Orient Open Heart Automatic – A Detailed and Comprehensive Review
Even though this is not a website that focuses on criminal activity, I have succeeded in writing ‘killer’ blog entries. The last time, I demonstrated the ultra-thin CasiOak killer, and it appears that Orient will have their chance this time. Since 2008, the Bambino collection has been recognized for producing some of the most high-quality and cost-effective watches available at the market’s entry-level price point. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that they have become the entrance point into mechanical watch gathering for many individuals since they offer a great appearance and decent specs for a reasonable rate.
I reviewed one of these watches a few years ago because they were the industry standard for inexpensive watches back then. The size was the primary issue I had with the watch, an opinion echoed by other watch reviews. Most models had a width of 40.5 millimeters, which was on the larger side for dress watches. It was especially problematic for people who had thin wrists. However, they created a few versions in various sizes, such as an even larger 42mm model and a 36mm unisex version termed the 5s. Both of these models were available. The second possibility, in particular, piqued my interest, but it came with two significant limitations because I had skinny wrists, i.e., availability as well as reasonable cost.
From the very beginning, the 36mm version was complicated to track down, particularly at prices that were not outrageously high. Most sites were either completely out of stock permanently or had this item advertised at a price much over double that of the rest of the bambino line-up for no apparent reason.
ORIENT OPEN-HEART WATCH
As a result, I have been keeping a cautious watch out for something that might satisfy that need. One afternoon, while browsing Jomashop, I came across something that seemed familiar to me at the time. A dress watch by Orient with an automatic movement that resembled the V1 Bambino in appearance but included an open heart. I went to the product website, and not only did it appear stunning, but the spec sheet said that its diameter was just 38.5 millimeters; it was the ideal size for the middle size I had been looking for.
After my conversation with Jomashop, they graciously agreed to hand it over to me so that I may check it. If you are unfamiliar with Jomashop, it is an e-commerce website offering a vast selection of watches and other accessories at competitive prices. Because I know the things they sell are authentic and their reliable delivery method, I have made many purchases from them, even though I live on the other side of the ocean. So, if you want to have a look, I will link to this watch many times throughout this post.
WATCH DIMENSIONS
Then, may this be the solution we have been looking for all along? To put things into perspective, just looking at the measurements is already a step in the right direction. In addition to having a width of 38.5 millimeters, this watch has a thickness of 10.9 millimeters and measures just 44.9 millimeters from lug to lug. The case of the Bambino is broader than the case of the Bambino, but the crystal of the Bambino is flat. This means that the Bambino is generally thinner than the case of the Bambino, taking into consideration the huge domes on the Bambino.
As was to be predicted, this fits my tiny 15.5-centimeter wrist quite nicely, and there is no possibility it would overhang. Of course, in a perfect world, I would like the watch to be thinner to complement the smaller dimensions, but I think that not everything can be perfected to our liking. Nevertheless, it does provide much more of that traditional dress watch appearance, which the Bambino’s smaller size somewhat lessened.
It has a larger bezel, and the quality of the work is about the same. However, if my memory serves me well, the Bambino’s may have had a slightly more acute edge. This FAG03001D0, which has a great product name, features brushing atop the lugs and polished edges.
While discussing the lugs, I have some exciting news you will not want to miss. This Orient features typical 20mm lugs, which means that many of your old straps will perform without any unwanted gaps. This contrasts with the Bambino versions, which have weird and unusual lug widths.
CRYSTAL RESISTANCE AND WATER RESISTANCE
In addition, the screw-down case back upon the model contributes to the watch’s ability to reach a water resistance of 5 bars. This is higher than the water resilience of its predecessor, which was just 3 bars, considered the standard for splash resistance. So even though it is not required for a dressier watch, a water resistance feature provides you with a safety net if the watch is ever exposed to water.
The improvements unexpectedly do not stop there. What I did not realize was that it also has a sapphire crystal over the dial, which is a significant upgrade over the mineral that was utilized in the Bambino (at least when scratches begin appearing)
It is satisfying to see all three of these features finally put into one of these watches at a price point that is accessible to the average customer since I get the impression that Orient enthusiasts have been demanding them over the last several years.
BRACELET
Even the standard band is superior to most of the Bambino models. This strong link bracelet is a considerable upgrade to the somewhat subpar leather strap included with the Bambino that I reviewed before. Even though the end connections are empty and the push-button latch is quite simple, the bracelet is still useable as a whole, and the three micro-adjustment slots do make it possible to make slight tweaks. The watch’s lug width is standardized, so it may be worn with a variety of straps without altering its aesthetic, thus making it feasible for the watch to accommodate a wide range of straps
Even the standard band is superior to most of the Bambino models. This strong link bracelet is a considerable upgrade to the somewhat subpar leather strap included with the Bambino that I reviewed before. Even though the end connections are empty and the push-button latch is quite simple, the bracelet is still useable as a whole, and the three micro-adjustment slots do make it possible to make slight tweaks. In addition, the watch’s lug width is standardized, so it may be worn with various straps without altering its aesthetic, thus making it feasible for the watch to accommodate a wide range of straps.
MOVEMENT
If there were not much to look at, I would not have gone with this watch as my accessory of choice. However, you may observe the mechanical movement within the casing if you turn it around so that the back is facing you. The manual hacking and hand-winding F6T22 mechanism are utilized here for the automated mechanism. This mechanism is identical to the one used in the Open-Heart Bambino. Despite the watch’s unimpressive exterior, the reasonable price tag has made it impossible for me to find fault with it.
WATCH DIAL
We have a tiny viewing glass up front through which you can observe the escapement assembly in motion. This is placed within a magnificent blue dial that radiates color even in lower-than-ideal lighting situations. It is difficult to determine whether the dial is manufactured to a higher standard because it is difficult to compare this to the more subtle grey dial on the Bambino I highlighted. However, the FAG0300 looks to be more brightly lit.
The faceted markers are not luminescent and have a relatively straightforward design, despite the alignment being impeccable throughout. My go-to handset is included here as well, and happily, it does not have the problem of being overly short found on certain Orient watches. Instead, the dauphine minute hand almost reaches the markers, and the slender second hand, which moves around the dial’s perimeter in a smooth and continuous motion, does the same.
The watch looks great, and I am finding that I am beginning to favor open-heart watches more and more. Although I am not sure I will ever fully appreciate complete skeleton models, I must admit that it is fascinating to see the watch’s beating heartbeat away in full view. In addition, I have observed that the highly reflective indices are wonderfully complemented by the two chamfered rings that encircle the hole on this specific model. They do an excellent job of playing with the light and do an excellent job of complimenting each other.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Even though I believe it to have a very sophisticated appearance, I can not help but feel that the Bambino line-up of watches possesses more personality. Despite the open-heart layout, it is evident that Orient has taken a conservative approach to the design of this piece by employing fewer daring design cues. Most notably, the enormous dome previously present on the crystal has been removed.
Nevertheless, I believe that for most of you, this watch would quickly fill in that hole in your collection, not only because of the size but because the variety of upgrades seems to be very welcome. Both of these things are very welcome indeed. The fact that there are a handful of other models in this range does not change the fact that I would be interested in seeing what a non-skeletonized edition of this watch appeared like. I believe this is a wonderful foundation for a collection I was not familiar with.
