I once took my Bambino (V3, blue sunburst dial) to a local watchmaker for a repair. The lady I handed it to was wearing a pink dial Rolex OP, but when she saw the Bambino she raised her eyebrows and examined it as if she was thinking "Wow, what's this?" 😆 She most certainly wouldn't have guessed it was a $140 watch 😁
I love the Bambino ... it represents great value, in my opinion. Buy it from Marc at Long Island Watch and he will install a double-domed sapphire crystal for $109, and then you have a watch that you can wear as your daily .. and that will age beautifully.
I've got a Ray II, and it is an astonishing amount of watch for the money... should also be noted the chapter ring, bezel and 12 o clock all line up too
I definitely see where you're coming from - Orient's on the rise, Seiko's on the decline in terms of value. However, Orient has a tendency to misstep in some way, whether it's 21mm lug width or divers which get progressively larger
This particular Small Seconds is white, not champagne (maybe just a lighting issue). I have the champagne dial and it really does look similar to the vintage omega dress watches.
As a happy owner of the (yellow) gold version, I agree with you. The size may look big on paper, but it's fine on the wrist. The date ? It doesn't bother me that much since it's small and well-executed. It wears confortably and the strap is nice. It does the job for me very well. I wear it often, as it is an elegant-looking piece . If you're not going to wear a watch that often, why buy it in the first place?
The only thing that I think could improve this channel would be to increase the ratio of subjective opinion to facts etc, just because you're one of the best reviewers and your takes are so good it would be nice to hear more in that vein. It's good you always deliver all the facts, it's just your unique perspective is why I come back to the channel.
My neighbors know I have a good start into the weekend when at 7 a.m. they hear: "Helloooo! and welcome to just one more watch" I think there's no shame to get the 37mm "lady" version since it's only a weird marketing placement thing. Go for it if you like it. Thanks Jody!
I had the champagne one. Love that dial, small second, dome crystal. Wish it can be 36-38, with 18mm lug width and without the date window, then will be a perfect dress watch for me.
Great review as usual! I love the Orient watches, particularly the Bambino series--just wish this was offered at a 38 (even 39)mm size. That, and a 20mm strap, would be a winner. I like the vintage feel of the non-sapphire crystal, but yes, I would like something more scratch resistant. The see-through case back, even for a less-than stunning movement, is always a plus in my view. Always looking forward to your vids!
I agree this is the Bambino best model so far. I have the red gold model with white dial. I think it's THE best affordable vintage looking strap dress watch on the market. Very authentic styling, if it had a closed caseback and was a tad smaller, you probably couldn't tell it from a real vintage piece! The price tag is less than many quartz driven retro style watches, but having a real mechanical movement is the only way to go. Compared to the Seiko Cocktail time, the Seiko may have a more elaborate dial, and a bit nicer looking movement, but I'd say the Bambino has a more authentic retro vibe. Being about half the Seiko's price tips it in favor of the Bambino for me.
I own several Bambinos and for the last 9 months I have owned a small seconds with the champagne dial. Outstanding watch. Looks like your grandfather's watch, but with modern dimensions and manufacture. The 21 mm lug width is an unnecessary complication but not a deal breaker. Got mine for 140 € and I have no regrets. A lot of watch for the money.
Hallo Jody, I love this, not so small watch and now I know why. It looks like a early 1950 Omega. Personally, I do appreciate a date window on my watches, so no complaint from me. With the shortcomings mentiont, I love the Bambino's , it is hard not to forgive for the little shortcomings at this price and quality.
Thank God you're alive Jody! Last week you were right here with a brand new video every time I opened TH-cam... and then nothing for days. I was sure they'd be digging you up from under a pile of 11/11 Paganis & Cadisons - complete with artfully placed Fonderia calling card (Pink Panther style)!!
I own a Bambino small seconds champagne dial. What a beautiful timepiece!!! Its retro style, quality, accuracy, the shape of the crystal, bracelet... are awesome. The only drawback is the size: too big, 38 mm could be perfect. Incredible value for money.
I love my small seconds Bambino, although having problems getting it into the rotation. My only complaints are the date complication is weak and the size wears bigger than the stated size. Other than that a beautiful sub $200, well-made piece.
