It's the end of March 2020, during the first lockdown. I wanted to treat myself during this strange period.
The Seiko SARB033 had already been on my mind for a few months, but since the watch has not been on sale since 2018 (and even then, it was only in Japan), I didn't dare take the plunge.
Finally, I overcame my reluctance and had to heat up the credit card and ordered a new SARB033 from Long Island Watches for €400. It will arrive on April 20, 2020, accompanied by customs fees that I had not anticipated :)
The frustration of the customs fees was quickly faded and replaced by real satisfaction. The 38mm black dial is beautiful, the dauphine hands add a "dressy" touch, the date window is well integrated, the applied indexes are successful, in short, all good.

It is also comfortable to wear because of its contained dimensions, perfect for my very thin wrist (15cm) and fits perfectly under shirt sleeves.
The steel bracelet does the job but after a few months, I replaced it with leather straps, this watch being a real "strap monster". I have the impression that everything goes with this watch.

On the technical side, the watch is equipped with a 6R15 movement which I believe has a 50h power reserve which is not bad for the price.
In addition, the watch is waterproof up to 100m which gives it a real "everyday watch" side even if I would not go into the sea with it.
Then, the watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal which adds robustness to it.

In the end, I love this watch even if in 2025, I wear it less since my collection has grown a lot since then (it was my 5th watch in 2020 now I have 15). But every time I put it back on, always the same pleasure and the feeling of rediscovering it, especially when changing straps.

My Seiko SARB033: a superb “everyday watch”

As a member of the brotherhood of chicken wrists (15cm), I always looked at the Orient Bambino from afar because of their 40.5mm diameter. However, at the end of 2024, Orient is releasing a 38mm bambino with a pink/salmon dial. I fell for it straight away without even trying it on.
After a few weeks of wearing it, I'm not disappointed at all. For around €300, it's a very well-made automatic watch that makes a nice impression with its pink sunray dial.
The domed glass gives an appreciable vintage touch. The watch is sold on a steel bracelet but I find it more relevant on a leather strap.
Nothing to report on the movement, it does the job (just a bit noisy if you shake the watch)

In summary, for around €300, I think we have a very nice dress watch.

A little non-guilty pleasure

The Orient brand was created in 1951 by Shogoro Yoshida in Japan. It all began in 1901 when the founder opened a watch boutique in the Ueno commercial district of Tokyo. For 50 years, it was able to take advantage of an expanding market and expand to the point of offering its own models. It was only in 1950 that he founded the &ldquo;Tama Keiki Co&rdquo; factory in the town of Hino. The original name of the company was quickly changed to accompany the release of their first model, the Orient Star, in 1951.
The name of the brand comes from the Latin Oriri which means to be born, to rise, to rise. Orient offers high quality, precise watches with unbeatable value for money. It is also known as one of the world's main manufacturers of mechanical watches in volumes.
The range includes models like the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/orient/mako_iii_kamasu"> Orient Mako III Kamasu</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/orient/bambino_1"> Orient Bambino 1</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/orient/mako"> Orient Mako</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/orient/flight"> Orient Flight</a> and the Orient King Star.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Orient watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Orient watches sold on the brand's website are changing between &euro;179 and &euro;1,350 depending on the models and finishes. Count &euro;245 for an Orient Bambino 2 and &euro;449 for an Orient Mechanical Sports.
Orient is owned by Seiko Epson Corporation and produces approximately 2 million watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Orient that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Check out the <a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_japanese_watch_brands">Ranking of the best japanese watch brands</a>, including Orient.
(Updated December 2023)
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Orient Bambino auto 38.4 mm diameter copper(?)/salmon(?) dial... I was looking for this dial color on a watch with a contained diameter. Several choices at several prices obviously. Knowing the brand, I had no hesitation when I saw this model. Very pretty and very readable despite light tones. A very classic and problem-free model. The only problem is the poor quality of the metal bracelet which is not very comfortable. Not being a fan of this system, I ordered a black leather one which will suit it very well...and me too.

I know you love it...

