The Baltic Watch Company is a relatively young independent watch brand that has gained recognition and admiration within the watch community for its dedication to producing high-quality timepieces with a distinct vintage-inspired aesthetic. Founded in 2017 by Etienne Malec, the brand takes its name from the Baltic Sea, which serves as a source of inspiration for its designs.
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The Baltic Aquascaphe—the brand’s first dive watch—launched in 2018 was a timepiece that effortlessly captured the essence of vintage dive watches. Since then, the collection has expanded to include numerous iterations, including a bronze offering and a Dual-Crown line. The latest addition, the Aquascaphe Titanium featured here, maintains the basic DNA that popularized the first Aquascaphe, but pushes the design in a decidedly modern direction for what might be their most capable diver yet.
To begin, the Aquascaphe Titanium showcases a clean and purposeful aesthetic that is bolder than past iterations. The 41mm titanium case, with its robust construction and slim profile, exudes an air of strength and elegance all at once. The vintage-inspired domed sapphire crystal enhances the watch’s charm, while the unidirectional rotating bezel features clear markings and a satisfyingly smooth action. This time around, the insert is a highly scratch resistant brushed ceramic, whose matte finish contrasts nicely with the glossy dial.
Despite its rugged good looks, the intent to create a true toolwatch is nonetheless present in every detail, from the pronounced crown guards to the thick pencil-style handset and brash dial markers which have been lavishly treated with Super-LumiNova to ensure excellent legibility in various lighting conditions. The lack of a date window also signals that only the essential information for underwater exploration is present.
Baltic is renowned for its commitment to quality, and the Aquascaphe Titanium is no exception. The watch is meticulously crafted, showcasing precise machining and exceptional fit and finish. The titanium case (weighing only 55 grams) feels solid and sure, while the screw-down crown adds to its healthy 300m of water resistance. The vintage-inspired tropic-style rubber strap is comfortable and complements the overall aesthetic, being colour-matched and purpose-driven. It is equipped with a matching titanium buckle, as well.
The Miyota 9039, while not the most accurate or beautiful of movements, is nonetheless an industry standard workhorse calibre that is easily serviced around the world, and a good choice here. At 4Hz, it provides a smooth second hand sweep and offers up a 42-hour power reserve.
Most importantly, the Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium delivers a comfortable wearing experience on the wrist, thanks to its modest lug to lug of 47mm and its lightweight, well-proportioned design. Despite being 13.6mm thick (only 11.3mm without the domed crystal) it feels balanced and hugs the wrist nicely with its tapered lugs.
SPECS
| Case | Titanium 41mm Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 13.6mm Thick 20mm Lug Width 120-Click Uni-directional Bezel Screw Down Crown 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Double-Domed Sapphire Crystal Glossy Blue Dial (also available in black) Printed Markers Pencil Handset BGW9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | Miyota 9039 24 Jewels 28 800bph 42-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Tropic-style Rubber /w Titanium Buckle |
Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium
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Of Interest
Baltic’s focus, until now, has been on creating watches that pay homage to classic mid-20th century watch designs, particularly those from the 1940s to the 1970s. In much of its work, the brand seeks to capture the essence of vintage timepieces while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and materials. However, despite many of the same design cues present in past iterations of the Aquascaphe, the Titanium feels much more functional and contemporary in its execution. Perhaps it is simply that the watch seems driven less by an aesthetic purpose and more from a sense of utilitarian motivation. Certainly, the use of titanium is a game-changer, even visually. But to make comparison, the Aquascaphe Titanium is to the original Aquascaphe what the Pelagos 39 is to the Black Bay 58. Both are beautiful watches, but the Titanium instils a confidence and a daring in the wearing of it that is sure to make it your go to for adventures.
Quibbles
I would love to see the development of fitted rubber here, or even a titanium bracelet. But a wish list is hardly a real quibble. Great work all around.
Final Thoughts
The Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium continues the brand’s tradition of attention to detail and commitment to craftsmanship. There is clearly a strong emphasis on fit, finish, and overall quality. In truth, the Baltic Aquascaphe is a compelling offering that successfully captures the essence of classic dive watches while developing a more contemporary direction for the collection. Its blend of timeless design, reliable performance, and attention to detail make it an attractive choice for watch enthusiasts seeking a versatile timepiece with robust dive chops. Whether you’re a diving enthusiast or simply appreciate the allure of dive-inspired watches, the Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium is sure to impress with its blend of style, quality, and value for money.
The Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium retails for €710 euros. For more information, please visit the brand website.
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About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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