A Better Bambino? Orient Small Seconds 

I once took my Bambino (V3, blue sunburst dial) to a local watchmaker for a repair. The lady I handed it to was wearing a pink dial Rolex OP, but when she saw the Bambino she raised her eyebrows and examined it as if she was thinking "Wow, what's this?" 😆 She most certainly wouldn't have guessed it was a $140 watch 😁

Four years on, and that Orient is still one of the most lovely looking watches out there.

I love the Bambino ... it represents great value, in my opinion. Buy it from Marc at Long Island Watch and he will install a double-domed sapphire crystal for $109, and then you have a watch that you can wear as your daily .. and that will age beautifully.

This particular Small Seconds is white, not champagne (maybe just a lighting issue). I have the champagne dial and it really does look similar to the vintage omega dress watches.

I have the orient mako based off a review from Jody and think its amazing. I think Orient is fast becoming what Seiko use to be in terms of value

I own several Bambinos and for the last 9 months I have owned a small seconds with the champagne dial. Outstanding watch. Looks like your grandfather's watch, but with modern dimensions and manufacture. The 21 mm lug width is an unnecessary complication but not a deal breaker. Got mine for 140 € and I have no regrets. A lot of watch for the money.

My neighbors know I have a good start into the weekend when at 7 a.m. they hear: "Helloooo! and welcome to just one more watch" I think there's no shame to get the 37mm "lady" version since it's only a weird marketing placement thing. Go for it if you like it. Thanks Jody!

For such a cheap watch, they've done a good job with the display case back if you ask me.

That date window really breaks the watch for me

The only thing that I think could improve this channel would be to increase the ratio of subjective opinion to facts etc, just because you're one of the best reviewers and your takes are so good it would be nice to hear more in that vein. It's good you always deliver all the facts, it's just your unique perspective is why I come back to the channel.

Great review as usual! I love the Orient watches, particularly the Bambino series--just wish this was offered at a 38 (even 39)mm size. That, and a 20mm strap, would be a winner. I like the vintage feel of the non-sapphire crystal, but yes, I would like something more scratch resistant. The see-through case back, even for a less-than stunning movement, is always a plus in my view. Always looking forward to your vids!

Almost perfect. Why did they ruin it with that damn date window?!

As a happy owner of the (yellow) gold version, I agree with you. The size may look big on paper, but it's fine on the wrist. The date ? It doesn't bother me that much since it's small and well-executed. It wears confortably and the strap is nice. It does the job for me very well. I wear it often, as it is an elegant-looking piece . If you're not going to wear a watch that often, why buy it in the first place?

I own a Bambino small seconds champagne dial. What a beautiful timepiece!!! Its retro style, quality, accuracy, the shape of the crystal, bracelet... are awesome. The only drawback is the size: too big, 38 mm could be perfect. Incredible value for money.

I had the champagne one. Love that dial, small second, dome crystal. Wish it can be 36-38, with 18mm lug width and without the date window, then will be a perfect dress watch for me.

I agree this is the Bambino best model so far. I have the red gold model with white dial. I think it's THE best affordable vintage looking strap dress watch on the market. Very authentic styling, if it had a closed caseback and was a tad smaller, you probably couldn't tell it from a real vintage piece! The price tag is less than many quartz driven retro style watches, but having a real mechanical movement is the only way to go. Compared to the Seiko Cocktail time, the Seiko may have a more elaborate dial, and a bit nicer looking movement, but I'd say the Bambino has a more authentic retro vibe. Being about half the Seiko's price tips it in favor of the Bambino for me.

Hallo Jody, I love this, not so small watch and now I know why. It looks like a early 1950 Omega. Personally, I do appreciate a date window on my watches, so no complaint from me. With the shortcomings mentiont, I love the Bambino's , it is hard not to forgive for the little shortcomings at this price and quality.

For a 21 mm lug width, try a 22 mm leather band. The leather will compress a mere 0.5mm on each side. I have done this with no problems.

BTW, the TCU official mascot is the Horned Frog, the Sports teams are introduced as the "Horned Frogs." TCU is located in the Texas Desert area, the Horned Frog is a large toad that preys on snakes and small rodents. When a TCU student identifies himself as a student / alumni they will say "Yes, I'm a Horney Frog."

I love my small seconds Bambino, although having problems getting it into the rotation. My only complaints are the date complication is weak and the size wears bigger than the stated size. Other than that a beautiful sub $200, well-made piece.

I know quartz isnt every ones cup of tea, but if it was a 38mm case quartz watch, in my opinion, would be nice and maybe cheap.

I think that the watch you have there is not the champagne dial (RA-AP0003S10B). What you actually have is the white dial (RA-AP0002S10B), but correct me if I am wrong. Great review by the way. Keep up the good work.

