Orient RA-AC0023E30B Bambino Automatic Brown Leather Strap Watch - W2980

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Orient RA-AC0023E30B Bambino Automatic Brown Leather Strap Watch - W2980

Ref. RA-AC0023E30B

The Bambino is Orient's long-running argument that a mechanical dress watch need not cost a great deal to feel considered. This generation of the line settled on 40.5mm as its case diameter, and the 46.5mm lug-to-lug keeps it from running long on the wrist — it sits flush rather than overhanging, which matters when the wearer is reaching for it on formal occasions. The sunburst emerald dial is the reason to choose this reference over its siblings. Under direct light it reads as a rich, saturated green; at an angle it shifts and flattens in the way only a properly finished sunburst surface does. Gold Roman numerals and matching hands suit it without fussing over it. The domed crystal draws the eye downward into the dial rather than reflecting the room back at you, which is exactly the right effect for a watch designed to be looked at up close. Beneath the caseback, the in-house F6724 runs at 21,600vph and allows hand-winding and hacking — useful habits to have on a watch you will actually wind and set.

Reference: RA-AC0023E30B
Brand: Orient
Collection: BambinoCase Size: 40
Case size: 40.5mm
Case thickness: 12.3mm
Lug width: 21mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Case shape: Round
Dial: Green
Crystal: Mineral
Movement: Automatic
Calibre: F6724
Functions: Date
Water resistance: 30m
Bracelet / strap: Leather strap
Strap colour: Brown
Clasp: Buckle
Lume: Luminous
Retailer: F.Hinds

Additional specifications

Lug-to-lug: 46.5mm
Power reserve: 40 hours

Learn more about Orient

Orient began in 1950 as Tama Keiki, successor to a Tokyo watch business Shogoro Yoshida had started in 1901. It became Orient Watch Company the following year and set out to do something few companies attempt: build complete mechanical movements in-house, at prices aimed at ordinary buyers.

That is still the point of the brand. Orient designs and manufactures its own calibres rather than buying Swiss ébauches, which is why an Orient automatic can cost less than a quartz watch from a fashion label while containing a movement the company made itself.

The Bambino made the case to a wider audience — a domed-crystal dress automatic at a price that embarrassed a lot of more expensive watches — and the Kamasu and Mako divers did the same for tool watches.

Orient Star sits above the main line, with higher finishing, power-reserve indicators and in-house calibres of greater complexity.

The company became a subsidiary of Seiko Epson in 2009 and remains one, which gives it manufacturing depth while leaving the identity distinct from Seiko's own.

1901: Shogoro Yoshida opens a watch business in Tokyo.
1950: The company is refounded as Tama Keiki.
1951: Renamed Orient Watch Company.
1964: Orient Star establishes the upper collection.
2009: Becomes a subsidiary of Seiko Epson.

Manufacturer’s guarantee

Your new watch

Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch

Can I swim with it?

No. At 30m it will survive rain and handwashing, but not submersion of any kind.

Will the glass scratch?

It can, over time. Mineral glass handles daily wear but will pick up fine scratches that sapphire would not.

Does it need a battery?

No. It is automatic — the motion of your wrist winds it, and there is no cell to replace.

How long does it run for when it's not worn?

About 40 hours fully wound — enough to survive a night off the wrist, but not a full weekend.

What size strap does it take?

21mm. Any strap of that width will fit, and on most modern watches quick-release bars make the swap a two-minute job with no tools.

Will it fit my wrist?

Lug-to-lug is 46.5mm, which suits wrists from roughly 16cm (6¼ inches) upward.

Lug-to-lug decides fit more than case diameter does.

Is it a men's or women's watch?

Listed as men's.

Cheapest place to buy

F.Hinds is the only UK retailer we track stocking this reference, so there is nothing to compare it against today.

Who are F.Hinds?

F.Hinds has been run by the same family since 1856 and is now in its fifth generation, with more than 115 shops across England and Wales. They are a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council and an Authorised Diamond Dealer.