I've always loved Orient's take on affordable dress watches -- with the one exception being size. I really hope they move away from the 40.5x46x21mm case dimensions. They've got a 36.4x42x17mm, which is *so close* to being the perfect size of a dress watch for me -- but barely any dial options.
I have the champagne dial version - love it! I swapped out the pin buckle for a deployant and what a difference it makes. (also saves some ware on the strap)
I have the rose gold version. Went for that as every other watch in my beginner collection is “silver” except for my G-Shock! Absolutely love it and while I understand everyone’s comments about size, it fits me perfectly.
I have eight Orients, including four Bambinos (two are Helios open heart), and the champagne dial small seconds was my first. In my view it beats my white dial sun and moon v.3 for sheer beauty and elegance since the case is much slimmer. It's clearly an homage to vintage Longines sub dial dress watches of the 1950s. It's also incredibly accurate. Unbeatable value.
@@amitd5134 The Helios are green and brown dials; the other Bambinos are champagne dial small seconds, and pearlescent white dial with rose gold roman numerals. Also have a white dial sun and moon, yellow dial pilot, blue dial Pepsi bezel Triton, red dial Kamasu and blue dial Ray II, so actually nine, not eight and a good mix of colours and styles. You could happily build an entire collection covering all the bases from Orient.
Thanks a lot Jonathon for your reply much appreciated. I actually like a white tissot watch very much in white dial already bought in leather, was thinking to buy same dial watch in metal bracelet. So was thinking it makes sense or not. Enjoy your Orient nice collection
After this review I bought the ivory white one and think it is stunning (the date window fits this colour better compared to the champagne one) . First thing I did was putting a vintage brown/cognac strap on it and it looks like a dream now! I used to have a seiko sarb035 and a sarb033, but I was always checking in the mirror if it was to small. And eventually I decided they were to small for my wrist and liking. Somehow my sweet spot is around 40mm for a dress watch and 42mm for a diver. So this 40.5 mm does a good job. The orient I received runs less than 1 second fast a day (in one week little less than 1 sec. fast when you put the watch on its side during the night). Could be luck, but It is performing way better compared to my previous seiko watches. Seiko sarb series has been a frustrating journey and are now very happy with Orient.
Bambinos exist in 36mm and are all over the grey market dealers. Check Creation for example, the RA-AC0010S00C and RA-AC0009S00C are going for 130-160. Even if you need to add taxes and shipping, it's not a bad price at all.
Another alternative for the 36mm bambino is the Orient Golden Eye II, it's 38mm and has a flat sapphire crystal. Costs around 160 USD on the grey market.
@@sergiogaona9072 yes that's a lovely piece as well. There's also another one with numerals like a Rolex Explorer, open heart, with the Orient logo doing the counter balance on the seconds hand. 36mm. Couldn't tell you the name or reference, but it is on the Japanese orient website. The Bambinos are my favourite though
Lovely dress watch. One dress watch i think you should check out is the vostok classic dress collection.. i know Vostok has this cult following, but i bought one for £50 and despite the crappy strap its great. It's got a 2 o'clock crown which is a bit funky as well as a small seconds and is very vintage inspired.. mine is also running around +5 seconds a day.. whoch is a miracle
I am definitely glad you are doing more orient reviews; they are one of my favorite budget watch brands. I love the champagne dial, but also dislike the 40.5mm case, seemed a bit too large for vintage style.
I have the champagne version and I never get bored of looking at it - so classy and charming. I think a framed date border is overkill and will draw too much attention to it - on the other hand, if they got rid of the date altogether it will be even cleaner - but overall, it's a stunner and I urge people to get one before it's discontinued. By the way I have small wrist at 6 1/4 inch and the larger size gives it good wrist presence.
I love Orient watches, and own several. This would be perfect with just a few key changes: smaller diameter (38mm?) and lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width and a no-date configuration. If Orient puts that package together, no question it would be a quick seller. Thanks for another great review!
To be honest I find the un bordered date window preferable in this case. Being that the date wheel is the same colour as the face , l think it looks integrated rather than an afterthought . I just wish that they would incorporate some lume in their dress watches , but this is not just an Orient thing . You do get a lot of watch for your money with Orient.
I'd love to see a show on just vintage watches and how we need to care more differently for them than our EDC watches...also your take on vintage Russian watches in comparison to American including Timex, Seiko, Bulova, etc. I'd be interested in learning more. Blessings to you!
Beautiful watch! I actually bought the champagne dial version. I don't know if you follow omega enthusiast. I saw a vintage small seconds Omega on a beads of rice bracelet. So I brought a similar bracelet put it on my orient small seconds. And Jory I tell you, it's not an Omega but looks very nice without that vintage price.