Just use a 20mm strap with a 21mm spring bar. Works great and the gap is not very noticeable.

Much although i quite like the Bambino, I've never been quite sure what the 'influencer' obsession with them is all about, it's a nice enough everyday, wear it to the office watch, I wouldn't describe it as a dress watch, too big in every dimension. I have a couple of relatively inexpensive dress watches to choose between, depending on how dressy I need to be. I've had a Swiss made Rotary for around 20 years, 36mm × 9mm thick, sapphire crystal and 'Dolphin' rated apparently... it has a screw down crown and is water resistant to 100m according to the Dolphin rating, bracelet is a beads of rice type with a milled butterfly clasp, blue sunburst dial, small seconds and no date, with Swiss Made printed at 6. In 20 years it's never missed a beat, looks great, slips under a button down shirt and has never picked up any scratches, still looks new. It cost less than £200 back then. I also have a larger Rotary, skeleton, sapphire sandwich, 2 tone steel and rose gold, milled butterfly clasp, it's a bit larger at 40mm x 12, still works with a shirt but I tend to wear it as a more semi-formal watch. Cost was a little under £200 in a sale, normal price was £350 I think. I have a few others but I'm comparing things in the same sort of price range... I don't think a gold Omega would be a fair comparison... lol.

I have 3 Orient Bambinos, Two of them are Gen 1's with the white face. The white face dials tend to hide that date window. I have been using 20 mm straps, nobody but me really notices. All in all I think they are terrific watches for the price point.

Thank God you're alive Jody! Last week you were right here with a brand new video every time I opened RU-vid... and then nothing for days. I was sure they'd be digging you up from under a pile of 11/11 Paganis & Cadisons - complete with artfully placed Fonderia calling card (Pink Panther style)!!

Not to be a downer or aggravate anyone's choices but..... i got hooked on this channel awhile ago and in the past 6 months have purchased roughly 6 Chinese made watches after finding multiple sites offered up here. Been great fun and found some really nice looking watches to change out each day and alter up style and look. Thanks for the channel. But.....2 of 6 recommended Chinese watch brands already broken ( one i had 3 of 4 lum number indicators fall off and rattle around the face, and one the Chrono stem just fell out making the chronograph worthless) and one has the rose gold plating chipping off all already which now i would be embarrassed to wear out anywhere...so three of the 6 already unwearable and cannot resell. Then i realized with the money i spent i could have had 1 really nice Eco Drive that would have lasted me 10-12 years ( as my other two Citizens have). Many of these are great looking watches out of the box but as for longevity and quality construction? i have to cry "Foul". I wish all to have better luck than i had but my brief foray into inexpensive Chinese watches is over

When I read the title, I was like “be careful Jody, be careful!“ 😄

My Bambino is a MK3 - I believe - ss case, black dial, rectangular hour hands, applied straight line markers and no numbers on the dial. The most "modern" looking of the vast bunch. I found a beautiful black strap on Amazon a couple of years ago (as the stock one on this version is a plain jane one). It is one of my favourite dress watches. All suited up with my Bambino, and I'm a happy guy! Do agree that a 39mm version would just hit that elegant sweet spot!

Was gonna get the v2 but after this review, I'll be getting the small seconds instead. Great review as always!

Wake up in the middle of the night, checked RU-vid and now I have one less reason to get back to sleep... thanks Jody!

You know what is actually a better Bambino? The Vostok Classica. 39mm, 20mm lugs, 11mm thick, gorgeous sunburst dial, classic 60' (I think?) style numbers at the 3-6-9-12, no date to destroy the symmetry (thank you) and a great looking (for the price) in house (pretty sure lol) manual movement. All for 160 bucks. I always wanted to buy a Bambino but the size and the date always made me think back but when I bought the gray Classica a year ago, I never looked at a Bambino again, it could be my only dress watch and I would die happy. Seriously, if the size is your main gripe with the Bambino and you don't mind winding your watch every couple of days (the winding action is really pleasant btw) take a look at the Vostok, you won't regret it.

Please review the 37 mm variant. They might say its a ladies' watch, but it's actually the perfect size for a men's dress watch.

I purchased several Bambino's, each time thinking I will feel differently. The size, even with my 7.5" circumference wrist, doesn't work as a dress watch. Next to my Vostok Classica (690b24), it just doesn't compare. If they would make it a 39 or 40, and reduce the thickness, then its a player. Great episode as always.

Long Island watch has some nice alligator straps in 21mm, that combined with a deployment clasp and it looks much more expensive than it is. Also after scratching my crystal I replaced it with a sapphire. Thing looks great. It’s a small seconds also.

I’m with you on the date window. I would 100% have bought one of these as soon as they were released if they were no-dates

If they would make a version without a date window, i would buy it in a heartbeat.

braton makes 21mm leather, canvas, and sailcloth straps.

