The Orient AC0F In Five New European-Exclusive Colors

March 06, 2013

In Henrys article detailing Calatrava-like watches for all budgets, he included the Orient Bambino. The Bambino offers a touch of vintage in a classic time-and-date configuration, accessible to all budgets. To rival the smash-hit Bambino, Orient introduces new European-exclusive colors to the AC0F core collection. The brand has long offered affordable and elegant watches for all-day wear. These latest releases continue that trend with five understated dial shades in an approachable style. I wouldnt go so far as to call these dress watches, as these timepieces suit any get-up-and-go routine and keep you ticking throughout the day. The slightly larger stainless steel 41.6mm case diameters target a larger wrist than the compact 38mm Bambino. But the AC0F still offers everyday casual elegance.The Orient AC0F in five new colorsThe timeless dial layout, featuring elongated trapezoid markers and alpha hands, is pin-sharp and highly functional. However, to liven it up, the Orient AC0F is now available in five new matte dial colors. Specifically, these colors are green, blue, red, ivory, and brown. Those descriptions only share half the story, though, as the shades are far more nuanced. The rich brown dial feels modern and fashionable rather than like a 1970s throwback. It is also wonderfully offset by steel hands and indexes rather than taking the vintage route with faux-aged tones.Also featuring steel hands and indexes is the soft gray-blue dial, the only one paired with a blue alligator-pattern leather strap. The rest of the models use a brown leather strap. This includes the green, red, and ivory dials, which complement the hands and baton markers with varying colors.The green dial is actually a muted teal tone that works nicely with the coppery hands and indexes. It is an unusual blend but integrates wonderfully with the matching applied logo. Its not my favorite Orient logo interpretation, as I still prefer the traditional cursive logo on the Revival World Map or Bambino 38 Peanuts. But infusing the copper tones on Orients emblem to match the dial markers is a nice touch.Additionally, the hour, minute, and seconds hands are different on the red dial, which is more of a deep burgundy shade. These hands have a yellow gold hue, which always goes well with a rich shade of red. Curiously, the steel hour markers have their natural tone rather than matching the hands. Perhaps the bright yellow gold overpowered the dial, and some restraint kept the watch casual.Lastly, there is the ivory dial. Continuing the variation of dial hands and indexes on the red dial, the ivory version features blue hands. Staying with steel hour markers, the blue cuts through the ivory base, providing enough contrast for all-day usage. On all models is a date window at 3 oclock with a lovely surround to frame the aperture. And while the logo below 12 oclock is the standard one, at least Automatic and Water Resistant use the cursive typeface. Each watch is powered by Orients in-house F6722 automatic movement, which features a 40-hour power reserve and an accuracy tolerance of -15/+25 seconds per day. Its a no-frills caliber, but at least it doesnt add too much to the case thickness, which sits at 11.7mm.Final specs and pricingThese new Orient AC0F models dont blaze a trail like the Bambino, but they do provide elegant and attire-agnostic options for everyday wearability. At $299.99 / $259.99, the Orient AC0F is attainable, and the assortment of interesting colors offers fantastic options to suit a variety of tastes. You can read more on the Orient website here.Watch specifications Brand Orient Model AC0FReference RA-AC0F13E (green) / RA-AC0F14L (blue) / RA-AC0F15R (red) / RA-AC0F16S (ivory) / RA-AC0F17Y (brown)Dial Green, blue, red, ivory, or brown with applied indexes and date windowCase Material Stainless steelCase Dimensions 41.6mm (diameter) 48.3mm (lug-to-lug) 11.7mm (thickness)Crystal Mineral glassCase Back Stainless steel with transparent display, screw-in Movement Orient F6722: automatic with manual winding and hacking, 21,600vph (3Hz) frequency, 40-hour power reserve, 22 jewelsWater Resistance 50 metersStrap Brown or blue leather with alligator pattern and stainless steel pin buckleFunctions Time (hours, minutes, seconds) and datePrice $299.99 / $259.99