Did Orient Just Release The Best Ever Bambino?

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Thank you YK at Big Time for sending me this one down for review. I still can;t believe that Orient don't have an official distributor here in Oz. Anyway, this is a cutie, I love the size, but personally I prefer the central seconds. This one will sell well though due to it being based on a 40.5 that has always sold well. But come on Orient, give us one without a date, eh? Cheers, Jody

[@Heisenberg_747]

I have the small seconds bambino in champagne dial version and I absolutely love it the colour makes it look vintage.

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

But i never like watches that go with brown leather. My shoes are always black.

[@RogerSartet007]

@@Heisenberg_747 Same here. Only thing that messes it up is that tiny dial window.

[@armandr1613]

One could say this Bambino is all grown up.

[@Geoduck.]

Armandr!!!! Please stop it! LOL ;^)

[@robbieburke5123]

Imagine the original small seconds design in 38mm with no date 🔥

[@emperorchopchop7726]

Bambino was a great watch when you could get one on sale for ~$100ish. I got the v2 cream/blue hands at that price and love it...but the domed mineral crystal is a real nick-magnet. Before I'd ever consider parting with $300 i'd need that bumped up to sapphire

[@erickolp4398]

Agreed! Love mine but man do I hate it not having sapphire.

[@tkindschi]

I wonder what the actual price difference is between a mineral and sapphire crystal really is? Seems like the "Big Japanese Brands" are the only ones holding out. Swiss, micro brands, Chinese brands have all made the switch (long ago).

[@emperorchopchop7726]

​@@tkindschiFlat sapphire isn't more than $20/ea on Ali, but a big prominent curved dome like the bambino would cost 2 or 3 times that, if not more...but it'd be worth it

[@betulaobscura]

@@emperorchopchop7726 Don't confuse Chinese knockoff sapphire with proper sapphire. Definitely more than 20$ Also: sapphire needs anti-reflection coatings and it is fragile, prone to crack and shatter. It needs to be thick to have decent robustness. Thick glass = bigger watch case. Mineral glass is perfect choice: less reflections, more flexibility and it is harder than typical steel anyway.

[@16jan1986]

@@betulaobscura and that is a watch snob speaking....my steeldive Sapphire has taken a serious beating a walked away without a scratch if only the japs fitted theese to their watches

[@DocWat280]

I'm so glad this has a date window.

[@jean-sebastienturgeon5861]

Came here to say just that.

[@JerryWDaviscom]

I don't know. Sometimes I wish there was no date to fiddle with. My phone has the date and a full calendar already.

[@kta_0187]

A no date, champagne dial and gold case, then the version with the indices. I would instant buy.

[@JuanHernandez-dw4vq]

No date and no display caseback to slim it down would be great.

[@shj2000]

Nice looking watch. And I prefer a date complication.

[@HeroAntagonist]

It's always the date window that puts me off the Bambino. So sadly no sale from me

[@NPJensen]

Love Orient for the date window. I have one watch with no date complication - I appreciate it, but only because it shows me just how much I rely on the date window in all my other watches. I don't have a Bambino yet, but it's only a matter of time before they make the one I just have to have...

[@jethrojacinto2798]

IMO the best Orient to date. I love the fact that they combined all those 3 variations to make this one. 38mm really is the best size for this. 1st version was a bit boring for me.

[@Spectrecontrol]

Love these, the hardest part is trying to decide whether to get the Kuoe or Bambino but I just had an epiphany and realised- I can do BOTH! 😄

[@StandAloneState]

You won’t regret the KUOE. Especially if you can go to Kyoto in person - I saved 50% compared to if I bought online (better exchange rates, no import fees)

[@HakimboBro]

Seconded! Got the Royal Smith for 33% off compared to the online price at their Kyoto store. Would reccomend if in Japan

[@neogeijutsu]

Purchased. Finally a Bambino for me. It is only $190 right now in Amazon.

