Orient Bambino: The Ultimate Guide to All Models

Everything you need to know about the Orient Bambino: history, versions and complete guide

The Orient Bambino is one of the most popular Japanese dress watches in the world. Born in the early 2010s, it has established itself thanks to its retro domed glass , its luxurious design and a very affordable price for an automatic watch. Today, the Bambino is a true cult collection , available in several generations and complications, and still available on PSB Watches in authentic versions with international guarantee.

We will see why this collection is probably one of the biggest competitors to iconic series like the Seiko 5, for a budget of €150 to €250.

The origins of the Bambino

Launched around 2012 , the Bambino embodies Orient's desire to offer an elegant and affordable dress watch . Its name, “Bambino” (meaning “child” in Italian), evokes a watch designed to appeal to a new generation of enthusiasts. From the outset, it was distinguished by three elements that have become its signature: a domed glass , understated dials and unbeatable value for money .

The different versions of the Orient Bambino

Since its launch, the Orient Bambino has established itself as a benchmark for affordable dress watches. It has gone through several generations, identified as V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 and V7 . Each version retains the Bambino's hallmarks—the domed glass , elegant steel case and classic design —but is distinguished by aesthetic and technical details that appeal to different types of watch enthusiasts. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the specifics of each version.

Version 1 (V1) — Classic style with Roman numerals

The V1 is the most traditional Bambino. Its dial features large Roman numerals , a railway minute track , and leaf-shaped hands, reminiscent of 1950s dress watches. The date is placed at 3 o'clock, and the transparent caseback sometimes allows the movement to be seen. This version best embodies the retro spirit of the Bambino, ideal for those looking for an elegant and timeless watch.

Version 2 (V2) — Contemporary sobriety

The Bambino V2 adopts a more modern style with long Roman numeral indexes and dauphine hands . The dial is refined, more readable and less cluttered than that of the V1. It is a version that is perfectly suited to lovers of discreet minimalism, a watch easy to wear every day, whether with a suit or in a more casual setting.

Version 3 (V3) — Assertive Minimalism

With the V3 , Orient takes minimalism even further. The indexes become shorter, the dials more open, and the hands adopt a simple, straight style. The V3 is similar to some contemporary watches with a sleek design. It retains the charm of domed glass but offers a more modern interpretation, which attracts a younger clientele who favor extreme sobriety.

Version 4 (V4) — Colorful Audacity

The Bambino V4 introduces bolder variations. Some models feature textured dials or colorful details , such as blue or gold hands. This version retains the elegance of the Bambino but adds a touch of originality. It appeals to those who want a dress watch that breaks the mold a little, without tipping into eccentricity.

Version 5 (V5) — The return of retro style

The V5 incorporates elements inspired by the first generations, but with more refined finishes. The indexes are often applied with more relief, the dials feature sunburst reflections, and the proportions are better balanced. It embodies an Oriental desire to return to a revisited vintage aesthetic , in line with the trend for classic dress watches.

Version 6 (V6) — Opening up to more modern dials

With the V6 , Orient offers dials that combine tradition and modernity: light or dark backgrounds, sometimes textured, with more refined indexes. This version remains faithful to the Bambino spirit but diversifies the aesthetic possibilities. It is often chosen by those looking for a dressy but versatile watch, suitable for different clothing styles.

Version 7 (V7) — The compact format

The Bambino V7 marks a turning point: it adopts a reduced diameter of 38.4 mm , compared to 40.5 mm for the previous versions. This more contained size appeals to those who prefer discreet and comfortable watches on the wrist. Aesthetically, the V7 takes up the classic style of the Bambino, but its format makes it a model particularly appreciated in Western markets, where the trend is towards more compact watches.

Bambino Small Seconds — The Vintage Nod

The Small Seconds moves the second hand to a subdial at 6 o'clock , reminiscent of vintage watches. It keeps the date and remains elegant, but this small detail completely changes its look. It is one of the most popular versions among lovers of authentic retro style.

Bambino Open Heart — Mechanics highlighted

The Open Heart introduces an opening in the dial, often placed at 9 o'clock, which reveals the automatic movement. This choice gives the Bambino a contemporary touch and will appeal to those who enjoy observing the mechanics in action. It thus combines classic elegance with horological fascination.

Bambino Sun & Moon — Day/Night Display

Often mistakenly called a “moon phase,” the Sun & Moon actually displays an alternating day/night display with sun and moon motifs. More poetic than technical, this complication adds real originality to the Bambino. With its detailed dial and sub-dials, it is aimed at enthusiasts who want a dressy but visually richer watch. A Sun & Moon version was even launched in the 75th anniversary limited collection.

