1. Introduction
Welcome to the instruction manual for your Orient RA-AA08 Automatic Diver Style Watch. This timepiece is engineered with an in-house Orient F6922 automatic movement, offering both hand-winding and hacking capabilities. It features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a robust 200-meter water resistance, making it suitable for various aquatic activities.
This manual provides essential information on setting up, operating, and maintaining your watch to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
2. Setup and Initial Adjustment
2.1 Unboxing
Your Orient RA-AA08 watch is carefully packaged to ensure its protection during transit. Upon opening the box, you will find the watch secured on a cushion.
Image 1: Orient RA-AA08 watch presented in its black box.
2.2 Initial Winding
The Orient F6922 movement is an automatic caliber, meaning it winds itself through the motion of your wrist. If the watch has stopped or has not been worn for an extended period, it can be hand-wound:
- Unscrew the crown (see Section 2.5).
- In position 0 (normal position, unscrewed), turn the crown clockwise approximately 30-40 times. This will provide sufficient power reserve to start the watch.
- Once the watch starts ticking, wear it regularly to maintain the power reserve.
2.3 Setting the Time
To set the time accurately, your watch features a hacking function, which stops the second hand:
- Unscrew the crown.
- Pull the crown out to position 2 (farthest position). The second hand will stop.
- Turn the crown to set the hour and minute hands. Ensure you set the correct AM/PM by observing when the date changes (it changes around midnight).
- Once the desired time is set, push the crown back to position 0 and screw it down securely.
2.4 Setting the Day and Date
The day and date can be set independently without advancing the hour hands:
- Unscrew the crown.
- Pull the crown out to position 1 (middle position).
- Turn the crown counter-clockwise to set the date.
- Turn the crown clockwise to set the day. The day display supports both English and Spanish. When set to English, the day will briefly display in Spanish after midnight before returning to English. This is a normal function of the movement.
- Avoid setting the date or day between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM, as this is when the gears are engaged for automatic date change and manual adjustment can damage the movement.
- Once the desired day and date are set, push the crown back to position 0 and screw it down securely.
2.5 Screw-Down Crown Operation
The watch features a screw-down crown to ensure its water resistance. Proper operation is crucial:
- To unscrew the crown: Rotate it counter-clockwise until it springs free. You can then pull it out to positions 1 or 2.
- To screw down the crown: Push the crown gently inwards towards the watch case while rotating it clockwise. Ensure the threads engage properly. Do not force it. Once engaged, continue to turn clockwise until it is finger-tight. Over-tightening is not necessary and can damage the threads.
Important: Always ensure the crown is fully screwed down before exposing the watch to water to maintain its water resistance.
3. Operating Your Watch
3.1 Automatic Movement
Your Orient RA-AA08 is powered by an automatic mechanical movement. It gains power from the natural motion of your wrist. When fully wound, it has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. If the watch is not worn for an extended period, it will stop and require manual winding or wearing to restart.
3.2 Water Resistance
The watch is rated for 200 meters (20 bar) of water resistance. This rating makes it suitable for skin diving, swimming, and snorkeling. It is not intended for saturation diving or deep-sea diving. Always ensure the crown is fully screwed down before any water exposure.
3.3 Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
The watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel, which is a functional tool for divers. It rotates only counter-clockwise to prevent accidental lengthening of elapsed time. To use it as a timer:
- Align the triangle marker on the bezel with the minute hand at the start of an event.
- The minute hand will then point to the elapsed time on the bezel scale.
The bezel is designed with positive clicks and a coin edge for easy grip and precise adjustment.
3.4 Luminous Display
The hour markers and hands are coated with a luminous material that absorbs light and glows in low-light conditions. After exposure to bright light, the luminescence provides clear readability for a significant period.
Image 2: Front view of the Orient RA-AA08 watch, showcasing the dial, bezel, and bracelet.
4. Maintenance and Care
4.1 General Care
To maintain your watch's appearance and functionality:
- Wipe the watch regularly with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt and oils.
- Avoid exposing the watch to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight for prolonged periods, or strong magnetic fields.
- Rinse the watch with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorine, then dry thoroughly.
4.2 Sapphire Crystal
The sapphire crystal is highly scratch-resistant, offering superior durability compared to mineral glass. However, it is not entirely scratch-proof and can be damaged by materials harder than sapphire, such as diamonds. Handle with care to preserve its pristine condition.
4.3 Bezel and Case
While robust, the bezel and case can accumulate minor scratches and dings from daily wear. Regular cleaning helps maintain its appearance. For deeper scratches or damage, professional servicing is recommended.
4.4 Bracelet Adjustment and Care
The stainless steel bracelet is designed for durability. Its links are held together by directional punch pins, which can be adjusted by a qualified watchmaker or with appropriate tools. The clasp features a spring-loaded release on each side and an additional flip-down locking tab for security. It also includes four micro-adjustment positions for fine-tuning the fit.
Image 3: Back view of the Orient RA-AA08 watch, displaying the case back and open bracelet clasp.
4.5 Water Resistance Check
Over time, gaskets and seals can degrade, potentially affecting the watch's water resistance. It is recommended to have the water resistance checked by a professional watchmaker every 2-3 years, especially if the watch is frequently exposed to water.
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Inaccurate Timekeeping
Automatic watches are mechanical instruments and will not keep time with the same precision as quartz watches. A typical accuracy range for a mechanical watch is within +/- 15 to 30 seconds per day. Factors such as wearing habits, activity levels, and watch position when not worn can influence accuracy.
- Watch running fast or slow: If the deviation is significant (e.g., more than 30 seconds per day consistently), the watch may require regulation by a professional watchmaker.
- Watch stops frequently: Ensure the watch is sufficiently wound, either by hand-winding (Section 2.2) or by wearing it consistently for at least 8-10 hours a day.
5.2 Crown Difficult to Screw Down
If the crown is difficult to screw down, ensure it is properly aligned with the threads. Do not force it, as this can cross-thread and damage the crown or case. Gently push the crown inwards while rotating clockwise until the threads engage smoothly. If the issue persists, seek professional assistance.
5.3 Moisture Inside the Watch
If you notice condensation or moisture inside the watch, immediately take it to a professional watchmaker. This indicates a breach in water resistance, and prolonged exposure to moisture can severely damage the movement.
6. Specifications
- Model Number: RA-AA0811E39B
- Movement: Orient F6922 Automatic, Hand-Winding, Hacking
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Diameter: 41.8 mm
- Case Thickness: 13.2 mm
- Lug Width: 22 mm
- Water Resistance: 200 meters (20 bar)
- Weight: Approximately 13.76 ounces (watch with bracelet)
- Manufacturer: Seiko Epson
7. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or contact your authorized Orient dealer. For service or repairs, it is recommended to contact an authorized Orient service center or a reputable professional watchmaker to ensure proper handling and genuine parts.
