Making your own “magic”
I can say with a high degree of confidence that I will never own a Patek Calatrava or the equivalent dress watch from Vacheron, JLC, Lange, etc. It’s not that I’ll never be able to afford one someday (who knows), I just can’t see myself spending tens of thousands of dollars on a watch that feels delicate and fragile (just my impression having tried them on). If I’m going to spend that much, I’ll want something solid and durable-feeling. Of course that’s not me speaking negatively about those legendary dress pieces—they are all stunning works of art and engineering—only my personal preference about the durability (both real and perceived) of my watches.
Over my years of collecting, I’ve realized that I can often achieve the feeling—or the “magic”—of pricey watches with much less expensive alternatives. It’s not because the less expensive ones are homages, it’s because they capture the energy of high-end pieces in a genuine and exciting way. Plus, it’s easier to wear a $600 watch without panicking when you knock it against the doorframe.
This is a long way of saying that I’m LOVING my new Baltic MR01 with a Delugs strap and deployant clasp. Lol
Interested in all things watches!
Agreed! Also, lovely watch👍
Agreed! Also, lovely watch👍
Thank you!
Beautiful! I’ve wondered about doing this myself with the deployant, looks great.
Beautiful! I’ve wondered about doing this myself with the deployant, looks great.
Thanks! Couldn’t recommend it more
Agreed
Rock it!
I used to feel this way until I was hands on with a Lange. Unless it's an easy purchase, I'll never buy it ofcourse .
But there are a few dress watches in the £5--10k range that really have no equivalent in a lower price bucket unfortunately. Learnt this only after being hands on with a few.
This is all my opinion though, I would be more than glad to be proven wrong
Can confirm.
Wear it in good health. 😁
Wear it in good health. 😁
Thank you!
I used to feel this way until I was hands on with a Lange. Unless it's an easy purchase, I'll never buy it ofcourse .
But there are a few dress watches in the £5--10k range that really have no equivalent in a lower price bucket unfortunately. Learnt this only after being hands on with a few.
This is all my opinion though, I would be more than glad to be proven wrong
Lange is on another level… when I tried a few on in a boutique I was stunned. I think for me the concern is still just the fact that it’s precious metal and not the most water resistant. It’s not about the quality or beauty, just the peace of mind that comes with ruggedness.
Each to their own. And I agree wholeheartedly with the premise of this post.
I love the look of the omega seamaster 300, an expensive watch. I purchased the Baltic aquascaphe, similar aesthetic actually prettier for me, much cheaper. I love wearing it.
I absolutely agree about some brands like Patek. Nice well made watches for sure but the price is sometimes ridiculous and a huge percentage of the mark up is name/brand.
The only true exception I’ve come across is Lange. The build quality of those watches and the engineering involved is staggering.
I used to feel this way until I was hands on with a Lange. Unless it's an easy purchase, I'll never buy it ofcourse .
But there are a few dress watches in the £5--10k range that really have no equivalent in a lower price bucket unfortunately. Learnt this only after being hands on with a few.
This is all my opinion though, I would be more than glad to be proven wrong
Agreed! Can’t pretend that one of their events wasn’t a huge factor in me looking more seriously at the MR01. Maybe I’ll take the ‘little Lange’ 😅
Woooow! A really stunning piece! 🔥🍻🤙
What strap is that?
Nice MR01! What I personally dont like abt it is cleaning the high polish bezel, its pain.
One of my grail watches 🫡 Keep enjoying it. And I agree with your post.
I've always graviated towards durable pieces that I can wear without worry. A watch like the Calatrava or Ceramic Royal Oak are stunning and works of art, but I would feel uneasy wearing them.
Each to their own. And I agree wholeheartedly with the premise of this post.
I love the look of the omega seamaster 300, an expensive watch. I purchased the Baltic aquascaphe, similar aesthetic actually prettier for me, much cheaper. I love wearing it.
I absolutely agree about some brands like Patek. Nice well made watches for sure but the price is sometimes ridiculous and a huge percentage of the mark up is name/brand.
The only true exception I’ve come across is Lange. The build quality of those watches and the engineering involved is staggering.
Absolutely—Lange is insane
Nice MR01! What I personally dont like abt it is cleaning the high polish bezel, its pain.
Very fair!
What strap is that?
Caramel genuine crocodile strap from Delugs! A bit pricey but the quality matches, IMO
Nice MR01! What I personally dont like abt it is cleaning the high polish bezel, its pain.
Massively agree. It’s not the best bit of finishing I’ve seen. I’ve asked a watch tech and he reckons it could be brushed to make things a little bit easier in that department. Not sure what the cost would be, but I’d love to have radial brushing on there.
I can afford big names of luxury watches... but I never feel attracted by them.
I feel micro-brands have more soul, and nothing justifies spending so much money on a watch.
Thus, I love your Baltic and mine as well. Good choice mate !