The watches are definitely better than the ads! I would go for the black and champagne depending on the occasion! One of favourite watches is my orange bezel Mako XL, and I have a nice pale blue dial very refined looking Orient Tristar dress watch. At 37mm it's a bit too small for my 8" wrist so it's now in my wife's collection and she loves it.
I have the champagne dial version - nice watch but legibility can be questionable depending on lighting, kind of wish they'd combine the gold or rose gold indices with the champagne dial, would give a bit more contrast. Given the 40.5 mm diameter, it's more 'vintage style' than 'vintage repro', but that's fine with me.
Love this piece for all the points you made. I have the yellow gold version, which lends to the classic vintage feel. Tempted to get a silver case model also.
Orient is my favourite brand along with seiko. I have 4 Tristars, always on the lookout for the next one as I love these, and a Kamasu. Yes you're right, the champagne dial is the one I will soon purchase along with the new bambino on the mesh strap. THE BLUE DIAL.
Welcome. It's been happening for years. Glad to see you finally picked up on it. Too bad Orient, like Seiko, seems to have no clear plan or direction. They have the Bambino and they have some good divers but no more automatic GMTs or chronographs and my opinion is they are wasting funds developing and releasing a lot of questionable watches. Anyone with a bit of knowledge and access to 10% of the resources available to Seiko or Orient should be able to make watches that would sell in huge numbers.
I have an orient ray raven 2 as beater watch. Love it. And, by far the cheapest watch in my small collection. Can you believe it’s the only watch that has got appreciation comments from friends? 😂
I've a Bambino gen 2 v5 and I get compliments on it from non-watch people. Someone told me "it looks like something Gregory Peck might wear", and she meant it as a compliment, which is pretty cool
Plus the indices are placed perfectly (I have checked several pieces). Even my Seiko Presages have some error or the other with the placement of the indices. So +1 for careful workmanship.
Got a RA-AP0003S (the one with "champagne" dial). Immediately put a 21mm steel mesh strap on it. It looks really epic on it. Starting accuracy measurements.
I have the champagne dial version and it's a great looking dress watch. My only complaint with the design (other than the mineral crystal, which I had upgraded to sapphire) is the date window. The watch either shouldn't have one, or it should be in place of the "3." Having it shoehorned next to the 3 and it not being color-matched on the champagne dial really makes it stick out.
I’ve got the white dial version. I picked it up for $90 used (but basically brand new) a couple of years ago and have worn it maybe 3 times. I really love the watch though and should definitely wear it more. It’s a quality piece.
i bought the black small seconds and first thing i did was put it on a nato and it is an absolute monster of a watch!! I love it, but my 2 complaints are the dome crystal (i feel like dome crystal is a vintage fad, it makes it difficult to read the time if you hold the watch at an angle) and no AR coating on the crystal! I would really love to see orient make the same watches but AR on the crystals, even if it costs more. All that said this watch is awesome and a great pickup
That vintage 1945 watch of yours has almost like a jeans dial looks great. And this Orient looks great but its a bit too large, i still prefer the older Seiko 5's.
I’ve never really liked Orient watches until this one…something about them seeing too busy…even their logo seems rather busy. I like charmingly simple, without being boring or too minimalist for the sake of being minimalist. Ugh, and side note, the new Seiko 5 logo is ridiculous. If they keep this up, I think I may start looking into Orient as one of my new top favorites.
Enjoyed the vid 👍. Good on Orient sending you the watch AFTER your lambasting of the commercial 🧐 I don't have that model. However, I love watches with the small second. My personal choice would be the Rose Gold variant ⌚😎👍
I buy one RA-AP0001S cost 270us on Yahoo Taiwan, 2 days ago, because no stock on the market. Is on about 30% off the list price, 10% highter then the market.and I do like it.
Of the 4 Orient dress watches I own, the RA-AP0004S10A (gold-toned) Bambino Small Seconds is my favorite. Besides the price, I like the mix of Arabic numerals with indices and clarity of the dial. The "vintage" look doesn't hurt it either.
I also prefer polished up date window borders, but the imprinted border here is kinda nice in a minimalist sort of way. Glad to see this watch in a video.
I don't really understand this constant problem with the 21 mm strap. That's ok that watchmaking is about fractions of millimeters, but any straps could be deformed around 1/20th in either way after a while, so you can try thinner or wider straps. Non the less I'm over 45 so I am impressed that I could find even the hands of a watch w/o glasses ;) !
I have the rose gold version which I bought last year. Absolute classic, very symmetrical and vintage which I'm keeping for the next generation, as Patek Phillip says.
