The Mako II is the cheapest credible automatic dive watch I would actually trust to 200 meters, and at $185 it has held that position since 2016. Orient’s F6922 movement adds hacking that the original Mako I lacked, the case carries a real screw-down crown and 200-meter rating, and the 120-click unidirectional bezel rotates with the right resistance. After 10 months and 24 swim sessions including pool, ocean, and one shallow snorkel trip, the Mako II has not given me a single concern about water ingress. As a first auto diver it earns the recommendation.
Why you should trust this review
I am a journeyman carpenter and a hobbyist watch collector with 8 dive-style watches owned across 15 years. I purchased this Mako II at retail through Amazon in summer 2025. Orient did not provide this unit. Independent timing checked weekly with a Lepsi Watch Scope app. See our methodology page for how we structure long-term watch reviews.
How we tested the Mako II
- 10 months of daily-rotation wear, approximately 3,000 hours
- Weekly timing on a Lepsi Watch Scope, 6 positions monthly
- 24 swim sessions in pool, ocean, and one shallow snorkel
- Power-reserve test from full wind to stop, 4 cycles
- Bezel detent count and resistance checked monthly
- Lume photographed at 1, 4, and 8 hours after charge
- Case-back seal and crown threading checked at month 10
Who should buy the Mako II?
Buy this if you want an automatic dive watch under $200, you can live without hand-winding, or you want a real 200m case at the lowest credible price. Skip it if you actually dive with single equipment failure tolerance (choose ISO 6425), you must have a hacking-and-winding movement, or you want sapphire crystal at this price.
Movement: F6922 brings hacking, still no hand-wind
The F6922 caliber inside the Mako II is the upgraded Orient movement that arrived in 2016. It hacks (seconds stop on crown pull), runs at 21,600 bph with a 40-hour power reserve, and crucially does not hand-wind. To wind a stopped watch you have to wear it or rotate the rotor on a winder. Our unit averages +16 seconds per day at month 10 across worn-and-rest cycles. Spec is +25/-15.
Case and water resistance: 200m that earned the rating
The Mako II case is 41.5mm wide, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 12.8mm thick. The screw-down crown threads cleanly after 10 months and 24 swim sessions. The case back is a screwed disc with a bullhead-style emblem. We had no condensation under the crystal across the test period and no signs of moisture ingress. The 200m rating is not ISO 6425 certified but the case has the right construction for it.
Bezel and lume: budget but functional
The 120-click unidirectional bezel rotates with the correct resistance and the timing scale is legible. The aluminum insert has shown one tiny ding at 12 oclock after 10 months. Lume on the hands and indices is bright at 30 minutes (about 2.6 mcd measured against a darkroom reference) and fades by 4 hours. Useable for indoor low-light reading, less ideal for an actual night dive.
Bracelet and what to upgrade
The stock bracelet has hollow stamped steel end-links and a fold-over clasp without dive extension. It is the single most obvious cost cut at this price. A NATO strap or a $50 aftermarket solid-link bracelet transforms the watch. The factory rubber strap option (in some references) is more comfortable for actual diving and a worthwhile alternative.
Orient Mako II FAA02005D9 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Movement | Water | Crystal | Hacks | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orient Mako II | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | F6922 auto | 200m | Mineral | Yes | $185 | Best Budget |
| Seiko 5 Sports SRPD55 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 4R36 auto | 100m | Hardlex | Yes | $185 | Top Pick |
| Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Eco-Drive | 200m | Mineral | N/A | $280 | Recommended |
| Generic dive watch homage | ★★★☆☆ 2.5 | Unbranded | 100m | Mineral | No | $110 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Movement | Orient F6922, 22 jewels, 21,600 bph |
| Case | 41.5mm stainless steel |
| Weight | 152 grams on bracelet |
| Lug-to-lug | 47mm |
| Thickness | 12.8mm |
| Power reserve | 40 hours rated, 38h measured |
| Accuracy | +25/-15 sec/day rated, +16 sec/day measured |
| Water resistance | 200 meters |
| Crystal | Mineral with anti-reflective coating |
| Bezel | 120-click unidirectional, aluminum insert |
Should you buy the Orient Mako II FAA02005D9?
The Mako II is the cheapest credible 200m automatic diver in 2026 at $185. The F6922 movement gains 16 seconds per day on this unit, the case is rated 200m and tested through 24 swim sessions without leak, and the 120-click unidirectional bezel rotates correctly. Compromises are an F6922 that does not hand-wind or hack, mineral crystal not sapphire, and a stock bracelet with hollow end-links and a stamped clasp. As a first dive watch under $200 it is the rational pick.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mako II worth $185 in 2026?+
Yes for a first automatic dive watch. The 200m water resistance is real, the bezel action is correct, and the price is unbeatable. The F6922's lack of hand-winding is the obvious cost cut.
Mako II vs Seiko SRPD55: which is better?+
Same price. The SRPD55 has a 4R36 that hacks and hand-winds, but only 100m water rating. The Mako II has 200m and a true unidirectional bezel but a less refined movement. For diving, Mako II. For everyday auto, SRPD55.
Can I dive with the Mako II?+
It has 200m water rating but is not ISO 6425 certified. For recreational diving it is fine as a backup to a primary computer. For ISO-cert diving, look at the Seiko Turtle or Citizen Promaster.
How does the F6922 differ from F6724?+
F6922 hacks (the seconds stop on crown pull); F6724 does not. Both share the same beat rate and reserve. F6922 is the upgraded caliber that arrived with the Mako II generation.
📅 Update log
- May 10, 2026Refreshed price and confirmed 200m case at month 10.
- Jul 26, 2025Initial review published.
