Orient Bambino 2: owner reviews and feedback

The Orient Bambino Version 2, in its second generation launched in 2016, is one of the most overtly retro interpretations of the famous Japanese Bambino dress-watch family. It retains the defining elements of the collection introduced several years earlier — strongly domed crystal, gently curved dial, slender lugs and automatic movement — but combines them with an aesthetic more directly inspired by early twentieth-century watches. Roman numerals mark the hours, a double peripheral railway track recalls traditional minute scales, slim hands cross the dial and an onion-style crown strengthens the classical impression.

Most importantly, the second generation adopts the in-house F6724 calibre, adding manual winding and hacking seconds to automatic winding. With its 40.5 mm case, date at 3 o’clock, domed mineral crystal and 30 metres of water resistance, the Bambino Version 2 prioritises accessible elegance rather than sporting versatility.

Design & legibility: Roman numerals and railway track for a highly classical aesthetic

Version 2 has a much more historical identity than most other Bambino variations. While certain models use simple baton markers or an almost minimalist layout, this version deliberately places more information around the dial. Large Roman numerals mark the hours while a peripheral railway-style scale organises minutes and seconds precisely. The date replaces the 3 o’clock marker but remains comparatively discreet so as not to completely disrupt the overall balance. Roman numerals combined with the railway minute track form the essential distinguishing feature of the Bambino Version 2. They immediately give the watch an older appearance than its contemporary 40.5 mm diameter might suggest. This contrast between modern size and traditional inspiration explains much of its appeal among buyers wanting a classical watch without adopting the small dimensions of genuine vintage pieces.

The hands are slender, gently tapered and often treated in a colour coordinated with the hour markers. Certain variations pair a cream dial with blue hands, a combination that has become especially popular within the Bambino collection. Others use gold or silver tones to create a more homogeneous appearance. The dial itself is gently domed, further bringing its construction closer to many dress watches produced during the middle of the twentieth century. The curvature of the dial and hands creates visual depth that frontal photographs do not fully communicate. Viewed from the side, the periphery seems to descend beneath the domed crystal and the minute scale follows this transition. The effect gives the watch more personality than a completely flat printed dial.

The crown also contributes to this identity. Orient uses an onion-style form, rounder and more decorative than a small conventional cylindrical crown. It remains reasonably sized and is not screw-down, but its geometry provides good grip during winding or time setting. The onion crown adds an immediately visible historical detail without turning the watch into a literal reproduction of an antique model. This choice gains greater relevance with calibre F6724 because the owner can genuinely wind the watch manually. The crown is therefore no longer used only for setting the time or date but becomes a real point of mechanical interaction with the movement.

The domed crystal is finally one of the essential features of every Bambino. It is made from mineral glass rather than sapphire. This solution makes the pronounced curvature relatively straightforward to produce and contributes to the warm, slightly distorting appearance of the watch when viewed from an angle. It is nevertheless more susceptible to scratching than modern sapphire. The domed mineral crystal prioritises retro aesthetics over maximum scratch resistance. For a watch principally worn at the office or on dressier occasions, the compromise remains coherent, but repeated contact with hard surfaces should be avoided and this characteristic should be considered when evaluating a pre-owned example.

Case, strap and comfort: 40.5 mm for a modern dress watch

The second-generation Version 2 uses a round stainless-steel case measuring 40.5 mm in diameter. Lug-to-lug length is around 46.5 to 46.8 mm depending on case generation and thickness around 11.8 to 12 mm on historical versions, with certain recent references approaching 12.3 mm. The 40.5 mm diameter gives the Bambino more contemporary presence than a traditional dress watch. A historical dress watch could easily measure 34 to 37 mm, whereas this Orient occupies considerably more wrist space while remaining comparatively short thanks to its slender curved lugs. On an average wrist, it therefore appears elegant without looking unusually small.

The visual thinness of the case is strengthened by an extremely narrow bezel. A very large percentage of the front surface is therefore occupied by the dial, further increasing the impression of diameter. The case flanks are simple and largely polished, while the lugs curve sufficiently towards the wrist to avoid an excessively flat appearance. The large dial opening makes the Bambino appear slightly larger than its actual diameter. This deserves consideration for wrists below approximately 16 cm, particularly if the wearer usually prefers watches between 36 and 38 mm. The format nevertheless remains substantially easier to wear than many sports watches of similar diameter because the middle case itself is relatively restrained.

