Which is cheaper, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze or the Orient Bambino Small Seconds?

At MSRP the Orient Bambino Small Seconds is the cheaper of the two at $290, against $599 for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze — a $309 gap before any retailer discounting.

Which is bigger, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze or the Orient Bambino Small Seconds?

The Orient Bambino Small Seconds wears larger at 40.5mm versus 35mm for the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze — a 5.5mm difference across the dial.

Which has better water resistance, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze or the Orient Bambino Small Seconds?

The KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze is rated to 100m versus 30m for the Orient Bambino Small Seconds.

Which has a longer power reserve, the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze or the Orient Bambino Small Seconds?

The KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze carries a 41-hour power reserve against 40 hours on the Orient Bambino Small Seconds.

What movement does the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze run compared to the Orient Bambino Small Seconds?

Both watches run automatic movements — the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze uses the NH38 and the Orient Bambino Small Seconds uses the F6222.

Side by side

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 BronzevsOrient Bambino Small Seconds

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

os90002nd-bz-br

MSRP $599

Orient Bambino Small Seconds

ra-ap0002s30b

MSRP $290

At a glance

20 of 29 specs differ

Diameter

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze35mm

Bambino Small Seconds40.5mm

Power Reserve

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze41h

Bambino Small Seconds40h

Water Resistance

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze100m

Bambino Small Seconds30m

MSRP

OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze$599

Bambino Small Seconds$290

Full specifications

Case

8 specs

Crystal & Dial

6 specs

Crystal

Sapphire

Mineral

Crystal Shape

Dome

—

AR Coating

Yes

—

Dial Color

Brown

White

Indices

Applied

—

Lume

Super-LumiNova

None

Movement

5 specs

Caliber

NH38

F6222

Beat Rate

28,800 vph

21,600 vph

Power Reserve

41h

40h

Jewels

Complications

None

Date, Small seconds

Pricing

1 specs

MSRP

$599

$290

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze

Owners widely praise the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze for its vintage military aesthetic and comfortable 35mm wearability, noting the lug design allows it to fit well on wrists around 7 inches. The Seiko NH-35 movement is reported to be reliable, keeping time within +2 to +3 seconds per day. Some owners dislike the 18mm lug width and the PVD coating on the NATO strap hardware, which does not match the bronze case. Overall, owners rate the KUOE OLD SMITH 90-002 Bronze highly for its vintage appeal and comfortable wearability.

From video reviewers

The watch's bronze case finish is a notable strength, with reviewers highlighting its unique patina and subtle aging effect. A weakness is the lume brightness, which may be a drawback for those who prioritize nighttime readability. Reviewers agree on the watch's movement accuracy, citing the reliable and accurate Seiko NH38 caliber.

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Orient Bambino Small Seconds

The Orient Bambino is widely praised for its exceptional value and vintage-inspired dress watch design, with reviewers highlighting its dial quality as comparable to much more expensive timepieces. Owners appreciate the watch as a great beginner automatic, with many continuing to wear it even after acquiring pricier watches, and the case finishing is noted as a significant upgrade for the line. Some owners find the finishing not as robust as other models, and the stock straps are frequently replaced. The 38mm variant uses mineral glass and an in-house F6724 calibre with a 40-hour power reserve, rated for +25/-15 seconds per day accuracy, while the Small Seconds variant features an F6222 caliber with hand-winding and hacking seconds. The 36mm version is praised for its size and vintage feel, though its marketing and narrow lug width are noted as drawbacks.

From video reviewers

The value at the price point is a key strength, with reviewers noting the in-house automatic movement and classic dress watch aesthetic. Reviewers noted a significant annoyance, though its specific nature was not detailed.

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