The New Baltic Is Awesome.... But What Is It?

[@benjaminvis]

You asked: for me this is an explorer-style field watch with design elements that remind me of the 1960s but as a design would be unlikely to have existed then. As is quite typical with Baltic watches, I find it attractive and yet I'm not immediately convinced that I should get one.

[@thedapperwrist5704]

I feel the same way. I like the fact that Baltic tends to have a vintage flair and size with their watches, but I have yet to get one. Maybe it’s the price that holds me back. Or could it be that it’s a micro brand? I have yet to buy a micro brand.

[@benjaminvis]

@@thedapperwrist5704 in my case price nor micro would explain it. Most of mine are micros and many of them of similar prices. The problem is probably that there is lots of choice and then you really have to fall for a design. Although I have appreciates various Baltics, I suppose I've just never felt that I have to wear one. Their initial sector design was one I liked, but I desire higher quality components. Sapphire crystal, for one, reliable movements, for second, and don't like the idea of imitation heat blued hands. Here there are no such qualms and I really quite like it, but I just don't feel drawn in.

[@Corkboard753]

Spot on.

[@AxLWake]

Definitely an explorer's watch. Putting everything in boxes and catégories doesn't make a lot of sense, but I don't see how it's difficult to do here. Very cool watch anyways.

[@joestojanovic6613]

No, it's a very common model l, and I'm afraid Baltic replicated the model. This model is called - Overpriced 2024

[@j1d7s]

I would call it a retro dressy fieldwatch. Btw. I own this exact model and I really like it. My wrist is 6.5in, so it fits nicely. I really like the colors, it looks like vanilla and chocolate. It also has a subdued, elegant and slightly playful character and is just something different, it is my only brown dial watch and I don't know of any watch that looks too similar.

[@robbbbery]

Hey, that's exactly what I was thinking to call it! Retro + field + dressy

[@stephenspain9167]

Very nice. I've said it many times, automatics with no complications are the easiest to live with.

[@occularpatdown]

I've got this. It's outstandingly good. I also was confused with the winding, but you can do it once you get the hang of it.

[@hugov392]

I've had this (in green) since release, and worn it almost every day as a GADA. Love it! The FKM strap is probably the most comfortable strap I've ever worn.

[@ThemysteriousMrP]

Looks like a field watch to me. A pretty one

[@NCSheriff7]

Too pretty for a field watch

[@kyledriscollmusic]

I never understood watch makers bending over backwards to make the crown uber ergonomic, I've never once had a crown digging into my hand on a regular basis, it's so rare I can't remember it ever happening. And there are watches that I wear pretty loose sometimes so I just don't get it. A nice crown really can make or break a watch

[@mattmorse8430]

I know from personal experience that when you are left handed, wear the watch on your left wrist below the bone a non-screw-down crown can, if not ergonomically located, contact your wrist or hand and rotate the crown enough to damage the watch over a relatively short time. That is just one edge case but this kind crown might have mitigated that issue. My next mechanical was a Seiko with 7S35, non-winding screw-down crown at 2 O'clock high off the wrist position!

[@sinewave999]

@@mattmorse8430If you’re left handed why in heaven’s name are you wearing it on your dominant wrist??? recipe for disaster

[@mattmorse8430]

@@sinewave999 Uniform rules at a parochial school (funny you should mention "heaven", LOL) eventually we were allowed to wear digital watches (no crowns) and later I wore watches with crown guards but I still wear my wrist watch (timekeeping) primarily on my left above the bone, when I wear a fitness tracker it is often on the right, old habits.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Really like this design. I think the integrated crown is a really smart design move.

[@narabdela]

Love the size. Love the elegant simplicity. Beautiful watch. 👍

[@DXPetti]

I think you nailed it in your final point - The Hermetique is a Field watch for the street. Still keeps a bit of those classy vintage vibes that Baltic nail but in a modern/sleeker package. I've got the Time + Time Night Driver edition coming my may and will be interested to see how the lume goes. From what I can tell, it's a slightly different combo with the BGW9 on the lollipop seconds hand

[@johnsrabe]

I think you’re right about the target demo, but I would add that it’s appealing as a daily for people who dress casually but neatly every day. Well-picked colors, ironed shirts, clean shoes. Maybe they’ve ID’d a new demo. I’m seeing a lot of younger people who are getting tired of the Covid ragamuffin dress code, and this would work well. I love the look but $600 is a lot. I could see $400. The design of the band means it doesn’t read as a rubber strap, but you get all the benefits of a rubber strap. The cream/cream would be perfect with a linen-blend jacket, an open shirt, and lunch with rosé at some little village in the Vaucluse. (Trout almondine, anyone?)

