Orient hit a home-run with this one. I’d rather have either a sapphire or an acrylic crystal, however. Either make it non-scratch, or make it so I can polish out the scratches.
38mm is a perfect size for this piece, I thought the old 40 - 42mm version wouldn’t suit me very well so I opted for a timex Marlin instead (well my wife bought it for me!) plus I feel better with acrylic on my wrist instead of mineral.
I always like these non sponsored vids the best, because I know if you're paying yourself for the watch the review is very honest and it is a watch you are actually interested in!
I think people get too caught up in "not being able to wear a dress watch". I've a 7.5 inch wrist and I find that my G2V2 Bambino goes very well with just jeans and a t-shirt.
this is so true. this bambino goes perfectly for every casual and even sporty outfits. a strap changes it completely.saying that you don't get opportunities to wear this one that often is just silly.
I like this, and glad it's finally 38mm (with 20mm lugs!). That dial is also a nice color. I'd really like to see a version of this with a small seconds subdial. That would really be the ticket for me.
I would go for the orient star personally. But I think for this style of watch it is very subjective. Good to see Orient listening to its customers though
With dress watches being my style of watch I particularly look forward to these reviews, thanks Jody. I already have a Bambino but with a skinny 6.25 inch wrist I feel it looks a little big on me. With another Bambino on my list it's great that they're now offering a choice of sizes and I really hope we're starting to edge away from the 40-42mm as standard. As for 'ladies' watches, like dress watches they can be for every one, every day. When a watch looks this good why wouldn't you want to wear it all the time. ...oh yeah, because we need to wear some of the others in our collection.
I fell for the Bambino trap when I first got into watches lol. Thought that I wanted a dress watch, but when I got something sporty with a bracelet I never turned back. If I were to buy a dress watch now, I think it would be quartz. I hardly ever wear them, and I love a super thin dress watch.
Nice review ! I always wanted a bambino but it was a bit too big for my wrist and the dreadful 21mm lug width was also the reason for not getting one, I’m super happy they have made it smaller with 20mm lug width and even gave us display case back as a bonus !
I have two 42mm Bambinos ($120 each👍) and love that version but then again I have an almost 8" wrist so I get that this will be way more popular overall and a sensible decision by Orient.
Thanks for the great review Jodie. I had the Gen2 V2 Bambino, but it was rather large for my 6.5in wrist. I gifted it to a friend with a 7in wrist and absolutely loves it. I can now replace that Gen 2 V2 with this one.
Had mine for about a year now and recently threw a $80 beads of rice bracelet on it. Excellent addition in line with the whole vintage theme and so much classier than the mediocre-at-best factory strap, 100% recommended.
I ordered the same watch, it’s coming tomorrow. I’ve never been this excited over a watch before. I only own 3, one is a gold Jules Jurgenson that was my father’s, a black and gold Movado Museum, and my every day 20 year old Swiss Army Victorinox that took a beating but keeps on ticking. The Swiss Army will continue to be my everyday and I’ll rotate the Bambino when I need a dress watch between the Movado and JJ. I have a feeling I’m going to buy a few more watches over the coming years, there’s something about this Bambino that is getting me interested.
I purchased the same version and equipped it with a nice Hirsch Leaf strap in brown. The perfect Bambino so far produced. Old versions were like pizza plates on the wrist.
been here since that OG bambino vid! I did fall for the trap and I still have it, but no regrets considering the price point. It’s a perfect dress watch for people that rarely have to get dressed up!
Got mine a few days ago, and went for the same colour scheme as you, it's gorgeous and mine's currently running about +5 a day, so very happy. (No timegrapher section? I've seen mixed results with these, so would be interesting to see how your's is doing) I just wish they had stretched to fitting a sapphire crystal, then it would be perfect. I've also seen some videos of the white variant, and that looks, dare I say it, more up market than the cream, but I'm happy with the cream's more vintage appeal, which my small collection was missing.
I ended up picking up the old Version 2 in a cream dial! It was only $130 and I actually prefer a thinner case. Very well-finished dress watch that has become a daily wear. I have watches that are far more expensive that don't match up to the level of quality here. Plus, at $130 you barely have to think about it.
I have the older model of this same color variant which I love, and its size isn't a problem for me with my 7½" wrist, but you've hit on the problem for me with the Bambino and the other dress pieces in my collection... when do I actually wear them? Here in Florida there isn't much occasion to dress up. I wish there were; I have lots of nice clothes, but my lifestyle just doesn't include a lot of dressing up. It's either a uniform for work, casual attire for daily wear or gym attire for exercise. I really have to think outside of the box to incorporate them regularly. Cheers mate!
