The Orient Bambino Small Seconds: A Review
A Hands-On Look at an Affordable Dress Watch Icon
If you've spent any time exploring the world of affordable dress watches, you've undoubtedly encountered the Orient Bambino. Having worn the Orient Bambino Small Seconds with champagne dial (reference RA-AP0003S10B) for the past few weeks, I'm ready to share my comprehensive review of this elegant timepiece.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Orient Bambino Small Seconds
The Bambino Small Seconds arrives in Orient's standard blue box - nothing particularly special, but perfectly serviceable. However, any thoughts about the modest packaging evaporate the moment you lay eyes on the watch itself. The champagne dial catches the light immediately, showcasing a subtle sunburst effect that immediately elevates the piece beyond its modest price point.
Design & Aesthetics: A Closer Look at the Bambino Small Seconds Dial
The dial is where this Bambino truly shines - quite literally. The champagne colour strikes an excellent balance between formal and versatile, neither too yellow nor too pale. Orient has executed a masterful mix of silver-tone Arabic numerals and baton indices, creating a balanced aesthetic that draws inspiration from mid-century dress watches without feeling derivative. Orient offers an extensive and sometimes confusing range of Bambino models with various different case sizes and styles, but this particular model with the arabic numerals and batons is also available with a black or a white dial.
The small seconds subdial complication at 6 o'clock adds a classic vibe to the dial that distinguishes it from its siblings in the Bambino range - classic three-handers with a central seconds hand. It's thoughtfully sized - large enough to be functional but not so dominant as to overwhelm the overall design. The date window at 3 o'clock features pleasingly chamfered edges, a detail typically found on much more expensive timepieces. However, the date window does disrupt the symmetry of the sunburst dial and some may feel that, whilst a handy feature, the design would be better served without it.
Case & Construction
The stainless steel case measures 40.5mm in diameter - a modern size that nonetheless manages to maintain the dress watch aesthetic. The polishing is uniformly excellent, with smooth transitions between surfaces and no sharp edges. The domed mineral crystal adds vintage charm while providing decent durability, though I'd love to see Orient offering sapphire crystal versions in future.
The crown is signed with the Orient logo, although it is so small this can be hard to see. The small crown size fits the overall proportions of the case, but can make it a little tricky to pull the crown out to the time or date-setting position, particularly for the sausage-fingered.
The Heart of the Bambino: Orient's F6222 Movement
Powering the Bambino Small Seconds is Orient's in-house calibre F6222 automatic movement. This is a significant selling point - whilst many competitors at this price point use third-party movements, Orient manufactures their own. The 24-jewel, hacking and hand-winding movement provides a respectable 40-hour power reserve and has an of +25/-15 seconds per day, which is acceptable for an automatic watch in this price bracket.
The movement is visible through a mineral crystal caseback. It isn't particularly beautiful, but you wouldn't expect a highly-decorated movement or rotor at this price point.
On the Wrist: Daily Wear Experience
The Bambino Small Seconds wears beautifully, thanks to well-designed lugs that help the watch sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes, it's thin profile, and light weight. The 40.5mm diameter hits a sweet spot - substantial enough to have presence and fit most wrist sizes whilst still slide unobtrusively under a shirt cuff. However, Orient has recently begun to release 38mm Bambino models, which are closer in size to a classic dress watch. These may be a better option for the small-wristed.
The included brown leather strap is adequate though not exceptional. It's slightly stiff initially but breaks in reasonably well over time. However, this watch truly comes alive when paired with a higher-quality leather strap - a worthy upgrade that won't break the bank.
Perfect Pairings: Strap Options
While the stock strap is serviceable, the champagne dial offers tremendous versatility when it comes to strap pairings. Dark brown crocodile-grain leather emphasises the dress watch elements, whilst a tan leather strap brings out the warmth in the dial. Even a black leather strap works surprisingly well, creating a more formal appearance. Unfortunately, the 21mm lug width of the 40mm diameter Bambino variants does limit choice in available straps. At The Strap Line, we stock a range of 21mm leather straps compatible with the Bambino.
Tech Specs
| Orient Bambino Small Seconds - Champagne Dial Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | RA-AP0003S10B |
| Case Diameter | 40.5mm |
| Movement | Automatic in-house caliber F6222 |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Dial Color | Champagne |
| Dial Features | Silver-tone Arabic numerals and baton indices |
| Hands | Silver-tone hour and minute hands |
| Small Seconds | Subdial at 6 o'clock |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Crystal | Domed mineral glass |
| Strap | Brown leather |
| Water Resistance | 30 meters |
| Lug/Strap Width | 21mm |
The Competition
In the sub-£300 market, the Bambino Small Seconds faces competition from the likes of the Seiko 5 line and various Timex dress watches. However, the combination of an in-house movement, small seconds complication, and superior finishing helps it stand out. The champagne dial version, in particular, offers an elegance that's hard to match for an automatic watch at this price point.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Exceptional value for money
- Beautiful champagne dial with excellent finishing
- In-house automatic movement
- Versatile 40.5mm case size
- Small seconds adds visual interest
Areas for improvement:
- Mineral rather than sapphire crystal
- Basic stock strap
- 30m water resistance limits versatility
Final Verdict
The Orient Bambino Small Seconds represents remarkable value for money, offering features and finishing that punches well above its price point. The champagne dial version, in particular, achieves a perfect balance between classical dress watch design and contemporary wearability.
Priced somewhere between £200 to £300 depending on where you look, it's an excellent choice for anyone seeking their first mechanical dress watch or experienced collectors looking for an elegant daily wear or dress option that won't break the bank. The combination of the in-house movement, attractive dial layout, and overall finishing make it one of the most compelling options in its price range.
If you already own a Bambino and would like to upgrade your look with a premium watch strap, check out our 21mm straps here.