The ultimate vintage diver or not? - Baltic Aquascaphe - Full review

One of the most talked about Microbrands is Baltic. Today I'm giving my Aquascaphe the full review treatment and asking the question.
Is it worth the money?
Thank you so much for WATCHing my video and I hope that you check out all my other content.
I release 3 videos per week, all watch related, including reviews, first impressions and general watch related topics.
I try very hard to diversify my content as well and will feature big known watch brands, microbrands as well as Aliexpress watches.
The majority of the watches I feature are in the affordable range but I do try and get some less affordable watches as well.
Most of the watches that I feature I have bought with my own money. I buy them to enjoy and wear but I also to feature them on this channel.
Being a smaller channel it is challenging to cover the cost of all the watches that I buy and partly because of this I have become an affiliate member with a number of companies including Aliexpress, Ashford.com and Jomashop.
If you are looking for watches from well known brands then it is worth checking out:
www.ashford.com
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As an affiliate member I may leave affiliate links in the descriptions of videos. These links will direct you to the watches that I’ve experienced, reviewed and would certainly recommend. If you choose to use those links I will earn a very small commission.
Thank you very much if you choose to use those links.
Below are affiliate links for my absolute favorite watches on Aliexpress. Each of them I have owned and had positive experiences with the stores that they are linked to.
San Martin SN004-G (my favorite San Martin Watch):
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Berny AM038M (The best super affordable mechanical watch):
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Tactical Frog H5 (Simply stunning):
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Escapement Time Type-B Flieger H0292 (Incredible. So well made and a joy to wear):
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Or the Chrono Quartz alternative that is super affordable (Escapement Time):
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Gustav Becker (This one surprised me how much I love it):
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Hruodland Turbine Pilot (The best watch on Aliexpress…… yes I said it):
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This watch goes out of stock a lot so if it’s not available at that store then check this one out:
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RMALTI Grand GMT Homage featuring the Seiko NH34:
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SEESTERN: SE2021-OO2DOXA V2 (well made and a great homage):
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My favourite engineered bracelet (I use mine all the time):
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Cronos Sub Homage with the PT5000 (so well made):
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SEAGULL 1963 (It is so loved for very good reasons):
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Pagani Design Pilot Watch PD-YS003 (hands down my favorite Pagani Design watch):
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[@TheSalinski]

Thanks for the review. The San Martin looks like a Rolex. The Baltic does not. Plus one for the Baltic!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@killertaxi100]

Hey, this is my watch in the video! 😀 I just bought this off eBay, and the name and date in the back of my booklet are the same, as is the receipt of the timegrapher's results. I thought you might get a kick out of knowing one of your subscribers now owns this watch and is very much enjoying it!

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s fantastic. It is an amazing watch. I hope you love and enjoy it.

[@killertaxi100]

@@WATCHingJames I am indeed! It will be well looked after. 🙂

[@WATCHingJames]

Great to hear and thanks for WATCHing

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing my full review of my Baltic

[@leventturkan3503]

İf a company use a japanese movement miyota it shouldnt have 1000dollars price tag, in this case chinese companies do a great job with japanese movements and 300dollars price tag with good finishing ,nothing changes if its a french company or chinese... Dont critize seiko too much if this baltany has this price tag...at least seiko has innovation and production,u like it or not😉

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@franciscomoliner1296]

Had the same feeling with the Wise Adamascus, love it, but ca. 600€ without bracelet or tax? If it had a Swiss movement, maybe the price point would be more acceptable. As for this one, my S.M. vintage diver, as you point out, fills the gap. Regards James

[@WATCHingJames]

It is hard to say that it is the best value. Especially with that San Martin. But it still is a lovely watch.

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

I have sold my S.M. 6200 and now im in the need for some other black dial 1950s diver. It may sound crazy but im thinking to buy SM 6200 BB58 V2 diver.

[@Zonediver]

...a "Hong Kong parts" Watch for € 696.- No, Thanks! This watch is still "way" too expensive...

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@robertferrone9526]

My Baltic Aquascaphe is an Amazing watch but two things that could be better is 1. The lume on my watch is not good. 2. The clasp on the metal strap could be more sturdy other then that I would recommend this Watch to anyone and you can't beat the price for this quality.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a lovely watch. I can see why it has been so popular

[@frankdirscherl2345]

It's a good watch, I enjoyed mine in 2019, but a little overpriced for what you get.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

Always thought it was a nice looking watch but in all honesty, it's way overpriced given Baltic uses Hong Kong for parts suppliers. Orient contracts China watch manufacturers to build the case on the Ray and Kamasu but they sell for one third the price not to mention the in-house movement and build quality equal to Baltic imo.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@AwkwardHorology]

Love the Aquascape but not sure whether to shell out the extra for the gmt model!

