Version 4 combines elements of the V1 and V3. It has slender diamond-shaped indices and thin dauphine hands. This watch gets the details right. You can see that a lot of time was put into the small pieces, like the knurled inwardly domed cauldron-shaped crown or the rose gold crest that matches the hands and markers (but contrasts with the yellow gold branding). Even the slope of the lugs matches that of the domed crystal. The recently-released V3 Bambino is much more contemporary, maintaining simplicity with a modern aesthetic. The V3 loses the printed outer ring on the dial, with hour markers that now extend right to the outer rim. It’s attractive, but my preference still lends itself to the V2, which looks smaller on the wrist (despite being the same size). Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 3 – Blue dial with stainless steel case – Model number FAC0000DD0 Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 3 – White dial with stainless steel case. Model numberFAC0000EW0

Orient Bambino 38mm | Orient | Brands | Orient Watches UK Orient Bambino 38mm | Orient | Brands | Orient Watches UK

Finally, the dial is a combination of applied elements (the Orient logo and hour markers) and printed elements (company branding and the outer rim). Each element is applied with care, with no defects or workmanship problems visible to the eye or under zoom. The Bambino is a popular on watch blogs and forums. In discussions about the best mechanical movement watches you can buy on a budget, it doesn’t take long for the venerable Bambino to be suggested. Earlier this year I decided to get one for myself and see what this Orient is all about.

There isn’t much middle ground on the Orient Bambino – people either love it or they hate it. I was very eager to see for myself what side of that love/hate fence I would land on after spending time with one from the iconic Japanese brand. So for this watch review I spent hands-on time with the Bambino V3 with the blue dial. Comfortable 40.5mm Stainless Steel Case The dial features an open heart window, which allows you to see into the beating automatic movement

Orient Bambino: The Perfect Affordable Dress Watch? Orient Bambino: The Perfect Affordable Dress Watch?

My main issue with the Bambino – both Gen 1 and 2, and many other dress watches for that matter – is the size. The specs show this as a 40.5, but it feels bigger. It’s not obnoxious, but for my wrists at least, it is 1-2mm outside what I consider the ideal dress watch diameter. Again – not terrible, but enough to regularly keep it off-wrist. Orient is rated very good when it comes to watch manufacturing. It is a subsidiary of Seiko, another Japanese watch manufacturer. Orient sells higher-priced watches than the Bambino, so they have an incentive to maintain good quality as those buyers expect it. Where to Buy the Orient BambinoOne compliment about the Bambino is that it is neither too big nor too small, making it fit a lot of wrists. This characteristic makes it a great starter watch for beginners who haven’t nailed down the exact size of watch they want on their wrist. You are almost guaranteed that no matter your wrist size, this will look good on you. Orient Bambino Strap Sizing & Lug Width All versions feature similar watch cases and a domed crystal that gives the Bambino a classic look. They also come in different dial colors with the Version 4 sunbursts and the Version 2 in cream being very popular. Internal Difference Between Orient Bambino Generations My first Bambino was a Gen 1, and I have to say that I prefer the Gen 2. The Gen 1 was very nice, and had many of the same great features as the Gen 2. However, it was a lot dressier and not quite as versatile, and I much prefer the range of dial options that comes with the Gen 2. Here’s a great overview of the differences and various configurations of the Bambino. A mainstay of the classic dress watch world, the Tissot Visodate features a very similar approach to classic aesthetics as the Orient Bambino. The main differences are in the indices and the case shape. Specifically the case features slightly more prominent lugs, which will provide a larger wearing experience if you feel the Orient Bambino’s case dimensions may be too small. The other aspect worth noting is that the Bambino price is difficult to compete with, so the only really viable Visodate that could compete is the quartz version. Seiko Recraft Another attractive feature of these timepieces is their movements. Orient exclusively outfits Bambino watches with robust and precise