My Bambino is a MK3 - I believe - ss case, black dial, rectangular hour hands, applied straight line markers and no numbers on the dial. The most "modern" looking of the vast bunch. I found a beautiful black strap on Amazon a couple of years ago (as the stock one on this version is a plain jane one). It is one of my favourite dress watches. All suited up with my Bambino, and I'm a happy guy! Do agree that a 39mm version would just hit that elegant sweet spot!
I have 3 Orient Bambinos, Two of them are Gen 1's with the white face. The white face dials tend to hide that date window. I have been using 20 mm straps, nobody but me really notices. All in all I think they are terrific watches for the price point.
Long Island watch has some nice alligator straps in 21mm, that combined with a deployment clasp and it looks much more expensive than it is. Also after scratching my crystal I replaced it with a sapphire. Thing looks great. It’s a small seconds also.
I think that the watch you have there is not the champagne dial (RA-AP0003S10B). What you actually have is the white dial (RA-AP0002S10B), but correct me if I am wrong. Great review by the way. Keep up the good work.
You know what is actually a better Bambino? The Vostok Classica. 39mm, 20mm lugs, 11mm thick, gorgeous sunburst dial, classic 60' (I think?) style numbers at the 3-6-9-12, no date to destroy the symmetry (thank you) and a great looking (for the price) in house (pretty sure lol) manual movement. All for 160 bucks. I always wanted to buy a Bambino but the size and the date always made me think back but when I bought the gray Classica a year ago, I never looked at a Bambino again, it could be my only dress watch and I would die happy. Seriously, if the size is your main gripe with the Bambino and you don't mind winding your watch every couple of days (the winding action is really pleasant btw) take a look at the Vostok, you won't regret it.
@@evgen5647 It may not be great technically, I can see that but it looks good and does the job. For the occasional dress watch is more than enough especially at that price point.
i don't know a lot about mambinos but it looks beautiful honestly i think that it can be more than a dress watch and it suited you beautifully by the way
Much although i quite like the Bambino, I've never been quite sure what the 'influencer' obsession with them is all about, it's a nice enough everyday, wear it to the office watch, I wouldn't describe it as a dress watch, too big in every dimension. I have a couple of relatively inexpensive dress watches to choose between, depending on how dressy I need to be. I've had a Swiss made Rotary for around 20 years, 36mm × 9mm thick, sapphire crystal and 'Dolphin' rated apparently... it has a screw down crown and is water resistant to 100m according to the Dolphin rating, bracelet is a beads of rice type with a milled butterfly clasp, blue sunburst dial, small seconds and no date, with Swiss Made printed at 6. In 20 years it's never missed a beat, looks great, slips under a button down shirt and has never picked up any scratches, still looks new. It cost less than £200 back then. I also have a larger Rotary, skeleton, sapphire sandwich, 2 tone steel and rose gold, milled butterfly clasp, it's a bit larger at 40mm x 12, still works with a shirt but I tend to wear it as a more semi-formal watch. Cost was a little under £200 in a sale, normal price was £350 I think. I have a few others but I'm comparing things in the same sort of price range... I don't think a gold Omega would be a fair comparison... lol.
I purchased several Bambino's, each time thinking I will feel differently. The size, even with my 7.5" circumference wrist, doesn't work as a dress watch. Next to my Vostok Classica (690b24), it just doesn't compare. If they would make it a 39 or 40, and reduce the thickness, then its a player. Great episode as always.
Great review, thanks. I have three pieces of 21mm watch straps lying around and despite all the hate I think they balance very well with a watch this size. And no, they are not that hard to find as people seem to dramatise.
Spot on regarding the critiques and I would add 38mm would be pretty special for this type of watch. The 21mm lug width is less of an issue for me than the date window and 40.5mm width. Great review as always.
Not to be a downer or aggravate anyone's choices but..... i got hooked on this channel awhile ago and in the past 6 months have purchased roughly 6 Chinese made watches after finding multiple sites offered up here. Been great fun and found some really nice looking watches to change out each day and alter up style and look. Thanks for the channel. But.....2 of 6 recommended Chinese watch brands already broken ( one i had 3 of 4 lum number indicators fall off and rattle around the face, and one the Chrono stem just fell out making the chronograph worthless) and one has the rose gold plating chipping off all already which now i would be embarrassed to wear out anywhere...so three of the 6 already unwearable and cannot resell. Then i realized with the money i spent i could have had 1 really nice Eco Drive that would have lasted me 10-12 years ( as my other two Citizens have). Many of these are great looking watches out of the box but as for longevity and quality construction? i have to cry "Foul". I wish all to have better luck than i had but my brief foray into inexpensive Chinese watches is over
I’ve been looking at this particular watch for some time and it’s the exact issues you point out that have prevented me from getting one. Close but no cigar!