[@andrea81]

they just have to reduce this to 35-36 mm (proper dress watch size and small seconds pushed down where they belong), cover the date, and they have a nice watch.

[@hughsmoviereviews2418]

I got the first 38mm Bambino on your recommendation, and I LOVE it. The one thing I don't think you ever mentioned was the incredible inward curve of the dial around the edge and how the hands follow that curve. I know I haven't been in this hobby for long, but I don't think I've ever seen a curved dial with curved hands before, and it is one of those small touches that really helps these watches stand out as something special.

[@nickthemullet]

i love date complications! and prefer them at the 3

[@ianmarshall3633]

Hi Jody. Great video as usual. A great looking piece. Unfortunately, it was ruined by the date complication at the 3 o'clock position.

[@pokysharpy]

OMG an Underworld t-shirt. Jody, I've made this comment before, but based on your shirt collection I think we have the exact same tastes in music. 😍

[@victorutomo7244]

While I don't like the Roman numeral myself, i believe it is orient classic, so no complaint there. But i totally agree with the date complication. Great video as always Jody.

[@zumalot]

I could see me doing one of my old drink (bourbon} and buy, but even my favorite bourbon can get me past the date on this one. Thanks for the review and look forward to next time.

[@thewatchslinger968]

Sapphire crystal is a basic must for watch brands especially since you told us how cheap they from Ali Express!!

[@cezzarmicu]

They should release a no-date version of this. That tiny tiny date is impossible to read for those with poor eyesight such as mine 😅

[@hidecki]

YES! yes it is the best. My black cyclopse reverse panda is on its way. Cheers Jody

[@Craven43]

I absolutely love this watch. The only thing I would do differently is change the hand style to Breguet hands and keep the blue color. Very nicely done Orient!!!

[@danschlacks7188]

Beautiful watch, but alot of minute tracks! I almost always prefer a date complication, but the one one this model is very small...I agree with Jody, let it go. Great review as always!

[@jonathans2281]

I have the bigger small seconds Bambino in grey, and a small gold Bambino. Love them both. Guess I need a third now... 😅

[@hazardous401]

I don’t know man, the dial seems pretty cramped/crowded with all the chapter rings and large romans…tho i do kinda like the black dial variant.

[@ignaciopadilla5150]

Great vid Jody. I do love Roman numerals, but I agree that they should give us a dateless watch.

[@davidconnelly]

Brilliant. I agree with your analysis entirely. The only other niggle I'd add is that the minute hand would've been better if it had gone right to the railroad track for a more precise look. Anyway, thanks for this. It's a cracking watch.

[@js5189]

Its beautiful

[@RaiZdbyDINGOES]

I bought a Japanese import bambino a while back with a green dial with gold hands and markings. Hardly wear it but I love it. It's more of a going out watch. At less than $300 it was a bargain

[@andreleverettejr3747]

You forgot the Gold white dial version as well Jody, that's the one I'll be buying.

[@jazzventura]

Great looking watch, perfect for a beginner. I used to have a 42mm Bambino, only paid around 130€ for it.

[@RogerSartet007]

They make an open heart without date... . Why can't they make a small seconds WITHOUT date? (Or any no date version for that matter) Until they do, I stick with the previous small seconds, although I must admit the 38 has the best 'vintagy' dimensions. Thank you for the review, Jody!

[@davidgarciagarrido129]

They used to be easy to find for 120- 130 euros. At that price it was a no- brainer. Now the make them smaller....but they cost 300 euros.....excuse me if I curb my enthusiasm.

[@SampleTracks2224]

Do you think because it contains about 6g less 316L steel it should axiomatically be cheaper than they were in 2020?

[@calatzebec7765]

Cool shirt, Jody! Cowgirl? I've got the 12 inch somewhere.

