Orient Bambino IV (Version 4) fac08003a0 Review & Guide
Orient is a watch brand that is known for making high-quality timepieces at affordable prices – watches that offer great value for money. And they particularly appeal to watch enthusiasts as many of them use mechanical movements.
In this article, we are looking closer at the Orient Bambino Version 4 (or versioN IV) reference fac08003a0.
The Orient Bambino IV fac08003a0 is a sleek and elegant watch that combines formality and elegance with versatility. Whilst it, in terms of design, leans more towards an elegant style, it is popular amongst wearers for everyday wear too. It is powered by an automatic mechanical movement and has a beautiful, timeless design.
Orient Bambino IV fac08003a0 case
The watch is presented with a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41.5mm and a thickness of 11.8mm. The lug to lug is 49mm and this is an important yet often neglected measurement since it has a great effect on how the watch sits on the wrist.
When it comes to the case design, there’s not much that stands out from the ordinary. It has a thin polished bezel and short, slim lugs which put most of the focus on the dial. Due to the simple and clean case design, it’s evident that Orient sees the case as a complement to the dial rather than the star of the show. To go with the formal theme of this watch, the lugs also have an elegant, curved shape. To finish it off, there is a crown at the 3 o’clock position which is slightly oversized and onion-shaped. The crown finishes off the case beautifully but also at the same time makes it easier to adjust and set the time.
On top of the case sits a domed mineral crystal. The use of a domed crystal is a really nice touch by Orient as it contributes to a more classic, vintage-style look.
For the newer generation Bambino, Orient changed the lug width from 21mm to 22mm. This is a nice upgrade since finding straps that are 21mm isn’t always easy, and 22mm is much more common.
The water resistance of this timepiece is 30m. This is not much to brag about, but we wouldn’t expect more from it either. In practice, it means that it is splash-proof, but you don’t go swimming with a dress watch like this anyway.
Orient Bambino IV fac08003a0 dial
Orient has made this dial clean yet elegant to go with its purpose, but without compromising on attention to detail. And if you look closely, you’ll be able to notice the great attention to detail that this dial offers – especially considering its affordable price.
The Orient Bambino IV fac08003a0 is presented with a grey sunburst dial with applied rose gold markers. Thanks to the brushing of the dial, it reflects the light beautifully when the sunlight hits it, yet still remains discreet and classy at all times. The applied rose gold hour markers add another dimension of elegance with their beveled shape, and also create more depth. At 3 o’clock, it also has a date window which can be convenient to have in this type of timepiece.
What this watch doesn’t have is luminescence. Whilst this is a downside in low-lit conditions, this watch is primarily made as a dress watch – and most dress watches don’t incorporate luminescence in favor of a cleaner design. Plus, on most formal occasions, you won’t have much use for luminescence anyways.
In my view, the rose gold hands and markers blend very well together with the dial – despite the fact that the case is made of stainless steel. Sometimes, gold markers on a watch with a steel case can look a bit odd, but in the fac08003a0, Orient has nailed the execution perfectly. The result is a rather nice combination of versatility and elegance – which is an important reason why this watch is surprisingly versatile, despite being intended as a dress watch.
Orient Bambino fac08003a0 movement
This Bambino Version 4 is an upgrade to the predecessor, and one of the key updates is the use of the new automatic in-house Orient Caliber F67 movement. Considering the price of this watch, this automatic movement offers impressive performance. The movement has hacking seconds and hand-winding functions – two functions that are rarely found in affordable automatic watches. Furthermore, the movement has a power reserve of 40 hours.
Specifications
- Crystal: domed mineral
- Movement: Automatic caliber F6724
- Power reserve: 40 hours
- Diameter: 41.5mm
- Thickness: 11.8mm
- Lug width. 22mm
- Lug to lug: 49mm
- Water resistance: 30m
- Crown: push/pull
Conclusion
All in all, we can conclude that the Orient Orient Bambino Version 4 Classic Automatic reference fac08003a0 is an elegant dress watch that is surprisingly versatile and offers great value for money.
It has a clean, timeless, and refined design, making it suitable for formal occasions. But at the same time, it is just versatile enough to also work for everyday wear.
For this timepiece, Orient has emphasized minimalism and paid attention to the details that matter. And this is also quite impressive considering the price of this timepiece. Thanks to the domed crystal on top, it also gets a vintage look to it as well.
The Orient Bambino IV (Version 4) fac08003a0 is available on Amazon
