Discovering the new Baltic Aquascaphe Bronze Brown
Fernando AldeaAn affordable dive watch with a charming vintage style. With a unique combination of bronze and brown, this edition features a sapphire bezel and a gradient dial, a classic yet modern style, perfect for diving enthusiasts and those who appreciate a retro aesthetic.
Since its creation in 2017 by Frenchman Etienne Malec, Baltic has grown from a micro-brand to a prolific watch company specializing in accessible timepieces inspired by vintage designs. Recently, the brand has experienced an impressive surge in popularity with the launch of the Calatrava -style MR01 model and new high-end automatic chronographs. Today, the brand returns to its roots with a new edition of its classic dive watch, the Aquascaphe, now presented in a warm, retro bronze and brown combination.
For those who have followed the brand, the Baltic Aquascaphe was the second step in the company's development, following the inaugural collection launched through a Kickstarter campaign. First presented in steel with a black or blue dial, this was the brand's vision of a classic diving watch, with typical 1960s features, an automatic movement inside, and a reasonable price. Multiple evolutions followed, such as the more robust titanium version or the GMT Aquascaphe. But the brand also played with materials. In May 2020, Baltic launched a bronze edition of the classic Aquascaphe, paired with a blue dial. In October 2020, it was time for the black-dial version of the Aquascaphe Bronze.
In April 2023, Baltic looks back on this seminal collection and presents a new edition of its bronze diving watch. But this time, there are some 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 bronze (copper-aluminum alloy) case with pleasing proportions: 39 mm in diameter, 12 mm thick, and 47 mm from lug to lug. Unique to the bronze editions, the screw-down crown is protected by side guards, giving this vintage-inspired model a touch of ruggedness. The specifications are classic, with a screw-down steel caseback, an ultra-domed sapphire crystal on top, and 200 meters of 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; 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 not only features an attractive brown color but also a gradient effect. The markers, numerals, and hands are executed in beige-toned SLN, and the tracks and logos use a gold style. And because Malec is passionate about vintage watches, he has kept the dial without a date window.
Inside the case is a classic Japanese movement, the Miyota 9039. This automatic caliber operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a 42-hour power reserve. The new brown edition of the Aquascaphe Bronze comes with a black tropical-style rubber strap, secured with a bronze buckle, for an attractive retro look.
The Baltic Aquascaphe Bronze Brown is being launched as part of the permanent collection. It is available to order now, with deliveries beginning in late April 2023. It is priced at €625 (excluding tax) or €750 (including 20% VAT), the same price as previous bronze editions.
The Bronze Brown is an exciting addition to the Aquascaphe collection, combining a cool, warm vintage style with accessible diving functionality. With its updates to the bezel and dial design, this new bronze edition offers a distinctive look sure to appeal to dive watch enthusiasts and vintage style lovers. Don't miss your chance to own this unique piece before it sells out.
