Orient Bambino Version 7

Orient introduces a significant update to its celebrated Bambino collection with this seventh-generation model, now presented in a more universally wearable 38.4mm case. This sizing adjustment answers a long-standing request from enthusiasts for a smaller dress watch, making the Bambino's classic design accessible to a wider variety of wrist sizes and preferences. The watch maintains its core identity while embracing a proportion that feels both vintage and contemporary.

The dial is the centrepiece of this new design, rendered in a deep sunburst green that shifts with the light. Simple, polished bar indices and slender dauphine hands provide excellent legibility and contribute to a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. Overlying it all is a domed mineral crystal, a signature feature of the Bambino line that creates beautiful, warm distortions at the edges and enhances the watch's mid-century character.

Driving the timepiece is Orient's in-house Calibre F6724. This automatic movement is a known workhorse, offering the modern conveniences of both hacking seconds and hand-winding capabilities.

The Bambino has long been a default recommendation for an entry-level automatic, and this 38mm version only strengthens its position. It directly addresses the market's shift toward smaller case sizes, offering a fit that will suit many who found the prior 40mm-plus models too large. The inclusion of the in-house F6724 automatic movement provides a legitimate mechanical foundation that is difficult to find at this price point.

The standout feature is the overall harmony of the design. The sunburst green dial provides a strong dial colour proposition, paired effectively with the clean indices and hands. The 38.4mm stainless steel case, with its polished surfaces and compact lugs, hits a sweet spot for a daily dress piece. It feels considered and well-proportioned on the wrist, delivering an aesthetic that punches far above its weight.

Of course, reaching this accessible price requires some practical trade-offs. The signature domed crystal is mineral glass, not sapphire, meaning it will be more susceptible to scratches than more expensive alternatives. Similarly, the water resistance is specified to only 30 meters, which is adequate for daily hazards like hand washing but means the watch should be kept away from any form of submersion. These are standard compromises in this category.

For the new collector or anyone seeking a handsome, reliable, and affordable mechanical watch, the RA-AC0M09E30B is a superb choice. The compromises are logical for its intended purpose as a dress-oriented piece. With a standard 20.0 mm lug width, it also serves as a great platform for exploring different strap options, further enhancing its versatility.