I Tested the Orient Bambino 38mm — Is It Still Worth Buying in 2026?

The Orient Bambino 38mm is one of the most talked-about budget dress watches in recent years. With its classic domed crystal, in-house automatic movement, and elegant design, many enthusiasts consider it the best affordable dress watch under $200. But is the Bambino 38mm actually worth buying in 2026?

In this hands-on review, we’ll look at the design, movement, size comparison with older Bambino models, and whether this watch truly deserves its reputation.

The Bambino dress watches are from the Japanese company Orient, a brand well known among watch enthusiasts for producing affordable automatic watches with in-house movements. They have been a huge hit for more than a decade.

These shiny timepieces normally cost between $100 and $200, which places them firmly in the affordable automatic watch category. Each combines a rare, sophisticated look with an easy, favorable price point that makes them extremely appealing to first-time mechanical watch buyers.

Even though they lack luxury features and the finest finishing when viewed on a larger scale, they easily outperform their modest price tag. A tight budget and watches that are as elegant as they can be? Those two cannot usually go side-by-side, right?

It often seems that movie stars and celebrities who get a lot of attention also have a lot of money. Naturally, they wear watches that cost thousands of dollars.

But watches like the Orient Bambino 38mm challenge that idea by offering a classic dress watch look at a fraction of the price.

Bambino 38mm Release

After years of producing Bambino models mainly around 40mm–42mm, Orient finally responded to enthusiast demand for a smaller dress watch. A 36mm model was released in 2020, known by enthusiasts as the “5S.”

However, it was extremely difficult to find. From the start, it was out of stock at most retailers. The few available units were sold at noticeably higher prices. When even eBay sellers struggled to source them, it was clear how serious the demand was.

The pandemic may have played a role, or perhaps the hype simply overtook supply. Either way, many buyers eventually gave up as the excitement faded.

Then, unexpectedly, an email landed in my friend’s inbox. It was from TUS Watches, a well-known UK retailer that specializes in Orient watches. This time, buyers were being told to get ready because a 38mm Bambino was finally on the way.

For many watch enthusiasts, 38mm is considered the sweet spot for dress watches, offering a classic vintage size while still fitting modern wrist preferences.

Colour Options

TUS Watches initially offered two versions:

• White dial

• Cream dial

For simplicity, I’ll refer to the white dial as 3S and the cream dial as 4Y, based on their internal reference codes. Both versions keep the classic Bambino aesthetic, which includes a domed crystal, minimalist dial layout, and elegant dress-watch styling.

Bambino 38 mm vs old Bambino models

I only have the 38mm Bambino. For the comparison, I need the old models of Bambino as well. I’m not so rich that I’ll buy the other models of the Orient Bambino.

Then I remembered that my friend is a huge fan of Orient watches. So, I asked him to bring his previous 41mm Bambino, along with a 41mm Bambino V3.

Appearance

I have to admit that their profiles are a little different from what I expected. These more recent models are 12.5mm thick, which makes them look slightly thicker than earlier Bambino versions.

I like slim watches, especially dress watches. But I have to say that older Bambinos have always looked a little too top-heavy when viewed from the side.

When combined with the very thin case, the huge domed crystal may feel a little exaggerated. As a result, the 38mm models have a more balanced appearance, especially on wrists under 7 inches.

I will always be happy to pay for a watch that already looks amazing to look even better.

Watch Crystal 

This time, the material used is mineral crystal, which is the kind of glass that most affordable watch brands still use. However, consumer expectations have changed since the Bambino was first released in 2012.

It would have been nice to see a sapphire crystal, which is far more scratch-resistant. Yet adding sapphire would likely increase the cost significantly. Orient may not want to take that step across all Bambino models just yet.

The domed crystal, however, remains one of the signature features of the Bambino lineup and contributes heavily to its vintage dress watch aesthetic.

Lug-to-Lug

This time around, the lug-to-lug distance has reduced from 46.5mm to 44mm, which makes the watch much easier to wear. Reducing this measurement significantly lowers the possibility of the watch overhanging smaller wrists. If you’re looking for a compact dress watch, those lugs shouldn’t be a problem even for people with smaller wrists.

Dial Design

From a design standpoint, the new models feel like mini versions of the Bambino V4, with similar hands and markers. However, the colourways take inspiration from the V1 and V3 Bambino models. The overall setup, along with the conical crown, gives the Bambino 38mm lineup a classic, elegant, and straightforward appearance.

The “white” 3S has a dial with a sunburst pattern, which reflects light beautifully. It’s not the most readable dial because the hands and markers are also silver. However, the result is a clean monochrome look that pairs well with formal outfits.