[@brianmccord7387]

I’m gonna say Captain’s watch or deck watch, like the Stowa Marine Classic. It’s got respectable water resistance, but it doesn’t need a dive time bezel. That said, Stowa actually provides a crown that works.

[@brianmsahin]

Gorgeous watch Jody and the fkm strap wins it for me. I find 37mm a bit small for my 8.1" wrist unless it's a dress watch. For a sporty tool type watch bigger is better for me. I'd love this in 39-40mm. Beautiful though and suitable for many wrists. A sure fire winner !

[@unknownriderinbound]

Why must everything be forced into an identity box these days? Can't a good watch just be a good watch?

[@urielcastro1178]

Exactly 👌💯

[@Gibonni91]

This is more of a clickbait tho... You need to catch the fleeting attention span of the audience

[@cagataycakmak2280]

Could not agree more, people love to put things in categories when in reality it doesn’t matter one bit.

[@jirskyrjenkins1959]

It's different for watch reviewers, they are expected to break down and categorise watches. But he does say at the end maybe he should not worry about it.

[@C.C._TJ_Jason]

I think that’s just how are brains are wired. We like categories. It’s like a mental shortcut that’s helps sort the world into manageable chunks.

[@ailestriker9888]

I think this fits a dressy field watch and I think the tropic makes a lot of sense. Too many field watches have little to no water resistance and are paired with cloth or leather. Maybe rubber fits the purpose of a field watch better. That crow is a big issue though

[@JF-lt5zc]

Don't understand the lack of waterproof on many field watches. Um. it's for the field....Today's field watches are divers and G-Shocks we just don't call them that. :)

[@ailestriker9888]

@@JF-lt5zc but the field watch aesthetic suffers a lot because of it. I want a hamilton khaki with 100m. Is that too much to ask?

[@JF-lt5zc]

@@ailestriker9888 No. But for some reason it won't get built so you'll have to go with Baltany or Boderry to get it.

[@charles_the_elder]

I really like this watch. I think it's my favorite Baltic so far. I'm a bit older than you and I remember when wristwatches were just watches. They didn't have categories as we have today. You bought a watch and wore it. There were dive watches, but we just thought of them as watches, i don't remember anything being called a tool watch. I think of this as a watch that's just a watch. It's not a dive watch, though it has more depth than I will ever go. A little too dressy for a tool watch, not dressy enough for a dress watch. So it's just a watch, which makes it very "old skool." I like watches that are just watches. Thank you for another wonderful video.

[@mate.herner]

Hey Jody, thanks for the great videos, I really appreciate your channel! I wanted just to propose a little correction: I was at the Baltic showroom yesterday and I asked specifically about the hand winding - they told me it IS possible to hand wind the watch (though it may be uncomfortable, but I imagine one can get used to it).

[@brafman1]

Jody's point is that while its technically possible (I suppose you could use your finger nail to coax the crown around), as a practical matter, it is very difficult to accomplish.

[@adam_meade]

I own this and can confirm. I wind it a tiny bit to get it going, but that's it. I would never fully wind this watch, but you don't need to.

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Same question could apply to the very tempting Longines Spirit. They simply are well designed daily drivers.

[@BlockMinerz]

Absolutely love the design. This will be my new daily office wear.

[@davidrosenblum2178]

I really like the look of that crown. It just needs a ghost position when fully recessed, which I suppose would require a redesign of the winding mechanism.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

I'm blown aways buy how good the polishing is on that ring around the dial and how beautiful the brushing is everwhere. It almost looks satin.

[@IvMacCuts]

Love this, I would change the strap to a different color and material but outside of that this makes me happy

[@Adrian_3006]

Agree. The strap kind of subdues the dial IMO! Looks great otherwise.

[@adk7962]

It’s gorgeous, and it seems a lot of thought went into the design. At first glance it feels like a dress watch but judging from the fact they offer it on FKM and bracelet, it’s more of a GADA / Sport watch. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks for the great review!