I like the Bambino - bought one for my son a couple of years ago and he loves it as an everyday watch. I don't have one personally as I don't often wear a 'dress' watch and I have several vintage Omegas (bought years ago when they were cheap....) to do that job when needed. Still nice though....
I agree... 20mm lugs and screw down case back, then this maybe is a contender. I was looking at this exact one but instead went with a seiko 5 to mod with sapphire (and a nice 20mm leather strap). Otherwise great looking case on the Bambino!
Traded my Bambino V 2 for a Defender as that fits my lifestyle a bit more. Also just grabbed the white dial Mako II USA from the Long Island watch sale. Really love what the brand is doing these days
Thanks for reviewing that exact one, Jody! If I were to buy a Bambino today,-- which I won't because I just bought another Seiko two days ago-- that is the Bambino I would go for!
This watch would be perect if it was 36/18...I don't mind the date window as much as some people. I feel it could've been placed in the 6'oclock position to improve symmetry. But I love this watch so much that I bought one and still own it. Had it for over a year now and I still don't want to get rid of it.
Unusual lug width you say. I have a vintage Doxa, 19mm. And a vintage Marvin 17mm. Oh, and a not so old Seiko SSC081P1 which is 21mm. Well, odd numbers are a thing in watchmaking I guess. But I can agree with You, everybody would be happier with some standard sizes.
I bought the white dial Orient Symphony Gen. 2 instead of the Bambino. I don't think they make it anymore, but I like that watch much more than the Bambino (especially with the sapphire crystal). The price wasn't much higher than the Bambino either.
Thanks for the review Jody. I just picked up the yellow gold version and love the vintage look. I don’t mind the date window; I have a dateless flieger and I every time I go to check what the date is, I forget it is dateless and have to grab my phone 🙃
I have a blue dial 2nd generation V3 Bambino and I love. Wear it nearly everyday. Yes, the lug width is annoying, but it's a great looking watch. I considered this one, but something about the small seconds... I think the top of that sub-dial is way too close to the centre of the main dial. In my opinion they should probably have deleted the 6 and pushed the sbu-dial a little bit down. Regardless, it's a beautiful watch.
17mm lugs on the "ladies version". Although you can squeeze on size up into those lugs. Shouldn't have to though. Odd lug width almost always disqualifies a watch for me.
Jody I think most of us but not all of us will agree with you're review. I'm in the agree side of things..if it was just a little smaller with better strap size and sapphire it would be a winner. I'm sure we all would happily pay for a winner watch. 😎👍
I have 3 , 21mm straps in my drawer, they are for my Seiko Flightmaster. You can find quite a few nice 21mm straps on Amazon,just takes a little digging. I do wish it was 20mm though,as there are a lot more options.
The best dress watch under $200 nowadays is the Timex Marlin reissue. Also, go frogs! I'm very surprised to see you with a TCU shirt on, I'm from Fort Worth!
If you like these, you should look into the orient star dress watches. They're pretty much a nicer seiko presage except in the $350ish range. Price to quality is on point imo
Heellllllloooooooooouuu!!! I own a second ver .2 gen. 2 blue dial bambino and I love it for its minimalist style. I work in office and warehouse as a Quality Control Rep., and this watch is perfect for both areas with my sleeves rolled up 👍🏻. I agree 100% with you Jody, I miraculously haven’t scratched mine, but I guess is a matter of time 😜. From my perspective I recommend this watch principally for its cheap price. I think everyone should at least have one in their collection...its like a Power Ranger 🤗, pick your hero!! 🤣
Enough with the 21 mm rant. Look at it. It has space. You can easily put 22 on it, with a squeze that no one will notice. Or just go and buy 21mm, not like there is none on the web stores. Sheesh, and that strap is actually very long lasting.
@@JustOneMoreWatch The correct answer is: Yes, I would have chosen 21mm lugs. Then, people would by straps from my company. There is a small gap in the market for 21s, too, so I could even fill that gap for other strange 21mm lug watches. That said, I have Bambino in my collection for over 2 years, and that same strap is ok. My SOTC is 5 watches in total, so it is fairly often in rotation. And 22mm fits too, with a wee bit of work. Unless, you want bracelets. That is kinda hard to find. But, leather is fine, really. Sorry for the long answer.
