Hands-On With Two Orient Bambino LEs Celebrating The Brand’s 75th Anniversary

The Orient Bambino was many watch hobbyists’ first mechanical timepiece. Its classic looks punch much higher than its affordable price point, and the exhibition case back tickles the hearts of many new enthusiasts. This year, Orient celebrates its 75th anniversary. For that occasion, the Japanese watch manufacturer introduced two limited-edition models of the Bambino with a white dial. One is a 40.5mm three-hander, and the other is a 41.5mm version with two additional sub-dials for the weekday indicator and a Sun & Moon (day/night) display. The former is limited to 9,500 pieces and the latter to 5,500 pieces. Let’s take a look before they sell out.

In addition to the two limited-edition models, Orient introduced some unlimited and more colorful versions of the same two models. In the case of the three-hander, there is a green, blue, red, and beige version. The non-limited Bambino Sun & Moon also comes in green, blue, and red. To get a better look at all the options, please check the official Orient website.

The Orient Bambino Limited Edition 75th Anniversary

Let me start with the three-hander today. As said, its stainless steel case measures 40.5mm in diameter. The lugs span 46.5mm from tip to tip, and the watch is 12.3mm thick, including the domed mineral crystal. While the top of the lugs and the bezel feature a polished finish, the case flanks display horizontal brushing. The modest signed crown has a classic design and is of the push/pull variety. While the dial is indeed white, it also has a very subtle sunburst texture, which makes it come alive a little.

Marking each hour are either stamped Roman numerals or baton indexes with a rose gold finish, except at 3 o’clock because there’s a cutout for the date window there. The double chapter ring has a classic look and feel and features Arabic numerals at each five-minute interval. Below the 12 o’clock position is the Orient logo from the 1950s and the “Automatic” designation, similar to the “Water Resistant” text above 6 o’clock. It’s good to know that these watches are indeed water resistant, but they do have a limited 30m rating.

The sharp hands feature a blue coating that’s visible from any angle. Lastly, the watch comes on a beige leather strap with quick-release spring bars and a signed stainless steel pin buckle. As mentioned, this limited edition for the brand’s 75th anniversary is available in a production run of 9,500 pieces.

The Orient Bambino Sun & Moon Limited Edition 75th Anniversary

The second Bambino limited edition celebrating Orient’s 75th anniversary has a slightly larger case at 41.5mm wide. That bigger size accommodates the two additional complications that you can find right at the center of the dial. Therefore, the lug-to-lug is a little longer at 47mm, and the case is slightly thicker at 14.2mm. The stainless steel case has the same type of finishing as the smaller model. It also has the same dial style with a white base, a mix of stamped Roman numerals and batons with a layer of rose gold, and a date window at 3 o’clock. Indicating the time is the same set of hands with the characteristic blue paint job.

At 10 o’clock, there’s a sub-dial for the weekday indicator. This sub-dial has a stepped design and a circular-grained pattern at its center. The second sub-dial between 4 and 5 o’clock seems like it’s attached to the dial with two screws (which I think is highly unlikely at this watch’s price point). This sub-dial has a circular-grained texture on its chapter ring, a sunburst texture at its center, and an animated and colorful Sun & Moon disc that indicates whether it’s day or night. This time, the Orient logo and “Automatic” text are in a decentered position at 2 o’clock.

This Orient Bambino Sun & Moon comes on the same beige leather strap as the three-hand version. As with that model, the exhibition case back will provide a good look at the in-house automatic movement inside. This version for the brand’s 75th anniversary is a limited edition of 5,500 pieces.

Powered by in-house movements

Powering the three-hand Bambino is the automatic Orient F6724 movement, while the Sun & Moon version runs on the automatic Orient F6B24. Both calibers run at a frequency of 21,600vph, feature 22 jewels, and hold a power reserve of 40 hours. While the movements themselves have very limited finishing, the rotor does feature a shallow engraving, including the company’s logo. The crystals in the case backs feature the 1950s Orient logo and “75th Anniversary” text, and the surrounding steel ring also indicates which of the 5,500 or 9,500 pieces you have.

On the wrist

I think it’s surprising that Orient went for the bigger 40.5mm size for the three-hand version of this 75th-anniversary limited edition as the more recent 38mm Bambino seems to be a big hit. Well, anyway, the 40.5mm version still impresses at its very competitive price point. When you wear the Orient Bambino, people can easily mistake it for something with a much higher price. The subtle sunburst effect on the off-white dials makes them look silky soft, and the slightly raised numerals with their rose gold color provide a nice visual accent. Plus, the beige suede strap matches the overall aesthetics very well and gives the watches a bit more of a casual look.

At €345 for the three-hander and €425 for the Sun & Moon, the Orient Bambino Limited Edition 75th Anniversary models are almost just as affordable as always. It’s impressive what Orient can offer for less than €500. Of course, the hands aren’t thermally blued, the indexes haven’t been applied, and the overall finishing is basic. However, for mechanical watches at this price point, I think it’s hard to find anything that can compete with the Orient Bambino. In the end, that’s why it’s such a big hit with young and novice watch enthusiasts.

What do you think of the new Orient Bambino Limited Edition 75th Anniversary models? Let me know in the comments below.