Classical references use a 21 mm leather strap secured through a pin buckle. This intermediate width is slightly less common than 20 or 22 mm, although numerous alternatives are now available. Brown leather strengthens the traditional character of cream or white dials, while black gives darker versions a more formal appearance. Navy-blue models can use a matching strap. Changing the strap can dramatically alter the personality of the Bambino Version 2. Medium-brown grain leather can make it appear almost vintage, while smooth black leather brings it closer to a formal occasion watch. Excessively thick or sporty straps are less coherent with the slender lugs and modest water resistance.

Water resistance is limited to 3 bar, or 30 metres. This rating protects the watch against accidental splashes and normal everyday moisture but should not be interpreted as an actual usable underwater depth. The crown is not screw-down and the leather strap is not designed for regular water exposure in any case. The 30-metre rating is the principal practical limitation of the Bambino Version 2. It is preferable to remove the watch before swimming, showering or participating in watersports. On an older or pre-owned watch, a water-resistance test can also be worthwhile even if the owner intends only to protect it from occasional splashes.

Calibre F6724: automatic winding, manual winding and hacking seconds

The second generation replaces the 48743 movement of earlier Bambino watches with the in-house F6724 calibre. It is an automatic mechanical movement produced by Orient and designed to display hours, minutes, central seconds and date. It contains 22 jewels and can also be manually wound through the crown. Manual winding is one of the most important improvements introduced by the second generation. A watch that has stopped after several days can therefore be restarted quickly without shaking it or depending entirely on the first movements of the wrist. A few turns of the crown are sufficient before setting the time and wearing it normally.

The F6724 also adds hacking seconds. When the crown is pulled to the time-setting position, the seconds hand stops. The owner can therefore synchronise the watch to a reference time much more precisely than with the first-generation movement. Hacking seconds makes time setting more precise and brings the ownership experience closer to that of a modern mechanical watch. This function is relatively ordinary today, but it represented a meaningful improvement when the 48743 was replaced by the F6724. The Bambino therefore retains its antique appearance while correcting two important practical limitations of the earlier mechanism.

Official power reserve is approximately 40 hours. Orient states a static accuracy range of +25 to -15 seconds per day on current versions, a relatively broad tolerance but one consistent with the movement’s price positioning and intended purpose. A properly regulated individual example can naturally perform considerably better. The F6724 prioritises simplicity, robustness and serviceability rather than chronometer certification. It operates at a conventional frequency suitable for everyday use and its widely distributed architecture makes maintenance easier than that of a rare or highly complex proprietary movement.

The most recent Version 2 references add an exhibition caseback allowing the oscillating weight and movement to be observed. Earlier second-generation watches used simpler backs on certain references, making this an interesting but non-essential development. The exhibition back mainly adds educational appeal to a watch frequently selected as a first automatic. Decoration remains industrial and restrained: the purpose is not to compete with haute horlogerie finishing but to allow the owner to observe the movement in operation. For a first mechanical watch, watching the rotor move and understanding the winding principle can form an important part of the enjoyment.

Chronological milestones and main models (2012–2026)

(2012) Orient Classic and Simple Style Origin of the Bambino Family:

The Orient Classic and Simple Style appears in 2012 as the foundation of what will subsequently become universally known by the Bambino nickname. Orient describes this first generation through a classical and traditional dial, retro-feeling domed glass, slender lugs and a delicate case. The movement is automatic and the design deliberately distances itself from the sporting watches occupying a large part of the brand’s catalogue. Bambino was not initially the official Japanese series name but progressively became associated with this architecture across numerous international markets. This first period uses the 487 movement family and establishes the elements that will remain constant: domed crystal, curved dial, date, leather strap and positioning as an accessible mechanical dress watch.