This watch would be perect if it was 36/18...I don't mind the date window as much as some people. I feel it could've been placed in the 6'oclock position to improve symmetry. But I love this watch so much that I bought one and still own it. Had it for over a year now and I still don't want to get rid of it.

Got one. On 21mm steel mesh strap, it looks epic.

The Bambino trap is looking more real than ever, Jody! But in my small collection it's such a looker...

Agree with the 21mm lug width. What some do is use a 22mm strap and file the edges to fit a 21mm. Works with leather.

i don't know a lot about mambinos but it looks beautiful honestly i think that it can be more than a dress watch and it suited you beautifully by the way

Great review, thanks. I have three pieces of 21mm watch straps lying around and despite all the hate I think they balance very well with a watch this size. And no, they are not that hard to find as people seem to dramatise.

Soooo true, 21 mm is just insane for a watch strap

Spot on regarding the critiques and I would add 38mm would be pretty special for this type of watch. The 21mm lug width is less of an issue for me than the date window and 40.5mm width. Great review as always.

Completely agree with you! I’ve wanted to buy the small seconds since it came out but I just can’t get over that date window

I’ve been looking at this particular watch for some time and it’s the exact issues you point out that have prevented me from getting one. Close but no cigar!

I put a 22mm Colareb strap on my bambino fits perfectly and has changed the watch feel

Zoomed out on Jody’s wrist it actually looks pretty big to me. The big open dial make it look bigger than it is.

Now that you've scratched it ,enjoy your new watch. It can't go back.

Mineral glass was why I decided to sell my orient bambino before it got scratched. Nice watch and would buy again if released with sapphire glass.

Unusual lug width you say. I have a vintage Doxa, 19mm. And a vintage Marvin 17mm. Oh, and a not so old Seiko SSC081P1 which is 21mm. Well, odd numbers are a thing in watchmaking I guess. But I can agree with You, everybody would be happier with some standard sizes.

I found my self putting a like even just started the video now. This is the level of trust and appreciation.

Gonna wait for small seconds below 40 mm...so in 5 years

They recently released a 36mm bambino!! It's also a "ladies watch" but I'll be getting one as soon as they're back in stock

Jody, can you review the Casio Rangeman and/or Frogman?

I like the small second, it looks classic. For the awkward lug size, I usually use 1 mm wider strap and slight modify it to fit in

Kinda funny that I’m watching this video for the first time considering your shirts logo 😂

Hello Judy, I have the champagne dial it’s looks really champagne not like the off white featured in your video. I really like mine dial colour

I like the Bambino - bought one for my son a couple of years ago and he loves it as an everyday watch. I don't have one personally as I don't often wear a 'dress' watch and I have several vintage Omegas (bought years ago when they were cheap....) to do that job when needed. Still nice though....

Jody I think most of us but not all of us will agree with you're review. I'm in the agree side of things..if it was just a little smaller with better strap size and sapphire it would be a winner. I'm sure we all would happily pay for a winner watch. 😎👍

Still a mineral crystal, a “reasonable if not outstanding” leather strap that’s the awkward 21 mm... honestly? I’m not at all concerned with the visual of the movement (I haven’t any eyes on my wrist, after all). It’s a nice looking watch, but as I reach the point in your review covering the date complication, I agree the Orient Bambino is better than previous versions... I’ll continue watching your reviews until I see one worthy. Great review, Jodie!

Heellllllloooooooooouuu!!! I own a second ver .2 gen. 2 blue dial bambino and I love it for its minimalist style. I work in office and warehouse as a Quality Control Rep., and this watch is perfect for both areas with my sleeves rolled up 👍🏻. I agree 100% with you Jody, I miraculously haven’t scratched mine, but I guess is a matter of time 😜. From my perspective I recommend this watch principally for its cheap price. I think everyone should at least have one in their collection...its like a Power Ranger 🤗, pick your hero!! 🤣

Nice looking watch, and I need the date on the dial. The band being a 21 mm is just plain idiotic. I don’t know why anyone would use an odd sized band width! Great video as always!!!

You can fit a 22mm using the 21 spring bars. Fits awesome.

Thanks for reviewing that exact one, Jody! If I were to buy a Bambino today,-- which I won't because I just bought another Seiko two days ago-- that is the Bambino I would go for!

The 21mm lugs kill me! I got 8.5" wrists, and the only 21mm long length straps I've found are custom made, and cost $200 plus!!

I own three Orients, and their lug widths are 22, 21, and 19 millimeters. It makes some people scream internally.

