Orient Bambino Watches: A Comprehensive Guide and Review
The Orient Bambino watches have been generating a lot of buzz in the watch enthusiast community. Their classic design and affordable price point make them an attractive option for both casual wearers and serious watch collectors. In this guide, we will dive deep into the features, design, performance, and overall value of the Orient Bambino watches. Here we will focus on the specific models of the Orient Bambino watch series, the Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 2. Almost all of the Orient Bambino watches have quite similar designs and features, but there are some key differences between the versions that we will discuss below.
Before diving into the details, we would like to give a brief introduction of the brand ‘Orient’ just for those who are new to the world of watches.
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A brief intro of the Orient Brand
Orient is a renowned Japanese watch brand known for its high-quality timepieces. With a history dating back to 1950, Orient watches are acclaimed for their precision movements, attention to detail, and a blend of traditional and modern designs. The brand is recognized for its in-house manufacturing of mechanical movements, showcasing its commitment to excellence. From classic dress watches to sports and dive watches, Orient offers a diverse range of styles to cater to various tastes and preferences. Overall, Orient is a respected name in the watch industry, cherished by watch enthusiasts worldwide.
Now let’s dive into Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 2 watches.
Design and Build Quality
The Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 2 watch boasts a timeless and elegant design that draws inspiration from vintage timepieces. It features a stainless steel case with a polished finish on top and brushed sides, giving it a refined and sophisticated look. The watch measures 40.5mm in diameter, making it suitable for most wrist sizes.
One of the reasons for its versatility for many wrist sizes is its lug-to-lug length, which measures approximately 46.6mm. Moreover, the lugs are somewhat curved and tapered which provides a comfortable fit.
Measuring the thickness of the case is approximately 11.8mm, providing a good balance between sleekness and presence on the wrist.
Besides these dimensions, a thin polished bezel and a domed mineral crystal add to the watch’s vintage aesthetic. Additionally, the watch comes with an unsigned push-pull crown and a screw-down solid case back.
The Dial
Talking about the dial, the Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 2 offers a variety of dial colors, including black, white, and cream, providing options to suit different preferences.
The dial showcases a clean, minimalist design with Roman numeral hour markers, giving the watch a touch of luxury. Similarly, the dauphine-style hands add a touch of sophistication, while the small date window at 3 o’clock enhances the practicality of the watch.
Movement and Accuracy
Powering the Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 2 watch is the reliable and accurate Orient F6724 automatic movement. This self-winding movement features 22 jewels and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph). It also offers hand-winding and hacking capabilities, allowing precise time settings.
The F6724 movement has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours, ensuring that the watch will continue to tick even if not worn for a couple of days. Its accuracy is acceptable for a mechanical watch, typically gaining or losing a few seconds per day. This level of precision is more than sufficient for daily wear.
Strap Options
The Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 2 watches basically come with leather straps. They are soft and supple, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. You have the option to select from a range of models, each offering straps in either brown, black, or blue, allowing you to personalize your timepiece to suit your style.
The 20mm lug width allows for easy strap changes, giving you the flexibility to personalize the watch according to your style or occasion. The buckle closure provides a secure and adjustable fit, ensuring the watch stays in place throughout the day.
Water Resistance
The Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 2 watch has a water resistance rating of 30 meters or 3 ATM. This means it can withstand splashes and brief immersion in water, but it is not suitable for swimming or diving. It is important to note that water resistance can decrease over time, so it is advisable to avoid exposing the watch to excessive moisture.
Note: If you have an interest in watches specifically designed for water sports, we recommend reading our previous blog post that covers the best dive watches.
Value for Money
One of the most appealing aspects of the Orient Bambino Version 2 watch is its exceptional value for money. With its elegant design, reliable movement, and affordable price point, it offers a compelling package that is hard to beat. The watch provides a taste of luxury without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for both watch enthusiasts and those looking for a stylish timepiece on a budget. Talking about the price, it ranges from $200 to $250, depending on the specific model you choose and the retailer you shop from.
Now let’s move on to the next section.
Different Versions of Orient Bambino
Over the years, Orient has released several versions of the Bambino, each with its own unique characteristics and features. In this section, we will take a look at each of Bambino’s versions, including their distinguishing characteristics and notable differences.
