Orient Bambino 5s 36mm Review

Finally a Orient Bambino on the channel! Orient listened to their customers and went ahead with a smaller Bambino as was requested very broadly. Many positives with this watch, as you will see on this review. But there are also plenty of negatives (as with any watch). This is marketed by orient as a ladies or women's watch, but I think it should definitely be marketed as a unisex watch. Works great for anybody I'm sure!
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If you want to help the channel out, here are a few relevant Amazon affiliate links:
United States:
amzn.to/34WZ2wk (Steel/Rose gold)
amzn.to/2RvWmmp (Gold tone)
amzn.to/3fWrEMu (Rose gold tone on leather)
amzn.to/3uUgZWY (40mm bambino on bracelet, NOT 36mm)
amzn.to/3pr0S24 (The same version as on the video)
United Kingdom:
amzn.to/3co0dcy (Gold tone on leather)
amzn.to/3x3bQxb (Blue dial 40mm bambino, NOT 36mm)
Germany:
amzn.to/2T51EWv (40mm bambino, classic color, NOT 36mm)
amzn.to/34TkG4C (36mm gold tone leather)
amzn.to/3ptObU8 (36mm steel/rose bracelet)
amzn.to/3giHGz9 (the same version as on the video)
Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. I do use affiliate links when linking products in the video description. Nordic Watch Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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[@sweetiesweetie4191]

I have a 7 1/2" wrist and I recently bought a Vear watch the dirty dozen, 36m.m. and a seiko skx013. Like small watches , it's more elegant and has a condensed aesthetic. It's not spread out all over the place. Like ties and any consumer product, they alternative from time to time but at a higher spiral turn.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I agree with what you say. Most watches just look better balanced when they are a smaller size. With a 7 1/2” wrist you have the option to go larger but often times that isn’t necessary :)

[@winniebrigino]

so glad i saw this video! yes, i believe Orient intended this to be a ladies watch. like you, what held me back with the bambino was the size. i, too, have a 6.5” wrist, you see, and the 41mm bambino is just too big for this kind of watch. with a big dial, i think that even a 38mm looks big on the wrist. i know you said that the camera makes the watch look bigger than it is but when you put it on, man, it looks even better than when you held it with your hands. simple and elegant! and thanks for mentioning that this watch has bi-directional winding ‘coz i’ve been wondering for quite a while if Orient movements had this. but i would even go with a manual winding dress watch just to keep it thinner as i wouldn’t wear a dress watch everyday and would find manual winding more convenient than shaking an automatic. will probably cost less, too. Great video!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you very much for the kind words! I'm always happy to hear that someone has found my video useful :) Yes, dress watches wear very large compared to size, you're better off going smaller than you normally would with other watches!

[@3rdstone1]

Nice review, I agree on both the pros and cons from what I see. I've been giving Bambinos a pass due to size only myself. I have a 6.5mm wrist as well and think dress/minimalist watches look too big over 38-39mm (many watch guys with bigger wrists agree - it's all about proportions on the watch, not wrists sizes). SKX, Flightmaster etc - that's a different story. I've had my eyes on this one since I got aware there was a 36mm version, I also happen to like this dial design best, gives me a 50s vibe. They seem to be a bit more expensive than the bigger ones though, which sucks. Maybe looking for a used one with a little patience like you did is the way to go here.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks! I know what you mean. The SKX and flightmaster are good examples of watches that wear smaller than their size would suggest. The 40mm bambinos are quite the opposite in my opinion and wear really large. I agree woth you on the dial design, it’s one of the better ones on the lineup! Yeah these are clearly more expensive, which is a bummer. Cheapest I’ve found is 205 USD on skywatches from Singapore. I think second hand might be the way to go! I can imagine that these aren’t being bought that easily so there’s a chance to get lucky😁

[@hassan5708]

Thanks for the coverage! Looks great on that black leather strap 👍🏼

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! Glad to hear it was useful :)

[@tiagodvt]

Thanks for the review. I love this little watch. I actually own that same version and also the yellow gold one. As you said, the only downside is the bracelet. The strap version is the same - starts at 17mm, tapers to a "ladylike" 14. On the yellow gold, I squeezed a soft 18mm Horween leather strap, tapered to 16 - it is looking fantastic! On this regular stainless steel, I am still trying to find a replacement bracelet for it. Ordered a 17mm bracelet already, let's see when it gets here if the end links fit - or if the original end links fit the new bracelet. Idk if it will work, but it is worth a try!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching and sharing. Than horween leather sounds like a nice combo👍🏻 Hopefully the new bracelet will fit the lugs👌🏻

[@tiagodvt]

