Baltic Watches: Overpriced Trash? or Underrated Treasure? (Tricompax Review)

[@Dialandhands]

I really don’t understand the microbrand gripe. I have 2 Lorier watches and am buying the Astra and a hydra when they release! They are by far my favorite brand and watches.

[@ge48421]

The issue with a $1500+ microbrand watch is of course: will they be around in 10 years? Once you spend a certain amount of money you want a stable manufacturer that can provide parts and service in 10-20 years.

[@chukulan]

Really nice-looking piece. My 1 design issue is with the 12 on the dial. Having 1 single number on the dial is a look I'm not a huge fan of. I would have preferred maybe just a double index at the 12, and to have the Baltic name pushed up a bit.

[@johndobbs300]

I like this watch a lot- it’s definitely homage like but it’s got its own unique charm as well. If I didn’t have a speedmaster I’d consider this

[@The_Gato]

That intro though! 👌

[@johanvandersandt8904]

😸👌

[@cartoonpete407]

My words exactly!

[@noname-tf7kq]

After receiving some emails from Baltic about visiting their showroom in France, I actually was near by in Paris a few months later. After a train ride to the middle of what seemed nowhere, I used my last bit of battery to find the address. After getting into the courtyard I knocked on what seemed like an apartment door and the guy was surprised I showed up. After asking him to charge my phone so I could find my way back eventually, the showroom experience was suuuper awkward. He rarely spoke, didn't strike up any conversation about the pieces or engage in conversation. 10 minutes of very awkward moments later I was told nothing was in stock, no options given.. I asked for my phone back as they were closing, which had charged 1%..i left blind with my money and said I'd never buy from them. Just wanted to share that as I lost half a day of vacation and had higher expectations from the experience.

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

Well, you missed out on all the good drugs....😂😂😂

[@steelsteez6118]

Crazy! Thanks for sharing your experience. That's right, I remember something about Baltic being a French brand or at least the CEO being French or something. I honestly thought you were about to say that once you walked through the door, you had an amaaaaazzzing showroom experience 😂. Boy that took a full 180 quickly!! I think things like this matter a lot. Experiences are everything. I wouldn't buy from them either.

[@davidcrane7603]

Sorry that happened to you. Parisians can be hit or miss. Some are great. Others, not so much. Baltic should try to make it up to you.

[@BALTICWatches]

Hello, I am sorry to read about your experience, this doesn't reflect the way we receive our customers nor the feedbacks we have gathered. We usually work with appointments to welcome you in the best conditions as well as to provide instructions to access the showroom. We are sorry again that you had a bad experience and we'll ensure this doesn't happen in the future.

[@8thlvlMage]

Sounds like you showed up unexpectedly months after they invited you. Making an unplanned trip during a vacation is also a pretty good shortcut to disappointment.

[@Paperfiasco]

at a fair price, I'm game for a good microbrand. Hell, usually for more daring styles or looks - it's often the microbrands that try to push since they have nothing to lose - they're not names built on heritage, so they can try things that the older brands don't really want to or if they did, it'd be such a small run that they'd be out of reach for most.

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Love a dateless tricompax just looks so clean. Like a chronograph should be. Alot vintage Heuer's are great examples of clean chronographs Too many chronographs are ruined by after thought date windows especially on modern pieces. It also looks like a Universal Geneve. The only time I like a date on a chronograph is on a Valjoux 7750 set up like the vintage Orfina PD, Heuer Pasadena,Eterna Porsche design or a Sinn 144stsa

[@aaronmichael1022]

I like it but if I was buying a $2k chronograph I'd be going pre-owned Omega or entry level Swiss (Hamilton, Tissot, etc).

[@ItsNeverTooHot4Leather]

Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Aviator Sea Diver is a nice option as well for under $2K.

[@DrFadoo]

What do you also think about the "Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Chronograph II" which is another "homage" of the Daytona with panda dial and 42mm diameter?

[@Wakardy]

Been in their London Showroom today....walked out with a brand new Dual Crown in Black Dial. Quality is very good and looks awesome!!!

[@coolpunkrocks16]

Baltic is a great brand! Im looking at getting the Baltic hms 002. I like the dials on them

[@JamesBachiciChannel]

They’re back indeed 😄🎉

[@maxcreek7497]

I managed to buy one pre owned for around $1300 after taxes/shipping. I think it’s okay for that price. Paying full price is a little much ! Plus I got the bracelet and a strap + box and everything. Did I make out chat???