Orient Bambino 2nd Generation Version 2 Classic Watch

Orient Bambino Version 5 – White dial – Stainless Steel Case RA-AC0003S10A Orient Bambino Version 5 – White dial – Rose Gold Case – RA-AC0001S10A The only part of the Bambino that reveals its price point is the strap. Its looks are fitting (the crocodile grain feels right at home with the rest of the aesthetic), but it feels underwhelming in comparison to the rest of the watch. It isn’t as soft as it could be, feeling about as good as the strap on the Stuhrling Original Delphi Acheron. Overall, not bad but nothing great either. Orient Bambino Open Heart – White dial – Stainless Steel Case RA-AG0002S10A Orient Bambino Open Heart – Blue dial – Stainless Steel Case – RA-AG0005L10A Orient has done a good job with the rose gold case, hands, and markers. It looks classically reserved, and I like that Orient has kept the case diameter at 40mm.Bambino collection, which is home to a wide range of affordable, classically elegant dress watches. At 40.5 mm for both generations version 1 through 3 & 5, Small Seconds & Open Heart versions, the Orient Bambino is slightly larger than traditional men’s dress watches, which usually come in at around 35-38mm. But while it may be bigger than other watches in the dress watch category, it is still not a big watch. The Version 4 comes in at 42mm, which is large for a dress watch but still not oversized compared to watches on the market today. The domed crystal is mineral. It’s scratch resistant, but not scratch proof. Its shape makes it a target, too- you don’t realize the difference the extra few millimeters makes when getting into vehicles, reaching into drawers, and on. The Bambino V5 ref. RA-AC0003S is made of plain stainless steel and demands roughly 160 USD. Gold-plated editions like the RA-AC0001S sell for slightly more at around 220 USD. Versions 1, 3, and 4: Less Is More I’m just reading this great review on 8/3/2030. I have a 60th anniversary Orient that’s visually very similar to a Bambino. I like it. But I agree that Orient is not a watch I’d hold onto my for my son to keep as an heirloom. It’s a nice, but still budget-minded mechanical watch.

Orient Bambino: Which Version is Right For You? | Prowatches Orient Bambino: Which Version is Right For You? | Prowatches

I’m always a little wary of watches with a lug width of 21mm. But I was pleasantly surprised that the strap didn’t feel too chunky. The leather is pretty cheap as expected. Don’t be thrown off – it’s perfectly serviceable for normal use. Everyone that tried it on thought that is was comfortable. The case shape combined with the comfortable strap makes the Orient Bambino very easy to wear. Orient missed it with the rest of the dial though. The issues all stem from the same overall problem that’s actually present on many of the Bambino models: the dial difficult to read. The dial, mineral crystal, hands, and indices are all so reflective that it really brings the legibility down. The first is a great entry level mechanical watch for a growing watch collection. It’s not necessarily a luxury watch, but it’s a timepiece that can scratch that itch as you start to discover what kind of watch enthusiast you’d like to be. It provides a little taste of Horology. If you break it or don’t like it after purchasing, it’s not a big deal at that price point. You will probably move on to something else anyway. I think it’s unfair to critique this watch too much aesthetically given the range of dial options and layouts available. Overall, it’s great and you can find something that appeals to you. For me, this specific configuration with the Roman numerals and tachymeter chapter ring looks really great. I am not a huge fan of the faux-blued hands, and I could do without the faux-patina dial. Overall, it looks nice but a bit like it’s trying too hard to nail the vintage vibe. Apart from that, it’s a handsome piece.The other scenario that many of us can relate to is going on job interviews. I remember being a recent graduate and being stressed on what to wear and how to present myself as I went on job interviews. At a traditional face-to-face interview, you will often find yourself sitting across from the interviewer with your hands (and a watch) on a table. The Versions 1 through 3 watches of both generations look the same, only the internals are different. Versions 4 and 5 do not have a 1 st Generation counterpart. You can tell a Generation 1 watch from a Generation 2 watch by the writing on the dial. Generation 1 watches say “Water Resist” while Gen 2 watches spell out “Water Resistance.” The Bambino Small Seconds removes the large water resistant text and just has the Orient logo on the front. The crown could be a little larger. It’s only 5.3mm. The small size made it difficult to manipulate. What’s also interesting to note here is that water resistance can vary from model to model across the Bambino line. While this particular model that I’m reviewing has a water resistance rating of 30 meters, other models can feature up to 50 meters.