The Orient Bambino is possibly one of the best affordable dress watches that can be found on the market today. It is highly regarded even by the most discerning collectors, despite not being a high-value gem.
Essentially, we are dealing with a vintage-style watch with a clean and traditional design, equipped with a precise mechanism. Its quality is backed by Orient, a Japanese watch brand with a tradition dating back to 1950, although it currently belongs to Seiko, another guarantee of quality.
The best thing about the Orient Bambino is that it falls within a reasonably affordable price range, making it an excellent starting point for those who want to venture into watch collecting without spending a fortune, while still wanting to be recognized among watch enthusiasts.
However, the success of the Orient Bambino has led the brand to create several generations that, despite maintaining the same elegant and traditional spirit, have different design and operational features.
This variety of generations, and the different models within each generation, makes it very difficult to find the perfect Bambino for your wrist. Therefore, in this guide, we will reveal the characteristics of each generation (both in terms of design and operation) and their most well-known models.
| Crystal | Mineral |
| Movement | Japanese Automatic |
| Caliber | Orient F6722 |
| Case Diameter | 41 mm |
| Case Thickness | 12 mm |
| Materials | Stainless steel case and leather strap |
| Water Resistance | 3 ATM (30 meters) |
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✚ Orient Bambino: Generations and Versions
Currently, there are two main generations of Orient Bambino, each of which has different versions that usually vary in color and strap, but also differ in other details.
The first generation can be found in three different versions or styles, while the second generation is available in those same three variations and an additional version.
![Orient Bambino](http://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Ud82cda8b5548451e9a50614d2015f047S.jpg_350x350.jpg")
There are also special versions within each generation that combine features from the main versions with new design elements, such as the “Bambino Small Seconds” and the “Open Heart” generation.
Each generation maintains the same clean and traditional design with a domed crystal, but they do not use the same internal movement, which can make a difference in their operation in the eyes of experts.
The first-generation Bambinos feature a Japanese caliber 48743 with 21 jewels, capable of providing 40 hours of power reserve and an accuracy of +- 15 seconds per day.
This is quite acceptable considering that it is one of the most economical mechanisms of the brand.
Orient tends to calibrate all the mechanisms of their watches quite well at the factory, so they initially offer a high level of precision. However, like all automatic watches, it can vary depending on the daily use of the watch.
On the other hand, the second-generation Orient Bambino watches, including the “Small Seconds” version, feature an F6722 movement, an evolution of the 48743 with 22 jewels and 42 hours of power reserve.
The most notable feature is that the Orient F6722 includes new functions such as the ability to stop the second hand and manually wind the watch.
✚ Versions in the 2nd Generation Bambino
Currently, the second-generation Orient Bambino watches are available for purchase. Therefore, we will now show all the versions of this generation, including the special editions.
➤ First Version
In terms of design, the first generation can be distinguished by its thick triangular hour markers and triangular, pointed hands.
➤ Second Version
The second generation of Orient Bambino is easily recognizable by the large Roman numerals that indicate the hours.
It also features a double dial located on the edge of the main dial to mark the minutes with numbers. The hands are still triangular and pointed.
➤ Third Version
In the third generation, a much cleaner and minimalist design can be observed, similar to the Junkers Bauhaus style. The dial does not have numbers, and the hour markers are straight lines, matching the rectangular hands.
➤ Fourth Version
The fourth generation goes back to the origins and resembles the first generation more closely. However, in this generation, the hour markers and hands appear thinner and more stylized.
It can also be distinguished by the red finishing on the second hand. Additionally, with a diameter of 42 mm, it is slightly larger than the other generations.
➤ Fifth Version
The fifth generation of Bambinos was launched in 2018 and is the first to feature leaf-shaped hands and printed Arabic numerals. The dotted markers for seconds are also unique in the collection.
It is worth noting that each hour marker has a dot that matches the color of the case exactly, creating a perfect harmony with the rest of the design.
There is a small date window at 3 o’clock, which curiously does not affect the hour markers at all, while the crystal remains domed.
All of this is set against a white dial that provides a good contrast with all the elements and makes them stand out, even with its smaller size.
The movement in this case is an Orient F6724, a 22-jewel automatic caliber descended from the 48743 but much more modern, with hacking seconds and manual winding capabilities.
- Analógico en piel para hombre
- Automático
- Clâsico
- Gris y negro
- WR 30mt
➤ Bambino Small Seconds
The Small Seconds is a very eye-catching generation of Orient Bambino in terms of design. The second hand is no longer a hand but a sub-dial located at 6 o’clock. The watch also has a transparent case back that reveals the movement.
The style of the hour markers and hands is quite similar to the fourth version, although in this case, large numbers are added at 3, 6, 9, and 12.
Technically, it features an Orient F6222 caliber, a slight modification of the F6722 that includes the seconds sub-dial. Otherwise, it is identical and has the same features: 22 jewels, 42 hours of power reserve, and special functions (manual winding and hacking seconds).
➤ Bambino Open Heart
The Open Heart series is perhaps the most special of the six shown, as it allows you to see the internal mechanism through a window located on the left side of the dial. The case back is also transparent.
The overall style follows the lines of the fourth generation of Orient Bambino, but in this case, the date window is eliminated. This is something that some collectors will appreciate, as many believe it disrupts the harmony of the design.
Internally, changes have also been made to display the movement on the front and eliminate the date feature. It features an Orient F6T22 caliber with 21 jewels and 40 hours of power reserve. This modification of the F series also adds the ability for manual winding and hacking seconds.
✚ What They Have in Common and How They Differ
All the versions mentioned above feature a domed mineral crystal and are water-resistant up to approximately 30 meters. They also come in similar cases that are not luxurious but still complement their contents.
In terms of size, all versions (including the special editions) have a diameter of 40.5 mm, except for the fourth version, which measures 42 mm. These sizes may be slightly larger than what is typically used for a dress watch, but they fit perfectly on most male wrists.
The straps are 21 mm wide in all versions, except for the fourth version, which comes with a 22 mm strap. This is a more standard size, making it easier to find replacements.
✚ Trick to Differentiate Between Different Orient Bambino Versions
If you are still unsure how to differentiate between the different generations of Bambino, there is a small trick that allows you to accurately distinguish the first generation from all the others.
The key lies in the water resistance, specifically in the phrase used to indicate it. In the first generation, it is displayed as “Water Resist,” while in the second and subsequent generations, it appears as “Water Resistant,” with the exception of the “Smart Seconds” series, which does not include this phrase.
This is important because the first generation Bambinos feature a less modern movement compared to the others, lacking manual winding and hacking seconds. Additionally, within each generation, there are identical designs that can be easily confused.
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Last update of links and images on 2024-11-23.