[@WATCHingJames]

I have been looking at the GMT too.

[@paulelliott7493]

You nailed it James, the first thought that poped into my head was "thats the same as my SM".....i love my SM,it is my daily wear for the comfort of it....I do like the Baltic but it is, with tax, $1130.00 Canadian dollars, while my SM was around $300. the difference in price is a couple more watches from SM, and they will be quality also. There really is no question as to what is the better deal.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is really hard to justify the Baltic over the SM. But it still is a really nice watch. I wish the SM came in this colour.

[@paulelliott7493]

@@WATCHingJames That would great if it did.

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@sage9743]

I’ll have to look into the SM.

[@Humbleyoself69]

Great video! Since you released this video they have fixed the clasp issue it now has two small "buttons" on each side for ease of release

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s good to hear.

[@RobKristjansson]

Great review, as always, James! I was thinking about your apt comparison to San Martin, and I think Baltic's "value proposition" (yes, I'm rolling my eyes at myself) is this - while the San Martin is so slavish to "homaging" it's reference that it feels, for lack of a better word, generic, the vintage inspired Aquascaphe has its own style which Baltic believes justifies the significant premium. Which makes me think I'd do what you did - by it used. 'Cause that's a lot of extra dough for style.

[@WATCHingJames]

When you consider money the SM makes more sense. But the Baltic is more unique, interesting and a great watch. Buying used really felt like the way to go.

[@goldfools5445]

Always like these. That 50 fathoms nod. Not to big like the Spinaker is.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a really nice looking, well made and nice wearing watch.

[@sebastiannowakowski5084]

The Arabic 12 doesn’t make sence and the dial has no detail and seems to be printed. Looks nice at first but the longer you look the more bland it gets. I went with a CW Aquitaine and that one looks better the longer you look.

[@WATCHingJames]

You can’t go wrong with a CW

[@BCallum]

Thanks for the review. I would expect that movement to run a lot better and be regulated at the asking price. This model has been on my wanted list for awhile. Cheers!!!

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks for WATCHing

[@briancolyer8483]

A very nice watch has to be said....sub 40 though, on a dive watch it doesnt work on my wrist i have the JF Exciton and i cant wear it....gutted.... This has got so much going for it, im sure with time and thought they could come up with something to improve the clasp other than that the watch is damn near perfect....i love the dial, everything on it is subtle but draws you in....do you see this one staying in your collection or is it passing through? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⌚

[@WATCHingJames]

It has turned out to be temporary. But it actually stayed in my regular rotation for about a year and was only recently sold to help fund a much more expensive watch.

[@tonyalbrecht7169]

Nice watch, James thks for review 👍

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Tony. It is a great watch. Really enjoyable to wear.

[@nicolasarsenault5506]

I just got this watch and the crown is really flimsy when unscrewed, did your watch had the same issue or am I looking at a QC issue ?

[@WATCHingJames]

That is disappointing. I have not had that issue.

[@jwags24]

My biggest issue was the dial. It has this beautiful blue dial, but it always felt dull when not in sunlight due tot he reflections from the crystal. My Lorier could be seen much more clearly. Great watch, I was let down by the crystal.

[@WATCHingJames]

It really does need the sun to be able to see the amazing dial.

[@brianmsahin]

Very nice watch James, cool vintage look too. They must be using plenty of layers to make that faux patina so bright. Price seems reasonable for what it is, but...... you might get a Christopher Ward C60 Trident for around €700 if you shop around. I got the blue dial CW for slightly less at €690 equivalent, and it has a Swiss movement, not a Miyota It's nice, and if you like the look it's worth it, but it's certainly skating on the edge when it comes to value. I would like to add that having just seen the end of the video now, that San Martin is a fantastic option.

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Brian. Thanks for sticking around to the end 😄. The Baltic really is a lovely watch. It does feel a little expensive. But I’ve really enjoyed it.

[@BarryMikokinju]

You know what I find most interesting during my entire research of this thing Everyone seems to implicitly agree that it belongs only on the grains of rice strap

[@WATCHingJames]

It really does suit it

[@asiantimepieces]

Quality made and I love how the light plays with that dial. However they should take care of that clasp, it should be smooth, never that hard.

[@WATCHingJames]

It is really nice

[@exionem]

Would be a killer watch in a teal dial color.

