Two Of The BEST Affordable Mechanical Dress Watches - Orient Bambino vs. Seiko Cocktail Time

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In this video, I compare two legendary families of affordable mechanical dress watches, the Orient Bambino and Seiko Presage Cocktail Time. We utilize our points system in an attempt to decide which watch is best and might represent the right pick for you. What do you guys think? Are you on team Bambino or team Cocktail Time?

Videos Mentioned:

[TeddyBaldassarre]

Hey Everyone, just a quick correction, there is also a less talked about 42 mm Bambino I failed to mention when going through the sizes. Safe to say both of these lines offer a lot in the size department. Best of luck with the purchase decision for those looking to make the best choice and thanks for watching!

[guitarsarebest]

Teddy, I am really mad at you. Here I am just over 50 years old, only having watches in my past for pure utility and not knowing anything about them. Six months ago I found your channel to see a review of a watch I've had for years. Then I binged your channel a bit, and since learning from your videos and expanding to other channels, too, I have come to love watches so much and am now obsessed with mechanicals (especially ones with exhibition backs so I can see the movement). One of my favorite channels has a guy who repairs old Rolexes (and the like), takes them completely apart, repairs or replaces broken/worn parts, , and puts them back together again. Just fascinating. This new interest is in large part due to you. So I'm not really mad, actually appreciative, that you introduced me to a world in which I never knew I would have any interest. Thanks, man.

[rubenpascual]

I bought a Bambino cream dial with roman numerals & blue hands for myself based on your earlier videos. On the day of my elder son’s wedding June 21, 2019, while I was assisting him put on his tie I noticed he didn’t have a watch on so I took my Bambino from my closet and gave it to him. Perfect for his blue suit & tie with brown belt & shoes, and to this day he wears it with pride. That Bambino is priceless! Always enjoy your videos Teddy and thank you.

[johnschuller]

Just bought a Bambino a little over a week ago and after watching this I still would have picked the Bambino, just a simple yet clean and elegant look!

[younusimam-thesalamproject]

I had the choice between the Bambino and the Cocktail time. Price was not the issue. Chose the Bambino Gen 2 Version 2 in cream because I found it to be more unique and versatile for formal events, as well as being thinner at 11.8mm. The entire execution of the watch is so well done. I have no regrets about this purchase, it is an excellent watch. I may change out the leather strap at some point but thats it!

[tylerrodman]

I wasn't even looking for a dress watch, and because of this video, i just bought an Orient bambino v2. Your videos have been a lot of help as all I've been able to wear for six years is a garmin. Thanks for all the insight!

[ericmontgomery]

I'm a fan of the channel. I love the way you cover multiple price points with a complete lack of bias or snobbery. Pure class.

[trmcyedek]

Great responsibility comes with Amazons LPA33X. Who got the notification? Seems like many people didn't understand this yet this is why I'd write it, I know it's not a great spot and I apologize if you feel this is unrelated and too random. This is a message from the heart. I love the same vids like you do and I just wanna give something back so here it is haha

[younusimam-thesalamproject]

I considered the Cocktail Time. I really liked it. But the Bambino in cream is a true triumph, a very beautiful dial and well made. Excellent for formal occasions.

[francisayala]

I got the black dial Bambino and the silver dial Presage for myself last Christmas. Love both, but the dial on the Presage is mesmerizing. It really stands out when I open my watch case.

[louisdehner]

I really like the side-by-side comparison format and look forward to seeing more content like this from you. Thanks.

[AnnisaLista]

I love them both! My partner gifted me a Seiko this week, and although I'm really happy with it I found myself still wanting a Bambino. You can never go wrong with both.

[williamindrawijaya]

Both are definitely punching above their price point, but Orient has significantly improved the Bambino through the introduction of the 38mm last year. Perfect dress watch size and improved flexibility of straps through the 20mm lug width. Been using one for the past couple of months and it has been great!

[thomasveleba]

Coming here from Nico Leonard channel. I appreciate that you actually explain stuff if a professional manner. I still like some of his videos, but I'm new to watch collecting and wanted some more depth to the hows and whys of the watch world

[Zotrax]

I agree, both are punching way above their price point. I own both. For me, adoring Orient is a continuation of my love of Seiko.
The dial on the Seiko is exquisite! And its finishing is better, but which is the better piece- I can’t decide 🤷🏼‍♂️

[ryan.painter]

My friend is considering both of these and we have been comparing them all week. So insane/ fitting that this came out today. Thanks!

[craighenthorn]

The bambino Gen 2 V2 was my first automatic and the gateway into watch collecting. I still adore how it looks, but it's been put on the shelf for almost a month as I've got so many watches in rotation.

I will wear it again tomorrow in the office with a renewed sense of pride.

[karlsenula]

Just bought the iced blue Presage Cocktail time after Christmas - I am extremely happy with it - the color (unusual to find) and the dial sold me. As I am extremely happy with the Orient Kamasu I have - the red dial, value for what you pay and inhouse movement sold me.

[badgundog]

Purchased the Bambino about 6 weeks ago. Cheap so what the heck. I like it. Feels great on the wrist. I have not had an issue with the crystal. Keeps time as well as my much more expensive watches. If you are buying a watch for you, and not to impress other people, this is a good buy.

[williamtung]

I own a seiko presage cocktail time piece (SRPB77 i think) and I never regretted it. Only reason why it was my entry into mechanical watches over the Orient Bambino was because I already had a similarly designed quartz watch from Timex. Can't go wrong with either, guys!