Honestly, for the whole vintage aesthetic, it should be no larger than 38mm. There's plenty of room for the movement at that size. Even if the numerals had to be replaced with markers, I think it would fit the bill rather well.
I hoped and prayed that Orient would get the dimensions right on this one but they seem pathologically incapable of releasing watches under 40mm. I'm still salty Jomashop cancelled my order for the 38mm open heart Bambino a while back, after stringing me along for months too.
I think that from Orient's point of view it is competing in a market that seems to demand a slightly larger watch and they are giving that but with a vintage charm. If buying one of these leads buyers into appreciating vintage watches it is all good. I like how Orient are brave enough to do something different as they have with their diver watches rather than just copying popular designs and for that I thank them for giving me an alternative that can stand it's ground in a market that is obsessed with homages.
My 2021 resolution was no more watches 40 and over. I have small wrists and 40+ just looks odd. Two sizes would be nice. This watch looks great, the movement is fine (have one), even mineral crystal is ok on a dress but just too big.
Usually available for just over $200, the Certina DS-4 small seconds is another great choice and it comes with an ETA 2824 I think. Also a beautiful dial, a 6 o'clock date and first-rate finishing. I really like mine.
This video reminds me how I don’t wear my Orient watches anymore since I’ve been working from home for 2 years. But if I were to get one I would go with the white dial/steel case. It looks just like a vintage Seamaster from the 50s
I have the champagne dial small seconds. I picked it up described as pre owned but unworn for £85. As you say it has that vintage look with slightly more modern looks with regard to size. Also it is a watch you can wear for most occasions whether just casual or dressed up. I love the look and to be honest even at the cost of a new one it is great value. After purchasing this I was so impressed that I purchased a Bambino with a champagne dial with roman numerals and it is equally as nice. I know Orient has gone a bit mad sometimes with regard to designs but to their credit they are trying to do something a bit different. I also like the fact that you are purchasing from a maker with a past in watch making although I believe that there is some connection to Seiko. Also for the money the attention to the finish is pretty good.
I agree. I found it on ebay and it had a best offer option. I made an offer which I assumed would be rejected but it was accepted. I then thought hello there must be something wrong but it was all good.
I have a Orient Golden Eye II and I'm very happy with it. It has no date complication, has sapphire crystal, a water resistant of 50m, and its size is less than 40mm. All that I wanted 😁.
I own this in black. Love it. Would be amazing if a little smaller, but otherwise happy with it. It's not just a vintage inspired dial, but the whole package is straight charm. :)
yes, I'd love to see this as a 38mm with like 45-46 l2l and 20 lug width. 19mm lug is more appropriate for a 38mm diameter but far less strap selection at 19mm.
I have that same white dial small seconds. Popped a Colareb strap on it and it really brought the watch to another level! only prob is I haven’t worn this watch in over 2 yrs as I as I progressed into higher end luxury watches!!! I have a whole watch box full of Seikos, Orients & microbrands that just sit looking pretty in the watch box. Contemplating selling off all my gateway watches to free up some cash but would be hard to part with them # dilemmas
What a coincidence. I just picked up the Rose Gold version of these (the most interesting version to me). I picked it up for the same reasons you mentioned: vintage charm. I put it on a lizard strap to emphasize the vintage design 👌
I have the white dial. It wears well on my 7.5” wrist. Consistently accurate watch. I am curious as to how many of us are getting dressed up often enough to need a dress watch. I wear this Bambino with jeans and no one notices or cares. .
Nice video! I think it’s well made for ”the masses” and hopefully it wil draw as many beginners to it as possible and save them from fashion watches 😄 A bit surprised the infamous 21mm lugwidth was let off that easily tho😯 I agree that the champagne dial variant is the way to go here!
Orient packs a whole lot of charm for not a lot of money. I've owned a Ray Raven II (given to a potential future SiL) and a Sun and Moon V4 (arabics) in rose gold. I own other, more expensive and Swiss pieces, but I maintain that my Orient is at least as charming as anything under $500.
Spot on, Jory. I've had this watch (white dial) for some time and it is great. Slides under a cuff easily, looks good and is accurate. The only niggle with it is the rotor can be loud sometimes, but Orient hit a home run with this one.
Love it, I´m thinking to get a white dial version as I think it can be very versatile if you switch the straps, I´m not a big watch collector and my budget is not big at all so I´m thinking to use one for all
Have always loved that watch. My only issue is the date window is too far in. Orient needs to either remove the date completely or put the date where the "3" is and remove that.
100% agree. I love date windows, but it doesn't seem right on this watch, alongside the 3. Either one or the other. I'd rather have the 3 and no date though, but I'd be ok with any
I know what you mean about using caution wearing a vintage watch. Back during my working days I wore a vintage Hamilton on what was supposed to have been a "light duty" work day. Yep! You guessed it. Royally screwed the crystal up. I was severly pissed. Sort of made me take a step back and reassess what I wanted out of watch collecting.