The date just... There. In a different color from the dial is always an eyesore for me, for sure the right steps, love Orient but still, still doesn't even come close to my Vostok Classica if you ask me haha
Call me a simpleton if you like but the occasion that I have to wear my bambino is any day of the week. I have never had a problem with the mineral crystal. The watch is a workhorse that can look like a fancy dress watch.
I’ve wanted a bambino at least a little bit ever since I learned about them. Glad I got through my “I need every watch” phase without one, though. I did manage to get a Polaris, however, and I actually think that a perfect dress watch for me. Wish they would re release that one.
I think 36-38mm is the perfect range for most men, most dress watches. I prefer 36mm on my 6 1/4" wrists. And if you check out VAER watches, they're putting super impressive specs on even their cheapest watches, such as those as low as $159, more specifically a sapphire crystal. You're telling me we can't demand sapphire crystals on watches like Bambinos?
@@thetruthhurts7500 lol wtf… why do people act as if they’re the ones who decided they’re going to be born with the body they were born with. Did a guy with smaller wrists ask to be born with small wrists? Man, stop implying negative things about people’s genetics that they had no choice in creating. P.S. not directing my msg to you specifically (only if you’re making fun of the original poster), but this goes towards all bigger lads who like to look down on smaller guys. Anyways, cheers. I just got a bit pissed off.
My wife got me the Bambino V2 as a gift for our marriage and it is a perfect fit for a more dressy look. Only bad thing is the hard and squeeky leather strap
That's perfect! I have the 36mm "lady's" version. It's pretty much perfect if your into vintage watches. But... 17mm lugs!? Whyyyy. But still, GREAT watch.
Anyway, got a silverish one of these (RA-AC0M03S). Going to regulate it the same way I regulated my other Orients, but still measuring the initial accuracy and waiting for it to stabilize. This one got one so many things right that I don't even mind it has no small seconds (although I still am waiting for a hypothetical 38mm version of RA-AP): the dial is finally not too big and not too small for me, the second and minute hands finally reach the markers, the lug width is finally 20mm so that my quick-release steel mesh straps are deployed in seconds, the crown is extremely easy to grip and operate, and the overall design is both dressy and humble at the same time. Overall, wasn't disappointed, no wonder the RA-AC0M are more expensive here than RA-AP00. If anyone asks me which Orient I'd recommend, this one will be amongst the top three for sure.
Most of my watches are dark in color. I wanted a traditionally light colored watch. Orient's champagne / ivory color is just fantastic. I looked over many companies to compare, but this is the best version of "champagne" that I have found. Plus, the simple layout and 38mm. Wow! I just purchased one in 2024 with the increased inflation for $205.
Dear Jody, your Bambino Trap video was my introduction to JOMW, and I'm happy you're still going strong. Hopefully they'll release more 36mm models in the future. I'll start saving up for one the moment they have a 36mm gold case with those pretty Arabic numerals like on the 40.5mm 5th gen.
Nice watch. Good on them for taking the case size to 38mm and the lug width to 20mm. I saw another review of the small seconds Bambino. I would have bought it, but that 21mm lug width was a deal breaker for me. I'm a big guy with an 8 inch wrist. When I buy a watch, I assume I'll have to get a longer strap. Those odd lug widths limit my choices. Glad to see Orient making these changes. Thanks for another great video.
Wonderful watch! Great review! But what is Orients obsession with random date windows? I guess you can’t have everything at once. Hopefully these minor changes will eventually start a set of models with no date window.
Im poised to buy this Version 7 Bambino at 38mm. My first foray into watches. Haven't worn a watch for at least 20 years, and even then it was very cheap sports watches. The competitor I was looking at was the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time. Save some money with the Bambino. I love mid-century vintage aesthetics! As far as the earlier 36mm Bambino targeted at the women's narket, I've learned in the fragrance game that doesn't mean jack s___. Some feminine-targeted fragrances are more masculine in scent profile than masculine-targeted frags. There is nothing about that 36mm watch that screamed female to me. Im too smart for that. Carey Grant and Mohammed Ali wore the Cartier Tank, with an even smaller case.
Beautiful watch and great review. I managed to buy the 36mm Bambino from Jomashop and absolutely love it. Like you said, they marketed it as a woman's watch, but my male friends are jealous of it. So glad I got it, it is beautiful and so comfortable to wear, perfect fit!
