Orient Men's '2nd Gen. Bambino Ver. 2' Japanese Automatic Stainless Steel and Leather Dress Watch

Product Information

Each version has distinct dial styles, but all keep the same clean, simple look of a dress watch. Below are examples of the different versions (we’ve only put two of each example below, but you can find all the models with links at the bottom of this post). Orient's naming system for the Bambino series is wonderfully simple. It starts with Version 1 and ends with Version 5. You'll also come across plenty of individual editions with "Generation 2" in their names. This designation is exclusive to models produced after 2018 and powered by the entirely reworked Generation 1 Bambinos use a 48743 movement while Generation 2 Bambinos & the Small Seconds use a F6722 movement. The Bambino Open Heart uses a F6T22 movement and the Version 5 uses the F6724 movement. Beginner watch enthusiasts won’t really notice much difference and all are comparable in reliability and quality. The Gen 2 versions (and Open Heart) will allow you to wind your watch and stop your second hand while adjusting the time, but other than that, the differences shouldn’t be enough to sway you either way if this is your first dress watch. We recommend buying a color and style you will be pleased with rather than concentrating on what’s inside. Orient Bambino Watch Size 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.

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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. But truthfully, this is a dress watch and not a watch built for rugged functionality – you should not be subjecting to the elements. With it’s water resistance rating, you should be fine with hand washing and possibly getting caught in the rain. But under no circumstances should you submerge it. A Variety Of Dial Options With Some Legibility Issues 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 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. One 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 WidthOrient Bambino Gen 2 Version 3 – Blue dial with stainless steel case – Model number FAC0000DD0 Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 3 – White Dial – Gold Case – FAC0000BW0 Note: we’re only showing two examples of each version here. If you want to see all dial combinations, see the section at the very bottom of this post. The Gen 1 & Gen 2 Versions 1 through 3 & 5, the Bambino Small Seconds & Open Heart versions come in at 21 mm between the lugs (the place where the strap connects to the watch). This is a rather uncommon size and makes buying replacement straps for the Bambino kind of a pain if you want them to fit exactly. You will be able to find 21mm replacement straps, you just won’t have a lot of options. The V4 has a 22mm size, which is much more common and finding great straps shouldn’t be a problem. 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.

Orient Bambino | Chrono24.ph Orient Bambino | Chrono24.ph

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

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. 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. What’s wrong with them stating it’s a Modern Automatic Function? That’s exactly what the watch is, in essence. Reply 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 Bambino: The Perfect Affordable Dress Watch? Orient Bambino: The Perfect Affordable Dress Watch?

Bambino Versions 1, 3, and 4 embody the concept of "less is more." Their dials are especially plain and do without numerals entirely. Instead, applied indices mark the hours, while small dots indicate the minutes. You can tell the different versions apart by their hand and index shapes. 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. Classic pointed dauphine hands, wedge markers – quintessential dress watch with a slight nostalgic lean 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 RecraftAnother attractive feature of these timepieces is their movements. Orient exclusively outfits Bambino watches with robust and precise 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 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 Version 5 – White dial – Rose Gold Case – RA-AC0001S10A Orient Bambino Version 5 – White dial – Gold Case – RA-AC0002S10A 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: Which Version is Right For You? | Prowatches Orient Bambino: Which Version is Right For You? | Prowatches

Lug to lug the watch is 44.3mm keeping the overall size tighter than the spec would indicate. This is a great example of not judging a wearing experience by case diameter alone. The Orient Bambino got the case shape right. Specs aside, I asked friends and coworkers to try one. Every one of them thought that the watch was sized right and was very comfortable. I agree. Designing a watch case that feels great on a wide variety of wrist shapes and sizes is not easy. Where a lot of movements in this price range incorporate plastic parts, the 48743 is all metal. It’s widely known to be a tough, reliable movement. There are mixed feelings regarding accuracy, with the general consensus being that it’s not necessarily as accurate as it is consistent. Orient Bambino Version 5 – White dial – Stainless Steel Case RA-AC0003S10A Orient Bambino Version 5 – White dial – Rose Gold Case – RA-AC0001S10AThe first generation of the Bambino comes in three styles (called ‘versions’ by Orient) while the second generation comes in those same three plus an extra two versions. There is also a Bambino “Small Seconds,” which takes the second hand and moves it to a chronograph like sub-dial and adds some Roman numerals. And recently, Orient has released an “open heart” version, which takes design styles from both generations of watches and combines it with an open heart dial where you can see the internal mechanism. The Orient Bambino is a great watch for interviewing at any company that has a business casual to formal suit culture. As you interview for your first few jobs, those are often the most difficult. The Bambino is a great addition to the post-graduate interview wardrobe. Orient Bambino Alternatives Timex Marlin