[@jamesminshall4601]

I’m confused by the scale on the bezel, the bare bit at 3 o’clock looks odd but the scale looks very odd. Maybe I’m missing something.

[@RagnarHoff]

For the price, they hit that sweet spot. Got this vintage nostalgia about them that is tastefully done.

[@barrettwbenton]

Intro w/across-the-Tubes cameos: Check. Return-of-livestreams announcement: Check. (Yay!) Teaser-reveal showing watch w/Porsche fob w/keys: Check. (Proceeds to jump into M3.) Describes new Baltic chrono: Eh, who? That was a nice curveball, Jory, with a watch to match: never heard of this micro, but this watch seems to do the biz for the price. The hints of early-Daytona are *there*, but not really in-your-face, and I like that balance. I'm not in the market/mood for another chrono, but I'll want to check Baltic out for other releases..

[@b_altmann]

Farer might be a better option. As long as it’s not a 1960s Omega homage, but something they came up with themselves. Méraud were looking quite nice. And: they’re upfront about being French in the name. Bell & Ross are also French, but made it sound as British as it gets. I know, Belamich & Rosillo is a bit long for a dial, but…

[@overdose9365]

Farer watches look more like Nomos watches. Baltic certainly has another style.

[@nikolaidiqnov6801]

Have to say Baltic watches have been popping up recently as an advert , so naturally as a watch geek, I gave them a look. They have a very appealing presence but the pricing is what bothers me. This chronograph is no exception. Around the 2k mark you get intro Swiss watch company territory. Same goes for Baltic dive watches- if I am not mistaken they are around 750 euro and for that price you can get a Certina diver with Powermatic 80. But watch collecting is a passion, it is not about specs, so at the end of the day, everyone should be buying what they like.

[@davidsparling3505]

Should you buy what you like at the beginning of the day? How about afternoon or night? I HATE the term, “at the end of the day”…how about “ultimately “? Fewer words and not so trite.

[@lamentate07]

Low end Swiss is mediocre though.

[@nikolaidiqnov6801]

@@lamentate07 still much better than Baltic if you ask me.

[@jonboy8181]

Great looking watch!! The metal on the bracelet does look a bit off compared to the lugs.

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

I just bought the sugess homage to the blancpain air command with the st1901 movement. Ive never seen a watch this well made for $240. The lume is great. The sapphire crystal is clear with AR coating. The bezel rotation is bidirectional and nicer than watches i have in my collection for thousands of dollars. Ive never seen anything like this out of china.

[@DutchBulldog]

Sugess makes stunning watches. I bought their Heritage Chronograph with ivory dial (and the same Seagull ST1901 manual chronograph movement). Even though it only cost €240, it looks better than most €1000 watches!

[@whywecollectwatches]

Which model did you purchase?

[@UnburdenedByWhatHasBeen]

@@whywecollectwatches the Sugess s423. I was going to buy the mathey tissot x hemel type 20 chronograph they released and then i seen this sugess and thought it looked better. The movement isn't as nice as the one in the mathey but the sugess is far better value.

[@traviscarr4698]

Sugess for the win. Own a homage to the Breitling top time deus. I agree, for the money, they are incredible watches

[@davidbcg286]

The HMS 002 is another very nice model from Baltic. I own a SERICA 4512 CALIFORNIA (in the French microbrand space) and your review of the field version contributed to making the move!

[@Mmarks9156]

I own the Baltic GMT and love this for the price and build.

[@ahha6304]

At first second of video : *JODY GOODMAN*

[@CharlesWalhingford]

Thank you for using the word, "Homage", correctly!

[@wambugumassive]

A beautiful watch with obvious inspiration from the "Paul Newman", but oh man, the Hermétique Tourer? OK, a completely different animal. Totally original. Love the 3 dimensional batons & numerals. The fine details. They effortlessly blend old and new. I'm sure it won't be very long before Baltic outgrows its "microbrand" image. One to keep a close eye on!

[@privateprivate1647]

The Hermetique looks overpriced to me relative to the price of the underlying movement.

