It seems that there is no shortage of watch brands starting out in this world. The journey to becoming a fully-fledged watchmaker is not an easy one, though. Which is why, regardless of how many emerge, not many last the distance. BALTIC Watches, however, have made it all look pretty easy.
The one thing that immediately sets BALTIC Watches apart from its contemporaries – and similar watch brands who have also came through Kickstarter – is that they are truly dedicated to watches. Based in France, BALTIC was founded by Etienne Malec who inherited a fascination with, and a collection of, watches from his father. An avid collector, Etienne’s father kept track of every single watch he owned and it provided Etienne with an education that has helped build BALTIC Watches.
Perhaps it comes as no surprise that BALTIC specialises in wonderfully understated vintage-inspired watches that bring together pure craftsmanship techniques with strong 1940’s styling, mechanical movements and well-proportioned cases. Basically, it’s a refreshing, well-thought-out and incredibly popular approach to modern watchmaking. Want to know more? Read on for the full BALTIC Watch review featuring two of the brand’s signature timepieces, the BALTIC Bicompax and the BALTIC HMS 001.
BALTIC Bicompax Watch
As soon as you unbox the BALTIC Bicompax watch you soon appreciate the level of detail that has gone into each one.
Although the design is relatively simple, the attention to historic detail is evident throughout the BALTIC Bicompax. The chronograph is available in six different dial variations and all of them are unified through the use of only two or three colours. The consideration of colour palettes not only make each watch feel like they could’ve been produced in the 1940s but they make them incredibly versatile.
Looking beyond the sophisticated colour palettes and the actual scale of the design is incredibly interesting. The larger stepped case adds a sense of status and depth to the watch which is emphasised by the mirror polishing on the last step of the case. The sides of the case feature a nice linear brushing for a high-quality finish and the lugs have been circular brushed for a smooth finish. When all these small details come together, they really bring the entire watch to life. They make the BALTIC Bicompax Watch feel genuine and authentic whilst remaining incredibly unique. It looks and feels like something that the modern watch market has been crying out for; a genuine, vintage-inspired watch at a respectable price point.
On the topic of price, the BALTIC Bicompax Watch comes in at £560. Which is compelling considering the level of detail and the quality of final product. It’s an incredibly comfortable watch to wear too – and it is an exciting proposition for any vintage watch lover who is looking for a great looking watch at a competitive price point.
Here’s all you need to know when it comes to the BALTIC Bicompax Watch:
- 38MM Stainless Steel 316L Case
- ST1901 Mechanical Movement
- 5ATM Water Resistance
- High-Domed Hesalite Glass
- 60g Weight
- Assembled In France
- 2 Year Warranty
- Every watch is sold with a closed case back with a logo engraved at the centre. In options, you can select an open case back that will let you observe the movement inside the watch.
BALTIC HMS 001 Watch
The BALTIC HMS 001 is certainly more modern compared to the Bicompax. It’s a clean-faced watch that you can wear more comfortably every day and it brings out more of a contemporary feel compared to the Bicompax, too. It is still vintage in its spirit though, as the three-handed automatic watch takes inspiration from the 1940s step-case watches. The design can be traced through the delicate three-hand watch face, smooth dial and coated case. The indexes of the BALTIC Watch are painted to match the railways. The hour and minute hands are coated in your choice of gold and silver and are contrasted against the second hand.
As you would expect, the watch also runs a dream. The automatic watch is powered by an excellent Japanese movement in the form of the Miyota 821A. The precision and care of the design provides an accurate and reliable working watch that is complemented by an Italian calf leather strap to create a clean, uniform aesthetic.
Here’s the full specification low-down of the BALTIC HMS 001:
- 38MM Stainless Steel 316L Case
- Miyota Cal 821 Japanese Movement
- 5ATM Water Resistance
- High-Domed Hesalite Glass
- 60g Weight
- Assembled In France
- 2 Year Warranty
- Every Watch is sold with a closed case back with a logo engraved at the centre. In options, you can select an open case back that will let you observe the movement inside the watch.
Now you’ve read the full BALTIC Watch review, you can shop the full BALTIC watch collection at OPUMO.