I wonder why they stick to the non-tapering straps, a little bit of tapering would change a lot, btw if you buy a 22mm strap ( preferably a textile on leather ) the end-pieces with the pushpins are a bit more flexible and will fit also between 21mm lugs.
Nice old-school look, ruined a bit by that date window. I still like my Bambino 2gv2, which has the date in place of the 3, and feels more balanced because of that. The 40.5mm width is a hair big, but I immediately put it on a clean gray canvas strap, so it comfortably hugs my wrist and doesn’t feel bulky. And the movement may be noisy, but I’m rarely in a place quiet enough for it to bother me.
Nice looking watch, and I need the date on the dial. The band being a 21 mm is just plain idiotic. I don’t know why anyone would use an odd sized band width! Great video as always!!!
I reckon this Bambino looks classy with that strap. No need to change but wanting to would cause some serious issues lol Thanks Jody for another great video. Keep up the amazing work.
Orient Makes a small seconds hand wind model that mark sells at Long Island watch... it's gorgeous and it's definitely under 40 mil and it's only like 9 mm thick you guys should check it out!! great video👍 never been a fan of the Bambino but I have a 8 and quarter wrist. The Styles not there for me either . I went with a Tissot Heritage model hand wind with the Unitas movement👌🤤
I have an HMT Janata as a placeholder until they hopefully eventually produce a sensibly sized Bambino or I'm forced to go all out and get a Longines Flagship Heritage
Four years on, and that Orient is still one of the most lovely looking watches out there.
I once took my Bambino (V3, blue sunburst dial) to a local watchmaker for a repair. The lady I handed it to was wearing a pink dial Rolex OP, but when she saw the Bambino she raised her eyebrows and examined it as if she was thinking "Wow, what's this?" 😆
She most certainly wouldn't have guessed it was a $140 watch 😁
I love the Bambino ... it represents great value, in my opinion. Buy it from Marc at Long Island Watch and he will install a double-domed sapphire crystal for $109, and then you have a watch that you can wear as your daily .. and that will age beautifully.
🤮
@@valeriodellacasa5360 ???
@@youraveragepasser-by7367 just my opinion but its a hideous watch
I have the orient mako based off a review from Jody and think its amazing. I think Orient is fast becoming what Seiko use to be in terms of value
It IS now actually, you're right!!
I've got a Ray II, and it is an astonishing amount of watch for the money... should also be noted the chapter ring, bezel and 12 o clock all line up too
I definitely see where you're coming from - Orient's on the rise, Seiko's on the decline in terms of value. However, Orient has a tendency to misstep in some way, whether it's 21mm lug width or divers which get progressively larger
@@atticus6572 exactly my thought.....and they should leave that date window at home :-)
This particular Small Seconds is white, not champagne (maybe just a lighting issue). I have the champagne dial and it really does look similar to the vintage omega dress watches.
Steve Dan it's actually more of an off-white
Only a little too big compared to those Omegas (Deville, Geneve). I 've got the same Bambino as you and bought it for the exact same reason...
@@RogerSartet007 same here. If it size 36-38 would be much better. And without the date window :)
For such a cheap watch, they've done a good job with the display case back if you ask me.
As a happy owner of the (yellow) gold version, I agree with you. The size may look big on paper, but it's fine on the wrist. The date ? It doesn't bother me that much since it's small and well-executed. It wears confortably and the strap is nice. It does the job for me very well.
I wear it often, as it is an elegant-looking piece . If you're not going to wear a watch that often, why buy it in the first place?
Almost perfect. Why did they ruin it with that damn date window?!
The only thing that I think could improve this channel would be to increase the ratio of subjective opinion to facts etc, just because you're one of the best reviewers and your takes are so good it would be nice to hear more in that vein. It's good you always deliver all the facts, it's just your unique perspective is why I come back to the channel.
That date window really breaks the watch for me
My neighbors know I have a good start into the weekend when at 7 a.m. they hear: "Helloooo! and welcome to just one more watch"
I think there's no shame to get the 37mm "lady" version since it's only a weird marketing placement thing. Go for it if you like it.
Thanks Jody!