[@Polter6eist]

It's kind of on par with Hamilton intramatic , so I don't know... The intramatic has the bezel hidden under the crystal which I like more. Also, the reverse panda dial is very good looking on that. Plus 100 m wr...

[@bt3750]

The Time Teller Shop needs a "sort by" what's in stock.

[@stuckie3916]

First time visitor. Subscribed. Good show brother.

[@cartoonpete407]

LOL, you said what my brother and I always joke about - wearing huge watches on the ankle or as a belt

[@RyanBofMKE]

If anyone like the MR01, check out the Boderry Elite... Same movement, fraction of the price 💪

[@ResetToZero3210]

The Dive watches from Baltic are also awesome!

[@patrickpetitto9957]

Saturday’s just came back!

[@RichardCallaby]

I can never understand the reason why there are so many watch reviewers that don't link to the actual watch they are reviewing. So many missed opportunities for both the watch reviewer and watch brands.

[@GinoWatch]

Definitely a great timepiece. Microbrands really have the hardest job finding the right price. I don't know if I could roll the dice on $2k for a microbrand. Even a watch this nice. $900, maybe $1200 the most and I am sold.

[@floridaesq]

I purchased the Aquascape Titanium in 2022. Price tag $1000. Had to replace the strap that came with it, was not a fan. I like the look of the watch but not the feel of it. Feels kind of cheapy. I have watches 3/4 and half the price that feel more solid. The movement inside sounds and feels plasticy. The crown is wobbly. With all of that said I still wear it, I like it, and it does the job, but I would put it’s value more around the $300 mark and that’s just on its design alone.

[@baronbristow8764]

Have you worn the aquascaphe? That’s a nice one. I wish I still had mine….

[@michaeladams9744]

You can get Hamilton Intramatic Chrono for this price, yes the Daytona Homage for EUR 1800 is overrated.

[@ryanjofre]

Girrard Perregaux car chronos’s for life!!! You should have a trigger warning for the snobs when you say homage!😂😂 I’m feeling it for $650-$900.

[@martinkaplan1805]

So Jory, now that you’ve opened the homage can of worms, I purchased a Ginault Silent Service a few months ago because I wanted the look and feel of a sub, and I got it! The quality is also phenomenal (and I have a few luxury watches to compare it against). So I’m wondering what you think about this quasi-homage (actually more of a hybrid SMP300/Sub). What say you?

[@reesebroekhoven3962]

Are these off the cuff videos longer then these regular videos at 10ish min ?

[@maadouFCB]

Is he wearing it on the right side ?

[@MichaelOCallaghan-fq4ej]

Great watch and great review. Why did you pick up a Porsche key fob and then get into a BMW? 🤣

[@Redondo_dom]

Love the watch just wish the chrono second hand didn't match the min hand soo much.

[@ΣΩΤΗΡΗΣΡΟΥΣΗΣ]

Come on Jory, you know this is not a value proposition... I like Baltic watches too, but not this one 🤷‍♂️.. Think about the variety of Hamilton chronographs at around 2000$

[@blake70505]

I place a high value on heritage. I find that the heritage helps when selling a watch.

[@scottsj4625]

The price is a deal breaker for me. Just my opinion. They call this the Paul Newman look-alike watch.

[@nigiolas86]

The speedometer is nuts!

[@davidcrane7603]

Great review, and the (Tricompax) watch looks killer. Once you put in a Sellita SW-510M movement in there, the watch is automatically going to be in the $1,500+ USD range, at least if the rest of the watch measures up to the movement. Btw, Sellita offers a COSC-spec variant of the SW-510M, so I wonder how expensive these Tricompax watches would be with that movement in them.

[@bseroy1109]

so this is a good movement? The watch looks killer!

[@davidcrane7603]

@@bseroy1109 Yep. The movement's solid.

[@slowbluesmaster]

Nivada Grenchen Chronomaster Lollipop - Automatic (86005A)

[@justingalore123]

I bought an MR01 and rather liked it. I went to the London showroom and I have to say I came away a little underwhelmed. I was ready to buy but nothing really jumped out. I think I am just not really in to homage-y dive watches / chronographs.. (this comment probably says more about my taste than it does about Baltic to be fair..)