As much as I love Orient, I think Cadisen are the masters of cheap dress watches now. The Diamond for £80 in the last Ali sale - small, thin, 20mm lugs (or is it 18??) and weighs next to nothing

I have a blue dial 2nd generation V3 Bambino and I love. Wear it nearly everyday. Yes, the lug width is annoying, but it's a great looking watch. I considered this one, but something about the small seconds... I think the top of that sub-dial is way too close to the centre of the main dial. In my opinion they should probably have deleted the 6 and pushed the sbu-dial a little bit down. Regardless, it's a beautiful watch.

The best dress watch under $200 nowadays is the Timex Marlin reissue. Also, go frogs! I'm very surprised to see you with a TCU shirt on, I'm from Fort Worth!

Can’t live with the date particularly find the juxtaposition of the date font with the 3 font.

If you like these, you should look into the orient star dress watches. They're pretty much a nicer seiko presage except in the $350ish range. Price to quality is on point imo

Thanks for the review Jody. I just picked up the yellow gold version and love the vintage look. I don’t mind the date window; I have a dateless flieger and I every time I go to check what the date is, I forget it is dateless and have to grab my phone 🙃

Traded my Bambino V 2 for a Defender as that fits my lifestyle a bit more. Also just grabbed the white dial Mako II USA from the Long Island watch sale. Really love what the brand is doing these days

I reckon this Bambino looks classy with that strap. No need to change but wanting to would cause some serious issues lol Thanks Jody for another great video. Keep up the amazing work.

I think they need to make a bambino with 20mm lugs, 39mm and sapphire, also I think roman numbers would be more suitable for this style of watch. Hope you found a buyer!

I agree... 20mm lugs and screw down case back, then this maybe is a contender. I was looking at this exact one but instead went with a seiko 5 to mod with sapphire (and a nice 20mm leather strap). Otherwise great looking case on the Bambino!

For me no date would be better. . Cheers V.

I just bought that white dial ladies bambino. I Iove the classic size. First "ladies" watch in my collection. 😂

Nice old-school look, ruined a bit by that date window. I still like my Bambino 2gv2, which has the date in place of the 3, and feels more balanced because of that. The 40.5mm width is a hair big, but I immediately put it on a clean gray canvas strap, so it comfortably hugs my wrist and doesn’t feel bulky. And the movement may be noisy, but I’m rarely in a place quiet enough for it to bother me.

I have an HMT Janata as a placeholder until they hopefully eventually produce a sensibly sized Bambino or I'm forced to go all out and get a Longines Flagship Heritage

I have the same Bambino gray with rose gold you do. I ditched the tan strap and put it on a strapcode jubilee. Perfect even if it's a 42. :)

“Ladies” sized at 37mm? I’m all in. Also, 21mm luv width? That’s ol flighty territory!

Make it 38mm with 20mm lugs and no date complication and then I will consider one. So what is the lug size on the "ladies" watch?

Jody, you wouldn't believe, but in my country those cost around 220$, not 150$. I just checked online))))

I bought the white dial Orient Symphony Gen. 2 instead of the Bambino. I don't think they make it anymore, but I like that watch much more than the Bambino (especially with the sapphire crystal). The price wasn't much higher than the Bambino either.

17mm lugs on the "ladies version". Although you can squeeze on size up into those lugs. Shouldn't have to though. Odd lug width almost always disqualifies a watch for me.

I have the champagne version (not this version, this is not champagne btw: it's white) and disagree on all points. Size is great, date is fine and the strap that came with it lasts fine too. Sapphire in this domed shape? Ok Jody: show me a affordable watch with this kind of domed crystal in sapphire. Anyhow: I love this watch and think it's a modern classic for the price and the looks.

I have the black dial small seconds and absolutely love it.

Is it me or is that dial crooked? Looks like the 12 and 6 are off.

The whole notion of needing to pay over $200.00 to get sapphire is kind of (IMO) silly at this point as Chinese watches like the Pagani can do this at the $ 60.00 - $70.00 price point. Any watch using mineral crystal these days is doing it as a cost saving measure regardless of Seiko's questionable arm-waving about impact resistance.

I've had mine for over a year, great watch. I don't wear it as much as my hammy tho 😁

I didn’t know is a bambino ladies version . I think orient give a lot value for the money.

I wonder why they stick to the non-tapering straps, a little bit of tapering would change a lot, btw if you buy a 22mm strap ( preferably a textile on leather ) the end-pieces with the pushpins are a bit more flexible and will fit also between 21mm lugs.

The watch looks great, but the date looks redundant to me, I agree with Jody... I wish they offered a model without a date.

You can change the crystal for a Saphire crystal by your local watchmaker.

Kind of looks like you can fit a 22mm strap on it. There's a slight gap between the strap and lug. Just a thought.

Don't see the issue with complications on dress watches, and neither do the guys making precious metal watches. edit* Bought this watch a year later. The true champagne dial, not that white thing shown here. The band is ideal, keep it. One of several perfect Bambinos.