Orient & Peanuts Bambino 38 Cream Yellow Dial 75th Anniversary Collaboration Limited Edition Reference RA-AC0M17G - A Touch of Childhood Nostalgia, A Review (plus Video)

I do have a number of cartoon related watches in the collection. I got Disney and Penuts related timepieces such as the Ingersoll Mickey Mouse 30’s Collection Watch, Disney Parks Authentics Mickey Watch, Disney Parks Authentics Gears Link Mickey Mouse Watch Automatic, Ingersoll 1892 ID00202 Limited Edition Disney New Haven Wristwatch and the Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary.

When Orient collaborated with Peanuts to celebrate their joint 75th anniversary together and launched a series of limited edition timepieces, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. Out of interest, I visited a Solar Time outlet in Mid Valley Megamall and I was greeted with three of the four models on offer. What was available is the Bambino 38 in white or cream yellow as well as the Mako 40 dive watch.

After looking at all three, I decided to go for something classic. I like the vintage look of the cream yellow dial version and decided to take that back home.

The Celebration

The year 1950 was a watershed year for the world of horology and cartoons. It was the year Orient, a Japanese watchmaker owned by the Seiko Epson Corporation was created. As a complete value-chain in-house manufacturer, Orient has made a name for itself in the value-for-money segment with watches such as the Mako and the Bambino. At the same but in another continent, a comic strip in American newspapers named Peanuts was published. Famous characters were born such as Charlie Brown, Woodstock and Snoopy. To commemorate their common 75th anniversary this year, Orient and Peanuts collaborated to launch four limited editions – two Bambino 38, one Semi Skeleton and a Mako 40.

The special collaborative models are based on the following: two editions of the Orient Bambino 38 from the Classic Collection, a Semi Skeleton watch from the Contemporary Collection and one Orient Mako 40 from the Sports Collection. What sets these watches apart from the other models are, first, Orient’s original logo in cursive at 12:00. Second, several references to the strip have been included on the dials and backs, with specially designed Peanuts anniversary artwork at 6:00 of Snoopy in his classic sleeping position and Woodstock wearing a golden crown. Third, the signed crown with Orient’s symbol of two lions facing one another. Fourth and final, the number ‘1’ on the date wheel (for the watches with a date complication) has been replaced with an image of Woodstock.

Of the four options, I am more inclined to get either one of the Bambino 38 or the Mako 40. After considering my interest at the moment, I decided to go for the cream yellow dial version.

The Watch

The Orient & Peanuts Bambino 38 Cream Yellow dial (reference RA-AC0M17G) is a limited edition timepiece of 3,100 units worldwide. Based in on the standard Bambino 38, this stainless steel watch has a diameter of 38.4 mm, height of 12.5 mm and the lug-to-lug length of 44.0 mm. It has that contemporary round steel case with a thin sloping bezel and a domed crystal design. The layout is classic, clean and balanced.

This particular model has the cream yellow-toned dial giving it a vintage look. It has three lines (the third line of text is at the edge of the dial at 6:00 and consists of production codes) of text and a cartoon graphic in conjunction with the collaboration with Peanuts. Orient’s original logo as well as the word “Automatic” in cursive at 12:00 while specially designed Peanuts anniversary artwork at 6:00 of Snoopy in his classic sleeping position and Woodstock wearing a golden crown. It comes with baton-style markers, paired with dauphine-style hands. There is no luminescent material on this watch.

The baton marker at 3:00 has been truncated to incorporate a frame-less date aperture. The date wheel is also special for this design as the number ‘1’ has been replaced with an image of Woodstock. I appreciate this additional artwork and attention to detail as it gives a good impression that the collaboration is not a simple ‘re-badged’ job done to fleece customers.

The charm of the Bambino owes a lot to the domed crystal. Made out of mineral glass, it punches the watch well above its price point. At 12.5 mm in height, the case with the domed-shaped crystal isn’t particularly thin, but it’ll still slide under a cuff easily.

The crown is relatively large and operates easily. It uses the pull-out/push-in system to engage the gears to adjust the time and date. Compared to the other Bambino models, this special limited edition timepiece has the two-lion and shield emblem on the top surface.

The watch comes with a snap-on case-back with a display window made out of a flat mineral glass. Apart from the large ‘LIMITED EDITION’ text sand-blasted around the display window, there is also a “Orient 75th Anniversary” as well as an artful rendering of the cartoon Peanuts with a large text of “75 YEARS” in gold on the glass window. Orient do provide limited-edition running serial number for each watch. In my case it is number 208 out of 3100 (or “0208/3100”).

It is also interesting to note that this watch is made in Thailand. I have always though that all the watches were made in japan. However, at the back of this watch, it clearly states, ‘MADE IN THAILAND’. After searching on the internet regarding this, I found a small article which states that the move to Thailand was initiated in 2019.

The watch came standard with a beige nubuck straps. The strap is 20.0 mm to match the lug width and it comes with a quick-release spring-bar. It has that warm look and a very soft texture. It pairs well with the cream yellow dial. The strap comes with a signed buckle.

The Wearing Experience

The Orient & Peanuts Bambino 38 Cream Yellow Dial 75th Anniversary Collaboration watch offers a refined, nostalgic wearing experience. Its stainless steel case sits comfortably on the wrist, balanced by a supple leather strap that softens with wear. The cream-yellow dial exudes warmth, accented by subtle sunburst textures, original Orient branding and playful Peanuts motif at 6:00, blending sophistication with whimsy. The domed mineral crystal adds vintage charm, while the reliable automatic movement ensures smooth seconds-hand sweeps. Lightweight yet substantial, it’s ideal for both casual and dressy occasions, evoking mid-century elegance with a touch of childhood nostalgia – perfect for enthusiasts seeking character and understated versatility. Below is the video of the watch on my wrist.