STOCK Alert: Orient Bambino “Vintage” V2 Small Seconds

Orient Bambino Version 2 Small Seconds 38.4mm – $280 – $295

(Top and bottom images via Orient Watch’s Instagram)

One of the most anticipated affordable wristwatch releases in recent memory has happened. Now available on the U.S. e-commerce site for Orient Watch Company, The Bambino V2 Small Seconds is like a mash-up of the old 40mm Bambino Vintage-style + the original Small Seconds… and then sized down to the new, popular, 38.4mm diameter as demonstrated on the Bambino 38.

• White dial RA-AP0104S – $280
• Champagne dial RA-AP0105Y – $280
• Gold Tone RA-AP0106S30B – $295
• Black dial RA-AP0101B – $280

Automatic (with hand winding) in-house calibre F6222 movement. 40-hour power reserve. Exhibition case-back. Blue hands on the white and champagne dial option, whereas the black dial’s main handset is silver, but retains the blue hands for the small-seconds sub-dial. 21mm lug width is a bit maddening as it’s not a standard 20mm… but that’s not unusual for Orient. And with the internet being what it is, it’s not like it’s impossible to find 21mm after-market watch bands, if you so desire.

Return policy is here. Read it carefully, as the brand reserves the right to assess a 20% restocking fee if the thing doesn’t come back in mint condition. A 20% restocking fee would work out to $56 for one of these new Bambinos in the regular (non-gold-tone) stainless steel case, AND you’re on the hook for paying for and facilitating the return shipping.

It could be a while before these trickle down to Amazon, where they usually end up on sale and shipping/returns are faster and easer.

We’ve got one on the way for a full review, but in the meantime here’s our recent review of the regular Orient Bambino 38mm.

That’s all.

Carry on.