@@NordicWatchChannel It definitely is - Horween leather straps are so soft, even "out of the box". Mine is a single layer vintage styled strap, in brown. Just the two stitches at the top. I think it suits this style of watch perfectly. I have various other 18mm straps, but keep rocking this "combo". About the bracelet, I do hope it works out - I think the stainless steel version would work so well on a bracelet. But hey, worst case scenario I'll just wear it on a leather strap. And that's not a bad scenario. I mean, I can't think of any other 36/38mm "dressier" watches, with hacking and handwinding, from a reputable brand, at this price range (And with a domed crystal!) And even these models are getting harder to get - I am in Europe and I ended up ordering this version on the video from Singapore, as I couldn't find it anywhere around here. The gold tone one I found at a regular european Amazon. I heard they are discontinued, but IDK if it's true. Small watches are a dying breed in the entry level/affordable category, unfortunately. I love that Orient released them, even if just 4 models, even if with a poorer "marketing strategy" when compared to the regular ones.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yes they are!👍🏻 I haven’t gotten a horween leather strap in a long time but now i definitely feel like getting one. Yeah that’s not a bad scenario at all. It’s a real shame that small watches are so seldom seen in the entry-level market. Hopefully that will take a turn towards the better. I think it will. For example Rolex (who are really careful changing anything) have moved back towards smaller sizes, which is a good market signal. Seiko for example made their new Seiko 5 field watch smaller than its older counterpart👍🏻

[@totoro2135]

@@tiagodvt ​ what a nice recap of this watch. Could you please put a link for the Horween Leather Strap?

[@tiagodvt]

@@totoro2135 well the horween strap i got on Aliexpress back then, from the brand Hemsut. But nowadays I am wearing a custom leather strap I got on Etsy. Chose the 17mm width, chose the leather colour, stitching etc - there are plenty of "artisans" in there at every price point. Still a lovely watch.

[@eugenius1234567890]

Nice video mate. I have the exact same watch which I bought in Japan (JDM) last Feb. Same as mine, it looks like you also have the “Made in Japan” engraving at the back of the watch. A lot of the global versions of these have the “Movement Japan” engraving instead which probably means their movement was made in Japan and the watch assembled somewhere else. Not sure if there is a difference in quality b/w the watches though.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hmm I wasn’t aware that there were these different versions. I doubt that there are any noticeable differences between the version. It’s probably something like the K and J versions in Seiko watches.

[@AliasEveWatches]

"Baby bambino" to a non-watch enthusiast sounds repetitive 😄 If i didnt have 2 bambino watches already, I would get this. The 36mm looks really nice. I prefer the hands to be steel too, the blue hands seem off especially for the vintage aesthetic.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It’s a vtongue-twister😂 Yeah maybe a third bambino would be a bit too much😁 The hands are a weird choice for this style of watch. I know many vintage watches have blued hands, but they are often military/aviation style vintage watches. They could look better if they weren’t such a dark blue too. The hands on this one are so dark that they look like black hands😁

[@christiank1014]

Defo unisex in my mind too

[@NordicWatchChannel]

For sure! A lost marketing opportunity on Orient's behalf maybe..😁The bracelet is less unisex than the rest of the watch tho!

[@chrisr8112]

Always been a bambino fan but 17mm lug width and no micro adjust? Rules it out for me, such a shame.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yeah the bracelet is just a shame. I think a 18mm bracelet tapering down to 16mm at the clasp (not a butterfly clasp) would have made this watch sell much more units😁 The good news is that it’s possible to squeeze in a soft 18mm strap like I did.

[@fornamnefternamn4869]

Better size than the more vintage looking one, but instead this really lack the vintage look. Mostly due to not having a small second.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Very true, both acknowledgements :)

[@zeussatrid7126]

Do you think you could show us removing the strap from this watch using various methods?I want to add a leather strap please

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hi! I’m afraid I have sold this watch some time ago :/ so can’t do that! But can’t really think of other ways than two - 1: use a spring bar tool (the usual way) or possibly 2: using dental floss if you can fit it around the spring bar. Check out my video tutorial on how to do that!👍🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/amPbgpmZoKlghq8

[@vincentd9386]

I've been wanting to buy an Orient Bambino as well but the 40mm size is just too big for me. I'm really happy Orient finally made a 36mm bambino. Anyway, is this model the RA-AC0009S10A? Is there any difference with the RA-AC0009S10B? Because I really would love to buy the 9S10A but I can only find sites that have the 9S10B model and is listed in the women's section. If there's no difference I'll just go ahead and buy the "B" model.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

To my understanding there is no difference. Probably something very minor that doesn’t make a difference for the consumer. I’m actually not sure which one I had. Yes officially this is branded as a womens model. All I can say is go for it :)

[@tiagodvt]

The only difference is the market they are targeted at. B is for European models, A for American, if I'm not mistaken. There's also the RA-AC0009S00C which is the japanese version. All the same basically - even the A and B say Movt JAPAN on the dial.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

@@tiagodvt Thanks for clearing that up mate! Figured it would be something like that as usual👍🏻

[@rupanterchhabra8484]

This exact variant is so difficult to find in the USA. Do you know if this is available even with international shipping from somewhere?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Check the affiliate links I put down in the description! I checked and they are up to date. The last one in the ”USA” part takes you to this model from the US Amazon, might need to pick the color :) So no need to order from abroad!

