Are you torn between the Orient Mako III and the Orient Kamasu? You’re not alone. These two Japanese dive watches are titans in the affordable automatic watch market—and they’re often pitted against each other in forums, watch review blogs, and YouTube videos. But which one is better for you?
In this post, we’ll break down the Mako III and Kamasu in terms of specs, durability, style, and modding potential. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one deserves a spot in your collection.
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference Between the Orient Mako III and the Kamasu?
At first glance, the Orient Mako III and the Orient Kamasu might seem like near-identical dive watches. But look a little closer, and key differences start to emerge—both in design and function.
First, the case size is slightly different. The Mako III is the larger of the two, measuring around 43.6mm, while the Kamasu wears more modestly at 41.8mm. This makes the Kamasu a better fit for those with smaller wrists or anyone who prefers a more compact dive watch profile.
The bezel design also sets them apart. The Mako III features a coin-edge bezel, giving it a classic diver aesthetic with plenty of grip. The Kamasu, on the other hand, uses a Sub-style bezel, which feels more modern and slightly sleeker.
When it comes to hands and dial detailing, the Kamasu sports a bold arrow-style hour hand, enhancing legibility and giving it a tool-watch vibe. The Mako III opts for a sword-style hour hand, which aligns with its more traditional look.
One of the most significant differences—especially for watch collectors—is the crystal material. The Kamasu is equipped with a sapphire crystal, known for its scratch resistance and clarity, while the Mako III uses a mineral crystal, which is more prone to scratches. This upgrade in materials is a big reason why the Kamasu typically carries a higher price tag.
Under the hood, though, both watches run on the reliable Orient F6922 movement, offering hacking, hand-winding, and robust automatic performance. They also share other key specs like 200 meters of water resistance, 120-click unidirectional bezels, and solid stainless steel builds.
🆚 Orient Mako III vs Kamasu: Full Specs Comparison
Let’s start with a clear, side-by-side breakdown:
🕵️♂️ Orient Mako III vs Kamasu – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Orient Mako III | Orient Kamasu |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 43.6 mm | 41.8 mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | ~50 mm (approx.) | ~46.8 mm |
| Crystal | Mineral | Sapphire |
| Bezel Style | Coin-edge | Sub-style |
| Bezel Function | 120-click unidirectional | 120-click unidirectional |
| Hour Hand Style | Sword-style | Arrow-style |
| Movement | Orient F6922 (in-house automatic) | Orient F6922 (in-house automatic) |
| Hacking/Hand-winding | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 200 meters | 200 meters |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel, solid links, hollow end links | Stainless steel, solid links, solid end links |
| Price Range (USD) | ~$150–$200 | ~$200–$280 |
| Dial Options | Classic blue, black, and Pepsi variants | Vibrant red, green sunburst, blue, black |
| Best For | Larger wrists, vintage dive aesthetic | Mid-sized wrists, modern styling |
🔍 Design Language: Vintage Charm vs Modern Appeal
The Mako III has a more traditional diver aesthetic—clean baton indices, classic round markers, and slimmed-down lugs that make it wear smaller than its dimensions suggest.
The Kamasu, on the other hand, is bolder. It has larger, more angular indices filled with brighter lume, sword hands (hence the name Kamasu, or barracuda in Japanese), and often more vibrant dial colors like emerald green, deep blue, or maroon red.
Fun fact: “Kamasu” refers to the sharp, aggressive design cues inspired by the barracuda—a predator known for its speed and edge. This is reflected in the watch’s angular styling and tool-like appeal.
💎 Sapphire Crystal in the Kamasu: A Major Upgrade
The biggest practical difference? Sapphire crystal in the Kamasu.
- The Mako III uses standard mineral crystal, which is more prone to scratches.
- The Kamasu’s sapphire crystal makes it more resistant to daily wear and is rarely found at this price point.
This alone might tip the scales for anyone planning to wear their dive watch regularly or blog about its long-term performance.
⚙️ Orient’s F6922 Movement: Why In-House Still Matters
Both watches feature the reliable F6922 in-house automatic movement from Orient. This is a hacking and hand-winding movement, a significant upgrade over the older 46943 found in earlier Mako and Ray generations. Many watches at this price use the Seiko NH35—a solid engine, but not exclusive. The F6922 gives Orient an edge in personality and brand identity.
🔦 Lume Showdown: Kamasu Glows Brighter
This is a subtle but often overlooked area. Both watches have decent lume, but:
- The Kamasu’s lume is significantly stronger and lasts longer. It glows in a brighter blue-green hue.
- The Mako III lume fades quicker and is more of a standard green.
If you’re showcasing lume shots for your blog or Instagram, the Kamasu wins by a mile.
🧰 Modding Potential: Customization for the Enthusiast
While not as mod-friendly as Seiko SKX or 5KX models, both the Kamasu and Mako III have a solid modding community.
You can find:
- Custom bezels
- Ceramic bezel inserts
- Aftermarket straps
- Custom dials and hands
Tip for bloggers: Consider doing a “mod journey” series. Start with the stock Kamasu or Mako III and document each upgrade. Great for SEO and long-form engagement.
Other Considerations Before Deciding
🔧 Bezel Action and Alignment
- Bezel feel and alignment is a big deal for enthusiasts.
- The Kamasu’s bezel is smoother and more precise than earlier Mako/Ray generations.
- Mako III’s bezel may feel slightly stiffer or exhibit backplay in some units.
- Alignment issues on budget dive watches are a common complaint—mentioning this shows you understand collector-level concerns.
🕰️ Bracelet Quality and End Links
- Both watches come with solid link bracelets, but:
- The Kamasu’s bracelet has better finishing and solid end links, a rare find under $300.
- The Mako III sometimes comes with hollow end links, which can rattle more
🗓️ Day-Date Mechanism
- The F6922 movement has a day-date complication
🧭 Dial Texture and Color Variants
- Many Kamasu models come with sunburst dials—especially the green and red models—which show different personalities in natural light.
- The Mako III often has matte or gloss dials, with less depth but a classic aesthetic.
🧳Wrist Presence and Lug-to-Lug
- While both watches are 41.8mm in diameter, the lug-to-lug is around 46.8mm, which wears well on most wrists.
- The case thickness (~13mm) makes it tall but wearable under most sleeves.
⚙️ Serviceability and Parts Availability
- While in-house movements are great, Orient parts are harder to find than Seiko NH35 parts..
🧪 Water Resistance Testing
- Both are rated to 200m, but not ISO-certified like the Seiko SKX.
- Real-world diving use is rare at this tier, but snorkeling and swimming are safe.
📝 Microbrand Alternatives
- Mentioning competitors like:
- Citizen Promaster Diver
- Seiko 5 Sports
- Invicta Pro Diver (if price is a concern)
- San Martin SN017 or Heimdallr (for mod-lovers)
While both watches are powered by the same movement and offer serious value for money, the Kamasu edges ahead in refinement thanks to its sapphire crystal, smaller case size, and solid end links. Meanwhile, the Mako III is a solid choice for those who prefer a bolder look and don’t mind the mineral crystal.
Whether you’re new to collecting or looking to add another budget diver to your rotation, both offer unbeatable value in the sub-$300 dive watch market — especially from a respected Japanese brand like Orient.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you want a classic dive watch with heritage vibes and a slightly more subtle look, the Mako III is a solid buy. It’s also often slightly cheaper.
But if you’re after better specs, modern looks, and maximum lume and durability, the Kamasu is arguably the better watch.
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