[@adriancox2786]

I bought the blue gilt aquascaphe in spring of 2020, cracking bit of kit. Luminous sapphire bezel, more strap swap out options than you can poke a stick at: what’s not to love about Baltic?

[@vladyslavdezhniuk7080]

Please make review of their titanium diver!

[@dennisthespeedmenace7530]

No offense for that price I’d rather get a Hamilton Chronograph with a great Heritage. The watch is nice though.

[@stefpix]

So much dust on the dial at the close up shot at 4:36 . Acceptable for watch selling close to $2000?

[@erickruse4679]

Before you showed the Daytona, I was thinking this thing had a speedmaster vibe to it. I don't even like the word homage any more. Who's homaging who? I don't care. The only thing I think is tacky is when you get into pagani stuff. My reaction to that particular watch is that it makes a tissot telemeter look like a bargain :P

[@johnfrei9057]

Those subdial hands look like they’re stamped and not befitting of a watch that’s well over a grand. Other than that, it’s a great looking watch.

[@riseuplight]

Very good review

[@chrisfiat]

best comedy channel out there

[@markwolfson2023]

Things get crowded at this point. How about a proven Yema chrono Rallye? And for a couple hundred more, the Hanhart 417, with great resale value?

[@nicholassmith7723]

Continuity was broken a bit by that Porsche keychain to M3 transition. I was expecting a vintage Porsche.

[@thetimeteller]

My M3 keys are on one of my Porsche’s keychain.

[@amir-.1977]

Love the brand, classic look, have MR01 salmon dial . Price 600$, however this watch at 1800 ?!

[@paulpeabody6176]

I really enjoyed your show, having bought both panda and reverse panda scheduled to be delivered this week. I love driving my BMW 2012 stick, so we have that in common , cool. I would really like to trade these 2 and other unworns to start moving up the high horology scene. I went nuts for the pandemic trying to find the nicest micro brands, and now this vicious disease I am lusting after, Glusshutte, panamatic, JLC Reverso ( to replace one I lost) and a Calatrava,, idiot that I am now that I have a hundred plus watches I realize I just want 3 - 5 watches. Oh well

[@matthewbessey681]

It’s nice but for roughly the same price I’d be looking at the Hamilton

[@ACBaker67]

I’ve been longing for the blue gilt aquascaphe.

[@DTA707]

I had to watch a Movado ad before this vid 😂

[@rayray..3349]

Thanks Guys, Meant to Say it Ages ago...! As much as Jory GIVES OUT about U Gato, U Deserve an "Oscar" No Wrong "The Nobel Peace Prize"..! ps Sping is here,Rocking My Cap EVERYDAY..!

[@MeriBadger]

im going for the hms 002 silver with beads of rice and open caseback... 450ish 👍

[@ARCIPRETT77]

Hms? Which watch is it?

[@tfergieman]

I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase the Nivada Grenchen Fratello limited edition, chronograph, reverse panda color way. I have an unobjective opinion that it will blow this Baltic out of the water… Cheaper, same movement, better dimensions.

[@davidcrane7603]

The Fratello x Nivada Grenchen Racing Chronographs look terrific, but their dials and cases may be less expensive to manufacture than these. Also, I’m betting that French labor in and around Paris (for assembly) isn’t exactly cheap. Anyway, I like these Tricompax watches, too. They have a very different vibe than the Fratello x Nivada Grenchen watches, but both are very cool.

[@whywecollectwatches]

Jory you hit the nail on the head with regards to purchasing a watch based on the Design and Functionality vs. Brand! Rolex makes great watches but there are microbrand watches that put Rolex to shame at 1/10th the price.

[@simonrano8072]

I am far from liking Rolex (especially its show off customers), I despise the Mercedes hour hand but not Micro has event the intent to approach Rolex quality. You can prefer other designs over Rolex it is a mater of taste. On the other hand you cannot deny the fact that they basically set the industry tone for sporty steel watches with the Oysters, sport GMT, divers and sport chronographs. They influenced a lot the designs over the last 70 years. It is easier to tune an existing design to different taste that to set the reference point (and F*** you Hodinkee).

[@chrishennemeyer7276]

I'd buy it for a grand less, but not at that price.

[@ryanjofre]

So what ………$800???

