The Baltic Aquascaphe : Dive Time

 The Baltic Aquascaphe : Dive Time


The Baltic Aquascaphe : Photo Baltic

What is in a name? There are some names that conjure up an image that typifies the object in question. The Ford Mustang, The Supermarine Spitfire and The Baltic Aquascaphe. It brings to mind an early diver in the deep dark waters of  a dangerous sea, a tool in the hands of a diver with years of experience, a diver that is fearless. A name can fabricate a history, it can make an object in some way iconic. But then a name can be elevated by what is represents. John Lennon without John Lennon would just be a man from Liverpool. 

Baltic is a French microbrand that has become a darling of the watch collecting world. An appreciation that is not undeserved. Since their kickstarter launch in 2017 they have produced some beautiful and price conscious watches. The microbrand landscape is a crowed space. The growth of social media in the watch world has given us a Gold Rush of indy watch markers. Only time will tell who will be left when the dust settles. I expect Baltic to still be here after the boom. Quality shines through always. Etienne Malec's kickstarter brand launched with the Biocompax and HMS both vintage inspired, both a modern interpretation of something that may have come before. A year later Baltic hit another home run, The Aquascaphe.

In the Aquascaphe Baltic have produced a watch that is ubiquitous in the collecting world. A mid sized (39mm) vintage inspired Dive watch. But Baltic have done this genre justice. The Aquascaphe is a beautifully made watch. It sits right at the top (if not above) it's prize bracket. Inside is an Automatic Miyota 9039 movement produced in Japan. Some may feel that a movement of higher quality may have been a better offering, maybe a Sellita. But the Miyota seems to run very well and keeps the price way down. The case and dial are real works of retro cool. With sandwich dials and various lume style in the vintage inspired hands, there is a Aquascaphe for everyone.

Aquascaphe Steel Bezel Photo: Baltic

The Aquascaphe comes in various incantations. 4 Stainless steel models including a blue gilt version and even one with a black and cream dials. They really are stunning. There is even two bronze models, a black glossy and blue gilt version. I think these are two of the nicest bronze watches in the market and at €750 they offer great value, for maybe something you'd not wear daily . 

Baltic only went and upped their game in November, releasing the Aquascaphe GMT. Powered by a Swiss Soprod automatic movement on both rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet the GMT is a step up for an already amazing product. The GMT comes in three 24hr bezel colour ways, a grey blue, orange blue and green blue. The orange blue is my favourite, it has a real mid century feel. At €1200 on a beads of rice stainless steel bracelet I'm not sure you'll find better for that money. 


Aquascaphe GMT Photo: Baltic

 


Let's not pretend this isn't a crowed market. The choices for mid century inspired tool watches are plentiful. From the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms,  the Tudor Black Bay 58, or Seiko Propex SPB143. But nothing offers as much for as little. The Baltic watches are just such amazing value. In the Microbrand arena Baltic is something special, sure the Aquascaphe is nothing ground breaking or original. But that's not the point. You buy an Aquascaphe because you want in on a club, the vintage inspired watch owners club and there's nothing wrong with that. There's worse clubs to be a member of (the Ed Sheeran fan club). 

You can find more on Baltic watches here 


Aquascaphe Bronze Black Dial Photo: Baltic


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