😂😂 Agree mate! I'll try and get one in.
What's the lug width on the 37mm?
@@JustOneMoreWatch Oh that's great, thanks Jody!
@@raybyrne9168 It's 17mm. What is Orient thinking? Haha.
I had the champagne one. Love that dial, small second, dome crystal. Wish it can be 36-38, with 18mm lug width and without the date window, then will be a perfect dress watch for me.
Great review as usual! I love the Orient watches, particularly the Bambino series--just wish this was offered at a 38 (even 39)mm size. That, and a 20mm strap, would be a winner. I like the vintage feel of the non-sapphire crystal, but yes, I would like something more scratch resistant. The see-through case back, even for a less-than stunning movement, is always a plus in my view. Always looking forward to your vids!
I agree this is the Bambino best model so far. I have the red gold model with white dial. I think it's THE best affordable vintage looking strap dress watch on the market. Very authentic styling, if it had a closed caseback and was a tad smaller, you probably couldn't tell it from a real vintage piece! The price tag is less than many quartz driven retro style watches, but having a real mechanical movement is the only way to go. Compared to the Seiko Cocktail time, the Seiko may have a more elaborate dial, and a bit nicer looking movement, but I'd say the Bambino has a more authentic retro vibe. Being about half the Seiko's price tips it in favor of the Bambino for me.
I own several Bambinos and for the last 9 months I have owned a small seconds with the champagne dial. Outstanding watch. Looks like your grandfather's watch, but with modern dimensions and manufacture.
The 21 mm lug width is an unnecessary complication but not a deal breaker. Got mine for 140 € and I have no regrets. A lot of watch for the money.
Hallo Jody,
I love this, not so small watch and now I know why. It looks like a early 1950 Omega.
Personally, I do appreciate a date window on my watches, so no complaint from me.
With the shortcomings mentiont, I love the Bambino's , it is hard not to forgive for the little shortcomings at this price and quality.
Thank God you're alive Jody! Last week you were right here with a brand new video every time I opened TH-cam... and then nothing for days. I was sure they'd be digging you up from under a pile of 11/11 Paganis & Cadisons - complete with artfully placed Fonderia calling card (Pink Panther style)!!
For a 21 mm lug width, try a 22 mm leather band. The leather will compress a mere 0.5mm on each side. I have done this with no problems.
I own a Bambino small seconds champagne dial. What a beautiful timepiece!!! Its retro style, quality, accuracy, the shape of the crystal, bracelet... are awesome. The only drawback is the size: too big, 38 mm could be perfect. Incredible value for money.
I love my small seconds Bambino, although having problems getting it into the rotation. My only complaints are the date complication is weak and the size wears bigger than the stated size. Other than that a beautiful sub $200, well-made piece.
I know quartz isnt every ones cup of tea, but if it was a 38mm case quartz watch, in my opinion, would be nice and maybe cheap.
My Bambino is a MK3 - I believe - ss case, black dial, rectangular hour hands, applied straight line markers and no numbers on the dial. The most "modern" looking of the vast bunch. I found a beautiful black strap on Amazon a couple of years ago (as the stock one on this version is a plain jane one). It is one of my favourite dress watches. All suited up with my Bambino, and I'm a happy guy! Do agree that a 39mm version would just hit that elegant sweet spot!
I have 3 Orient Bambinos, Two of them are Gen 1's with the white face. The white face dials tend to hide that date window. I have been using 20 mm straps, nobody but me really notices. All in all I think they are terrific watches for the price point.
I found my self putting a like even just started the video now.
This is the level of trust and appreciation.
Thanks mate!
braton makes 21mm leather, canvas, and sailcloth straps.
Agree with the 21mm lug width. What some do is use a 22mm strap and file the edges to fit a 21mm. Works with leather.
Wake up in the middle of the night, checked TH-cam and now I have one less reason to get back to sleep... thanks Jody!
Long Island watch has some nice alligator straps in 21mm, that combined with a deployment clasp and it looks much more expensive than it is. Also after scratching my crystal I replaced it with a sapphire. Thing looks great. It’s a small seconds also.
I think that the watch you have there is not the champagne dial (RA-AP0003S10B). What you actually have is the white dial (RA-AP0002S10B), but correct me if I am wrong. Great review by the way. Keep up the good work.