[@darrenak9378]

I have this watch and thought it felt like it wouldn't wind. However if you hold it to your ear and you'll hear that it is winding. It needs a fair amount of turns to get it going.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I've got a vintage citizen with a crown like that but there is a scooped out area behind it so you can still manually wind it by rubbing your finger along the back. Cute little watch with va-va-voom. I would prefer it on a leather strap though as that rubber strap doesnt really suit in my opinion. Makes me think of the 1930s. Great for walking a pedigree dog in or for reading the newspaper at a pavement cafe. Could wear with smart or casual clothes.

[@watchmitch3699]

I love Baltic. In fact, I’m wearing my Baltic aquascaph bronze brown right now. It’s gorgeous!

[@adam_meade]

I pre-ordered this in beige. It's terrific, though the numerals get lost in low light with the lack of contrast. I'd probably go green if I could do it over. Great watch though

[@SlCKB0Y-sb1kg]

Baltic’s bracelets are a highlight for me and I’m pretty sure they taper from 20mm to 16mm which is pretty standard. Sure, it’s not the crazy taper found on something like the Oris 65 but it’s completely sufficient given that the bracelets themselves are not chunky and have a retro feel.

[@GCPlati85]

An amphibious field watch, like one that came out of the water and is now living on land.

[@simonwright6882]

This one is making my eyeballs very happy. I've had my eye on another similar model from farer. Spoilt for choice as usual. The hand winding might have made the decision for me.

[@ZCherish]

Maybe it's a premium Seiko 5 👀 I like thinking about it like that

[@DarkDreamer_]

This very handsome field watch can make for a great everyday watch. The size is very good. It could be considered small if it was a diver or an aviation piece, but it's perfect for a field/gada watch!

[@markplayford5836]

I think that is beautiful and for me is a GARDA/dress watch. Garda on the tropic then a quick swap onto leather and you have your dress. Simple really 😅

[@I-Libertine]

I love the brown dial. And the chunky hunks of lume as Arabic numerals. And the railroad track... Oooh, I see that cream dial one is gorgeous, too. Type of watch? Desirable.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

I really like batic but their watches are just too small for my 8" wrist.

[@dom_veloce]

Not every watch design needs to be neatly placed into a style box. A nicely made, nicely styled, versatile watch is all it needs to be, definition be dammed. If I had to pigeonhole this particular Baltic, I’d consider it a field watch. But who cares. Now I actually want one 😮😂

[@metallusmelandril7380]

Cool that the are frank about used movement and not rebrand it

[@watchalot919]

Lovely watch. I would say it's a sporty dress watch and should be on leather. I think the Axios Tribune is a nicer watch, and costs less

[@michaelbradley6488]

Explorer vibes, field watch for me, I would put it on leather.

[@spavliskojr]

Id call it a retro sport casual. sort of looks like the type of casual watch youd find in the late 50s early 60s

[@thenaijatimewatcher7830]

Jody I was tempted to call this one a GADA, but considering the dial layout, brushed case & 150 metres of water resistance, I'd say it's a field watch. This is despite the polished bezel & not so practical recessed dainty crown... Perhaps a slightly dressy field watch..? Think Omega Aqua Terra & Rolex Explorer...

[@Caxel108]

I really wish they made this closer to 40mm, anything below 38mm just looks goofy on my wrist 🫠 I love baltics dials... I just need them to make a slightly bigger model

[@sterlingarcher857]

Baltic have always seemed decent and ive always sort of fancied getting an aquascaphe....always seemed nice and im partial to a skin diver. Ive never got round to it though.... Which means i possibly dont want one enough.....🤷 I had the opportunity recently but plumped for another cwc........ I regret nothing

[@WatchmakerErik]

When it comes to what style of watch this is I'm going to go with what they used to do in the 60s and just call it a watch. Just like the motorcycles back in the 60s were all basically the same, but now we have tourers and dual sports and sport bikes and sport tourers and baggers and cruisers and adventure bikes... So too have we come from a place where in the 60s we just kind of had watches, to having a huge variety of watches of all different types today. I own and fix a lot of vintage pieces and really back then the difference between something sporty and something dressy was not that much. In the spirit of a ujm this is a uew: universal European watch. And I do think that this design is equally suited to the boardroom the cocktail party and the pool side. It's a great all-round design in my opinion.

[@glyno77]

I've had the green one for a few months and I was thinking the same the first few times I wore it. My conclusion Smart but sporty retro field watch.