[@rupanterchhabra8484]

@@NordicWatchChannel thanks for replying, yeah the one in video is showing delivery for in September, damn.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Oh damn.. well you could check out skywatches from Singapore. I’ve ordered some Seikos from there and I know they sell this model too. Not sure about pricing, delivery and taxes tho..

[@NordicWatchChannel]

You could also just search for local AD’s and go see if they have any in stock. This should be in the women’s section. Here’s a link to Long Island Watch also; longislandwatch.com/orient-ra-ac0009s10a-bambino-watch-ra-ac0009s10a/ If none of these work out, I’d order it from Amazon and save the time an trouble😎

[@Watchmade]

I am still waiting for a 38-39 mm version :)

[@NordicWatchChannel]

A 38mm would be nice too! 39 would already be really close to the 40mm🤔

[@ustradingdiary]

Don't think it will released a 38mm version. Because it will canabalise the sales of 36mm and 40.5mm. In business standpoint will be a bad move.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

@@ustradingdiary that’s true. Hoewever, I don’t think Orient are selling a lot of 36mm bambinos, at least not to men. Many guys are likely put off by the ”women’s” branding on the 36 as well as the very narrow bracelet. It would probably hurt the sales of 40mm versions and hence might not be that good for business. Maybe replacing the 40,5mm version with the 38mm would be a solid move🧐

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

I love the size but the lug length makes the strap look way too skinny

[@NordicWatchChannel]

For sure! It’s disappointing that the bracelet isn’t wider. 18mm lugs and maybe a taper down to 16mm at a classic clasp would have been great. I think the best way to go with this one is to put a soft 18mm leather strap on it as I did.😁

[@terjemelbye3851]

Hi, I just got this exact watch. I like it I d bought some new leather straps in 17 mm also. My problem; I can't seem the get the bracelet of. I have tools but not small enough perhaps? Could you recommend a tool that is tiny enough to make it work? Thanks so much in advance!

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Hmm.. a normal spring bar tool worked for me. If you can’t find a way to make that work, check out my video where I remove a strap with dental floss!

[@ghilba7298]

Where can I buy this Orient 36mm?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

I know a few places! A relevant question to start of with is: where do you live? What country I mean :)

[@turbob18c14]

Just an FYI if this bracelet with its taper is too feminine you might dislike rolex bracelets. My 39mm explorer mark 1 and oyster perpetual both are heavily tapered from 20mm to 16mm.

[@turbob18c14]

Also the new explorer 36mm tapers from 19mm to 14mm. Personally I heavily prefer a tapered bracelet.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you! I was aware that they taper quite a lot. I don’t think the taper is the problem for me. In this case it’s just the combination of a strong taper from an already only 17mm wide strap, which makes the width at the clasp so tiny. But that 19 to 14 taper sounds radical!

[@pollu_73]

Isn’t it sell in Italy?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Well I'm not sure? Probably somewhere but I am not familiar with Italy's stores. If you cannot find it on Italy's Amazon for example, you can of course order via Amazon Germany, as it is very easy to purchase from another EU country's Amazon. I live in Finland and always order from Amazon Germany :) I have an affiliate link in the description below for Amazon Germany.

[@zy4498]

I wanna get one for my lady

[@NordicWatchChannel]

It’s a great model for the missus! Looked great on my gf’s wrist!👌🏻

[@chauvietcuong1927]

good

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you!

[@enzodiadema5650]

Where can I find this 36mm silver version today, September 2022?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Where are you located?

[@enzodiadema5650]

@@NordicWatchChannel Italy

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Cool! It seems like it is becoming more difficult to find these as new. Couldn’t find on amazon but I recommend you check them every now and then. Maybe try to find a used one on watch forums/facebook groups or something? Go ask your local Orient AD how to get one.. maybe they can order one to the store etc.. good luck!

[@enzodiadema5650]

@@NordicWatchChannel Thank you

[@NordicWatchChannel]

No problem mate!

[@fuballarena7829]

this is for women or men?

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Orient has named this a womens watch. The bracelet it comes on is quite feminine but otherwise the design is so neutral. Switching out the bracelet to a leather strap for example makes it much more unisex.

[@alerojas2952]

To do a good job AT never on

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Not sure I understand what you mean

[@alerojas2952]

I suggest you watch your own video to find out.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thanks for the tip!

[@mcalax5901]

It is a woman’s watch. It’s listed by Orient as such.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Yup very true! Doesn't matter in my opinion :) Only part where it shows clearly is the bracelet.

[@LorianandLothric]

Doesn't matter. Men can wear it too

[@turbob18c14]

It doesn't make a difference. The new rolex explorer is 36mm and is marketed as a men's watch. Lots of men wear 36mm presidents/day dates and datejusts. I have a 41mm datejust ii and wish I would have bought the 36mm model or waited till the new 41mm datejust 41 came out because they slimmed down/stream lined the case making the new 41mm datejust look smaller than it used to.

[@1kpjones]

Thanks. Too long.

[@NordicWatchChannel]

Thank you for the feedback! I agree. I’ve had some success on making more concise videos lately 👍 Aiming somewhere between 10-13 minutes for reviews. Do you think that’s short enough?