[@pokysharpy]

everything everything everything everything everything

[@zillsburyy1]

nice but i like their original cream bambino with roman numerals & blued hands 2:35 i got both of those

[@j1d7s]

Overall a lovely watch, but the additional minute track does not have any practical use and the dial would look cleaner and less crowded without it if the inner minute track and the numerals were pushed out into the freed space. I am also rather averse to buying non-sapphire crystals.

[@signorcorso]

Only thing i disagree worh you is about the date. I love the date. Beautiful video as always.

[@megasoid]

Beautiful watch and you're right about the date. Totally ruins the dial like they do on every watch. But watches with dates sell, that's the bottom line.

[@JerryWDaviscom]

Great watch. Reminds me of the Zeppelin, which is a similar style. The Zeppelin is a bit busy for my eyes, but still very cool. And quartz, which means it's accurate. Accuracy usually means batteries, which can be irritating. I bought a battery for one watch at a local store last month. The battery was $9USD. I went home and bought an entire 10-count package of batteries for a second watch for $4USD, with free shipping. TOPIC CHANGE - Note: Buying Chinese watches is addictive. The quality on some of them is awe inspiring. I have a box with several great Chinese watches happily ticking away in the darkness. China does have a Chinese-made Swiss certified chronometer, too. Gorgeous movement. I am going to buy one of those movements and build a watch around it. My very first attempt at building a watch. It is quite difficult, actually. Somewhere in global shipping I have about 20 watch tools headed my way from China.

[@brianmsahin]

Just realized I own more Orient than any other watch brand, including Seiko ! The rotor on it is nicely engraved but a little bit more decoration would be nice. However , it's on my list now ! Excellent review. Just roll up both sides of the strap like a joint a few times and it'll be nice and supple.

[@KaiserSoze679]

Hey Jody, just one little bit of contention, FYI: when you said evert watch Orient makes has a date, thats not entirely correct. Depending whether you count the Orient Star sub-brand (which has several) theres at least one other exception im aware of: the open heart version of the Bambino. There may be others, but thats what immediately comes to mind. Keep up the great work. 😊

[@AinatMorrissette]

I have never been disappointed since I became a customer of MaMaCoo . Their watches are of exceptional quality.

[@apeekintime]

I've been out of the watch game (at least not spending on new ones) for about 2 years and this is the first video that made me stop and say "Hey, I want that". The past 2-3 years I've pretty much stopped buying watches and I've been very happy with the 24 watches in my collection. Not all of them get much wrist time so I really think I need to consider consolidation. After 3-4 years of buying and trying hundreds of watches I finally narrowed down to the few things I really like. I have a few trusty Seiko, Zelos, Casio, Rolex, Tissot, and San Martins and they have served me extremely well. The thing about this watch... it doesn't fit with my collection or lifestyle. Every watch I ended up keeping is a GADA watch. Every one of them looks good enough to go out on a date with the wife and are durable enough to go to the gym/pool/hiking/etc. This watch wouldn't work for the gym or swimming. It's pretty killer to just grab one watch when packing for a vacation and know it will do it all. I still often pack a Casio as a backup just in case (usually the reliable Transparent CasiOak). That all said...if I consolidate down to my top 16/17 watches I could see a nice little dress/office piece like this making it back into my box. I'm fortunate to be remote employee but I still have to attend on site meetings with our investors and ownership team on a monthly basis and this would be a great watch for those days. I HATE wearing a Rolex or the like to company events... When you are a normal guy in a room surrounded by millionaires and billionaires it just feels odd to be the guy wearing a Rolex. Everyone recognizes a Rolex. No one recognizes an Orient and that's what I prefer. BTW - The Transparent Casio's are just too fun. I get asked about mine all the time, even if the resin has yellowed from sun and sweat.

[@chrismcalister6553]

Mineral Crystal. When will Seiko and Orient get on board with Sapphire?