This is simply an awesome watch. In house movement, superb vintage dial with a domed crystal, classic hands and polished faceted hour markers. Near perfect. Trade the hard leather strap for a more supple one and bingo! You will not want it off your wrist. 😮
Great diameter and, especially, lug width! Finally Orient, finally. Great video Jody. Good job for spotting this. This is the first time I know the watch. 👍🏼
I bought the same 42mm version you did and came to the same conclusion: It's too damn big. But it is my favorite version of the Bambino in terms of looks. I really wish they would produce that version, charcoal dial and suede strap, in 38mm. That would be perfection. BTW, this is the same box they used for previous Orient Star models. Interesting to see it on their lower end line.
As I wrote before but looks like it did not appear here, It would be fun to see Jordy from time to time doing some reviews of really cheap Chinese watches, those less than 50 bucks, even less than 30. I collect them. Some even work well...
Good video Jody, thanks. I tried this new Bambino and a Kamasu in an AD in Poland recently. Both looked more expensive and way better than any fashion watch. It's a pity Orient don't have more AD's in other countries as I think they would sell more watches and it's good to try on a watch first before paying for it.
Everyone praises the Bambino. It is worth reading the Amazon reviews, which are almost identical to the errors that are bothering me. The only upside is that it's pretty, but that could be achieved by a $10 quartz movement. I would especially highlight the feeling and sound of winding, which is downright outrageous.
I've been looking forward to this watch since I heard the rumors that it was coming out. I always liked the Bambino, but I have a largish wrist, which requires me to wear XL straps. 19 and 21 mm watch straps are almost impossible to source in XL. I really like this style of watch, so have a drawer full of 20mm dressy watch straps. I'll probably wait until the prices come down a bit before grabbing one. I think the color combo you reviewed is the perfect one.
I like it a lot. It is the right size for a watch that looks like that (or even 37mm with a 19mm band). I'd also actually prefer an old-school acrylic crystal as scratches can easily be buffed out... But those are only minor niggles. I like it, is what I'm driving at...
Is there any chance you might be open to reintroducing the Timegrapher segment in your reviews? I always appreciated being able to see how accurate watches might fare.
Finally I can recommend the Bambino without reservations. The price was always sharp, and with inflation, well we can't complain too much. If it settles down to $180-190, it will be almost obligatory as a first dress watch.
Good topic and video! I appreciate the review. I am happy to see a 38 mm case diameter, and a 20 mm lug width that I had not previously known about. However, I already have a Bambino and you covered my sentiments at the @11:05 mark. I am not going to replace what I have and wear often but if I decide to add another dress watch I will definitely consider this new Bambino.
Should have gone sapphire or acrylic! I have many acrylic watches, and they all have excellent clarity with less reflections. And any scratches can be polly watched out.
Agreed 👍🏼 here. At the price point there's no reason (except for larger profit margins) for not including a domed sapphire with AR coating. If they're not going to include that just skip mineral and put a nice acrylic in there. Scratches can be dealt with, and they're more durable (they'll flex instead of shatter) than mineral.
Great watch, all dial dress pieces wear larger than the stats would indicate, the dial on this will be larger than the dial on many 42mm dive watches, with their chunky bezels, chapter rings, rehouts etc. Also, the term “dress” watch is a bit of a misnomer, if we’re talking mid-century for example, this is the type of watch that the vast majority of men wore. I’m alternating as daily’s vintage Seikos - 35mm Lord Marvel and 36mm Skyliner, very well proportioned pieces, for my eyes at least.
Up until I bought a Ebel Sport Chrono from the late 80s this year, this style of watch was my EDC going back to when I was 14 (i’m 38 now). The real trap of buying one is that it only makes sense for the truly vintage-phobic- this money can get you something from such hallowed brands as Longines, Wittnauer, Eterna, or even Omega if you want to go manual wind, that will look much like this, offer a similar (lack) of water resistance, and most assuredly will not be containing a movement lacking refinement. Vintage style new watches with vintage style sizing and water resistance make very little sense to me.
38/20 is too ‘dainty’ for me. Especially the 20mm strap. I love the look of a sharp rectangular, white dial, black Romans,gold case, black crock strap ‘Tuxedo watch,’ but they look more like an I.D. Bracelet on me than a wrist watch. I realize an 8” wrist and a XXL hand with size 15 ring finger isn’t exactly ‘standard’ (6’3” 275) sizing. I’ve been a watch lover for a long time, so I do have some 38/20s from the 90s when that size was ubiquitous and 42mm+ was hard to find. Garmin Tactix Delta (functional) aside, I LOVE a thin (sub 12mm, preferably sub 10) dress watch. My sweet spot is 43mm. Like the rest of life watches require compromise and decision. When a looker like this Bambino goes sub 40mm I compromise mechanical and get thinness in return by going with the 40mm quartz version. I love the lineup Orient has delivered in the past five years. Impressive!
