Fergus Nash
It’s no exaggeration to say that BALTIC’s current status as an over-delivering microbrand was made possible thanks to the launch of the Aquascarf in 2018. Fusing elements of 1960s skin divers with legends like the 1950s Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the Aquascarf has carved out a unique place for itself as a modern diver’s watch with flawless vintage style. Since then, it has spawned a number of variations, including the Aquascarf Dual Crown, Aquascarf Titanium, Aquascarf Bronze, and Aquascarf GMT. Today, the original lineup is unified as the BALTIC Aquascarf Classic, available in a variety of color options.
Incident
The 1960s Skin Diver was one of the most popular early diver’s watches, second only to the more specialized tools of the ’50s. Designed for consumers to take on short diving or snorkeling trips, these watches tended to be relatively small and slender with questionable water resistance. The Baltic Aquascarf Classic fits this archetype well (albeit functionally). It has gently curved lugs with neatly cut edges, a precise brushed finish, and a sapphire-topped bezel insert that is reminiscent of the domed acrylic inserts of the time.
While vintage models are often smaller, the Aquascaphe Classic has been elegantly sized up to fit comfortably on smaller wrists. It has a 39mm diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug length, and 12mm thickness. If the standard strap options don’t appeal to you, the 20mm lug width accommodates a wide range of NATO and leather styles. The screw-down crown ensures water resistance to 200m, making it safe for swimming and diving.
Dial
The brand name, rendered in a simple sans-serif typeface, alone solidifies the atmosphere of the Baltic Aquascaphe Classic, making you feel like you’re immersed beneath the icy waves of the Baltic Sea, despite the brand’s French origins. A simple track allows you to read the minutes accurately without extra numbers, while the Arabic numeral 12 helps you orient yourself on the dial. The other hour markers are raised dots with luminous paint, except for 3, 6, and 9, which are slightly sunken arrowheads with a sandwich structure. This adds great depth to a dial that already embraces a variety of textures.
Three of the five references feature woodgrain black dials, giving the impression of age without any signs of artificial interference. However, you can choose between clean white lume and a sapphire or steel bezel insert, or an aged cream color that matches the gold-plated detailing on the bezel. The most famous Baltic Aquascaphe Classic watch features a deep blue sunburst finish and matching bezel, capturing the mystique of the deep sea and adding a hint of sophisticated gold. An outlier among the group is the white dial reference, which only requires a black outline to give the dial shape, but is a great option if you already own a number of dark watches.
strap
In keeping with its connection to 1960s dive watches, Baltic has chosen a Tropic-style rubber strap in black or blue as the standard option for the Aquascarf Classic. You can also opt for a Beads of Rice bracelet, which adds a surprising amount of dressiness to the watch without losing any sense of practicality. The bracelet has a milled clasp with six locating holes for fine adjustment, and the Tropic strap is a surprisingly supple rubber.
motion
The Baltic Aquascarf Classic collection is equipped with the premium movement, the Miyota 9039. This watch from the Japanese brand is one of the most affordable options. This automatic caliber has a power of 42 hours at 28,800 vibrations per hour, giving it the smooth running you expect from a Swiss movement. The factory claims an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, but consumer reviews are generally better than that.
Baltic Aquascaphe Classic pricing and availability:
The Baltic Aquascarf Classic Watch can be ordered from Baltic’s website here Also available at Time+Tide Shop. Price: 520 euros (including Tropic strap)
Brand Baltic Model Aquascaphe Classic Case Size 39mm x 47mm x 12mm Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 200m Crystal Sapphire Dial Blue, Black, White Lug Width 20mm Strap Tropic Rubber Movement Miyota 9039 Power Reserve 42 Hours Availability Currently Available Price €520
