Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Baltic Aquascaphe Bronze Brown Gradient Dial
The accessible dive watch comes back in a warm, cool new attire.
Created in 2017 by Frenchman Etienne Malec, Baltic has grown from a micro-brand to a now rather prolific watchmaking company, specialising in accessible, vintage-inspired watches. Recently, we’ve seen an impressive rise in popularity, with the launch of the Calatrava-styled MR01 model and new higher-end automatic chronographs. Today, the brand returns to its roots with a new edition of its classic diver, the Aquascaphe, which is now presented in a warm, retro-styled combination of bronze and brown.
If you’ve been following the brand, you should know that the Baltic Aquascaphe was the second step in the development of the brand, following the inaugural collection launched via a Kickstarted campaign. First presented in steel with a black or a blue dial, this was the brand’s vision of a classic dive watch, with typical 1960s traits, an automatic movement inside and a reasonable price tag. Then came multiple evolutions, such as the beefier Titanium version, or the GMT Aquascaphe. But the brand also played with materials… In May 2020, Baltic released a bronze edition of the classic Aquascaphe, paired with a blue dial. In October 2020, it was time for a black dial version of the Aquascaphe Bronze.
Fast forward to April 2023, and Baltic looks back at this cornerstone collection, and brings a new edition of its bronze diver. But this time, there have been a few changes to the concept, with a model that differs from the black and blue editions of the bronze watch. The base remains identical, with a CuAl8 (copper-aluminium alloy) bronze case with nice proportions; 39mm in diameter, 12mm in thickness and 47mm lug-to-lug. Unique to the bronze editions, the screw-down crown is protected by lateral guards, giving this otherwise very vintage-inspired model a bit of ruggedness. Specs are classic, with a screwed steel back, an ultra-domed sapphire crystal on top and a 200m water-resistance.
Compared to the blue and black editions of the Aquascaphe Bronze, the first update comes from the bezel. The insert is now made of sapphire crystal, with a luminous 60-minute diving scale printed on its inner face – the previous bronze watches had a metallic insert, while the sapphire insert was reserved for the steel editions. The other update comes from the dial, which is not only coming with a cool brown colour but also with a gradient effect. Markers, numerals and hands are all executed in beige-toned SLN, and the tracks and logos are using a gilt style. And because Malec loves vintage watches, he has kept a no-date display.
Inside the case is a classic Japanese movement, the Miyota 9039. This automatic calibre runs at a 4Hz frequency and stores a decent 42h power reserve. The new brown edition of the Aquascaphe Bronze is worn on a black tropic-style rubber strap, closed by a bronze pin buckle – again, for a cool retro look.
Availability & Price
The Baltic Aquascaphe Bronze Brown is released as part of the permanent collection. It is now available for orders, with deliveries at the end of April 2023. It is priced at EUR 625 (excl. taxes) or EUR 750 (incl. 20% VAT), the same price as previous bronze editions. For more details and orders, please visit baltic-watches.com.
