Back in August, Orient presented a new range of Bambino models, housed in a
modest 36mm case and featuring the time-only movement previously presented with
the 38mm version of the watch.
I got my hands on one of these new models – the ivory-dial reference
RA-BB0104Y. I would probably have chosen this one if given the choice of all
references, so – good for me. Now, let's see what this watch is all about…
How It Looks
Bambinos, in their many versions and variations, always looked good. This one is no exception, and from a purist's perspective (which I'm not, but it's a valid view on dress watches) it might be close to the top, appearance-wise.
This model represents the classic dress watch approach by any standard: time-only, small, legible. Yet, it is not boring or old-fashioned.
The dial is handsome and suits this style of watch well. It is
non-intrusive, but far from trivial. The hands are dark blue indoors but shine
bright blue in the sunlight. Either way, they contrast well with the beige (or
cream, or ivory) dial. All in all, I find it a more appealing combination than
basic silver on black or black on white.
A subtle change that was made, the word "automatic" is now wider
than the Orient logo itself; it somehow feels more right, better balanced. You'd
notice this in the new Mako
models as well.
Zoom in, and everything looks smooth and well-made. From up close, just like when viewed from a couple of feet away, the new Bambino is elegant and harmonious.
How It Wears
Strangely, the watch feels much bigger than when I reviewed the original
36mm Bambino
back in 2019. I actually had to measure it to be sure I didn't get the 38mm
version… I can't quite put my finger on it, but something feels different.
At least on paper, the dimensions are similar – with a 36.4mm width,
42.2mm length lug to lug, and 12.3mm thickness.
It seems the strap grew to 18mm (from 17mm), which suggests some changes were made to the case design. Could it be that
moving from 17 to 18mm is exactly where you cross from a woman's watch to a
man's (or unisex) watch? Is it all in my head? I'm wearing this model on my
wrist as I type, and it absolutely feels natural.
In addition, the strap now tapers just to 16mm (back then it tapered to
14) – and this design definitely makes it much more unisex than the old thin
strap.
The strap is of good quality for the price – quite supple, was a little
bit stiff on arrival but softened quickly and evenly. Combined with the small,
lightweight case, this makes for an overall very comfortable wearing
experience.
The strap that came with the watch is also a quick-change one, so replacing
it is as easy as it gets, and at 18mm, you have many more options off-the-shelf,
compared to the old 17mm band size.
How It Functions
The movement powering the no-date Bambino is Orient's caliber F6524 –
same as in the 38mm version. It features a 40-hour power reserve and both
automatic and manual winding.
Somehow, the unit I got to review is one of the most accurate watches I
have ever worn or tested, and has consistently sped up just 1 second per day -
on or off the wrist. Not that I'm complaining, but what kind of voodoo is that?
And there really is very little to complain about – the watch is easy to
wind and set the time, it is wearable and light on the wrist, and the dial is
very legible, though it lacks lume (which is quite standard with classic
dress watches).
The Bambino is definitely not a beater, though: It still only offers 30m
water resistance, and its crystal is mineral glass.
The Bottom Line
The Bambino is a classic budget dress watch, and now in its smaller
no-date guise, it is even more elegant than before. It is still good value for money, despite not looking cheap in any way.
The 36mm case size fits slimmer wrists – both male and female – and even
worked surprisingly well on my 7.25" wrist. Oddly, the Bambino matured as
it got smaller.
The blog would like to thank Orient – Epson Europe for providing us with this Bambino for review.
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