Baltic
- Founded
- 2017
- Based in
- Besançon, France
- In our catalog
- 3 watches from $550 to $790
Baltic is a French microbrand that makes the kind of watches collectors used to hunt for at flea markets: small cases, domed crystals, two-tone dials, simple layouts. It sells mostly online, keeps its prices under about $700, and has built a loyal following because the watches feel considered rather than thrown together.
History
Étienne Malec grew up around his father's vintage watch collection and started Baltic in 2017 with a Kickstarter campaign for the Bicompax 001 and HMS 001. Both sold out, which let him set up a small operation in Besançon, the historic center of French watchmaking near the Swiss border, where the watches are assembled and checked.
The Aquascaphe dive watch followed and became Baltic's bestseller. In 2021 the MR01 introduced a micro-rotor movement, and the brand has since added GMTs and chronographs while keeping the same vintage-minded look and prices.
Signature models
- Aquascaphe: A 39 mm diver with a bead-blasted case, a domed sapphire crystal and a slim bezel, inspired by 1960s skin divers. Available in many dial colors.
- Bicompax 001: A hand-wound chronograph with a two-register dial straight out of the 1940s, powered by a Seagull movement.
- MR01: A dress watch with a micro-rotor movement (where the winding weight sits inside the movement rather than over it), a salmon or blue dial and a 36 mm case.
What it's known for
Baltic watches are mostly 36 to 39 mm, which makes them fit smaller wrists and shirt cuffs. The dial work, with sector patterns and printed details, is careful for the price. Movements come from Japan and China, which keeps costs down, and the brand is open about it.
Price and positioning
Baltic watches cost roughly $500 to $700. That puts them against Seiko's Presage and Prospex lines and other microbrands like Lorier and Vaer. For the price, it's one of the best ways to get vintage style in a new watch with a warranty.
Baltic watches in our library
- Baltic MR01 ($550 to $600)
- Baltic Bicompax 001 ($600 to $660)
- Baltic Aquascaphe ($650 to $790)