Much better size, but I'll wait for the price to come down when Orient produce yet another new variant in about 2 years. That also allows time for someone to start selling a sapphire crystal to fit. I hope they will make small seconds versions of these.
What a nice watch, presented in your typical expert style! And your choice of color is the same as mine. So, now I have to wait for the 40mm version (8,5 inch wrist...). But I´ve been waiting so long now for my first Orient , I will also be able to bridge this time. See you in the next one 👍👍👍
Lovely watch. But as a Orient fan my $200 would rather go towards a Kamasu. Holding thumbs that the price will normalize sooner rather than later. That ivory & blue combination speaks to me.
I have two dressing watches 38 mm diameter: a 1960 vintage Enicar Ultrasonic, a gift from my mother when I was 12 years old, and an Election that was of my father, also a 1950 or something lovely watch. Both work very well, marvelous machinery, BUT this Bambino I think is yelling to me to get it to make a company to those venerable pieces of Horlogerie... Yes, one more 38 mm watch...
Great review and definitely a better size for the Bambino. I'm not crazy about how the date wheel white doesn't match the dial color. I'd prefer the all-white dial with the white date wheel background matching. Thumbs up!
In my opinion, and for my taste, almost the perfect Bambino. My perfect Bambino would be a 38mm small seconds, champagne dial, possibly with numerals on all the even numbers.
Orient hit a home-run with this one. I’d rather have either a sapphire or an acrylic crystal, however. Either make it non-scratch, or make it so I can polish out the scratches.
38mm is a perfect size for this piece, I thought the old 40 - 42mm version wouldn’t suit me very well so I opted for a timex Marlin instead (well my wife bought it for me!) plus I feel better with acrylic on my wrist instead of mineral.
Amen re Acrylic. Also went for the Marlin. Domed mineral crystal is never the way.
Acrylic is a scratch prone ..
@@jeetbose3533 Yes, but the scratches buff out easily, unlike mineral crystal.
@@yoinkhaha I love its domed crystal. It just gives it a more vintage and unique look, doesn't it?
@@oshoc01 BUT DO IT IN ACRYLIC. Like actual vintage watches.
I always like these non sponsored vids the best, because I know if you're paying yourself for the watch the review is very honest and it is a watch you are actually interested in!
Doesn't matter, Jody will let us know exactly how he feels about any watch. No moans or niggles left behind.
i think he's a real gent for giving away all the free watches he receives..
I usually watch all of Jody video i wouldn't if i thought he was being disingenuous
@@TheWeardale1 the sponsored watches are not re-sold?
@@mondarinvino107 i was being sarcastic haha
It’s an elegant and classic look, Orient have an excellent range at the moment. I have big wrists but wouldn’t be afraid to wear this.
I think people get too caught up in "not being able to wear a dress watch". I've a 7.5 inch wrist and I find that my G2V2 Bambino goes very well with just jeans and a t-shirt.
People used to wear dress watches all the time with a casual outfit back in the day. It can work with casual outfits easily.
this is so true. this bambino goes perfectly for every casual and even sporty outfits. a strap changes it completely.saying that you don't get opportunities to wear this one that often is just silly.
Agreed, If I can wear a dive watch with business casual a Bambino with everyday casual wear should be fine
Especially Jeans, Polo shirts and Deck shoes.
IKR? Who even cares? Just wear your dressy watch with a Hawaiian shirt and a skirt for all I care if that's what you want.
This is my dream watch. Beige and leather, simply amazing
I like this, and glad it's finally 38mm (with 20mm lugs!). That dial is also a nice color. I'd really like to see a version of this with a small seconds subdial. That would really be the ticket for me.
I would go for the orient star personally. But I think for this style of watch it is very subjective. Good to see Orient listening to its customers though
Oddly enough, just put on the Orient Star video, and that watch is $340 and STILL has mineral crystal!
With dress watches being my style of watch I particularly look forward to these reviews, thanks Jody. I already have a Bambino but with a skinny 6.25 inch wrist I feel it looks a little big on me. With another Bambino on my list it's great that they're now offering a choice of sizes and I really hope we're starting to edge away from the 40-42mm as standard. As for 'ladies' watches, like dress watches they can be for every one, every day. When a watch looks this good why wouldn't you want to wear it all the time. ...oh yeah, because we need to wear some of the others in our collection.
