Baltic's new 36mm Prismic watches
There's quite a few new releases already dropping in 2024 and we aren't even close to March madness.
Did anyone else catch the Watch pro article
https://www.watchcrunch.com/news/publication-baltic-bets-on-cocktail-watch-revival_62414
...Before it got taken down?
(I think they broke embargo a little too early).
From the images, and what I could remember:
36mm
Sub 10mm thickness (yay)
Manual wound ETA/Peseux Swiss movement
Leather or Mesh bracelet
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I like the colors and dial layout.
Yea out of the 4 I like the purple the most. Maybe because it reminds me of their Only Watch 2023 entry.
Can't wait for the official reveal and price. I think it'll be a bit more than what we usually expect from Baltic.
Delighted that they've used a Swiss movement movement rather than the Hangzhou micro rotor.
I wonder what it will be.
Maybe an manual wind version of an ETA 2824-2 clone. E.g. The Sellita SW210-1, though that has centre seconds rather than subseconds. Alternatively the could use the ETA/Peseux 7001, which is even thinner and has subseconds, but who knows whether ETA would supply them with it.
🤞They've chosen Sellita as that'll likely mean long term parts availability and serviceability.
I don't like the indices (for me) and purple is not a colour I like in a watch. Other than that it's great !
Delighted that they've used a Swiss movement movement rather than the Hangzhou micro rotor.
I wonder what it will be.
Maybe an manual wind version of an ETA 2824-2 clone. E.g. The Sellita SW210-1, though that has centre seconds rather than subseconds. Alternatively the could use the ETA/Peseux 7001, which is even thinner and has subseconds, but who knows whether ETA would supply them with it.
🤞They've chosen Sellita as that'll likely mean long term parts availability and serviceability.
I think I read they were using a ETA/Peseux in the article so you're spot on there.
I don't like the indices (for me) and purple is not a colour I like in a watch. Other than that it's great !
They're certainly leaning into the dressier watches these last few releases.
I like the direction, they are getting more daring although not sure it'll have the same fervour as their divers/bi-compax which will translate to sales.
I'll reserve judgement until I see a review / up-close photos.
I think I read they were using a ETA/Peseux in the article so you're spot on there.
They're nice movements. A shame ETA won't supply parts for them.
Yea out of the 4 I like the purple the most. Maybe because it reminds me of their Only Watch 2023 entry.
Can't wait for the official reveal and price. I think it'll be a bit more than what we usually expect from Baltic.
Agreed That purple is killer
36mm - don’t scare the horses again, we’ve only just got them back in the van
I remember reading something about them being Titanium 🤩
Price somewhere around 900€
I have to say that Baltic are absolutely killing it at the moment!
Looks very Art Deco to me.
These press photos look super fake and computer generated... Wonder how they'll look IRL but I'm intrigued 🤔
Are those crystals for indices? Or will Baltic call them "prisms" to make them sound more "manly"?
Delighted that they've used a Swiss movement movement rather than the Hangzhou micro rotor.
I wonder what it will be.
Maybe an manual wind version of an ETA 2824-2 clone. E.g. The Sellita SW210-1, though that has centre seconds rather than subseconds. Alternatively the could use the ETA/Peseux 7001, which is even thinner and has subseconds, but who knows whether ETA would supply them with it.
🤞They've chosen Sellita as that'll likely mean long term parts availability and serviceability.
Is the hanzhou micro rotor bad? One of the reasons I looked at the BR01 was the micro rotor, but if it’s not a good movement I’ll pass.
Excellent dimensions and the dials look nice. It'll be cool to see these out in the world.
Didn’t even know about these till now. These look great and that 36mm sub 10mm thickness is really eye catching for me
Is the hanzhou micro rotor bad? One of the reasons I looked at the BR01 was the micro rotor, but if it’s not a good movement I’ll pass.
I have an MR01 and the movement is perfectly fine. Actually very well decorated and clean. Runs ok, but it's not a chronometer either.. I think people dislike it because it's a Chinese movement... But where are you going to get a Swiss micro rotor for that price point ?!
These are cold! Get it?
Not a fan.
... haven't been a fan of Baltic's recent releases at all.
🤷🏻
Small and boring, and I don't like watches that have many color variations anymore, doesn't feel special or unique
Is the hanzhou micro rotor bad? One of the reasons I looked at the BR01 was the micro rotor, but if it’s not a good movement I’ll pass.
It's a personal choice, not whether a movement is "good" or "bad". The reasons I wouldn't buy a Hangzhou-equipped Baltic are: Parts unavailability - no Western distribution of Hangzhou parts Watchmaker unfamiliarity - harder to find a watchmaker to service it Risk of Baltic going bust or saying they'll no longer service it - they're a small, recent brand. Who knows if they'll be in business in ten years' time. Lower quality of antimagnetic alloys especially for balance spring Looser tolerances of precision machining, especially tooth geometry in the train. Price - I find Baltic's pricing excessive for a watch with that movement given how inexpensive they are.
Thickness - the main point of a micro-rotor movement is to be thin, which justifies the additional complexity and higher service costs. But the Hangzhou isn't thin (3.95mm). It's thicker than common full rotor automatics like the Miyota 9015(3.9mm). I'd go for a watch with the Miyota any day given their expertise and track record.
Vintage alternatives are great value - I picked up a 60s Hamilton with micro-rotor movement in a solid gold case for $250. Service was another $250.
I have an MR01 and the movement is perfectly fine. Actually very well decorated and clean. Runs ok, but it's not a chronometer either.. I think people dislike it because it's a Chinese movement... But where are you going to get a Swiss micro rotor for that price point ?!
I agree, there's nothing "wrong" with the Hangzhou. Certainly nothing wrong with manufacturing in China - plenty of components in Swiss and Japanese watches made there.
The way to get a Swiss micro rotor in that price range is to buy vintage, but patience is needed to find one. This is mine from the 60s. Solid gold too which was a bit of luck. Cost $250 to buy and $250 to service.
I’m definitely interested in having a look at these pieces very cool vintage designs
Yea out of the 4 I like the purple the most. Maybe because it reminds me of their Only Watch 2023 entry.
Can't wait for the official reveal and price. I think it'll be a bit more than what we usually expect from Baltic.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. The purple dial of their Only Watch looked amazing. Hope to see these in person at Wind Up Watch Fair SF in May (assuming Baltic is there; I believe they were at WUWF NY last year)
I like it, but at that money I start to want to see “Swiss Made” or “Made in Japan” or “Fabrique en France” at the 6 O’Clock.