Agreed
Agreed agreed
You know what is actually a better Bambino? The Vostok Classica. 39mm, 20mm lugs, 11mm thick, gorgeous sunburst dial, classic 60' (I think?) style numbers at the 3-6-9-12, no date to destroy the symmetry (thank you) and a great looking (for the price) in house (pretty sure lol) manual movement. All for 160 bucks. I always wanted to buy a Bambino but the size and the date always made me think back but when I bought the gray Classica a year ago, I never looked at a Bambino again, it could be my only dress watch and I would die happy. Seriously, if the size is your main gripe with the Bambino and you don't mind winding your watch every couple of days (the winding action is really pleasant btw) take a look at the Vostok, you won't regret it.
Movement is not that great. Believe me, I am Russian.
@@evgen5647 It may not be great technically, I can see that but it looks good and does the job. For the occasional dress watch is more than enough especially at that price point.
i don't know a lot about mambinos but it looks beautiful honestly i think that it can be more than a dress watch
and it suited you beautifully by the way
I’m with you on the date window. I would 100% have bought one of these as soon as they were released if they were no-dates
Much although i quite like the Bambino, I've never been quite sure what the 'influencer' obsession with them is all about, it's a nice enough everyday, wear it to the office watch, I wouldn't describe it as a dress watch, too big in every dimension. I have a couple of relatively inexpensive dress watches to choose between, depending on how dressy I need to be. I've had a Swiss made Rotary for around 20 years, 36mm × 9mm thick, sapphire crystal and 'Dolphin' rated apparently... it has a screw down crown and is water resistant to 100m according to the Dolphin rating, bracelet is a beads of rice type with a milled butterfly clasp, blue sunburst dial, small seconds and no date, with Swiss Made printed at 6. In 20 years it's never missed a beat, looks great, slips under a button down shirt and has never picked up any scratches, still looks new. It cost less than £200 back then.
I also have a larger Rotary, skeleton, sapphire sandwich, 2 tone steel and rose gold, milled butterfly clasp, it's a bit larger at 40mm x 12, still works with a shirt but I tend to wear it as a more semi-formal watch. Cost was a little under £200 in a sale, normal price was £350 I think.
I have a few others but I'm comparing things in the same sort of price range... I don't think a gold Omega would be a fair comparison... lol.
They recently released a 36mm bambino!! It's also a "ladies watch" but I'll be getting one as soon as they're back in stock
Was gonna get the v2 but after this review, I'll be getting the small seconds instead. Great review as always!
Mineral glass was why I decided to sell my orient bambino before it got scratched. Nice watch and would buy again if released with sapphire glass.
you could replace it with a saphire if really liked the watch
Completely agree with you! I’ve wanted to buy the small seconds since it came out but I just can’t get over that date window
I purchased several Bambino's, each time thinking I will feel differently. The size, even with my 7.5" circumference wrist, doesn't work as a dress watch. Next to my Vostok Classica (690b24), it just doesn't compare. If they would make it a 39 or 40, and reduce the thickness, then its a player.
Great episode as always.
Great review, thanks. I have three pieces of 21mm watch straps lying around and despite all the hate I think they balance very well with a watch this size. And no, they are not that hard to find as people seem to dramatise.
I like the small second, it looks classic. For the awkward lug size, I usually use 1 mm wider strap and slight modify it to fit in
Spot on regarding the critiques and I would add 38mm would be pretty special for this type of watch. The 21mm lug width is less of an issue for me than the date window and 40.5mm width. Great review as always.
Got one. On 21mm steel mesh strap, it looks epic.
Just use a 20mm strap with a 21mm spring bar. Works great and the gap is not very noticeable.
Not to be a downer or aggravate anyone's choices but..... i got hooked on this channel awhile ago and in the past 6 months have purchased roughly 6 Chinese made watches after finding multiple sites offered up here. Been great fun and found some really nice looking watches to change out each day and alter up style and look. Thanks for the channel.
But.....2 of 6 recommended Chinese watch brands already broken ( one i had 3 of 4 lum number indicators fall off and rattle around the face, and one the Chrono stem just fell out making the chronograph worthless) and one has the rose gold plating chipping off all already which now i would be embarrassed to wear out anywhere...so three of the 6 already unwearable and cannot resell. Then i realized with the money i spent i could have had 1 really nice Eco Drive that would have lasted me 10-12 years ( as my other two Citizens have).