I just love all bambino line. So attractive and stylish
I fell for the Bambino trap when I first got into watches lol. Thought that I wanted a dress watch, but when I got something sporty with a bracelet I never turned back. If I were to buy a dress watch now, I think it would be quartz. I hardly ever wear them, and I love a super thin dress watch.
Yeah we all fell for it...
Nice review ! I always wanted a bambino but it was a bit too big for my wrist and the dreadful 21mm lug width was also the reason for not getting one, I’m super happy they have made it smaller with 20mm lug width and even gave us display case back as a bonus !
I have two 42mm Bambinos ($120 each👍) and love that version but then again I have an almost 8" wrist so I get that this will be way more popular overall and a sensible decision by Orient.
42mm ??
What`s reference ?
@@krystianstepien5835 version 4 Bambinos are 42mm fac08004d0
@@jollyrob Wow I didn`t know it. I thought all classical ver 1-4 bambinos are 40.5mm
Thanks for the great review Jodie. I had the Gen2 V2 Bambino, but it was rather large for my 6.5in wrist. I gifted it to a friend with a 7in wrist and absolutely loves it.
I can now replace that Gen 2 V2 with this one.
I would never dump my old Bambino - it's a "small second" version and I love it.
Had mine for about a year now and recently threw a $80 beads of rice bracelet on it. Excellent addition in line with the whole vintage theme and so much classier than the mediocre-at-best factory strap, 100% recommended.
I ordered the same watch, it’s coming tomorrow. I’ve never been this excited over a watch before. I only own 3, one is a gold Jules Jurgenson that was my father’s, a black and gold Movado Museum, and my every day 20 year old Swiss Army Victorinox that took a beating but keeps on ticking. The Swiss Army will continue to be my everyday and I’ll rotate the Bambino when I need a dress watch between the Movado and JJ. I have a feeling I’m going to buy a few more watches over the coming years, there’s something about this Bambino that is getting me interested.
I have a 41mm blue Gen 2 and I love it. Keep it up Orient. Just a beautiful dial.
I purchased the same version and equipped it with a nice Hirsch Leaf strap in brown. The perfect Bambino so far produced. Old versions were like pizza plates on the wrist.
*The full length hands are a welcome improvement.*
Ditch the date all together or color match the date wheel and it would be perfect
been here since that OG bambino vid! I did fall for the trap and I still have it, but no regrets considering the price point. It’s a perfect dress watch for people that rarely have to get dressed up!
Got mine a few days ago, and went for the same colour scheme as you, it's gorgeous and mine's currently running about +5 a day, so very happy. (No timegrapher section? I've seen mixed results with these, so would be interesting to see how your's is doing)
I just wish they had stretched to fitting a sapphire crystal, then it would be perfect.
I've also seen some videos of the white variant, and that looks, dare I say it, more up market than the cream, but I'm happy with the cream's more vintage appeal, which my small collection was missing.
I ended up picking up the old Version 2 in a cream dial! It was only $130 and I actually prefer a thinner case. Very well-finished dress watch that has become a daily wear. I have watches that are far more expensive that don't match up to the level of quality here. Plus, at $130 you barely have to think about it.
Great looking watch. I loved mine but think this size would be even better
I literally cheered when he said 20 mm lug width. Thank you Orient, and about freaking time!
Such a beautiful piece. Would be made near perfect (for the price point) with a color matched window.
I have the older model of this same color variant which I love, and its size isn't a problem for me with my 7½" wrist, but you've hit on the problem for me with the Bambino and the other dress pieces in my collection... when do I actually wear them? Here in Florida there isn't much occasion to dress up. I wish there were; I have lots of nice clothes, but my lifestyle just doesn't include a lot of dressing up. It's either a uniform for work, casual attire for daily wear or gym attire for exercise. I really have to think outside of the box to incorporate them regularly. Cheers mate!
The date just... There. In a different color from the dial is always an eyesore for me, for sure the right steps, love Orient but still, still doesn't even come close to my Vostok Classica if you ask me haha
Call me a simpleton if you like but the occasion that I have to wear my bambino is any day of the week. I have never had a problem with the mineral crystal. The watch is a workhorse that can look like a fancy dress watch.
I’ve wanted a bambino at least a little bit ever since I learned about them. Glad I got through my “I need every watch” phase without one, though. I did manage to get a Polaris, however, and I actually think that a perfect dress watch for me. Wish they would re release that one.