That champagne dial Orient would look nice next to my 36mm vintage 1947 Tissot, salmon dial, stainless case, bumper automatic, with a sub dial second hand.
A review of San Martin would be great! They are a Chinese microbrand that provide incredible value for their price! I have their limited edition SN020-G and I love it!
I already have the Bambino, but this is tempting. Along with all you said, I particularly like the arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9 & 12. Makes me think Rolex Explorer a bit. Great review. Biggest con is the 21 mm lug width. It is nearly impossible to find straps that size. I have tried using 20s and 22s on my Bambino and they just dont work right. If they offered this in 39mm with 20mm lugs they would sell a boatload of them. Why dont they listen to their customers??
Yeah, the rose gold was my first automatic watch. I still enjoy wearing it, even though I have skinny wrists. I looks better than expected thanks to the shape. The 21mm lug width is a pain in the a**
I have the champagne dial version for over a year and it is absolutely gorgeous. I wear it for church and special occasions only. It's not a perfect dress watch, but it's pretty close.
My first mechanical was a orient RA something black dial got it for just above $200 and the quality for is uncomparable. It outdoes $500 watches easily and mostly because Orient and Seiko have their own movements.
A very informative and entertaining video there. Since you're into vintage and vintage-style watches, could you review the watches which are produced by Ibarra? More power to you, sir.
Definitely one of the better bambinos. Wish they would have pulled the rotor and winding bridge to make it thinner. Im fine with a handwinding dress watch thats slim.
I think I agree with you, that champagne dial is really stunning. If I didn’t already have too many watches, this would be the next in line for me to get…
The dimensions are a little off for a dress watch, but still good value. If they wanted to take it up a notch, they could make the case a little smaller, maybe 38 or 39 mm, and the lugs a little narrower. 20 mm, or even 18. And get rid of that date window.
This is a beautiful watch with two major design flaws. Number one, this would be perfect if it was 38mm like the Sarbs. Number two, the 21mm lugs, 20mm gives endless options for strap choices. These are just my opinions, everyone is welcome to have their own.
I can't understand why they don't dive fully into the dress watch design. However they might put it, that date window is completely out of place and ruins the design. If they could finally make a bambino without a date and a 20mm lug width they wouldn't be able to keep it in stock, people would eat them up
Love Orient. A nivice could put together and entire collection of just Orient and have a nice bunch of watches for very smart money!
I damned near have done that..... 50% of my watches are Orient.
i actually like the date window :)
I've always loved Orient's take on affordable dress watches -- with the one exception being size. I really hope they move away from the 40.5x46x21mm case dimensions. They've got a 36.4x42x17mm, which is *so close* to being the perfect size of a dress watch for me -- but barely any dial options.
I got one this summer and you are right on! Can't beat it for the money!
I have the champagne dial version - love it! I swapped out the pin buckle for a deployant and what a difference it makes. (also saves some ware on the strap)
It's very nice 👌🏼
@@thewatchexplorer2244 what's the serial number for that one please ?
RA-AP0003S10A
@@nz1anvil RA-AP0003S10A
I have the rose gold version. Went for that as every other watch in my beginner collection is “silver” except for my G-Shock! Absolutely love it and while I understand everyone’s comments about size, it fits me perfectly.
I have eight Orients, including four Bambinos (two are Helios open heart), and the champagne dial small seconds was my first. In my view it beats my white dial sun and moon v.3 for sheer beauty and elegance since the case is much slimmer. It's clearly an homage to vintage Longines sub dial dress watches of the 1950s. It's also incredibly accurate. Unbeatable value.
I have that small seconds with champagne dial... and I simply love it. That is my favourite. Big value for money.
@Johanthan Annells you have all in different colors?
@@amitd5134 The Helios are green and brown dials; the other Bambinos are champagne dial small seconds, and pearlescent white dial with rose gold roman numerals. Also have a white dial sun and moon, yellow dial pilot, blue dial Pepsi bezel Triton, red dial Kamasu and blue dial Ray II, so actually nine, not eight and a good mix of colours and styles. You could happily build an entire collection covering all the bases from Orient.
Thanks a lot Jonathon for your reply much appreciated. I actually like a white tissot watch very much in white dial already bought in leather, was thinking to buy same dial watch in metal bracelet. So was thinking it makes sense or not. Enjoy your Orient nice collection
After this review I bought the ivory white one and think it is stunning (the date window fits this colour better compared to the champagne one) . First thing I did was putting a vintage brown/cognac strap on it and it looks like a dream now!
