Orient Bambino 38mm review

The Orient Bambino needs no introduction, it is one of the most popular entry level automatic watches around. From being one of the top choices for an affordable dress watch to a regular recommendation for a first automatic watch, the Orient Bambino has become something of a legend in its own right.

One major thing however that many have taken issue with over the years is its size. Traditionally ranging from 40.5mm to 42mm depending on which version, it has been thought by many to be a bit oversized for a dress watch. Well not anymore. Meet the new Orient Bambino 38.

Just to clarify, I received this watch as a token of appreciation for some freelance work that I helped my local dealer with. Rest assured that that work had nothing to do with making this review at all nor am I obliged to even review it so as always this review is entirely my own opinion.

Now let’s just quickly go over the specs first before we move on to the actual review.

Specs
Case size: 38.4mm
Lug to lug: 44mm
Lug width: 20mm
Thickness: 12.5mm
Case material: Stainlesss steel
Glass: Mineral crystal
Caseback: Snap on display case back
Movement: F6724 (Automatic, Hacking, Hand-winding)
Complications: Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Date
Power Reserve: 40 hours
VPH: 21,600
Jewels: 22
Water Resistance: 30m
RRP: S$353
Reference: RA-AC0M03S

Overview
So the Orient Bambino has quite a history and is now into its 10th version. Fortunately
this time they have decided to heed the calls of Bambino fans and critics alike and finally produced a smaller 38mm version. With this smaller case size also comes a few welcome design changes that we will talk about in a bit.

This new series comes in four variations, the classic beige dial with blue hands in a stainless steel case, a black dial with silver hands and markers in a stainless steel case, and two white dials, one with silver hands and markers in a stainless steel case and another with gold coloured hands and markers in a gold tone stainless steel case. All models come with a matching leather strap.

The one that I am reviewing today is the very neutral white dial version in a polished silver case.

Case
Now the first change you’ll notice about this watch is of course the main feature, that 38mm case, 38.4mm to be exact. This size is right in line with the general perception of an appropriately sized dress watch and I find that hard to disagree with. Especially for someone like me with 6.25” wrists, this is a very comfortable size that easily fits within my wrist and under my sleeve.

12.5mm may sound a little on the thick side for a dress watch but like previous versions, this watch wears much thinner than the number suggests. A large portion of that thickness being contributed by the domed crystal, the case itself is a much thinner 9mm or so. Coupled with a very short 44mm lug to lug distance, this is the Bambino that Bambino fans have been waiting for.

Like previous versions, a mirror polish has been applied to the top of the lugs and bezel while the sides are straight brushed. This version also features a polished exhibition case back. Because of the smaller case size, Orient have opted for a snap on case back instead of the usual screw on case back. Despite this, we still get a 3 bar water resistance rating which is adequate enough for a dress watch. 

On the top we have the signature domed mineral crystal which gives the Bambino line the vintage aesthetic that it is known for, and an appropriately sized push-pull crown completes the classic look of this watch.

Dial
The dial is nothing short of impressive especially for the price. It combines some of the best elements from the previous versions to produce a stunning yet simple and classic look. 

We start off with a curved white sunburst dial that gives it a somewhat linen textured effect. Then we have applied stick markers which are mirror finished and a beveled date window at the 3 o’clock that takes up half the marker. Simple mirror finished dauphine hands and a very slender seconds hand extend perfectly to their respective hour markers and printed minutes on the chapter ring.

At the 12 o’clock we have a downsized Orient crest and text which scales very well in proportion to the 38mm case giving the watch a very elegant and minimal aesthetic. A similarly sized “Water Resistant” text is printed at the 6 o’clock. There isn’t any lume on this watch and rightfully so as it is a dress watch.

Movement
Inside we have Orient’s in-house calibre F6724 automatic movement which is part of Orient’s modern line of movements. It features a hacking seconds hand and the ability to manually wind it. 

The biggest aesthetic gain you’ll see for the movement in this watch is in how it has a much bigger presence when viewed through the display case back due to the downsizing of the case around it. Here you get to see a movement that fills up the space within the case much better along with a decorated Orient rotor.

In practice these movements are very practical offering a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound and an accuracy of -15/+25spd. The piece I have here runs very consistently with all the other Orients that I own with similar movements, at approximately +15spd.

Strap
Orient leather straps have received a fair amount of criticism in the past especially on their earlier Bambino lines, but I do feel they have improved the quality of their straps in recent years. Though not the greatest, the provided leather strap on this Bambino is pretty decent and not something that would have you rushing to swap it out immediately.

The brown leather strap has a matte finish and crocodile pattern applied to it. We also have a signed buckle on the end which is always nice to have. It didn’t require much breaking in for me and I found it pretty supple and comfortable for what it is. While I do think a glossier finish might have been a better choice, the 20mm lug width makes finding replacement strap options very easy to get.

Final thoughts
So despite being one of the most popular beginner dress watches on the market, the Bambino’s Achilles heel has always been its case size. Although it did take awhile, Orient has finally heard our cries for a smaller sized Bambino and given us this very well proportioned 38mm version.

I feel that their choice of dial design has also been very well selected to serve the widest possible market across just four models and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Orient adding on even more dial options to the 38mm line in time to come.

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