Orient Kamasu RA-AA0003R

Should you buy the Orient Kamasu RA-AA0003R?

The Orient Kamasu RA-AA0003R is for a first-time automatic buyer who wants a real sports watch with sapphire for under $300. At $262.22 it ranks #2 of 10 in our Automatic Watches category. If you want a longer warranty and a dressier integrated bracelet, the Citizen Tsuyosa NJ0150-56X is about $109 more. If you want Seiko's classic cushion-case diver with ISO certification, the Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPE93 is $420.00.

Where it earns its score

• Sapphire under $300. It is the only watch here under $300 with a sapphire crystal; the Seiko 5 Sports SRPD93 at $280.00 uses Hardlex.
• Real dive hardware. A 120-click unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown and 200m rating match the basics of the Seiko Prospex Turtle SRPE93.
• Huge rating base. 4.7 stars over 1,329 ratings gives Satisfaction 94, tied for the best in the group.
• Hand-winding and hacking. Orient's in-house F6922 can be wound at the crown and stops the seconds hand for precise setting.

What to know first

• Warranty is the lowest factor at 55. Orient's international warranty runs 1 year, versus 3 years from Seiko and 5 from Citizen.
• Read the listing carefully. The title covers steel and silicone variants and the seller field is unclear; RA-AA0003R is the red-dial reference.
• Not an ISO dive watch. The listing itself calls the 200m rating fit for marine activity and surface water sports, not scuba diving.

Questions buyers ask