La marque Ollech &amp; Wajs a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en 1956 par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.
La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.
Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions. Comptez CHF 1,456 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de CHF 2,300 pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.
Ollech &amp; Wajs est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;les avis clients Dialicious sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.
Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.
(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)

The brand Ollech &amp; Wajs was created in 1956 by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.
The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.
After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes. Expect to pay CHF 1,456 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to CHF 2,300 for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.
Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, Dialicious owners' reviews are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.
Consult the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.
(Updated October 2024)

L'Orient Bambino 38 is an iconic dress watch from the Japanese brand Orient, recognized for its timeless elegance and excellent value for money. This version, featuring a 38.4mm case diameter, meets the expectations of watch enthusiasts looking for a more traditionally sized watch, suitable for a variety of wrists.
<h2 dir="ltr">Design and Aesthetics</h2>
The 316L stainless steel case of the Orient Bambino 38 is exquisitely finished, with polished and brushed surfaces that reflect light subtly. The diameter of 38.4 mm, combined with a thickness of 12.5 mm, offers harmonious proportions, ideal for those who prefer a moderately sized watch. The domed mineral glass, a distinctive feature of the Bambino series, adds a vintage touch while effectively protecting the dial.
The dial, available in several colors such as black, white, beige and green, is adorned with a sunburst finish which catches the light and provides visual depth. The applied stick-shaped indexes, combined with the dauphine hands, reinforce the classic aesthetic of the watch. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, providing additional functionality without compromising the balance of the design.
<h2 dir="ltr">Movement and Performance</h2>
At the heart of the Orient Bambino 38 is the in-house caliber F6724, a reliable and precise Japanese automatic movement. This caliber offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz). It also has the manual winding function and stop seconds, allowing precise time synchronization. The transparent case back allows you to admire the movement in action, adding an appreciable dimension for watch enthusiasts.
<h2 dir="ltr">Bracelet and Confort</h2>
The Orient Bambino 38 is offered with different strap types to suit individual preferences. Models with genuine leather straps, often alligator-embossed, offer a touch of classic elegance and optimal comfort on the wrist. The leather strap features a traditional pin buckle, ensuring a secure fit. Other variants are fitted with a three-link stainless steel bracelet, giving the watch a more contemporary look and increased versatility. The standard 20mm lug makes it easy to change straps, allowing customization for occasions and styles.
<h2 dir="ltr">Features and Waterproofing</h2>
In addition to displaying the time and date, the Orient Bambino 38 is designed to withstand splashes and occasional exposure to water, with a water resistance rating of 3 ATM (30 meters). Although not intended for swimming or diving, this waterproofing provides sufficient protection for everyday use.
<h2 dir="ltr">Variants and Customization</h2>
Orient offers the Orient Bambino 38 in several variations to satisfy a wide range of tastes. The dials come in different colors, including black, white, beige, and green, each offering a unique aesthetic. Leather straps come in various shades, while models with stainless steel bracelets feature a brushed and polished finish. This diversity allows users to choose the combination that best suits their personal style.
<h2 dir="ltr">Value for money</h2>
One of the major assets of the Orient Bambino 38 is its exceptional value for money. Offered at a competitive price, it offers features often reserved for higher-end watches, such as the in-house automatic movement, curved glass and careful finishes. This financial accessibility, combined with recognized manufacturing quality, makes the Orient Bambino 38 a preferred choice for dress watch enthusiasts looking for an elegant and reliable piece.
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
The Orient Bambino 38 embodies the essence of the classic dress watch, with dimensions tailored to contemporary preferences. Its refined design, its quality automatic movement and its diversity of variations make it an essential piece for those who appreciate traditional watchmaking without compromising on modernity. Whether for a formal occasion or daily use, the Orient Bambino 38 offers timeless elegance that will appeal to enthusiasts and novices alike.
With Dialicious, you benefit from genuine owners&rsquo; reviews to choose the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/orient">Orient watch</a> which suits you best. Other Orient models of the same style satisfy many lovers of the brand, such as the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/orient/bambino_1">Orient Bambino 1</a> or the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/orient/bambino_2">Orient Bambino 2</a>.
Orient is one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_japanese_watch_brands">most popular japanese watch brands</a>.
(Updated December 2024)

Orient Bambino 38 Owner Review : Small, classy and chic

A little non-guilty pleasure

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Orient Bambino 38 Owner Review : Small, classy and chic

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Pros & Cons for this watch

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YOU ARE :

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Customize your Orient with our selection of accessories:

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