I think 36-38mm is the perfect range for most men, most dress watches. I prefer 36mm on my 6 1/4" wrists. And if you check out VAER watches, they're putting super impressive specs on even their cheapest watches, such as those as low as $159, more specifically a sapphire crystal. You're telling me we can't demand sapphire crystals on watches like Bambinos?
For tiny girly men perhaps
@@thetruthhurts7500 lol wtf… why do people act as if they’re the ones who decided they’re going to be born with the body they were born with. Did a guy with smaller wrists ask to be born with small wrists? Man, stop implying negative things about people’s genetics that they had no choice in creating.
P.S. not directing my msg to you specifically (only if you’re making fun of the original poster), but this goes towards all bigger lads who like to look down on smaller guys. Anyways, cheers. I just got a bit pissed off.
My wife got me the Bambino V2 as a gift for our marriage and it is a perfect fit for a more dressy look. Only bad thing is the hard and squeeky leather strap
Cream dial, blue hands and a small seconds would be ideal.
Definitely going to pick one of these up now they have the proportions right, such a smart dress watch unpretentious and classy.
It's a lovely looking watch indeed! Love the blue handset. But if it still hasn't got sapphire so how can it be perfect then? 🤔
Looks great, especially alongside the Orient Star. At that price there is plenty of competition though.
Hey! Here in Hawaii, Aloha shirts are formal. 😄😉. Put on a tan band and it will totally go.
That's perfect! I have the 36mm "lady's" version. It's pretty much perfect if your into vintage watches. But... 17mm lugs!? Whyyyy. But still, GREAT watch.
17mm is a common size on vintage watches, so fits right in.
@@philspencelayh5464 no, 18 is the standard size on vintage watches. But yes, some have 17
Nice watch, good choice of dial. 👍
Anyway, got a silverish one of these (RA-AC0M03S). Going to regulate it the same way I regulated my other Orients, but still measuring the initial accuracy and waiting for it to stabilize. This one got one so many things right that I don't even mind it has no small seconds (although I still am waiting for a hypothetical 38mm version of RA-AP): the dial is finally not too big and not too small for me, the second and minute hands finally reach the markers, the lug width is finally 20mm so that my quick-release steel mesh straps are deployed in seconds, the crown is extremely easy to grip and operate, and the overall design is both dressy and humble at the same time. Overall, wasn't disappointed, no wonder the RA-AC0M are more expensive here than RA-AP00. If anyone asks me which Orient I'd recommend, this one will be amongst the top three for sure.
Most of my watches are dark in color. I wanted a traditionally light colored watch. Orient's champagne / ivory color is just fantastic. I looked over many companies to compare, but this is the best version of "champagne" that I have found. Plus, the simple layout and 38mm. Wow! I just purchased one in 2024 with the increased inflation for $205.
Dear Jody, your Bambino Trap video was my introduction to JOMW, and I'm happy you're still going strong.
Hopefully they'll release more 36mm models in the future. I'll start saving up for one the moment they have a 36mm gold case with those pretty Arabic numerals like on the 40.5mm 5th gen.
I think they already do 36mm but label them as ladies watch
40mm , perfect 👍🏻 size in my opinion
Nice watch. Good on them for taking the case size to 38mm and the lug width to 20mm. I saw another review of the small seconds Bambino. I would have bought it, but that 21mm lug width was a deal breaker for me. I'm a big guy with an 8 inch wrist. When I buy a watch, I assume I'll have to get a longer strap. Those odd lug widths limit my choices. Glad to see Orient making these changes. Thanks for another great video.
Excellent review. It’s perfect for any occasion other than diving and mountain climbing.
Finally! And the stock strap actually looks nice with that dial.
Wonderful watch! Great review! But what is Orients obsession with random date windows? I guess you can’t have everything at once. Hopefully these minor changes will eventually start a set of models with no date window.
Im poised to buy this Version 7 Bambino at 38mm. My first foray into watches. Haven't worn a watch for at least 20 years, and even then it was very cheap sports watches. The competitor I was looking at was the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time. Save some money with the Bambino. I love mid-century vintage aesthetics!
As far as the earlier 36mm Bambino targeted at the women's narket, I've learned in the fragrance game that doesn't mean jack s___. Some feminine-targeted fragrances are more masculine in scent profile than masculine-targeted frags. There is nothing about that 36mm watch that screamed female to me. Im too smart for that. Carey Grant and Mohammed Ali wore the Cartier Tank, with an even smaller case.
Beautiful watch and great review. I managed to buy the 36mm Bambino from Jomashop and absolutely love it. Like you said, they marketed it as a woman's watch, but my male friends are jealous of it. So glad I got it, it is beautiful and so comfortable to wear, perfect fit!
