of the brand's higher-quality calendar automatics.

Design

The dial is rendered in a rich turquoise and features a vertical stripe pattern that refracts light in bands: the central stripe appears lighter or darker depending on the angle of view, making the color appear to shift as the wrist is turned.

It features bold, polished applied indices, each with a luminous dot on the outer edge – a combination that emphasizes the watch's sporty character without cluttering the dial. At 3 o'clock is the framed double window for the day and date, here in an English version.

The stainless steel case has a faceted bezel whose edges reflect light in narrow glints. Measuring around 37 millimeters without the crown and 39.7 millimeters lug-to-lug, the watch wears very compactly. It is supplied on its original steel bracelet.

Dating

The case back bears the case number G269114-70 CT, but no serial number that can be dated according to a publicly documented system. The case shape, faceted bezel, dial design, and movement construction place the watch in the 1970s.

Condition and Service

The watch originates from a Japanese watch specialty store and was inspected and serviced by a Japanese watchmaker before being sold.

The dial is in very good condition: the turquoise is uniform and unfaded, the stripe pattern is complete, and there are no spots or peeling. The applied indices are secure, and all luminous dots are present. The day and date align neatly in the window.

The crystal shows light scuffs in the upper left area. The case shows signs of wear consistent with its age; there are more noticeable scratches on the lugs, and the polished surfaces show the marks of a fifty-year-old everyday watch. The case back is scratched, but the engraving remains fully legible; the Orient crest is clearly preserved. The crown is firm and operates smoothly.

The actual condition is shown unretouched in the product photos.

Specifications

• Brand: Orient
• Model: GM
• Case number: G269114-70 CT
• Movement: Automatic
• Jewels: 25 jewels
• Functions: Hour, minute, central second, day, date
• Case: Stainless steel with faceted bezel
• Diameter without crown: approx. 37 mm
• Height: 11.9 mm
• Lug-to-lug: 39.7 mm
• Lug width: 18 mm
• Weight incl. bracelet: 91 g
• Dial: turquoise, vertically striped, with applied indices and luminous dots
• Bracelet: original Orient steel bracelet
• Dating: 1970s
• Origin: Japan
• Service: serviced in Japan before sale

For whom?

For anyone looking for a vintage automatic with a color you don't see every day. For collectors of Japanese calendar automatics beyond the two big brands. And for smaller wrists that prefer 37 millimeters to today's standard sizes.

Warranty (used items)

This is a used item. The limitation period for claims for defects under the statutory warranty is 12 months from delivery.

Note on water resistance

The original "Water Resistant" marking refers to the watch in its original condition. Due to its age, no current water resistance is guaranteed. To protect the movement, the watch should not come into contact with water or moisture.