[@cesraihandary]

Yeahh, baltic price is just too much. I mean, I am considering mr-01, but $600 (starting), with sketchy chinese movement???

[@ryanjofre]

@@cesraihandary $600 with a Chinese movement??🤣😂

[@ChiTownTx]

I like the watch and think it's fairly well done. But for close to 2k dollars I could never pull the trigger on this one.

[@ramspencer5492]

Baltic is one of my very favorite micro -brands. Great designs... Solid specs.

[@PapriceP]

But imagine wearing one in public and thinking that's a good idea.

[@alecjarnagin9041]

@@PapriceP What does that even mean?

[@EastCoastPGS]

@@PapriceP Umm , what?

[@SINbKA007]

I like to know thickness without a glass, its not real thickness, but it's how it feel.

[@Chris-mm5gi]

To me it looks more like the limited edition panda Speedmaster from a few years back. More so than a vintage Daytona.

[@JFrusci]

Definitely an homage to the Paul Newman Daytona.

[@bishalkarki2919]

this is automatic watch ?

[@stoopidgoombah]

🤣 ❤the ending

[@yusufbest4475]

Owners of the rolex daytona must understand that homages are in fact flattery of the real deal. Baltic and Lorier's proposition is to bring back classic vintage feel to the modern watch and make it affordable. The watches are not copies but rather more of influenced or inspired by rolex and/or other luxury brands.. More people can afford a Baltic than a rolex. So, the exclusivity of the rolex sports watch is still there and that is why rolex watches are still in high demand. There is no need to manifest cognitive dissonance in the form of hostility towards Baltic. They are microbrands and are not in direct competition with the major brands.

[@gachachampion7895]

1000m water resistant Tag Heuer Aquaracer super diver's watch, please?

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

You need to look where you're walking Jory 😮 I saw this watch everywhere but I wouldn't buy it because the brand doesn't do anything for me.

[@jlyt18]

yeaa.... you can get a speedy reduced for just a couple 100 more so im going to say its priced a little high

[@davidinghram2494]

Nice watch!

[@williamhill7312]

Good video

[@DomP1989]

Love the design of this watch. However, $1800 is steep. I’d be game for $1k but almost $2k? 😬

[@josepauloneuparthvieirafer4449]

That's a really nice watch.

[@jamalkherry5296]

Actually I'd say it's more similar to a Universal Geneve 884.475

[@DisplayKeesBack]

Great watch!

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

Who can deadlift more weight? Jory Goodman or Jeff McMahon?

[@brianmurphy8154]

Under 1k, done. But for that price I would want some brand history…

[@nukadog1969]

I've owned homages that were considered very respectable (Helm Miyako - very obviously influenced deeply by the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms), one affordable German homage of an explorer 1, and my poor little old Pagani Design. I cannot imagine how I'd get to a place where I'd feel comfortable wearing such an expensive timepiece, but mostly I can justify wearing my homages anywhere. In fact, my joke with the PD is that if I was mugged, I'm mock the thief for demanding it.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

I love my Miyako as well. Gorgeous

[@kermit7787]

Watch is ok but I'd rather take the beemer

[@sylversyrfer6894]

That’s a SICK M3 Jory!!

[@jasoncousins8689]

Porsche key ring on your bmw keys? Do you also wear a seiko on a citizen strap? 😂

[@andrewhennessy9789]

I had a Aquascaphe and the lume was just terrible. I was very disappointed. It was so bad that I sold it.

[@bigsmooshflopdong33]

I would've been interested at 1,200. But near enough 1,800 is just not my forte.

[@joekim3757]

wait wtf is wrong with hodinkee?

[@אלכסס-ח5ג]

Please do the live streams on that chinese guy lawn 🙏🙏🙏

[@JEviston]

I have a bronze Aquascaphe and a CW Trident. The Baltic keeps way better time.

[@ashoat2388]

My Aquascaphe keeps better time than my Black Bay 58 out of the box - +/- 2 seconds a day. Very chuffed.

[@sagnikchaudhuri4142]

How is the strap on the Aquascape? I am looking to buy one

[@JEviston]

​@sagnikchaudhuri4142 The strap is terrible. Buckle digs into you. It tapers so much it looks like a lizard tongue. But it looks great on a nato...

[@steelsteez6118]

6:31 Hormel Chili?