Baltic and its founder Etienne Malec are a comparatively younger model that has all the time given their watches a classic aptitude and has a aptitude for design and retro appeal. Whether or not it is a traditional diver’s watch, a pair of sector dial watches with a graduated bezel, a classic racing chronograph, or a Calatrava-style watch that is turned heads, watches which might be nonetheless fairly reasonably priced, are undeniably fascinating. Following on from the current Hermétique Tourer and its instrument watch character, the model returns to magnificence with a watch that goes a step additional when it comes to sophistication and execution. Meet the marginally groovy, retro-chic Baltic Prismic assortment.
Whether or not sporty or elegant, there may be all the time a transparent retro inspiration in Baltic watches. We have seen traditional dive watches from the Nineteen Sixties, enticing Calatrava fashions from the Nineteen Thirties, sector dials impressed by the Forties or chronographs modeled on the golden period of motorsports. With the Prismic Assortment, Baltic returns to extra elegant watches that “impressed by geometric shapes and lightweight refractions of the prism“. Above all, the design of the Baltic Prismic is predicated on a barely later period of gown watches, when the design grew to become bolder, groovier and with out the constraints of the early Nineteen Fifties: the so-called cocktail watches made within the Nineteen Sixties by Patek or Vacheron, with expressive designs, uncommon markings, bracelets that change bracelets… watches designed to be worn in a classy bar, sipping an old style drink, lighting a cigar with a gold lighter earlier than driving in a 1962 Cadillac Eldorado with outsized tail fins or one thing related, a Facel Vega HK 500 rides again in the event you reside in Europe… I’ve to confess that this new Prismic gave me one immediately mad Males Temper.
As all the time with the French model, issues are usually not only a copy of the previous. Whereas there may be an plain classic really feel right here, the Baltic Prismic is a contemporary expression of a specific period. However past a profitable design, this new assortment can also be essential in my books as a result of it represents progress in implementation. The extent of element on the case and dial is sort of spectacular, particularly on this value vary.
With the Baltic Prismic we’re coping with one other compact gown watch that has already been researched with the MR01 or the HMS 003. Aside from that, there may be nothing in widespread with these two current collections and the Prismic performs with a distinct vibe general. Sharper, way more putting and weird, nearly extravagant within the particulars – which can also be mirrored within the selection of colours. It’s also a watch with a intelligent development.
The Baltic Prismic case has a diameter of 36 mm and a size of 44 mm. Once more, it is deliberately compact – one thing some could not recognize, however I personally recognize each the scale and the model’s dedication to sustaining these proportions. It is also a reasonably skinny watch, measuring simply over 9mm thick, a lot of that being as a result of double-domed sapphire crystal. However do not simply have a look at the numbers; This watch is extra current on the wrist than you may think about.
The case can also be fairly complicated. First, it combines chrome steel for the bezel, lugs and caseback with grade 5 titanium for the center case. A number of finishes adorn the case, with lugs polished on the highest and brushed on the flanks, whereas the titanium band has a barely grainy end that contrasts with the polished bands on the perimeters of the bezel and caseback. The higher a part of the stepped bezel is polished whereas the periphery is brushed in a round form. The sharp strains additionally add to the general subtlety. The case is fascinating within the noble sense of the phrase. Even the crown knurling sample is unconventional.
This stage of element can also be carried over to the dials, which can be found in 4 completely different colours – gentle grey blue, salmon, inexperienced and purple (the latter is a daring however really helpful selection). Other than these authentic tones, the dial of the Prismic is an actual eye-catcher. The central half has a sunray-like guilloche impact and is framed by a round brushed quantity ring. Utilized, faceted markers underline it, with the smaller diamond-shaped hour markers offering a classy look and making a stunning interaction of depth and lightweight reflections. The palms, brushed on the high with polished bevels, are additionally impressively detailed, and the small second additionally has its personal number of particulars. There’s quite a bit happening with this dial, however the result’s in keeping with the case and inspiration.
Beneath the sapphire crystal caseback is a traditional hand-wound motion, the ETA Peseux 7001. This confirmed structure ensures a flat design and, though nothing spectacular, remains to be a satisfying sight for watch lovers. It beats at a frequency of three Hz and has an influence reserve of 42 hours.
The watches on this new Baltic Prismic assortment can be found with a selection of textured leather-based straps and fasten with a pin buckle. They create much more influence when worn on the brushed, braided “mesh-like” chrome steel bracelet. Closed with a sliding clasp, it options curved ends for elegant integration and is pleasantly supple. Each the straps and the bracelets are outfitted with a fast launch system.
The Baltic Prismic can be priced as a part of the everlasting assortment, with first deliveries anticipated in July 2024 990 euros (excl. taxes) on a leather-based bracelet or 1,050 euros (excl. taxes) on a metal mesh bracelet – objectively aggressive contemplating the extent of element of the instances and dials in addition to the presence of a Swiss ETA motion.
For extra data, go to baltic-watches.com.
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