Orient RA-AK0701S30B Bambino Classic Black Strap Watch - W2960

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Orient RA-AK0701S30B Bambino Classic Black Strap Watch - W2960

Name: Orient RA-AK0701S30B Bambino Classic Black Strap Watch - W2960
Brand: Orient
SKU: RA-AK0701S30B
Price: 295 GBP
Availability: InStock

Ref. RA-AK0701S30B

Among our 47 Orient watchesThis watch£295

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Stepping up in Orient's range

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: ClassicCase Size: 40
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.

All Orient watches

Also in 4 collections

This watch appears in Stainless Steel Watches (2,426), Automatic Watches (1,204), Leather Strap Watches (767) and Automatic Watches Under £500 (238).

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

Best forFormal wear

Less suited toWater

Compare alternatives

Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.

RA-AK0701S30B Bambino Classic Black Strap Watch - W2960 compared with 2 alternatives from other brands
Specification	This watchRA-AK0701S30B Bambino Classic Black Strap Watch - W2960RA-AK0701S30B	CitizenTsuyosa NJ0151-88X Men's Watch – 40mm Blue Dial Stainless SteelNJ0151-88X	Bulova96B469 Surveyor Automatic Bracelet Watch - W0939096B469
Price	£295	£299	£299
Case size	40.5mm	40mm	39mm
Water resistance	30m	50m	30m
Movement	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Strap	Leather strap	Stainless steel bracelet	Stainless steel bracelet
Power reserve	40 hours	40 hours	—
	This watch	Rated deeper	Wears smaller

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.