[@skalar-haubitze1619]

Looks like my Omega Railmaster, which itself is close in design to an Explorer 1. So you might classify that watch a pure utilitarian/tool watch

[@pigsydney]

I really do love this watch,it is one of Baltic's best watches.Neat Sydney Opera House t shirt.

[@thenotanclan]

Casual field dress watch

[@julianb1474]

I just won't use a rubber strap. Leather would have suited these so much better. Like the dial and legibility which is important to me. But this is a little small.

[@MadA-qc3to]

Have you seen the Watchdives WD1960S 36mm VH31 Men Watch? $80 homage of Tudor. I love it.

[@johnpickensg7862]

this screams for one of Vario's Tweed straps

[@lonegroover]

Absolute beaut! Crying out for a leather strap, though.

[@owenlaprath4135]

It is a Vostock Kommandirskie inspired dress watch. It's like, you take a T-34 tank, take off the turret and tracks, so you get a Lada limousine, and then you squish the snout a bit, and you have a perfectly dress-party suitable Rolls-Royce look-a-like!

[@nigelh4617]

It fits into the exclusive "I wouldn't mind one of those" box.

[@jwags24]

It goes in the “watch I don’t like” box for me. lol.

[@JohnBuckmaster-sw3wm]

I’ve been looking for something to replace the Sarb 033 in my heavy rotation. Not that I will ever sell that one… this seems like the type of watch that would fill that niche… Looks like it would look really good on a vintage style mesh bracelet, or a nice calf leather strap… thanks, Jodie

[@martinkaplan1805]

It’s perfect for that!!

[@dtannasee]

Definitely a field watch, and I'm not too sure how it'd fit in to much else, maybe an explorer?

[@nukadog1969]

Bummer on the lulme...the watch's simple eletgance is great. A bit small for those of us around 191mm, though. If they decided to go up to 39/40, I might have to consider breaking my collection theme...

[@chilledwalrus]

Check out the Baltic x Time+Tide Hermétique Night Mode that will be available on the 26th only, for one day. This is the best looking version -all black.

[@darrenpage1517]

vintage sport explorer?? I like it... I like Batics Style throughout their range, but they are just to small for me unfortunately. I don't get the Rolex reference mabe a bit of tudor ranger in it, but way more appealing.

[@LukeBhite]

It's the watch. I mean Just the "Watch" watch. Before watches get specializations. So, imagine 40's and 50's watches design refreshed a bit, in the 80's cause quart crisis didn't happen and people were fed up with the bold style of the 70's. For me, it fit's same category as Nomos Club Campus, and San Martins or Merkur's colourfull sub 40mm autos.

[@TonySmithyman]

Lovely looking piece, very very nice. But it's a no for the crown. I don't think it's necessary to have it recessed.

[@JeeGee114]

Yes I wanted one untill I saw the price. I just put a Vario Brown strap on my Sarb 35. For over 600 Euro's the case is just to plain.

[@driftkid222]

This would look so great on leather or nato/canvas strap!

[@atmakurs]

Glad you were transparent about the sponsor. Would have been nice without the sponsorship though

[@16jan1986]

Perfect candidate for the bonklio bracelet we saw yesterday

[@gregamos8793]

Hello. Have you reviewed an Aquascaph? I’m seriously considering getting one. The blue guilt version looks awesome! IMHO of course.

[@diydad7704]

While it seems to look like a field watch to many viewers, it would need a grippier crown for that, Remember: a watch is only useful if it's running. In the field you may want to wind it a little bit every now and then to keep it alive. But it's nice.

[@owenlaprath4135]

... taking another look, it really is another take on the W10 with a different dial, and you ought to know that one :)

[@runwhatyoubrung]

If I had to categorize this one, it looks like a dress watch that likes to party (rubber strap and higher water resistance than expected).

[@nicsamazingpinballchannel7688]

Ever try a Kuoe? The Kuoe Old Smith 90-002 hits a similar mark. A bit smaller but with a windable crown and $200 less expensive. I have a similar wrist size and it has outlasted many other pieces in the collection and is still going strong. I wear it on an old style beads bracelet (like the kind Bulang & Sons sells). Speaking of which, do you have one? Have yet to find a more comfortable bracelet at any price.

[@KnifedbyButter56]

The Baaltic Box is hard to understand, Esoteric in nature yet pleasing to a Keen eye...