Many of these are great looking watches out of the box but as for longevity and quality construction? i have to cry "Foul". I wish all to have better luck than i had but my brief foray into inexpensive Chinese watches is over
I put a 22mm Colareb strap on my bambino fits perfectly and has changed the watch feel
I’ve been looking at this particular watch for some time and it’s the exact issues you point out that have prevented me from getting one. Close but no cigar!
I like the Bambino - bought one for my son a couple of years ago and he loves it as an everyday watch. I don't have one personally as I don't often wear a 'dress' watch and I have several vintage Omegas (bought years ago when they were cheap....) to do that job when needed. Still nice though....
Zoomed out on Jody’s wrist it actually looks pretty big to me. The big open dial make it look bigger than it is.
Soooo true, 21 mm is just insane for a watch strap
I have the black dial small seconds and absolutely love it.
When I read the title, I was like “be careful Jody, be careful!“ 😄
Jody, can you review the Casio Rangeman and/or Frogman?
I have the same Bambino gray with rose gold you do. I ditched the tan strap and put it on a strapcode jubilee. Perfect even if it's a 42. :)
I agree... 20mm lugs and screw down case back, then this maybe is a contender. I was looking at this exact one but instead went with a seiko 5 to mod with sapphire (and a nice 20mm leather strap). Otherwise great looking case on the Bambino!
Traded my Bambino V 2 for a Defender as that fits my lifestyle a bit more. Also just grabbed the white dial Mako II USA from the Long Island watch sale. Really love what the brand is doing these days
Thanks for reviewing that exact one, Jody! If I were to buy a Bambino today,-- which I won't because I just bought another Seiko two days ago-- that is the Bambino I would go for!
If they would make a version without a date window, i would buy it in a heartbeat.
Can’t live with the date particularly find the juxtaposition of the date font with the 3 font.
This watch would be perect if it was 36/18...I don't mind the date window as much as some people. I feel it could've been placed in the 6'oclock position to improve symmetry.
But I love this watch so much that I bought one and still own it. Had it for over a year now and I still don't want to get rid of it.
Unusual lug width you say. I have a vintage Doxa, 19mm. And a vintage Marvin 17mm. Oh, and a not so old Seiko SSC081P1 which is 21mm. Well, odd numbers are a thing in watchmaking I guess. But I can agree with You, everybody would be happier with some standard sizes.
I bought the white dial Orient Symphony Gen. 2 instead of the Bambino. I don't think they make it anymore, but I like that watch much more than the Bambino (especially with the sapphire crystal). The price wasn't much higher than the Bambino either.
Hello Judy, I have the champagne dial it’s looks really champagne not like the off white featured in your video. I really like mine dial colour
I like the domed crystal. And the clean face.
I have a black dial Orient Symphony, I love it very classy
Thanks for the review Jody. I just picked up the yellow gold version and love the vintage look. I don’t mind the date window; I have a dateless flieger and I every time I go to check what the date is, I forget it is dateless and have to grab my phone 🙃
Please review the 37 mm variant. They might say its a ladies' watch, but it's actually the perfect size for a men's dress watch.
The Bambino trap is looking more real than ever, Jody! But in my small collection it's such a looker...
I have a blue dial 2nd generation V3 Bambino and I love. Wear it nearly everyday. Yes, the lug width is annoying, but it's a great looking watch. I considered this one, but something about the small seconds... I think the top of that sub-dial is way too close to the centre of the main dial. In my opinion they should probably have deleted the 6 and pushed the sbu-dial a little bit down. Regardless, it's a beautiful watch.
17mm lugs on the "ladies version". Although you can squeeze on size up into those lugs. Shouldn't have to though. Odd lug width almost always disqualifies a watch for me.
Jody I think most of us but not all of us will agree with you're review. I'm in the agree side of things..if it was just a little smaller with better strap size and sapphire it would be a winner. I'm sure we all would happily pay for a winner watch. 😎👍
Finally a Orient watch. Please do more Orient watches
I have 3 , 21mm straps in my drawer, they are for my Seiko Flightmaster. You can find quite a few nice 21mm straps on Amazon,just takes a little digging. I do wish it was 20mm though,as there are a lot more options.
You can fit a 22mm using the 21 spring bars. Fits awesome.
The best dress watch under $200 nowadays is the Timex Marlin reissue. Also, go frogs! I'm very surprised to see you with a TCU shirt on, I'm from Fort Worth!