I used to have a seiko sarb035 and a sarb033, but I was always checking in the mirror if it was to small. And eventually I decided they were to small for my wrist and liking. Somehow my sweet spot is around 40mm for a dress watch and 42mm for a diver. So this 40.5 mm does a good job. The orient I received runs less than 1 second fast a day (in one week little less than 1 sec. fast when you put the watch on its side during the night). Could be luck, but It is performing way better compared to my previous seiko watches. Seiko sarb series has been a frustrating journey and are now very happy with Orient.
I love Orient, and the Bambino was my first real watch. Unfortunately, I've figured out I like
Bambinos exist in 36mm and are all over the grey market dealers. Check Creation for example, the RA-AC0010S00C and RA-AC0009S00C are going for 130-160. Even if you need to add taxes and shipping, it's not a bad price at all.
Hamilton kaki field mechanical 38mm, the best watch you can get.
Another alternative for the 36mm bambino is the Orient Golden Eye II, it's 38mm and has a flat sapphire crystal. Costs around 160 USD on the grey market.
@@sergiogaona9072 yes that's a lovely piece as well. There's also another one with numerals like a Rolex Explorer, open heart, with the Orient logo doing the counter balance on the seconds hand. 36mm. Couldn't tell you the name or reference, but it is on the Japanese orient website. The Bambinos are my favourite though
The small seconds has always been my favourite. Nice review.
Lovely dress watch. One dress watch i think you should check out is the vostok classic dress collection.. i know Vostok has this cult following, but i bought one for £50 and despite the crappy strap its great. It's got a 2 o'clock crown which is a bit funky as well as a small seconds and is very vintage inspired.. mine is also running around +5 seconds a day.. whoch is a miracle
I am definitely glad you are doing more orient reviews; they are one of my favorite budget watch brands. I love the champagne dial, but also dislike the 40.5mm case, seemed a bit too large for vintage style.
I have the champagne version and I never get bored of looking at it - so classy and charming. I think a framed date border is overkill and will draw too much attention to it - on the other hand, if they got rid of the date altogether it will be even cleaner - but overall, it's a stunner and I urge people to get one before it's discontinued. By the way I have small wrist at 6 1/4 inch and the larger size gives it good wrist presence.
I love Orient watches, and own several. This would be perfect with just a few key changes: smaller diameter (38mm?) and lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width and a no-date configuration. If Orient puts that package together, no question it would be a quick seller. Thanks for another great review!
To be honest I find the un bordered date window preferable in this case. Being that the date wheel is the same colour as the face , l think it looks integrated rather than an afterthought .
I just wish that they would incorporate some lume in their dress watches , but this is not just an Orient thing .
You do get a lot of watch for your money with Orient.
Bring it down to 38 and ditch the date window. Perfection
I'd love to see a show on just vintage watches and how we need to care more differently for them than our EDC watches...also your take on vintage Russian watches in comparison to American including Timex, Seiko, Bulova, etc. I'd be interested in learning more. Blessings to you!
Beautiful watch! I actually bought the champagne dial version. I don't know if you follow omega enthusiast. I saw a vintage small seconds Omega on a beads of rice bracelet. So I brought a similar bracelet put it on my orient small seconds. And Jory I tell you, it's not an Omega but looks very nice without that vintage price.
The watches are definitely better than the ads! I would go for the black and champagne depending on the occasion! One of favourite watches is my orange bezel Mako XL, and I have a nice pale blue dial very refined looking Orient Tristar dress watch. At 37mm it's a bit too small for my 8" wrist so it's now in my wife's collection and she loves it.
The vintage look of this watch is so clean and elegant. The rosegold color of this watch is stunning! 👌😊
I have the champagne dial version - nice watch but legibility can be questionable depending on lighting, kind of wish they'd combine the gold or rose gold indices with the champagne dial, would give a bit more contrast. Given the 40.5 mm diameter, it's more 'vintage style' than 'vintage repro', but that's fine with me.
Love this piece for all the points you made. I have the yellow gold version, which lends to the classic vintage feel. Tempted to get a silver case model also.
Yes I own one. The one with champaign dial. It's a beautiful watch but I wished it had a sub 40 mm case width.
Orient is my favourite brand along with seiko. I have 4 Tristars, always on the lookout for the next one as I love these, and a Kamasu.
Yes you're right, the champagne dial is the one I will soon purchase along with the new bambino on the mesh strap. THE BLUE DIAL.
Great watch, great macro shots!
At least 1000% of finishing, details, horological significance and tradition compared to RM for 0,1% of RM price.
I don't have a Dress Watch in my Collection, but this Orient could be the one for me.
