Note: There are a ton of 30% off codes for Orient floating about out there on the cyber/internets. Don’t feel obligated to use the one with our name on it. Find a better one? Awesome. Fire away.
Gatsby looks on a Nick Carraway budget. That’d be the Orient Bambino Version II. Now, with its 2nd generation upgrades, you’re getting a lot more bang for the buck in terms of the movement.
Got all that? It’s the 2nd generation of Version II. That’s a lot of dos/deux. Bottom line: Each is a nice step up from the previous, on both planes.
Let’s start with the style. It’s retro without being costumey. The domed crystal, roman numerals, sharp blue hands, and classic script/logo combine for a full blown rejection of the bulky and harsh-lined mass market watches of today. It’s like those other watches used a Pontiac Aztec as their style inspiration. This is more like something you’d see on Tommy Shelby’s wrist. (Y’know, after he transitioned from pocket watches?)
The 40.5mm case diameter is also a tip of the cap to the past, and is a graceful break from the clunky oversized watches of today (not that some of us don’t love a good sized chronograph). The Onion-shaped crown is a nice touch, and while the band isn’t super supple, it’s not stiff and crunchy either. Not that it needed any help, but the croc embossing helps anchor this thing as a dress watch, through and through.
Onto the upgrade for the movement. Orient has always been lauded for manufacturing their own movements. Many other watch brands are just the paint and siding on the house. Everyone else does the framing, electrical, and plumbing. Yet now, Orient has decided to upgrade the movements in many of their most popular watches. As opposed to the previous version, this particular model comes with a hacking and hand winding movement. And it’s the hand winding that appeals to a lot of us. If this is your main watch during the work week? No shaking of the case to get it going on Monday morning. You can create your own, purposeful habit around it each night. Give that crown a few spins, being careful to never overwind, and you’ll be ready to go whenever you decide to pick it up.
Available in four different colors. The white (which isn’t stark and leans more light, matte silver) seen here, a very retro looking cream, a silver with gold accents, or, a black dial with silver hands and indices.
Enter here to win the Orient Bambino 2nd Generation Version II silver dial shown above in this post. One entry per person. Deadline for entry is 11:59 pm ET 10/5/16. Thanks to Orient for sending along a Bambino with their upgraded movement for review and giveaway!
UPDATE: Congrats to A. Valko who won the drawing for the Orient Bambino!
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