[@GinkgoJoe]

I love those lume cakes!!

[@kenswinbourn1219]

You said Seiko 5, on first view I thought SLA045 due to the tropic, but on second view no date and dimensions not quite there.

[@Celebmacil]

"Urban Explorer", read as: slightly dressier and stylish (urban) field (explorer) watch, that's what I'd consider it to be, or how I'd explain it. I think that the "Tourer" nomenclature sort of reinforces this urban traveler twist on an explorer style.

[@vicfg8052]

A mixture of Explorer and Swatch? Would be a Swiss-Swiss blending made in France. Another point: a classification is a mental construction; reality comes as it is.

[@lyndonlouie4108]

I’m surprised they went with a 20 mil lug for a 37 mil watch. Maybe that’s why the bracelet overpowers it. Leather would have been nice to go for that last mid century feel.

[@brafman1]

Yes - it should have an 18mm strap (and slightly shorter lugs).

[@gerardoarellano7698]

I would love to see you do a video on the new, updated field watch by Serica.

[@WatchMatt]

I would classify this as a GADA watch, especially with the bracelet. Although you're right about the bracelet, it's unbalanced. However, the lume is disappointing, other reviews were raving about it. And the hidden crown is cute, but since you can't wind it, I wish they didn't bother and just chuck on a nice and big vintage style unguarded crown.

[@ODocker]

Bang on about the integrated crown. Have Seiko's retro reissue of the original Seiko 5, with a similar 'retracting' stem. (Maybe this was Baltic's inspiration?) The crown made perfect sense in the original - a 7S26 movement that didn't hand wind, thus no reason for a stem you could wind in the retracted position. But with a 4R36 inside (or a Miyota in the Baltic), it's bonkers - and frankly annoying in a 'rotation' watch.

[@BeauWJangles]

"They do a blue, a green and a cream you know" 😄👌

[@scottbeckett4190]

I wish they made a 40mm. Great vid once again. Merci.

[@vincentleroux7502]

Got the one with the Breguet numerals and the micro rotor. It looks very nice but it is so light it makes it feel very cheap... am I the only one with this feeling? I only read positive comments on Baltic so far, bit surprising for me that this comment not coming up.

[@scottlauren3145]

I like it but I like my Traska Commuter more =)

[@gregnatividad8345]

Thanks, Jody. That lume is a dealbreaker. Had high hopes it’s 3d printed.

[@gregalonzo747]

Have you checked out the Vulcain Skindiver Natique? It's a 60's style piece, similar in looks to the Oris 65.

[@fokkerfilms560]

Can't wait to get mine. 🥰

[@peasantrobot]

Beautiful time piece!

[@MichaelV89]

Looks good in the rubber strap, reason most likely is cost. Makes it for profitable on a rubber strap. Baltic has good designs, good marketing schemes and strategy, they can sell models with chinese movements.

[@davelowey3074]

Hi jomw, it's like a feild explorer, nice.

[@jodiwilson7299]

Baltic have some nice offerings, for the price I'd go for a Casio Oceanus or Lineage. Oceanus or Lineage are better bang for buck & Casio have the heritage.

[@joestojanovic6613]

What does heritage mean in this case?

[@jodiwilson7299]

@joestojanovic6613 Heritage, Casio is a long established company. Baltic is not a long established company. Heritage

[@metallusmelandril7380]

Since when do they give you the timehrapher results? More brands should do this! However my MR01 didn’t come with one…

[@NW-lj6oo]

Well put together review as ever. The watch itself looks and sounds like an ‘also ran’ and ‘did not finish’ at the UK’s Grand National horse race at Aintree.

[@mrkitewine7700]

I’d just call it “a watch”, It doesn’t have to be pigeonholed but I suppose the use of arabics, smaller size and tropical strap make it closer to a field watch than other styles.

[@martinsaunders7925]

Nice curves. Highlights in the right places. Understated colors and tones. Elegant with quirky features,looks good on the arm. Like many retro looking French women.

[@jdupuis4829]

They should have adjuster the movement a bit

[@ahslan7304]

Wish that lug to lug was shorter

[@ramblin1209]

Hello! Glad to see you this time 😂

[@Furniture121]

100% a GADA for me. It's not dressy enough for a dress watch, but not "tooly" enough for a diver/field watch.

[@randomhandle]

Last time I was this early, Jody was on his first Divers 65.