It’s a beautiful watch and one that I would be proud to own. I kind of like the black dial version.
Welcome. It's been happening for years. Glad to see you finally picked up on it. Too bad Orient, like Seiko, seems to have no clear plan or direction. They have the Bambino and they have some good divers but no more automatic GMTs or chronographs and my opinion is they are wasting funds developing and releasing a lot of questionable watches. Anyone with a bit of knowledge and access to 10% of the resources available to Seiko or Orient should be able to make watches that would sell in huge numbers.
I honestly like all 3 and at that price one can buy all 3 without feeling guilty.
I have the champagne dial small seconds version. I put it on a bracelet from the v5 bambino and I absolutely love it.
I have an orient ray raven 2 as beater watch. Love it. And, by far the cheapest watch in my small collection. Can you believe it’s the only watch that has got appreciation comments from friends? 😂
I've a Bambino gen 2 v5 and I get compliments on it from non-watch people. Someone told me "it looks like something Gregory Peck might wear", and she meant it as a compliment, which is pretty cool
Plus the indices are placed perfectly (I have checked several pieces). Even my Seiko Presages have some error or the other with the placement of the indices.
So +1 for careful workmanship.
Got a RA-AP0003S (the one with "champagne" dial). Immediately put a 21mm steel mesh strap on it. It looks really epic on it. Starting accuracy measurements.
I have the champagne dial version and it's a great looking dress watch. My only complaint with the design (other than the mineral crystal, which I had upgraded to sapphire) is the date window. The watch either shouldn't have one, or it should be in place of the "3." Having it shoehorned next to the 3 and it not being color-matched on the champagne dial really makes it stick out.
I’ve got the white dial version. I picked it up for $90 used (but basically brand new) a couple of years ago and have worn it maybe 3 times. I really love the watch though and should definitely wear it more. It’s a quality piece.
i bought the black small seconds and first thing i did was put it on a nato and it is an absolute monster of a watch!! I love it, but my 2 complaints are the dome crystal (i feel like dome crystal is a vintage fad, it makes it difficult to read the time if you hold the watch at an angle) and no AR coating on the crystal! I would really love to see orient make the same watches but AR on the crystals, even if it costs more. All that said this watch is awesome and a great pickup
That vintage 1945 watch of yours has almost like a jeans dial looks great.
And this Orient looks great but its a bit too large, i still prefer the older Seiko 5's.
I’ve never really liked Orient watches until this one…something about them seeing too busy…even their logo seems rather busy. I like charmingly simple, without being boring or too minimalist for the sake of being minimalist. Ugh, and side note, the new Seiko 5 logo is ridiculous.
If they keep this up, I think I may start looking into Orient as one of my new top favorites.
Enjoyed the vid 👍. Good on Orient sending you the watch AFTER your lambasting of the commercial 🧐
I don't have that model. However, I love watches with the small second. My personal choice would be the Rose Gold variant ⌚😎👍
I have the small seconds Orient with the champagne dial because It reminds me of My dads 1950s Bulova watch. Very classy watch for the money.
I buy one RA-AP0001S cost 270us on Yahoo Taiwan, 2 days ago, because no stock on the market. Is on about 30% off the list price, 10% highter then the market.and I do like it.
Another good alternative although smaller and with acrilic is the timex marlin
Of the 4 Orient dress watches I own, the RA-AP0004S10A (gold-toned) Bambino Small Seconds is my favorite. Besides the price, I like the mix of Arabic numerals with indices and clarity of the dial. The "vintage" look doesn't hurt it either.
I also prefer polished up date window borders, but the imprinted border here is kinda nice in a minimalist sort of way. Glad to see this watch in a video.
I don't really understand this constant problem with the 21 mm strap. That's ok that watchmaking is about fractions of millimeters, but any straps could be deformed around 1/20th in either way after a while, so you can try thinner or wider straps. Non the less I'm over 45 so I am impressed that I could find even the hands of a watch w/o glasses ;) !
That's a nice one... I have several Orients, and they are very nice.
I have the rose gold version which I bought last year. Absolute classic, very symmetrical and vintage which I'm keeping for the next generation, as Patek Phillip says.
I dig the new intro Jory! Well done T3 Team! Keep up the great work!
Honestly, for the whole vintage aesthetic, it should be no larger than 38mm. There's plenty of room for the movement at that size. Even if the numerals had to be replaced with markers, I think it would fit the bill rather well.
Very much agree with you…, sub 40mm is where it should be.
I hoped and prayed that Orient would get the dimensions right on this one but they seem pathologically incapable of releasing watches under 40mm. I'm still salty Jomashop cancelled my order for the 38mm open heart Bambino a while back, after stringing me along for months too.