[@balconybill]

Another well-thought out and informative review, Jody. Thank you. I agree, the Bambino's getting there, but not there yet... I really like small seconds watches but am not so keen on ones with a date window, especially one that small and weedy. The parchment / ivory face with blue hands really pops, and I think the Roman numerals look good too. What could Erebus do with a small seconds watch? Or with a field watch? Or both? I think Vario are almost there too with the Dirty Dozen variation. Over to you, Jody. Best. Mark

[@jm-philly7600]

Looks very good, but the numerals are clearly not applied. Rather, they are raised a painted silver on the top. Smart money saving trick on Orient's part!

[@AdamGarrett72]

I still have zero complaints about my small seconds with the champagne dial. An all time favorite

[@jasonolyver6430]

Yes

[@IBGNW]

I would love seeing that roman number without the 60 second border to make it cleaner just like older 38mm bambino. I hope orient consider another alternative with 38mm, roman but cleaner dial.

[@samuelkim2611]

This is a killer watch !!! I want to buy a black dial version of these series of Orient watch.

[@cylentone]

Nice timepiece, with the grey dial of the version with day and 24 hour complication it would be even nicer. Apparently there is a gold-colored case available soon as well, with gold hands and inidices. Not my jam, but for some people interesting.

[@zzzpmi]

no date version yes! manual wind? yes!

[@MrShoryuken1]

When you said Big Time, I thought you meant the new car KZbin channel by the guys who left Donut haha.

[@WatchmakerErik]

Great video review is always Jody and a wonderful little watch, but I will never not be amused by the phrase "small seconds complication." 😀

[@scottsj4625]

I think it is the nicest one so far. For a dress watch, you want it smaller than a dive watch. I think for the price they really should have put in a sapphire crystal.

[@commanderdueler6256]

I have the version 8 and the small seconds honestly looks a lot nicer.

[@stu1608]

They need to make that date window invisible. ‘An eraser of dates’ …. An eraser of dates ….. 😅

[@marknielsen8977]

Agreed, not a date fan either. Very seldom do I find that a date function lifts a watch. Who uses them anyways ?

[@captbumbler5356]

Hi Jody, great review love this watch but agree about that date window. personally I like the Roman numerals. if only watch makes would get the IV right. I know why they use IIII but it always erks me

[@SidaiManeno]

The second hand just makes it classic

[@rickewilde]

Well would you believe it but here in the UK I've noticed that F.HINDS are now stocking Orient in high St stores. And very nice they look too.

[@chrispearce6280]

I’ve never seen them in any Uk retail stores!

[@rickewilde]

@@chrispearce6280 neither had I until now

[@jesushermoso]

Para mi es la mejor marca de relojes teniendo en cuenta calidad y precio.Orient.

[@brianmccord7387]

I love it, I will probably pick up that very colorway when the prices go down a little bit more and slap on a nice ColaReb strap with lots of pull up, but yes, I do wish that Orient had an NH38 analogue to put into a dateless version. I feel like they are prejudiced against dateless people like myself.

[@dinispaulino7512]

Lovely watch, but I thing I still prefer the simple version of the 38mm, very clean looking.

[@Walnutman5700]

Great review Jody! More Orients and Orient Stars please!

[@michaelgreenhalgh3369]

A sweet little watch 👍

[@marksulloway5669]

On a watch with Roman numerals - why is the date complication not also in Roman numerals?

[@ChrisMetz-c1e]

I've recently began my obsession as a watch collector. And i must say- out of all the luxury brands I've been researching, for me the MaMaCoo 's watches are the most intriguing.

[@caerphoto]

I personally prefer the centre-seconds 38, as it's a cleaner look without that weird extra minutes track. Also I'm fairly sure those indices aren't actually applied - from the macro shots in this video it looks like they're pressed out from the dial and painted silver.

[@anorax001]

Orient dial markers are pressed with chrome paint and not applied. Still it looks great. You have to spend a lot more money on Orient Star's to get applied markers.

[@whatthe6532]

I love the date complication.

[@Africoz2]

Thanks for the link and code mate, just ordered an Orient RA-AC0E03S from them for a forthcoming black tie event, and saved $13.40 which is better in my pocket than someone else's!

