Mechanical watches · owner-verdict comparison

Orient Bambino Version 2 vs Orient Bambino Version 7: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Orient Bambino Version 2: 92% of 91 owners recommend it, vs 81% of 16 for the Orient Bambino Version 7.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Orient Bambino Version 2

92%of 91 owners recommend
92% recommend · 3% neutral · 5% don't
Owners praise
  • Punches way above its price / incredible value for a dress watch
  • Domed crystal adds depth and makes the dial pop at an angle
  • Blued hands look stunning against the dial
Owners complain about
  • Mediocre, stiff stock leather strap that owners often replace
Full owner report →

Orient Bambino Version 7

81%of 16 owners recommend
81% recommend · 7% neutral · 12% don't
Owners praise
  • The 38mm size hits near-perfect dress-watch proportions on most wrists
  • Exceptional value, hard to beat for the price
  • Classic, classy dial that looks great and pairs with many straps
Owners complain about
  • The included stock strap is poor and most owners swap it
  • "Water resistant" printed on the dial annoys some on a dress watch
  • No sapphire crystal; the crystal feels soft and may scratch
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Orient Bambino Version 2 if
  • ✓First-time mechanical or dress watch buyers on a budget
  • ✓People needing an affordable suit or interview watch
  • ✓Value seekers wanting an in-house automatic with hacking
  • ✓Fans of domed-crystal, blue-hand vintage styling
Skip it if
  • Small wrists wanting a compact dress watch
  • Buyers unwilling to replace the stiff stock strap
Get the Orient Bambino Version 7 if
  • ✓Buyers wanting a properly sized 38mm dress watch
  • ✓Value seekers after clean, versatile styling
  • ✓Owners who like swapping straps to suit outfits
Skip it if
  • Those wanting a sapphire crystal
  • Buyers who dislike 'water resistant' text on the dial

What Orient Bambino Version 2 owners say

“Orient Bambino This was my very first mechanical watch! Will never get rid of it. I still wear it because I love the look of the dial. Wish it were a bit smaller though for a dress watch.”
— torpedo109 on Reddit
“The Bambino is a V2 Gen 2 white face with blue hands. I’ve owned two other versions of the Bambino (V1 and V4) but this one has definitely caught my eye more than the others. It wears smaller than my other Bambino’s and still has a subtle sunburst.”
— ohheyitsdeejay on Reddit
“I first purchased an [Orient 2nd Generation Bambino Version 2](https://www.amazon.com/Orient-Bambino-Japanese-Automatic-Stainless/dp/B01N45HWRM) based upon the great reviews the company gets on this subreddit and my fondness of the styling...but I was a bit underwhelmed when the watch arrived.”
— vaca2018throwaway on Reddit

What Orient Bambino Version 7 owners say

“Just bought a Bambino a little over a week ago and after watching this I still would have picked the Bambino, just a simple yet clean and elegant look!”
— @johnschuller2157 on YouTube
“it's so cool, I have to say”
— @peterpicard4028 on YouTube
“I have problem with my bambino glass, is very reflector Especially in dark dial”
— @radorano3992 on YouTube

Orient Bambino Version 2 vs Orient Bambino Version 7: frequently asked questions

Is the Orient Bambino Version 2 or the Orient Bambino Version 7 better?

Real owners lean toward the Orient Bambino Version 2: 92% of 91 owners recommend it, vs 81% of 16 for the Orient Bambino Version 7.

Who should get the Orient Bambino Version 2?

Owners point the Orient Bambino Version 2 at first-time mechanical or dress watch buyers on a budget, and people needing an affordable suit or interview watch.

Who should get the Orient Bambino Version 7?

Owners point the Orient Bambino Version 7 at buyers wanting a properly sized 38mm dress watch, and value seekers after clean, versatile styling.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Orient Bambino Version 2 is mediocre, stiff stock leather strap that owners often replace. For the Orient Bambino Version 7, it's the included stock strap is poor and most owners swap it.