I think that from Orient's point of view it is competing in a market that seems to demand a slightly larger watch and they are giving that but with a vintage charm. If buying one of these leads buyers into appreciating vintage watches it is all good. I like how Orient are brave enough to do something different as they have with their diver watches rather than just copying popular designs and for that I thank them for giving me an alternative that can stand it's ground in a market that is obsessed with homages.
My 2021 resolution was no more watches 40 and over. I have small wrists and 40+ just looks odd. Two sizes would be nice. This watch looks great, the movement is fine (have one), even mineral crystal is ok on a dress but just too big.
I prefer markers to numerals anyway. I agree.
I've been eyeing an Orient for a while that small seconds great review you be Blessed also
Seiko now looking to be a brand for 500 to 2k even up to 5k on some of their spring drive seiko. Leaving orient to be the brand for super affordable
Usually available for just over $200, the Certina DS-4 small seconds is another great choice and it comes with an ETA 2824 I think. Also a beautiful dial, a 6 o'clock date and first-rate finishing. I really like mine.
Oh and also a sapphire crystal - not domed though.
This video reminds me how I don’t wear my Orient watches anymore since I’ve been working from home for 2 years. But if I were to get one I would go with the white dial/steel case. It looks just like a vintage Seamaster from the 50s
Honestly, not having a date complication would clean up the dial a whole lot, kind of sticks out like a sore thumb at the 3 o clock position.
I have the champagne dial small seconds. I picked it up described as pre owned but unworn for £85. As you say it has that vintage look with slightly more modern looks with regard to size. Also it is a watch you can wear for most occasions whether just casual or dressed up. I love the look and to be honest even at the cost of a new one it is great value. After purchasing this I was so impressed that I purchased a Bambino with a champagne dial with roman numerals and it is equally as nice. I know Orient has gone a bit mad sometimes with regard to designs but to their credit they are trying to do something a bit different. I also like the fact that you are purchasing from a maker with a past in watch making although I believe that there is some connection to Seiko. Also for the money the attention to the finish is pretty good.
Eighty-five quid for one of these seems like an absolute steal
I agree. I found it on ebay and it had a best offer option. I made an offer which I assumed would be rejected but it was accepted. I then thought hello there must be something wrong but it was all good.
I have a Orient Golden Eye II and I'm very happy with it. It has no date complication, has sapphire crystal, a water resistant of 50m, and its size is less than 40mm. All that I wanted 😁.
I own this in black. Love it. Would be amazing if a little smaller, but otherwise happy with it. It's not just a vintage inspired dial, but the whole package is straight charm. :)
yes, I'd love to see this as a 38mm with like 45-46 l2l and 20 lug width. 19mm lug is more appropriate for a 38mm diameter but far less strap selection at 19mm.
I have that same white dial small seconds. Popped a Colareb strap on it and it really brought the watch to another level! only prob is I haven’t worn this watch in over 2 yrs as I as I progressed into higher end luxury watches!!! I have a whole watch box full of Seikos, Orients & microbrands that just sit looking pretty in the watch box. Contemplating selling off all my gateway watches to free up some cash but would be hard to part with them # dilemmas
Had one of the champagne dials and loved it! Could be a re-buy maybe - looked great on a vintage olive nato too!
I have this one with a black dial and it costed me more or less 100 $ with some discount. It is a very great watch for the price!
What a coincidence. I just picked up the Rose Gold version of these (the most interesting version to me). I picked it up for the same reasons you mentioned: vintage charm. I put it on a lizard strap to emphasize the vintage design 👌
Wearing the rose gold while watching this video, absolutely love it
I own the white Small Seconds. Love this watch. Killer little watch
I have the white dial. It wears well on my 7.5” wrist. Consistently accurate watch.
I am curious as to how many of us are getting dressed up often enough to need a dress watch. I wear this Bambino with jeans and no one notices or cares. .
Nice video! I think it’s well made for ”the masses” and hopefully it wil draw as many beginners to it as possible and save them from fashion watches 😄 A bit surprised the infamous 21mm lugwidth was let off that easily tho😯 I agree that the champagne dial variant is the way to go here!
LOOOL that outro. Was not expecting that
Orient packs a whole lot of charm for not a lot of money. I've owned a Ray Raven II (given to a potential future SiL) and a Sun and Moon V4 (arabics) in rose gold. I own other, more expensive and Swiss pieces, but I maintain that my Orient is at least as charming as anything under $500.
It's very nice 👌🏼
Spot on, Jory. I've had this watch (white dial) for some time and it is great. Slides under a cuff easily, looks good and is accurate. The only niggle with it is the rotor can be loud sometimes, but Orient hit a home run with this one.
