My Love Affair with Baltic
I don’t usually wear modern watches. So how did this get on my wrist?
Image courtesy u/carl802 on Reddit
I handle a lot of watches every day, from Rolex to Patek — it’s my job! I’m a vintage guy and it takes a lot for me to be impressed, let alone interested in keeping even a vintage watch. I don’t ever wear or own any modern watches — besides Baltic.
It’s for good reason: they have the characteristic vintage-inspired designs, low price point, high quality, and overall killer value for the money. Baltic is the only microbrand that I wear, and that’s gotta say something about the brand.
Aesthetics are what strike us first — the Baltic has really outdone themselves with their Bi-compax chronographs, Aquascaphe divers, and the new MR01 (micro rotor) models. Alot of their designs stem from 40s-50s chronographs and 50s-60s dive watches. They all have a hint of inspiration from brands like Patek and Blancpain. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with inspiration or borrowing design elements as these examples are done tastefully and within reason.
It’s a shame that other mainstream brands aren’t doing similar things with their designs, at least to Baltic’s level of attention to detail. One of my favorites, one of the more recent additions to their lineup, the MR01 is one of the most interesting modern watches under the $1000 price point, by FAR.
It’s all about that dial. From the exaggerated breguet numerals, to the apha hands, to the pebble textured dials and F.P. Journe-y off-center seconds hands. This watch just screams class. It’s not only impressive because it's a gorgeous watch, it’s also impressive that Baltic has taken a traditional, arguably overused design/dial layout and made it their own.
I personally wear it more on the beads of a rice bracelet (which is a whole other conversation — talk about style) as it makes the watch a bit more casual. One of my favorite features is the BOR bracelet. It’s a quick release bracelet. Only some prestige brands like Vacheron Constantin at the moment have that feature, with their Overseas collection. I don’t understand why companies don’t adopt this subtle feature that makes a watch owner's life so much easier.
Ideally, there should always be an equilibrium when it comes to quality and price point. “You get Hamilton, Tissot, Seiko etc, but the quality is arguably around the Oris mark. For vintage watch lovers out there, Baltic is that sweet spot as their pieces are vintage inspired, yet can take a beating. They also kill it with their proportions. At 36-39mm case sizes, they’re perfect for most wrists.
Baltic is killing social media and for good reason. Any microbrand should have a good perception and following online. Baltic is in a unique spot in the marketplace as they are one of the leading microbrands in their competitive space (God knows how hard it is to be a successful watch microbrand). Baltic has the potential to go much more mainstream as more and more watch and non-watch collectors are getting into them.
Their plays on limited editions like the panda dial bi-compac that I’m lucky to own, the MR01s, or the Arabic dials that fetch $1000s on the secondary market are always a hit. It’s interesting to point out that both their regular models and limited edition pieces trade above retail most of the time. That shows that there are enough passionate collectors behind the brand waiting for their next launch.
What’s next for them in the long term? Their Pulsometer Chronograph Monopusher 1/1 in 2021 Only Watch auction realized CHF 50,000 (roughly $50,000). That’s an amazing move for the brand, as it establishes Baltic as a brand that’s here to stay. The watch community as a whole appreciates Baltic for their share in the marketplace. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!
Daniel Matatov is, of course, “Danny” of Danny’s Vintage Watches. If you have a pitch for us, reach out through our Contact form or send it to @iamjoshcameron on Instagram.
