The Bambino 38 has proven to be one of Orient’s most popular collections since the Japanese brand opened itself to the UK market in 2023. The combination of classy, elegant design, practicality and affordability is a winning combination. In 2024 we’ve already seen a small seconds edition and now they’ve followed up with a time and date model with cool, refreshing colours. It’s essentially a non-limited version of the 2023 limited edition series.
Starting with the case, it’s unchanged from previous versions of the watch. With a 38.4mm diameter and thickness of 12.5mm, they’re well sized for daily use. It’s a nice balance of presence on the wrist and elegance thanks to the smooth bezel and steel bracelet. The relatively large crown also makes it easy to alter the time and date.
Moving to the dials, there are three colour options available. There’s green, blue and pink, all of which have slightly desaturated tones. I wouldn’t call them pale or pastel by any means but there’s a gentleness to them that’s pleasant to look at and refreshing. The layout of the display is pared back with understated bar indexes and a date function at 3 o’clock.
Powering all three references is the in-house calibre F6724, an automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve. It’s visible through the glass exhibition caseback, revealing that the movement is as understated as the rest of the watch with the steel rotor occupying most of the view. It has an accuracy of +25/-15 seconds per day, which is just fine. It’s not amazing in any way but perfectly acceptable for an accessible workhorse-style calibre.
This being Orient, the Bambino 38 time and date is of course very accessible with a price tag of £309.99. Orient has specified the watches go on sale in the UK “this week”, but the exact time and date haven’t been announced yet. If you’re looking for a casual daily wearer with a balance of practicality and subtle style, these are for you.
Price and Specs:
Model:
Orient
Bambino 38
Ref:
RA-AC0M09E
(green), RA-AC0M10L (blue), RA-AC0M11Y (copper)
Case:
38.4mm
diameter x 12.5mm thickness, stainless steel
Dial:
Grass
green, light blue or copper
Water resistance:
30m
(3 bar)
Movement:
Orient
calibre F6724, automatic, 22 jewels
Frequency:
21,600
vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve:
40h
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds, date
Strap:
Stainless
steel bracelet
Price:
£309.99
More details at Orient.
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