[@thenotanclan]

Love the Bambino but for similar money the Kuoe Old Smith really does offer an absolute authentic mid century feel in terms of size and asthetic

[@gileduardolimaesilva5018]

I don't get why they keep the bloody date complication in this timepiece

[@kaledev]

I'm often confused about the use of mineral crystal for (presumably) price point - especially since sapphire seems to be pretty easy to buy cheaply. Though perhaps most of the general population wouldn't care or know.

[@shirishpanwalkar]

I think that the date complication is necessary as it makes the watch more functional.

[@jongarzamx]

I really like the roman numbers with the small seconds, but the date just doesn't go there, it takes away a little bit of elegance.

[@chickenporkadob0]

i wish there was no date complication.

[@photokuk]

I prefer date complication, It's good for everyday watch. Many time I'm too busy to forget day-date😅

[@jamesmustin7289]

That reminds me of my 1949 Omega Tresor. But mine has a black dial.

[@dunderhay9169]

If they made the standard 38mm dial with small seconds that would be my favourite, still a nice watch though.

[@saccaball]

I thought you were saying bigtime the new channel about cars.

[@eagz3394]

I'm not sure if the Roman numerals are applied. In the close up shots the dial looked embossed then painted. I could be wrong, I often am

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

0:56 Small second isn't a complication, if anything, central second is. The latter was invented much later because it is more complicated than the small second.

[@seanpie5481]

Yep. I just watched your old video. I thought I was hearing Andrew Cotter and expected Olive and Mabel to join in….. 😅

[@lonniesharp9109]

Of COURSE! they did this. I knew they were going to. I 💯agree with Jody regarding the roman numerals and the date window. I've been admiring the small seconds for a while and didn't want to get it because of the size and bought my 38mm just a few months ago. There SOOO close to perfection with this one and now I have to convince myself not to get it. 🙄

[@mitchellwnorowski6747]

V1 rose gold/black ($97, Long Island Watch) was perfection. It's all been down hill since.

[@thinaphonpetsiri9907]

One thing I don’t like is that it is labeled Made in Thailand but it’s more expensive in Thailand than Japan (Japanese retailers sell them around 1/2 to 2/3 of the price here).

[@Hard_7_Iron]

A great looking watch.

[@MariaguadalupeSlick]

All dat MaMaCoo watches sssssoooooooo gorgeous！

[@dimitris470]

They need to reconsider those prices though...

[@jean-sebastienturgeon5861]

Like many of their target audience, the date complication is necessary. Relocating it to the 6 would be a good compromise.

[@TheAngryPotato]

The day complication window on the Bambino is smaller than on the Seiko. Gonna be hard to read the day.

[@rodiow369]

It doesn't matter to me what Orient or Seiko tinker with regards to case size dial layouts date windows etc, there are so many Bambinos to choose from and it's a sweet looking watch but until they put a sapphire lens on it I couldn't give a toss,

[@RandallSlick]

Completely agree on the date, but aside from that and the post-Soviet industrial movement, a pretty watch. However, I rather tuned out at mention of mineral crystal. Call me a chauvinist, but that's a deal-breaker in 2024. We see right through your market-positioning bollocks, Orient (and Seiko.)

[@adk7962]

That’s a damn good looking watch (I’m not a fan of Roman’s either). And even though I have to wear a suit at work a lot, I need a bit sturdier watch. Leather straps also go to hell on my sweaty wrist QUICK. Thanks to Mr. Bond, I’ve worn plenty of dive watches with my suits. It beats what all my coworkers wear which is an Apple Watch. 🤮. Kidding. Kidding. Thanks to Big Time!

[@wallyvandenberg9899]

Love the camouflage tee shirt !

[@zplapplap]

I don’t see it.

[@joshiahsmall8941]

Kinda new to the watch world, have a small brick and mortar in the US that your watches would look great in. Any advice on breaking into the watch business?