[@WATCHingJames]

That would look good

[@WillyMcCoy50]

I bought the Baltic blue when it was a kickstarter I believe. I signed up at their website for updates. They have been very good about notifications and flash offers on variations and new styles. They offered me a white dial Aquascaphe and I snapped it up with a white tropic strap for summertime activities. Turned into my daily! Baltic have revised the clasps to a double pusher and a new flat link with curved endlinks. Very reasonably priced and super fast shipping. The San Martin SN004-G rivet diver is also one of my go-to's. The size and character is hard to beat. I had the custom dial optioned and they were very communicative and I okayed the dial. Took and extra couple of weeks and $25 but now it is a one of a kind from the factory. ✌️

[@WATCHingJames]

That’s great to hear. This one has been such a lovely watch to own and wear.

[@darrenfry4695]

They sure know how to make a good looking watch , ive liked everything this little micro brand has made so for, great review cheers

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Darren. I’ve really enjoyed the Baltic and keep my eye on the brand to see what else they are coming out with.

[@RabbitWatchShop]

If you still have it, and intend on keeping it, you can adjust the friction clasp by bending the hook, if you will, backwards; doing so will loosen it up, making it easier to open and close.

[@WATCHingJames]

Great idea. Thank you

[@RabbitWatchShop]

You're welcome. Just be very careful and do it slowly, for it could snap off. I use a pair of pliers rapped in a towel. Bend very, very slightly. A little bend makes a huge difference. @@WATCHingJames

[@stevenmccarthy112]

At that price it's a no brainer. Rather have a San Martin.

[@WATCHingJames]

I know. The SM has a lot going for it in comparison

[@watchsixto]

Baltic has great watches this one is stunning

[@WATCHingJames]

It is a really nice watch.

[@NaNByZero]

This is a very beautiful watch ! But at this price point I really expect at least a Sellita movement. And yes, the lock of the bracelet clasp is really annoying. The amount of micro adjustments is great. 🎉🕐🍸🍸

[@WATCHingJames]

It really is pushing the price with this movement. But it still is a great watch.

[@NaNByZero]

@@WATCHingJames Of course it is. One who wants it, will buy it.

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@borisstepanyan9611]

Cool video,nice watch

[@WATCHingJames]

Thanks Boris. It has been a lovely watch to own and wear

[@naomiredpath4351]

👍

[@WATCHingJames]

👍

[@jackward-m2y]

DON'T buy any baltic watches, they are garbage. I ordered their MR01 for 605 euros, paid in full, in advance. I received the watch 7 months later. It ran 9 MINUTES fast per hour (not 9 seconds). The b.o.r. bracelet was very cheap, I have $100 watches with vastly superior bracelets. And the return process was a nightmare. They couldn’t: find my address, couldn’t send a prepaid return label. Wanted to refund my money to paypal when it was not used for the purchase. So I paid for the return shipping and they committed in writing, to refund the shipping cost. Then they refused to pay for the return shipping cost after receiving their returned watch. This company is wildly incompetent, and massively dishonest.

[@WATCHingJames]

That is very disappointing to hear

[@sage9743]

Trying to decide between this vs. Lorier Neptune IV

[@WATCHingJames]

Now that would be a hard decision. I’ve considered the Neptune a number of times before as well.

[@wingi7722]

What a beautiful piece! Lovely dial , sandwich, beautiful blue, fully lumed dial, beads of rice, but why oh why so small? Should be at least 41 mm, I'd need a magnifying glass to see this one 😅. Brilliant review and yes my mind went to the SM as well! Except this one does have the better dial and bracelet I think.

[@WATCHingJames]

It definitely has some better features and looks than the San Martin. But if you are on a tighter budget I would recommend it. It is a shame that more watches are not offered in more sizes. One of the reasons I love Christopher ward so much. Lots of size options

[@edteach3r]

Another great review, thank you. I don’t use the timegrapher on my watches anymore unless I need to determine if a watch needs a service. As long as it runs well on my wrist, I am happy. 😊

[@WATCHingJames]

I think that is the best thing to do. I really only use it for reviews.

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

At the price this goes for, I'd rather pay a bit more and get a Rado Captain Cook.

[@WATCHingJames]

I got hands on with the green dial Captain cool a few weeks ago. It was very nice. The dial in particular was amazing.

[@DaKineSK]

Yeah cook cost 2-3x as much :D

[@ers-ve2mx]

Chinese parts and manufactured in France? Hell no. Rather have a Oris or Longines

[@WATCHingJames]

I have 2 oris and a Longines too. They are definitely better. But also more than twice the price.

[@sebastiannowakowski5084]

At first glance I liked the vibe but can’t get over the lack of detail on the dial as everything is flat and even printed. Went for a Christopher ward aquitaine and the price difference was negligible on sale.