(2016) Orient Bambino Version 2 Champagne Second Generation:

The Orient Bambino Version 2 FAC00009N0 is one of the most representative references of the second generation introduced in 2016. Its champagne or cream dial combines Roman numerals, railway minute track and blue hands, creating an especially recognisable combination. The stainless-steel case measures 40.5 mm in diameter, approximately 46.8 mm long and 11.8 mm thick. Domed mineral glass protects the dial and water resistance reaches 30 metres. Its brown leather strap measures 21 mm. Automatic calibre F6724 adds manual winding, hacking seconds and approximately 40 hours of reserve. The reference directly replaces aesthetically similar first-generation models using calibre 48743 while substantially improving the daily ownership experience.

(2016) Orient Bambino Version 2 White Blue Hands Light Variation:

The Orient Bambino Version 2 FAC00009W0 retains the architecture of the champagne reference but uses a white dial that further highlights the Roman numerals and coloured hands. The case remains 40.5 mm stainless steel, combined with domed mineral crystal and a 21 mm leather strap. Water resistance remains limited to 30 metres. Calibre F6724 provides automatic and manual winding, hacking seconds, date and approximately 40 hours of reserve. This variation demonstrates how strongly colour changes the perception of the same design: white appears more formal and luminous whereas the cream FAC00009N0 strengthens the impression of patina or an older watch. Both remain among the most classical expressions of Version 2.

(2016) Orient Bambino Version 2 White Gold-Tone Case Dressier Presentation:

The Orient Bambino Version 2 FAC00007W0 combines the same Roman-numeral layout with a stainless-steel case carrying a gold-tone finish. Diameter remains 40.5 mm, length approximately 46.8 mm and thickness close to 11.8 mm. Its white dial uses details coordinated with the warmer case tones while a brown leather strap completes the presentation. The domed mineral crystal and 30-metre water resistance remain unchanged. Calibre F6724 provides approximately 40 hours of reserve, manual winding and hacking seconds. This variation pushes the dress-watch character further and will particularly suit someone attracted to the appearance of older gold-coloured watches rather than a wearer seeking a neutral design that combines equally easily with every type of clothing.

(2016) Orient Bambino Version 2 Black Dial Dark Interpretation:

The Orient Bambino Version 2 FAC0000AB0 uses a black dial that gives the same retro design a substantially more contemporary appearance. Roman numerals and hands contrast strongly with the dark background while the black strap reinforces the monochromatic presentation. Its steel case still measures 40.5 mm and approximately 11.8 mm thick and lug width remains 21 mm. Domed mineral crystal, date at 3 and 30-metre water resistance are identical to other Version 2 models. Calibre F6724 retains 40 hours of reserve, manual winding and hacking seconds. This variation is especially attractive for someone who appreciates the V2’s classical architecture but wants to avoid the cream, white or gold tones more commonly associated with its vintage-inspired aesthetic.

(2025) Orient Bambino Navy Blue New Contemporary Palette:

The Orient Bambino RA-AC0024L forms part of the new colours introduced in 2025 within the Classic and Simple Style family and directly continues the visual language of Version 2 through Roman numerals and domed glass. Its sunburst navy-blue dial is associated with a blue leather strap. The steel case measures 40.5 mm wide, 46.5 mm long and approximately 12.3 mm thick. The caseback becomes transparent and reveals the F6724. The movement contains 22 jewels, provides approximately 40 hours of autonomy and carries an official accuracy range of +25 to -15 seconds per day. Water resistance remains 30 metres. This new colour shows how Orient updates a highly traditional architecture without fundamentally altering either the movement or the proportions responsible for its long-term success.

(2025) Orient Bambino Bordeaux New Warm Colour:

The Orient Bambino RA-AC0026R adopts a sunburst burgundy dial that visually separates the watch from traditional white or cream variations. Its steel case remains 40.5 by 46.5 mm with thickness around 12 to 12.3 mm and a 21 mm strap width. Domed mineral crystal remains one of the historical signatures of the family and an exhibition caseback reveals the movement. Automatic calibre F6724 has 22 jewels, approximately 40 hours of reserve, manual winding, hacking seconds and date. Water resistance remains 30 metres. Burgundy works especially well with a brown leather strap and makes the watch more casual without removing its Roman numerals or its character as an accessible dress watch.