Love it, I´m thinking to get a white dial version as I think it can be very versatile if you switch the straps, I´m not a big watch collector and my budget is not big at all so I´m thinking to use one for all
Have always loved that watch. My only issue is the date window is too far in. Orient needs to either remove the date completely or put the date where the "3" is and remove that.
I'm the other way, I'd rather have the 3 than move the date out.
the date can only be where the movement allows it. they would have to change the size of the dial.
@@habfan123424 I am just saying that need to select one of the two options. For a dress watch, I would agree, lose the date.
100% agree. I love date windows, but it doesn't seem right on this watch, alongside the 3. Either one or the other. I'd rather have the 3 and no date though, but I'd be ok with any
I have the white one in the video. Hard to beat for $155 new. My only gripe is it's a bit big. But you kinda get used to it.
Orient and Orient Star 🌟
❤❤❤❤❤
Just ordered the new second generation Kamasu limited edition vintage diver
I know what you mean about using caution wearing a vintage watch. Back during my working days I wore a vintage Hamilton on what was supposed to have been a "light duty" work day. Yep! You guessed it. Royally screwed the crystal up. I was severly pissed. Sort of made me take a step back and reassess what I wanted out of watch collecting.
Love it. Great episode. Cheers 👍🏴
I have 2 (lower priced) orient watches and they are fantastic.
A tune of watch for the $$$👍
I WILL be purchasing one of their dress watches soon.
That champagne dial Orient would look nice next to my 36mm vintage 1947 Tissot, salmon dial, stainless case, bumper automatic, with a sub dial second hand.
A review of San Martin would be great! They are a Chinese microbrand that provide incredible value for their price! I have their limited edition SN020-G and I love it!
I already have the Bambino, but this is tempting. Along with all you said, I particularly like the arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9 & 12. Makes me think Rolex Explorer a bit. Great review. Biggest con is the 21 mm lug width. It is nearly impossible to find straps that size. I have tried using 20s and 22s on my Bambino and they just dont work right. If they offered this in 39mm with 20mm lugs they would sell a boatload of them. Why dont they listen to their customers??
Well my preference is vintage watches and really do not know why I watched this video. That said I agree with you beautiful watch and a great video!
Top watch & top size minus all the unisex oversized specs & bling. Thank you.
I’m tempted.
Such a beautiful watch, and for under $200 US?
Wow
Love the watch but accuracy is a concern.
Good afternoon. what's your take on the Ingersoll brand? Thx in advance!
Great watch…. For the price. By the way….what a stunning VC. Beautiful! Congrats😉👍
Yeah, the rose gold was my first automatic watch. I still enjoy wearing it, even though I have skinny wrists. I looks better than expected thanks to the shape.
The 21mm lug width is a pain in the a**
And that ending was nuts. Lol. ❤️
I have the champagne dial version for over a year and it is absolutely gorgeous. I wear it for church and special occasions only. It's not a perfect dress watch, but it's pretty close.
It's very nice 👌🏼
My first mechanical was a orient RA something black dial got it for just above $200 and the quality for is uncomparable. It outdoes $500 watches easily and mostly because Orient and Seiko have their own movements.
A very informative and entertaining video there. Since you're into vintage and vintage-style watches, could you review the watches which are produced by Ibarra? More power to you, sir.
Definitely one of the better bambinos. Wish they would have pulled the rotor and winding bridge to make it thinner. Im fine with a handwinding dress watch thats slim.
I have been eyeing some LIV watches, I was wondering what you thought of them or have you had a chance to look at one in person?
I´m using the Orient Bambino RA-AP0003S10B and a "Nordgreen" PHILOSOPHER as a dress watch!
I think I agree with you, that champagne dial is really stunning. If I didn’t already have too many watches, this would be the next in line for me to get…
The dimensions are a little off for a dress watch, but still good value. If they wanted to take it up a notch, they could make the case a little smaller, maybe 38 or 39 mm, and the lugs a little narrower. 20 mm, or even 18. And get rid of that date window.
This is a beautiful watch with two major design flaws. Number one, this would be perfect if it was 38mm like the Sarbs. Number two, the 21mm lugs, 20mm gives endless options for strap choices. These are just my opinions, everyone is welcome to have their own.
The strap was the con putting me away from this watch
Perfect at 35mm
id chose the shapagne version. the black dial is so manish. nice.
I can't understand why they don't dive fully into the dress watch design. However they might put it, that date window is completely out of place and ruins the design. If they could finally make a bambino without a date and a 20mm lug width they wouldn't be able to keep it in stock, people would eat them up
I have the white dial variant. Great watch!!!
Great review. Great watch also.
That's a lot of watch for not a lot of money. Good vid. Keep at it!