If you like these, you should look into the orient star dress watches. They're pretty much a nicer seiko presage except in the $350ish range. Price to quality is on point imo
Heellllllloooooooooouuu!!! I own a second ver .2 gen. 2 blue dial bambino and I love it for its minimalist style. I work in office and warehouse as a Quality Control Rep., and this watch is perfect for both areas with my sleeves rolled up 👍🏻. I agree 100% with you Jody, I miraculously haven’t scratched mine, but I guess is a matter of time 😜. From my perspective I recommend this watch principally for its cheap price. I think everyone should at least have one in their collection...its like a Power Ranger 🤗, pick your hero!! 🤣
Good watch agree about its short falls, however it is also on the thick side for a dress watch 10mm or under would be good.👍
Now that you've scratched it ,enjoy your new watch. It can't go back.
Enough with the 21 mm rant. Look at it. It has space. You can easily put 22 on it, with a squeze that no one will notice. Or just go and buy 21mm, not like there is none on the web stores. Sheesh, and that strap is actually very long lasting.
If you had designed it, would you have chosen 21mm lugs? No, neither would I.
@@JustOneMoreWatch The correct answer is: Yes, I would have chosen 21mm lugs. Then, people would by straps from my company. There is a small gap in the market for 21s, too, so I could even fill that gap for other strange 21mm lug watches. That said, I have Bambino in my collection for over 2 years, and that same strap is ok. My SOTC is 5 watches in total, so it is fairly often in rotation. And 22mm fits too, with a wee bit of work. Unless, you want bracelets. That is kinda hard to find. But, leather is fine, really. Sorry for the long answer.
Excellent review as always. Thanks, Jody!
serious, bambino's gorgeous, but I hate scratches...
Quite nice... I always liked the small seconds watches
No date is usually a no go for me... though for a really beautiful one, I could be convinced...
I wonder why they stick to the non-tapering straps,
a little bit of tapering would change a lot,
btw if you buy a 22mm strap ( preferably a textile on leather )
the end-pieces with the pushpins are a bit more flexible
and will fit also between 21mm lugs.
Dasari makes 21 mm straps on Amazon. I put one on my Bambino Gen 2 version 2 and haven't taken it off yet. Great strap at a good price
I didn’t know is a bambino ladies version . I think orient give a lot value for the money.
For me no date would be better. . Cheers V.
Nice old-school look, ruined a bit by that date window. I still like my Bambino 2gv2, which has the date in place of the 3, and feels more balanced because of that. The 40.5mm width is a hair big, but I immediately put it on a clean gray canvas strap, so it comfortably hugs my wrist and doesn’t feel bulky. And the movement may be noisy, but I’m rarely in a place quiet enough for it to bother me.
I just bought that white dial ladies bambino. I Iove the classic size. First "ladies" watch in my collection. 😂
Nice looking watch, and I need the date on the dial. The band being a 21 mm is just plain idiotic. I don’t know why anyone would use an odd sized band width! Great video as always!!!
Is it me or is that dial crooked? Looks like the 12 and 6 are off.
I LOOOOOOOOOVE distortion !
Double domed cristals are a shame ^^.
Hope they will offer dials without numbers
Kind of looks like you can fit a 22mm strap on it. There's a slight gap between the strap and lug. Just a thought.
I am like you Jody watch must have a sapphire crystal
I reckon this Bambino looks classy with that strap. No need to change but wanting to would cause some serious issues lol Thanks Jody for another great video. Keep up the amazing work.
Orient Makes a small seconds hand wind model that mark sells at Long Island watch... it's gorgeous and it's definitely under 40 mil and it's only like 9 mm thick you guys should check it out!! great video👍 never been a fan of the Bambino but I have a 8 and quarter wrist. The Styles not there for me either . I went with a Tissot Heritage model hand wind with the Unitas movement👌🤤
I have an HMT Janata as a placeholder until they hopefully eventually produce a sensibly sized Bambino or I'm forced to go all out and get a Longines Flagship Heritage
Would be interested to see what you think of the Orient Triton/Neptune.
The 21mm lugs kill me! I got 8.5" wrists, and the only 21mm long length straps I've found are custom made, and cost $200 plus!!
It is actually white version, just look warm white though.
Getting froggy with that t-shirt, I dig it.