Bambino Solar Quartz — Tradition and innovation

Finally, the family has recently been enriched with the Bambino Solar Quartz . These models use a solar caliber VS213 , which recharges with light and offers up to 12 months of autonomy. The advantage is clear: the classic Bambino design, but without the hassle of regular maintenance. Among them, the limited edition RA-WK0006S launched for the 75th anniversary in 2025 is the rarest, with only 750 numbered pieces , a white dial without date and blued hands. It perfectly illustrates the alliance between watchmaking heritage and modernity.

Chronology of the Orient Bambino (2012 – 2025)

For over ten years, the Bambino has become the most iconic dress watch from the Orient. Here are the major milestones in its evolution, year after year.

• 2012 — Launch of the first Bambino V1 : classic dial with Roman numerals, railway minute track and leaf hands. An immediate success thanks to its retro style and affordable price.
• 2013 — Arrival of the V2 : elongated baton indexes and dauphine hands, more understated and contemporary. It expands the range to a more modern audience.
• 2014 — Release of V3 : minimalist design with short indexes and a very clear dial, geared towards a refined aesthetic.
• 2016 — Introduction of V4 : the most daring, with textured dials, color variations and original details (colored hands, sunburst backgrounds).
• 2016 – 2017 — Gradual transition to the F6724 caliber (hacking + manual winding), modernizing the entire range compared to the old caliber 48743.
• 2017 – 2018 — Open Heart version: dial opening at 9 o’clock revealing the automatic movement (caliber F6T22).
• 2018 — Arrival of the Small Seconds : offset second hand in a sub-dial at 6 o'clock, inspired by vintage watches.
• 2019 — Launch of the Sun & Moon (day/night), also called "Bambino Moon Phase," with a sub-dial illustrating the day/night cycle. A poetic yet affordable complication.
• 2020 – 2021 — Continuous improvement of the automatic calibers and expansion of the variations; arrival of the V5 and V6 , which revisit the Bambino style with more refined finishes and modernized dials.
• 2021 — Introduction of the V7 , with a reduced diameter (38.4 mm instead of 40.5 mm). A more compact format, very popular in the West.
• 2022 – 2023 — Diversification of colors and dials in all Bambino ranges (V1 to V7, Small Seconds, Open Heart).
• 2025 — Orient’s 75th anniversary year: launch of the Bambino Solar Quartz RA-WK0006S , limited to 750 numbered pieces, as well as special editions Sun & Moon and Classic & Simple Style . A major milestone that places the Bambino in Orient’s long history.

This timeline shows how Orient has evolved the Bambino while retaining its original codes—domed glass, classic elegance, and accessibility—while enriching it with new versions, sizes, and complications.

All references in the collection

Not sure which version to choose? Find below all the models known to date, classified by reference:

RA-AC0021L30B:

RA-AC0022S10B:

RA-AC0023E30B:

RA-AC0024L30B:

RA-AC0025N30B:

RA-AC0026R30B:

RA-AC0027S30B:

RA-AC0M01S30B:

RA-AC0M02B30B:

RA-AC0M03S30B:

RA-AC0M04Y30B:

RA-AC0M05G:

RA-AC0M06L:

RA-AC0M07N:

RA-AC0M08Y:

RA-AC0M09E30B:

RA-AC0M10L30B:

RA-AC0M11Y30B:

RA-AC0M12L:

RA-AC0M13N:

RA-AC0M14L30B:

RA-AC0M15Y30B:

RA-AC0M16S30B:

RA-AC0P01E10B:

RA-AC0P02L10B:

RA-AC0P03L30B:

RA-AC0P04Y10B:

RA-AK0702Y30B:

RA-AK0703E:

RA-AK0704N30B:

RA-AK0804Y30B:

RA-AK0805E30B:

RA-AK0806L30B:

RA-AK0807R30B:

RA-WK0001S10B:

RA-WK0002E10B:

RA-WK0003G10B:

RA-WK0004L10B:

RA-WK0005P10B:

RA-WK0006S10B:

TAC00001B0:

TAC00002W0:

TAC00003W0:

TAC00004B0:

TAC00005W0:

TAC00007W0:

TAC00008W0:

TAC00009W0:

TAC0000AB0:

TAC08004D0:

Find the Bambino collection on PSB Watches

At PSB Watches , we offer the entire Orient Bambino collection: from the first V1 and V2 generations to the more recent 38 mm or Solar Quartz models, not forgetting special editions such as the Small Seconds , Open Heart or Sun & Moon . Each watch is 100% authentic and covered by the Orient international guarantee. Find below the complete list of models with their photos and detailed descriptions.

FAQ — Orient Bambino