Baltic Adds a New Bezel to the Aquascaphe

In the realm of value oriented, small watch brands, few have experienced the near universal acclaim that Baltic has seen since releasing their first watch back in 2017. In a relatively short time they’ve established a distinct brand identity that incorporates relatively conservative, time-tested vintage designs with a low cost to entry. The result are watches that look and feel like vintage pieces (but not any specific vintage watch), are incredibly fun to wear, and have an unpretentiousness about them, which is welcome at all price points in this hobby. Their newest watch, an update to the popular Aquascaphe diver, features a new 12 hour bezel that fans have likely been asking for, and a slightly different character that works as a nice complement to the rest of Baltic’s lineup.

Baltic Aquascaphe SB01

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial: Black
• Dimensions: 39 x 47 x 12mm
• Crystal: Sapphire        
• Water Resistance: 200 meters
• Crown: Screw down                        
• Movement: Miyota 9039
• Strap/bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet, rubber
• Price: $650
• Reference Number: n/a
• Expected Release: Available now 

Whereas previous versions of the Aquascaphe used sapphire dive bezels, the new SB01 features a brushed steel 12 hour bezel that gives the watch a more toolish vibe and adds functionality for travelers. A 12 hour bezel to track a second time zone is an all time favorite inexpensive complication for watch enthusiasts, and we’ve seen several examples of this once uncommon detail making its way into a whole host of watches at this price point. Many brands give you an option of a dive timer and a 12 hour bezel, and Baltic is now among them. 

The rest of the Aquascaphe SB01 is going to feel pretty familiar to fans of the brand and current Aquascaphe owners. The textured, sandwich dial remains, as does the domed sapphire crystal that uncannily mimics the natural distortion of acrylic. The SB01 retains the 39mm case as well, which is a great, versatile size. Now, with the addition of a metallic bezel, I’m willing to bet that the SB01 will have some additional wrist presence, but still wear just as comfortably as it ever did. The “maxi” style lumed hands and crisp white hour markers make time-telling straightforward on the SB01, and there isn’t a hit of fauxtina.

Like other Baltic watches, the SB01 can be had with either a Tropic style rubber strap, or the brands’ excellent bracelet, an updated take on the beads of rice bracelets that were common on dive watches in the 1960s. With 200 meters of water resistance, the Aquascaphe is completely usable as a tool, and is not merely an exercise in style, although it is certainly that as well. Baltic