Deep Dive: Orient Bambino
If you think about watch brands, Seiko, Citizen, or Casio might be the first ones to come to mind. However the Orient Watch Company is another brand that deserves more recognition. With decades of watchmaking experience under their name, it has become a respected brand for affordable mechanical watches, albeit not as popular as its peers.
They have plenty to offer for the mechanical watch fan - we already covered some of them before in our blog like the Orient Ray and Mako, but for this article, we will be focusing on their Bambino dress watch line. A collection launched in the early 2010s, it has become a fan favorite for its classy design and bang for buck. With a traditional old money aesthetic, a great in-house movement, and excellent build quality for a not-so-crazy price tag, it’s definitely one watch to look at for a dress watch option.
Design and Specifications
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The Orient Bambino features a stainless steel case measuring a petite 38.4mm in diameter and 12.5mm in height, with a lug-to-lug width of 40mm. With small and slim watches being all the rage these days, we have a feeling that these dimensions will be a hit with watch enthusiasts. This compact size allows it to sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes, wearing smaller than its dimensions might suggest thanks to its tear-drop shaped lugs.
The dial options showcase the Bambino's versatility. You’ve got Dove Grey and Creamy Yellow for the reserved crowd, and Baby Blue and Copper for those not afraid of a bit more color. All feature a matte finish for a more subdued appearance under the light. Applied hour markers and polished sword-shaped hands contribute to the watch's refined appearance, giving it a Grand Seiko-like look.
The crystal is domed mineral glass, enhancing the vintage vibes while offering decent scratch resistance. However, the water resistance is limited to 30 meters, making it unsuitable for aquatic activities - so no bringing this watch to the pool party!
The case features a slim, unadorned bezel and a flat, knurled crown at 3 o'clock which work together to maintain the visual harmony of the watch. The top of the case is polished, contrasting nicely with brushed finishing on the sides. All models of the Orient Bambino 2024 come with a nubuck leather strap for extra class.
Movement
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At the heart of the Orient Bambino beats an in-house automatic movement, the Orient Caliber F6724. This 22-jewel movement offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours, allowing the watch to keep ticking through the night when off the wrist. It operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz), which is standard for many automatic movements in this category.
In terms of accuracy, the Bambino generally performs well, with users reporting daily variations within the range of +/-15 seconds, which is certainly not bad for a watch in this price bracket. When compared to other movements in similarly priced watches, the Orient caliber is already a great value. You have a full view of this moderately decorated movement through the display caseback.
Will Seiko Fans Like It?
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If you’re a Seiko fan, chances are that you value craftsmanship and affordability in your timepieces. That means you have a lot to like in the Orient Bambino! While Seiko and Orient (now both under the Epson umbrella) have distinct identities, they share a commitment to quality and value that resonates with many watch lovers.
The Bambino can be seen as a counterpart to popular Seiko models like the SARB series or Presage line. Where Seiko often leans towards sportier designs even in their dress watches, the Bambino embraces a more classic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. This could appeal to Seiko fans looking to diversify their collection with a purely dress-oriented piece.
The Orient Bambino is a great pick up at its price point, featuring a trustworthy movement and classic design. When compared to Swiss-made watches with similar specifications, the Bambino can be had for a fraction of the price. Even against other Japanese brands in the same price range, many would be more drawn to the refined and subdued look of this particular dress watch. It’s a great watch for those who are just starting their collections, and even long-time watch enjoyers would be able to find a place for this watch in their assembly.
Can You Mod an Orient Bambino?
And now we go to the question everyone reading this would be asking - can you mod an Orient Bambino? The short answer is no. Being a new and limited edition release, this watch is not conducive to modding, which is a shame as a crystal upgrade to sapphire would make this watch even better than it currently is.
Can you make a Seiko mod that homages the Orient Bambino though? We believe you can. Our NMK940 GS dress case is quite similar to the Bambino’s classic and traditional look, mirroring its sterile, polished bezel and lugs. Our enamel dials are also available in the same 4 colors as the Bambino, and match that with a Dauphine handset and voila! Don’t forget to pair it with a sapphire display caseback to really capture the look of this Orient watch from the front and back.
Wrap Up
Seiko or Casio may be your first choice when it comes to watches with high quality and low prices, but having more options to choose from will never be a bad thing! The Orient Bambino is a worthy alternative for the juggernauts in the Japanese watchmaking industry, and offers classic good looks and a decent mechanism for an agreeable price. It’s great for the casual nights out, and we reckon you can even wear it as your daily with a rubber strap change.
And while the Bambino is not mod-friendly, it sure can be an inspiration! If you’re thinking of building your own personalized dress watch, be sure to check out our cases that are available in various finishes and designs. Whether you’re looking for something minimalist like the NMK940 or something more elegant like the NMK936 with fluted bezels, our cases will be a great pick.
Aside from cases we also have everything you’ll need to finish your mod. From the crystal to the bracelets, to the movements to power your watch - you can get it at namokiMODS.
Happy modding!