This is simply an awesome watch. In house movement, superb vintage dial with a domed crystal, classic hands and polished faceted hour markers. Near perfect. Trade the hard leather strap for a more supple one and bingo! You will not want it off your wrist. 😮
Really enjoying mine as a recent "pocket money" purchase. Great fit on a 7" wrist, no heads turning, but a beautiful classic dress watch style.
They've finally listened to us crying out for a smaller version. Nice!
The girls have been heard!
Beautiful little watch. Might pick one once the price lowers a bit.
Beautiful watch, but that's a pretty penny considering what the other Bambinos go for. I think I'll wait and see what happens.
Great diameter and, especially, lug width!
Finally Orient, finally.
Great video Jody. Good job for spotting this. This is the first time I know the watch. 👍🏼
I bought the same 42mm version you did and came to the same conclusion: It's too damn big. But it is my favorite version of the Bambino in terms of looks. I really wish they would produce that version, charcoal dial and suede strap, in 38mm. That would be perfection.
BTW, this is the same box they used for previous Orient Star models. Interesting to see it on their lower end line.
This is a good look for sure. Are those hands thermo blued or painted? The Orient Star’s bright blues ones look more like they’re painted.
As I wrote before but looks like it did not appear here, It would be fun to see Jordy from time to time doing some reviews of really cheap Chinese watches, those less than 50 bucks, even less than 30. I collect them. Some even work well...
Great review as always Jody. This might finally be the time I fall into the bambino trap
Good video Jody, thanks. I tried this new Bambino and a Kamasu in an AD in Poland recently. Both looked more expensive and way better than any fashion watch. It's a pity Orient don't have more AD's in other countries as I think they would sell more watches and it's good to try on a watch first before paying for it.
I love this simple Bambino. I picked it up in 2023
I think the Seagull 51 you reviewed a while back has this watch beat in spades and it’s only $189 now!
Everyone praises the Bambino. It is worth reading the Amazon reviews, which are almost identical to the errors that are bothering me. The only upside is that it's pretty, but that could be achieved by a $10 quartz movement. I would especially highlight the feeling and sound of winding, which is downright outrageous.
I've been looking forward to this watch since I heard the rumors that it was coming out. I always liked the Bambino, but I have a largish wrist, which requires me to wear XL straps. 19 and 21 mm watch straps are almost impossible to source in XL. I really like this style of watch, so have a drawer full of 20mm dressy watch straps. I'll probably wait until the prices come down a bit before grabbing one. I think the color combo you reviewed is the perfect one.
Love your work Jodi!
Same! He genuinly seems like such a great guy - and an excellent content creator!
I have a v3 bambino in gray and wear it with everything ... it really goes on any type of style
While the size is a vast improvement, the "perfect" Bambino would have a double domed sapphire crystal and 10 ATM WR.
My personal favourite is the old Max Bill looking one with the blunt hands. I feel like that particular design works with the 40.5 case.
HEY, my Bambino runs about 2 minutes a week too fast. Can it be made more accurate if I take it to a watch shoppe?
I like it a lot. It is the right size for a watch that looks like that (or even 37mm with a 19mm band).
I'd also actually prefer an old-school acrylic crystal as scratches can easily be buffed out...
But those are only minor niggles. I like it, is what I'm driving at...
Still no Sapphire and more than twice the price... how can this be perfect? Still love Orient. Amazing brand
I just ordered the old Version 2 Bambino, it also came in the long box. Seems like they have upgraded the packaging across the board.
Is there any chance you might be open to reintroducing the Timegrapher segment in your reviews? I always appreciated being able to see how accurate watches might fare.
Finally I can recommend the Bambino without reservations. The price was always sharp, and with inflation, well we can't complain too much. If it settles down to $180-190, it will be almost obligatory as a first dress watch.
No one cares what you can recommend lol
In 2018 I owned an Orient Star Elegant Classic. Looks like Orient raided that parts bin to make these new Bambinos.
I can do without the display case back. Other than that it is nice to finally see good proportions in a bambino.
"SOLD OUT"... even to this day *cry*
Good topic and video! I appreciate the review. I am happy to see a 38 mm case diameter, and a 20 mm lug width that I had not previously known about. However, I already have a Bambino and you covered my sentiments at the @11:05 mark. I am not going to replace what I have and wear often but if I decide to add another dress watch I will definitely consider this new Bambino.
