The Orient Bambino occupies a near-legendary status. For years, it has reigned supreme as arguably the finest ultra-affordable dress watch available, simultaneously serving as a beloved entry point for newcomers discovering the intricate world of mechanical horology.  

As the Bambino’s popularity has steadily climbed, Orient has thoughtfully refined the collection. Earlier enhancements included introducing a slimmer profile and a variant featuring a small seconds complication. Now, however, Orient has unveiled perhaps the most significant evolution yet: a Bambino consciously shedding its purely formal roots to embrace everyday versatility.

This latest iteration emerges as the most casual and sporty Bambino to date. While retaining the contemporary, wearable 38mm case diameter favoured in recent models, the transformation is most evident in its attire. Gone are the leather and mesh straps of its dressier siblings. In their place sits a substantial, well-crafted three-link stainless steel bracelet, secured with a reassuring dual push-button clasp. This robust bracelet fundamentally shifts the watch’s character away from formal occasions.

Complementing this sportier foundation are three exceptionally clean dials, finished with elegant sunburst effects in versatile, contemporary hues: a deep green, a rich blue, and a warm copper. Each dial is uncluttered, free from Roman numerals or intricate patterns. Instead, slender applied hour markers catch the light, paired with sharp, polished dauphine hands. This dedication to pure, legible simplicity makes the watch effortlessly adaptable, a true chameleon ready for daily tasks.  

The core mechanics remain familiar Bambino strengths. The domed mineral crystal provides classic charm, while beneath the surface, the reliable Orient Calibre F6724 automatic movement ticks away. Offering a useful date complication and a 40-hour power reserve, the movement’s workings can be admired through the exhibition case back – a delightful detail often missing at this price point. Regrettably, the water resistance rating also remains unchanged at a modest 30 meters, a specification more befitting a traditional dress watch than this new, more robust incarnation.

Stylistically, this reinterpreted Bambino presents an extraordinarily compelling proposition for its approximate $300 price. Its clean lines and integrated steel bracelet evoke the spirit of popular “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” (GADA) watches from the luxury segment, drawing comparisons to icons like the replica Rolex Oyster Perpetual and, more pointedly, the refreshed Longines Conquest. It possesses a quiet confidence that transcends specific occasions.

The single factor preventing this new Orient from claiming true GADA status outright is its limited water resistance. Thirty meters offers protection against splashes and rain but falls short for swimming or significant water exposure – an expectation for a genuine sports watch. Should Orient ever release a version boasting 100 meters of water resistance, it would be a near-perfect affordable all-rounder. Nevertheless, for those whose daily lives don’t involve frequent immersion, this Bambino variant stands as a remarkably attractive and versatile mechanical watch.

This new casual Bambino isn’t formally listed for the U.S. market. However, American enthusiasts can procure it through select European retailers, such as the Netherlands-based Serious Watches. Priced at €319 (approximately $299 USD), it represents astonishing value, costing roughly one-seventh the price of its stylistic cousin, the Longines Conquest. This accessibility, combined with its newfound versatility, cements its position as a standout offering in the world of affordable mechanical watches.