Classic Sun & Moon Version IV

The Classic Sun and Moon V4 does something you rarely see at this price: a genuine in-house complication beyond date. The rotating disc showing sun and moon symbols tells you AM or PM at a glance, which sounds trivial until you realize how few watches bother. For the money, it is a quietly sophisticated piece.

What it is

Orient has produced sun and moon models under the Classic line for decades, evolving through multiple case generations and movement revisions. The V4 arrived around 2020 with a 40mm case, correcting the slightly bloated proportions of earlier versions and landing at a size that suits the dressy character. The F6B22 caliber powering it is built entirely in-house at Orient's Hino facility, a fact that becomes more impressive when you consider the movement's complexity relative to the retail price.

Orient has historically offered this reference in several dial variants including cream, silver, and champagne, giving collectors a genuine choice rather than a single colorway. The brand's in-house capability dates to its founding in 1950, and the sun and moon line has been a recurring expression of that ambition.

Buying notes

The sun and moon display is a day/night indicator driven by the 12-hour AM/PM cycle, not a moonphase complication. If you are expecting a lunar tracking function, this is not that watch. The disc hand-winds the complication forward as the movement completes each 12-hour rotation, which means resetting the time across midday or midnight requires cycling through the full 12 hours rather than a quick correction.

The F6B22 runs at 21,600 vph, which is serviceable but not the silky sweep of higher-beat movements. Case finishing is adequate rather than exceptional; the polished surfaces show wear faster than a brushed-only case would. Water resistance is 30 meters, so keep it away from anything beyond incidental splashes.

Market read

Street price runs roughly $200 to $280 new, with authorized dealers and the grey market sitting close together given how widely distributed Orient is. Used examples in good condition trade around $130 to $180, and the market is liquid enough that you can find one quickly. The RA-AK0307R10B designation identifies the red-accented dial variant specifically; confirm the exact reference before buying if dial color matters to you.

Service expectations

The F6B22 is an Orient proprietary caliber with a recommended service interval of five to seven years under normal wear. Orient-authorized service is available through the brand's U.S. service center, and independent watchmakers familiar with Japanese movements can handle it without difficulty. Replacement parts are generally available, which is not always true at this price tier.