Note: There are two generations and five versions of Orient Bambino watches. The first three versions are found in both the 1st generation and 2nd generation while the last two (4th & 5th) versions are found only in the 2nd generation.
Let’s talk about the significant difference between the 1st generation and 2nd generation of Orient Bambino watches – the internal mechanism (movement). The 1st generation watches use an Orient Caliber 48743 movement, which does not have hacking and hand-winding functions. And the 2nd generation watches (except for the 5th Version) use an Orient Caliber F6722 movement, which has a hacking and hand-winding function. The Gen 2 Version 5 uses an Orient Caliber F6724 movement. Below is a table for more convenience to understand the differences.
| Generation | Versions | Internal Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
|
1st Gen |
Version 1, Version 2, Version 3 |
Orient Caliber 48743
(No hacking or hand-winding) |
|
2nd Gen |
Version 1, Version 2, Version 3, Version 4 |
Orient Caliber F6722
(Hacking and hand-winding include) |
|
2nd Gen
(continued) |
Version 5 |
Orient Caliber F6724
(Hacking and hand-winding include) |
Orient Bambino Version 1
The Orient Bambino Version 1 is the original one that introduces the Bambino line. It features a simple and clean design with a domed crystal and minimalist dial. What can be considered the most distinctive features of these watches are their wide Dauphine hands and wedge hour markers.
Price Range: $150 – $200
Orient Bambino Version 2
The Orient Bambino Version 2 built upon the success of the original model and added some refinements. What makes it different from other versions is its slim dauphine-style hands and Roman numeral hour markers.
Price range: $200 – $250
Orient Bambino Version 3
The Orient Bambino Version 3 brought some notable changes to the collection. Its distinctive features include a sunburst dial with slim stick hour markers and baton hands.
Price range: $150 – $200
Orient Bambino Version 4
The Orient Bambino Version 4 showcased a more vintage-inspired design. It looks very similar to the Orient Bambino Version 1 but with a somewhat larger case diameter (42 mm), sunburst dial, and diamond hour markers. Moreover, the hands are thinner than in Version 1.
Price range: $150- $200
Orient Bambino Version 5
The Orient Bambino Version 5 is the more modern-looking version of the Bambino line. It has an Arabic numeral hour marker and a Feuille or Leaf hands. It also features an exhibition case back that allows you to see the automatic movement at work.
Price range: $200- $250
Orient Bambino Open Heart
In addition to the regular Bambino models, Orient also released the Bambino Open Heart. This version featured an open-heart dial, allowing a glimpse of the movement’s inner workings. The Open Heart variation added a touch of sophistication and visual interest to the Bambino collection.
Price range: $200- $300
Orient Bambino Small Seconds
The Orient Bambino Small Seconds was a variation that incorporated a small second sub-dial into the design. This sub-dial added a subtle and distinctive element to the dial layout, providing a vintage-inspired touch.
Price range: $200- $250
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Orient Bambino watches, particularly the Gen 2 Version 2, offer a winning combination of classic design, dependable performance, and affordable pricing. With their timeless aesthetics, reliable automatic movements, and accessible price point, these watches provide excellent value for both casual wearers and serious watch collectors. Whether you choose the Gen 2 Version 2 or explore other models within the Orient Bambino series, you can expect a well-crafted timepiece that makes a stylish statement on your wrist.
FAQs
1. Can I swim or shower with an Orient Bambino watch?
While Orient Bambino watches are water-resistant to a certain degree, they are not specifically designed for swimming or showering. It is recommended to avoid exposing them to excessive moisture to maintain their longevity.
2. Do Orient Bambino watches come with a warranty?
Yes, Orient Bambino watches typically come with a warranty provided by Orient Watch Co. The duration and terms of the warranty may vary, so it is recommended to check with the retailer or manufacturer for specific details.
3. Does the Orient Bambino Gen 2 Version 2 watch require manual winding?
The Orient Bambino Version 2 watch has both automatic and manual winding capabilities. It can be wound manually by turning the crown when necessary, or it can be left to wind itself through the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist.
4. Are Orient Bambino watches considered a good value for their price?
Yes, Orient Bambino watches are widely regarded as offering excellent value for their price. Their combination of classic design, reliable performance, and affordable pricing makes them a popular choice among watch enthusiasts.