I would, without any doubt, buy this one if I were choosing a Bambino. I also asked to look at the 4Y cream version, because many watch brands use stock images that don’t represent the dial colour accurately.

The hands, which appear to be dark navy in real life, are not as bright as they appear in the product photos. Additionally, instead of pure cream, the dial appears slightly off-white with a subtle greenish tint in certain lighting conditions.

This version has a matte finish, which gives it a vintage look. While it still looks nice, it feels a little more basic compared to the sunburst version. Black and white/gold are two additional colours that are currently available.

It will be interesting to see whether Orient plans to expand the Bambino 38mm lineup with more dial variations in the future.

Watch Strap

I am glad that these 38mm options avoid a few of the flaws seen in older Bambino models. The lug width is a strap-friendly 20mm, which is a very common size. This opens up a huge world of aftermarket strap options, including leather straps, suede straps, and even Milanese bracelets.

From a visual standpoint, both straps match the theme very well. The cream dial version comes with a brown crocodile-pattern leather strap, which complements the dial nicely.

However, the quality of the strap is only acceptable at best. They feel somewhat plasticky in hand. Still, this is very common for watches in this price range.

Many owners eventually replace the stock strap with a higher-quality leather strap, which instantly improves the overall feel of the watch.

Case Finishing

Aside from that, the case finishing is similar to previous Bambino models.It is perfectly acceptable for the price but not exceptional.

Some modern Chinese microbrands may offer slightly better finishing at similar prices, but the Bambino still looks elegant on the wrist.

Movement

Although the majority of Orient’s watches, including these, are built in China. All their movements are still manufactured by Orient themselves in Japan. 

This a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As it is at a cost where most brands outsource these to save money. 

There is 22-jewel F6724 automatic movement in these 38mm watches. The same movement is also found in the larger V5 Bambino. 

This movement gives the hand a reasonable sweeping motion. It looks more elegant than a quartz watch.

In theory, performance is comparable to that of the common Miyota 8000 or Seiko NH series. In actual use, I would choose this Orient over the Miyota at least.

It uses the same movement as the Bambino V3. But this one has a quieter, lower-pitched rotor that is also quieter. 

Because there is a visible difference. Orient may have changed the mechanism in some way.

Because there isn’t much information about this caliber. I decided to put one of the new watches on the time graph to see how accurate it was. 

Oh my God, it scored a crazy accuracy of between -1 and 0 seconds per day!

That is amazing for an automatic watch of any price. Let alone one on the budget side. Out of curiosity, I checked the white version right away.

Guess what, it turned out to be the same story. When Orient is offering this for pennies, who need a chronometer?

The addition of the exhibition rear to the new Bambino is a nice touch. As it lets you see this impressive automatic in action. Even though it only has a custom Orient rotor and no other decorations. 

The window still adds some style. When compared to the sealed snap-back rear on the previous watches. 

Although the Bambino is better suited to the meeting room than the beach. Its mere 3ATM splash resistance rating is hardly a flaw.

Bambino 38 mm vs Old Bambino model : RESEMBLANCE 

Despite this, I couldn’t help but recall the 38mm “Bambino Killer” that I talked about on the blog in March 2021. In many ways, that watch was very much like the Bambino, so which one should you get out of the two?

On paper, the decision is clear. The same stainless steel was used to make that open-heart watch. 

It also came with a solid-link steel bracelet, a better sapphire crystal, and standard lugs. Unlike the previous Bambinos, and has better water resistance.

Despite this, I’m much more interested in this new release.

While the open-heart model still felt more like an entry-level piece due to its less finishing. Less appealing dial, this one feels like it is punching above its weight class on the wrist.

The last mentioned is becoming increasingly difficult to get. Its prices are higher than when I saw it, making it less appealing.

Bambino 38 mm vs Old Bambino models: PRICE 

While we’re on the subject, let’s discuss this Bambino 38mm pricing. It currently costs much more to buy than the older models. 

Even though some sites are charging closer to $300 for this one. TUS Watches has the best price I’ve seen at £176, or over $200. 

I’m not sure if this is a case of early supply and demand or if Orient is following in the footsteps of Seiko. Orient is attempting to move upmarket with higher RRPs. 

In any case, the Orient Bambino 38 mm is more affordable than the mysterious 5S. Which has only recently returned to some stores after a two-year of being absent!

Conclusion on Bambino 38mm

After comparing the Bambino 38 mm with the other Old Bambino models. I have to say that Bambino 38 mm is the best.

From the watch glass to the bracelet. This watch by Orient has a lot more than the old models of Bambino.

If you think a 41mm Bambino will fit you as well, you should save some money and get one. Except for the price increase. According to me, the small changes make this the new go-to entry-level dress watch.