Should have gone sapphire or acrylic! I have many acrylic watches, and they all have excellent clarity with less reflections. And any scratches can be polly watched out.
Agreed 👍🏼 here. At the price point there's no reason (except for larger profit margins) for not including a domed sapphire with AR coating. If they're not going to include that just skip mineral and put a nice acrylic in there. Scratches can be dealt with, and they're more durable (they'll flex instead of shatter) than mineral.
Great Videos Jody ......Keep them coming please
Great watch, all dial dress pieces wear larger than the stats would indicate, the dial on this will be larger than the dial on many 42mm dive watches, with their chunky bezels, chapter rings, rehouts etc. Also, the term “dress” watch is a bit of a misnomer, if we’re talking mid-century for example, this is the type of watch that the vast majority of men wore. I’m alternating as daily’s vintage Seikos - 35mm Lord Marvel and 36mm Skyliner, very well proportioned pieces, for my eyes at least.
Up until I bought a Ebel Sport Chrono from the late 80s this year, this style of watch was my EDC going back to when I was 14 (i’m 38 now). The real trap of buying one is that it only makes sense for the truly vintage-phobic- this money can get you something from such hallowed brands as Longines, Wittnauer, Eterna, or even Omega if you want to go manual wind, that will look much like this, offer a similar (lack) of water resistance, and most assuredly will not be containing a movement lacking refinement. Vintage style new watches with vintage style sizing and water resistance make very little sense to me.
38/20 is too ‘dainty’ for me. Especially the 20mm strap. I love the look of a sharp rectangular, white dial, black Romans,gold case, black crock strap ‘Tuxedo watch,’ but they look more like an I.D. Bracelet on me than a wrist watch. I realize an 8” wrist and a XXL hand with size 15 ring finger isn’t exactly ‘standard’ (6’3” 275) sizing. I’ve been a watch lover for a long time, so I do have some 38/20s from the 90s when that size was ubiquitous and 42mm+ was hard to find. Garmin Tactix Delta (functional) aside, I LOVE a thin (sub 12mm, preferably sub 10) dress watch. My sweet spot is 43mm. Like the rest of life watches require compromise and decision. When a looker like this Bambino goes sub 40mm I compromise mechanical and get thinness in return by going with the 40mm quartz version. I love the lineup Orient has delivered in the past five years. Impressive!
I just ordered this very watch and it’s on the way. I intend to use it while traveling. Looks great with small risk.
Much better size, but I'll wait for the price to come down when Orient produce yet another new variant in about 2 years. That also allows time for someone to start selling a sapphire crystal to fit. I hope they will make small seconds versions of these.
Lot's of improvement overall, but it's still a little too retro-kitschy for me with that too high crystal and dial color? But does it hack?
Wish they made a thinner manual wind. But that’s just nitpicking. I’ll definitely grab the gold variant when the price comes down a little.
The Gen 2 version 1 was my first automatic. I've loved it ever since. 👍
Completely agree. Good find; it is now in my list thank you for a great review
What a nice watch, presented in your typical expert style! And your choice of color is the same as mine. So, now I have to wait for the 40mm version (8,5 inch wrist...). But I´ve been waiting so long now for my first Orient , I will also be able to bridge this time. See you in the next one 👍👍👍
Jomashop appear to have a 36m Bambino (RA-AC0008S10B) in stock at the moment
Lovely watch. But as a Orient fan my $200 would rather go towards a Kamasu. Holding thumbs that the price will normalize sooner rather than later. That ivory & blue combination speaks to me.
It's still a pretty watch. I prefer Roman numerals myself though. I'll keep my older version instead.
I have two dressing watches 38 mm diameter: a 1960 vintage Enicar Ultrasonic, a gift from my mother when I was 12 years old, and an Election that was of my father, also a 1950 or something lovely watch. Both work very well, marvelous machinery, BUT this Bambino I think is yelling to me to get it to make a company to those venerable pieces of Horlogerie... Yes, one more 38 mm watch...
Great review and definitely a better size for the Bambino. I'm not crazy about how the date wheel white doesn't match the dial color. I'd prefer the all-white dial with the white date wheel background matching. Thumbs up!
Just the video I wanted!! These watches are beautiful but just too big for me. This new size is perfect. Can't wait to get my hands on one
Grey suede strap on that and it’s a great watch
In my opinion, and for my taste, almost the perfect Bambino. My perfect Bambino would be a 38mm small seconds, champagne dial, possibly with numerals on all the even numbers.
Where do you buy your dresses?
I like it. Nice compact watch. Wish it has a sapphire crystal n bracelet.