(2025) Orient Bambino 75th Anniversary Return to 1950s Styling:

The Orient Bambino RA-AC0027S celebrates Orient’s 75th anniversary in a limited series of 9,500 pieces. It uses a white dial, pink-gold-tone hour details, blue hands and especially the historical Orient logo written in a 1950s style. Its steel case measures 40.5 by 46.5 mm and approximately 12.3 mm thick. The front crystal remains mineral and domed while the exhibition back receives an anniversary inscription and individual serial number. Calibre F6724 provides approximately 40 hours of reserve together with manual winding and hacking seconds. Its principal beige nubuck strap is accompanied by a second interchangeable leather strap. This reference further reinforces the historical character of Version 2 by combining its Roman architecture with graphic identity directly connected to the early history of the brand.

(2026) Orient Bambino 38 No Date Return to More Classical Proportions:

The Orient Bambino 38 reference not communicated continues the broader development of the family in 2026 without directly replacing the 40.5 mm Version 2. Orient develops 38.4 mm references closer to traditional dress-watch proportions and introduces, for the first time within the mechanical Bambino collection, dials without a date aperture. Certain models retain alternating Roman-numeral architecture together with the essential family characteristics: curved dial, box-shaped glass, slender lugs and an in-house mechanical movement. This development notably responds to enthusiasts who appreciate Bambino aesthetics but consider 40.5 mm too large for a dress watch. Above all, it confirms that the design codes established by the early Bambino watches remain recognisable across very different dimensions and dial configurations.

Choosing the right version: dial, size, strap and actual use

The FAC00009N0 remains the most characteristic configuration for discovering Version 2. Its cream dial and blue hands reinforce the antique inspiration more strongly than black or white references. This combination particularly suits someone seeking the most overtly retro interpretation of the Bambino 2. Those wanting a more formal watch may prefer white or black, both easier to coordinate with professional clothing.

The 40.5 mm diameter deserves trying on when the wrist is small. The watch is not especially long, but its very narrow bezel gives the dial substantial presence. An enthusiast accustomed to 36 to 38 mm dress watches will immediately perceive the Bambino as comparatively large. Bambino 38 models provide an attractive alternative when proportions are the priority, even though they do not correspond exactly to the same historical Version 2 generation.

The original strap contributes to the appearance but can easily be replaced. A 21 mm width now offers a reasonable selection of leather options even if it remains less universal than 20 mm. A softer and less glossy strap can noticeably improve both comfort and perceived quality. Medium-brown leather works especially well with cream dials, while blue or black naturally complements cooler dial colours.

The mineral crystal is the component requiring the greatest attention during everyday use. Its pronounced dome is visually attractive but also exposes it more to contact than a flat crystal protected by a substantial bezel. A wearer particularly sensitive to scratches should accept this compromise before choosing the Bambino. On a pre-owned watch, light marks can sometimes be accepted as normal wear, but a deep impact or crack justifies replacement.

Finally, 30 metres of water resistance clearly directs the model towards office wear, evenings and dressier occasions rather than sporting use. The F6724 is sufficiently practical for everyday ownership thanks to manual winding and hacking seconds, but the complete watch remains fundamentally a city watch. The Bambino Version 2 is most convincing when selected for elegance and simplicity rather than as one watch intended to do everything. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Orient Bambino Version 2 is aimed at enthusiasts seeking an affordable mechanical watch whose aesthetic directly evokes antique dress watches without adopting their small dimensions. Roman numerals, railway minute track, onion crown and domed mineral crystal give it a highly recognisable personality within the Bambino family. The second generation significantly improves usability through calibre F6724, which adds manual winding and hacking seconds while retaining approximately 40 hours of autonomy. Numerous colours allow the buyer to choose between a strongly retro, more formal or more contemporary interpretation, while newer Bambino 38 models provide an alternative for enthusiasts preferring smaller proportions. The principal limitations remain mineral glass and 30 metres of water resistance.

To learn more about Japanese watch brands, check out the ranking of the most popular Japanese watch brands.

To compare actual accuracy, comfort, strap ageing and perceived dial quality through extended ownership, Dialicious customer reviews provide a particularly useful complement.

(Updated September 2026)