Head-to-Head Comparison

Orient Mako 40 Green vs Zenith Chronomaster El Primero

Orient's diver meets Zenith's chronograph

Quick Verdict

The Orient Mako 40 Green ($250–$500) offers Orient In-House Automatic (Hacking, Hand-Winding) precision in the tier below the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero ($5,000–$10,000). The Mako 40 Green measures 40mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM). The Chronomaster El Primero counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Orient Mako 40 Green

Orient

Mako 40 Green

$250–$500

Zenith Chronomaster El Primero

Zenith

Chronomaster El Primero

$5,000–$10,000

Specifications Compared

FeatureOrient Mako 40 GreenZenith Chronomaster El Primero
Price$250–$500$5,000–$10,000
Case Size40mm38mm
MovementAutomatic Caliber F6722Automatic El Primero 3600 (5Hz)
Caliber TypeOrient In-House Automatic (Hacking, Hand-Winding)In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture
Power Reserve40 Hours60 Hours
Water Resistance200m (20 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalDomed Sapphire
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginMade in JapanSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Orient's design language vs Zenith's approach

The Orient Mako 40 Green features a Stainless Steel case at 40mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Zenith Chronomaster El Primero offers Stainless Steel construction at 38mm with Domed Sapphire. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

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Movement & Performance

Edge: Zenith

Automatic Caliber F6722 vs Automatic El Primero 3600 (5Hz)

The Mako 40 Green runs the Automatic Caliber F6722 (Orient In-House Automatic (Hacking, Hand-Winding), 40 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Chronomaster El Primero uses the Automatic El Primero 3600 (5Hz) (In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture, 60 Hours reserve) at 36,000 vph (5 Hz). The Chronomaster El Primero offers a longer power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Zenith

40mm vs 38mm — different wrist presence

At 40mm, the Mako 40 Green has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Chronomaster El Primero at 38mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Orient

Orient sits in the lower tier

The Orient Mako 40 Green sits at $250–$500 and the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero at $5,000–$10,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Mako 40 Green uses Sapphire Crystal with 40 Hours, against Domed Sapphire and 60 Hours on the Chronomaster El Primero. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Orient

200m (20 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Mako 40 Green is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Chronomaster El Primero handles 50m (5 ATM). The Mako 40 Green is better suited for water activities.

Our Verdict

Orient

Mako 40 Green

Choose the Orient Mako 40 Green if you prioritize Orient In-House Automatic (Hacking, Hand-Winding) engineering, Made in Japan craftsmanship, and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Automatic Caliber F6722 with 40 Hours power reserve.

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Zenith

Chronomaster El Primero

Choose the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero if you value In-House Automatic Chronograph Manufacture technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 38mm proportions. At $5,000–$10,000, the Automatic El Primero 3600 (5Hz) with 60 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Orient Mako 40 Green and Zenith Chronomaster El Primero represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Orient bringing Made in Japan tradition while Zenith delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Orient Mako 40 Green ($250–$500) offers Automatic Caliber F6722 with 40 Hours power reserve, while the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero ($5,000–$10,000) features Automatic El Primero 3600 (5Hz) with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Made in Japan craftsmanship vs Swiss Made engineering.
The Orient Mako 40 Green offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Mako 40 Green at 40mm with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Chronomaster El Primero at 38mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Mako 40 Green uses Sapphire Crystal while the Chronomaster El Primero uses Domed Sapphire.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.