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Orient RA-AK0701S30B Bambino Classic Black Strap Watch - W2960
Ref. RA-AK0701S30B
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Stepping up in Orient's range
RA-AK0802S30B Bambino Sun And Moon Automatic Black Strap Watch - W2964£370
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RA-AR0008E30B Contemporary Automatic Bracelet Watch - W2968£365
RA-AA0003R39B Mako III Automatic Bracelet Watch - W2942£385
RA-AK0315L30B Stretto Sun & Moon Automatic Bracelet Watch - W29111£395
The Bambino line has long been Orient's argument that a mechanical dress watch need not cost serious money, and this variant makes that case with a more complex dial than most of its siblings. Where the standard Bambino keeps things spare, this one adds a day-of-week sub-dial at ten and a 24-hour indicator at five alongside the date at three — Roman numerals and dauphine hands holding the arrangement together without it feeling cluttered. At 40.5mm across and 46.5mm lug to lug, it fits a wider range of wrists than many dress watches of this type, though the domed crystal pushes the case to 12.6mm — noticeable under a close shirt cuff, less so on a looser one. The exhibition caseback is worth a mention: the F6B22 beneath it is an in-house Japanese movement with hand-winding and hacking, which is more than the price bracket usually delivers, and it runs for over 40 hours unwound. The movement is not especially showy, but it is tidy, and Orient builds it to be serviced rather than replaced.
- Reference
- RA-AK0701S30B
- Brand
- Orient
- Collection
- Classic
- Case size
- 40.5mm
- Case thickness
- 12.6mm
- Lug width
- 21mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- White
- Crystal
- Mineral
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- F6B22
- Functions
- Day-date
- Water resistance
- 30m
- Bracelet / strap
- Leather strap
- Strap colour
- Black
- 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.
Also in 6 collections
This watch appears in the Orient Classic range (7), Back in Stock (4,683), Stainless Steel Watches (3,109), Automatic Watches (1,756), Leather Strap Watches (1,033) and Automatic Watches Under £500 (324).
Manufacturer’s guarantee
What the specifications mean
A mechanical watch for everyday wear.
Strengths
- 46.5mm lug-to-lug keeps the 40.5mm case wearable
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
Worth knowing
- 30m means keeping it away from water
- 40-hour reserve means winding it after a day off
Orient RA-AK0701S30B Bambino Classic Black alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | RA-AK0701S30B | 96A330 | RGB10011/05 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £295 | £279 | £299 |
| Case size | 40.5mm | 40mm | 40mm |
| Water resistance | 30m | 30m | 50m |
| Movement | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Strap | Leather strap | Leather strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Power reserve | 40 hours | 42 hours | — |
| This watch | Closely matched |
|
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.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
It can, over time. Mineral glass handles daily wear but will pick up fine scratches that sapphire would not.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
No. It is automatic — the motion of your wrist winds it, and there is no cell to replace.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedHow 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.
How to size a watch to your wristIs 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.
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