Orient Bambino 38mm Version 7 Review
The Orient Bambino has long been celebrated as the gateway to mechanical watch enthusiasm for those seeking quality without emptying their wallets. Now in its 7th iteration, Orient has finally addressed the most consistent criticism of previous models by introducing a more traditionally sized dress watch at 38.4mm. This comprehensive review will help you decide if it deserves a spot on your wrist.
Contents
Design & Aesthetics
The Orient Bambino 38mm Version 7 immediately catches the eye with its clean, minimalist dial. At 38.4mm in diameter and 12.5mm thick, it strikes the perfect balance between classic proportions and modern wearability.
What makes this model particularly special is that despite the 12.5mm measurement, it wears much thinner thanks to the domed mineral crystal that contributes significantly to this thickness. The actual case body is closer to 9mm, giving it an elegant profile that easily slides under shirt cuffs.
The stainless steel case features a beautiful contrast of finishes: mirror polishing on the bezel and lugs’ top surfaces, with straight brushing along the sides. This attention to detail gives the watch a premium appearance that belies its modest price tag.
The Orient Bambino 38mm Version 7 comes in nine striking variations:
- White dial with silver hands and markers in stainless steel
- White dial with gold-colored hands and markers in gold-tone stainless steel
- Black dial with silver hands and markers in stainless steel
- Beige dial with blue hands in stainless steel
- Green dial with silver hands and markers in stainless steel
- Blue dial with silver hands and markers in stainless steel
- Pink dial with silver hands and markers in stainless steel
- Baby blue dial with silver hands and markers in stainless steel
- Orange dial with silver hands and markers in stainless steel
Each dial features a subtle sunburst effect that creates a somewhat linen-textured appearance, shifting its appearance as it catches the light. The applied hour markers are mirror-finished and perfectly proportioned, with a date window at 3 o’clock that takes up approximately half the marker width. This integration maintains the dial’s balanced aesthetic.
The dauphine-style hands are mirror-finished and extend precisely to their respective hour markers, while a very slender seconds hand completes the elegant look. Orient has wisely chosen to keep the branding minimal, with a downsized Orient crest and text at 12 o’clock that scales proportionally with the 38mm case, and a similarly sized water resistance text at 6 o’clock.
The domed mineral crystal adds vintage charm while providing decent scratch resistance. Though not sapphire (which would significantly increase the price), it’s more than adequate for daily wear and contributes significantly to the watch’s classic aesthetic. The exhibition caseback reveals the automatic movement—a particularly impressive feature given the watch’s smaller case size, as the movement now fills the viewable area much more completely.
Movement & Technical Specifications
Powering the Bambino Version 7 is Orient’s in-house F6724 automatic movement. This is a significant selling point, as many watches in this price range use generic movements from external suppliers. Key specifications include:
- 40-hour power reserve
- 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
- 22 jewels
- Hand-winding capability
- Hacking seconds function (the second hand stops when setting time)
- Date complication
In practical use, the movement maintains accuracy within approximately ±15 seconds per day—impressive performance at this price point. The winding action feels smooth and substantial, providing tactile feedback that enhances the ownership experience.
Water resistance is rated at 30 meters (3 bar), which means it can handle splashes and brief immersion but isn’t suitable for swimming or showering. This is standard for dress watches and shouldn’t be considered a drawback given its intended use.
Wearability & Comfort
The Bambino Version 7 is a significant improvement in wearability compared to previous versions. The 38.4mm diameter, combined with a remarkably short 44mm lug-to-lug distance, makes it suitable for a wide range of wrists, including smaller ones around 6.25 inches. This shorter lug-to-lug measurement ensures the watch sits comfortably on the wrist without overhang.
The 20mm lug width is standard and opens up countless aftermarket strap options, allowing you to completely transform the watch’s character. While the stock leather strap is adequate, this is an area where Orient has historically received criticism, and you might consider upgrading to enhance the overall experience.
The watch’s versatility is perhaps its greatest strength. It pairs equally well with:
- Business attire (its natural habitat)
- Smart casual outfits
- Even jeans and a t-shirt (though you might want to swap the strap for something more casual)
Value Proposition
At approximately $250-300 (depending on retailer and discounts), the Bambino Version 7 delivers exceptional value. Consider what you’re getting:
- In-house automatic movement with hacking and hand-winding
- Exhibition caseback
- Applied indices
- Sunburst dial
- Genuine leather strap
- Perfect classic proportions
Comparable Swiss watches with similar features easily cost two to three times as much. Even microbrands using third-party movements typically charge more while offering similar or lesser specifications.
Pros & Cons: Honest Assessment
What Shines
- Perfect 38.4mm size that works for most wrists
- Very short 44mm lug-to-lug distance for excellent comfort
- In-house movement with hacking and hand-winding
- Beautiful dial finishing with applied markers
- Exhibition caseback that showcases the movement well
- Exceptional value for money
What Could Be Better
- Mineral rather than sapphire crystal
- Limited water resistance
- No lume on hands or markers (challenging in low light)
- Stock leather strap quality could be better
- Rotor can be noisy when the watch moves rapidly
The Bambino Version 7 is ideal for those seeking their first mechanical watch, collectors wanting an affordable dress piece, or previous Bambino holdouts who were waiting for a more traditionally sized model. However, if you need something for active lifestyles or require excellent low-light legibility, you might want to look elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
The Orient Bambino 38mm Version 7 represents one of the best values in affordable mechanical watches. It combines classic design elements with perfect proportions and a reliable in-house movement. Whether as your first mechanical watch or an addition to an established collection, it delivers satisfaction well beyond its price point.
For around $250, this watch delivers a package that’s hard for rivals to match—refined size, timeless look, upgraded movement, and an unbeatable price. It’s not just a good watch “for the money”—it’s simply a good watch, period. Orient has clearly listened to enthusiasts and delivered exactly what they’ve been asking for: the ultimate affordable dress watch in the perfect size.
If you’re interested in learning more about Orient Bambino lineup, check out our complete guide to Orient Bambino watches, where we break down all the versions and their unique features. You can also explore our best Orient watches of the year list to see how the Bambino stacks up against other top models. And if you’re curious about the brand’s overall reputation, don’t miss our in-depth analysis Is Orient a Good Brand?.