Stronger, Lighter, & Bolder: The Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium

The Baltic Aquascaphe has evolved since it first burst onto the microbrand scene in 2018. The vintage inspired diver has seen many iterations that include a model with a steel 12 hour bezel, a dual-crown configuration with an internal bezel and a GMT. Baltic has also dabbled with different case finishings and materials, among which were the Aquascaphe in a stealthy PVD coating and another furnished out of bronze. With all the different variations, the recipe that has made the Aquascaphe a success has largely remained the same; thoughtful case finishing, vintage-modern dial design and a value that is just too hard to pass up. Baltic continues the story of the Aquascaphe with the release of the Aquascaphe Titanium — a contemporary take on the vintage diver we’ve come to recognize from the France based brand.

The use of titanium as a case material is a first for the Baltic Aquascaphe. The high mechanical resistance, low density and corrosive resistant properties of titanium makes it a practical case material choice for an everyday knock-around diver. The Aquascaphe Titanium retains the mid-case design and overall case silhouette of past models, but has gotten broader in both width and thickness, measuring 41mm by 13.6mm. It’s an interesting step away from the original 38mm (39mm if you count the bezel) case that hits the sweet spot for so many, but it seems to fall in line with how Baltic is progressing the Aquascaphe range. It’s also the appropriate watch to introduce a case with slightly larger proportions, as the Aquascaphe Titanium’s feathery 55 gram case weight should conceal any feeling of an increase in case size. Another subtle change to note is the addition of crown guards, adding more to the sporty look and robust “tool watch” nature of the titanium diver.

The ceramic bezel is yet another first for the Baltic Aquascaphe. The unidirectional bezel appears to be thicker, displaying numerals at ten minute intervals. The dial markers carry over from their Dual-Crown Aquascaphe with a shark’s tooth triangle demarcating 12 o’clock, rectangle shaped makers with rounded corners and a pill shaped pip on the seconds hand. The circular hour plots, like the case itself, are larger and bolder, and to my eye they fill in the dial better and give it more of a utilitarian style.

With this release there will be a black and blue dial variation of the Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium. The black grainy dial features SuperLuminova C3 X1 filled markers which sport a sickly green color and contrast nicely with the black dial to give this variant a vintage-y feel. The glossy blue dial variation comes with SuperLuminova BGW9 filled markers, taking on a more modern appearance than the black version while displaying stark white markers that glow indigo blue in the dark.

Baltic has chosen to continue to run with the Miyota 9039 for the Aquascaphe Titanium. With its 42 hours of power reserve along with its proven durability and value, it’s a no-brainer for Baltic. As the saying goes, if ain’t broke, then don’t fix it. The Aquascaphe Titanium wraps all of this up in a case that comes in a more than capable 300 meters of water resistance, mounted to a tropic strap with matching titanium hardware.

In the young history of the Baltic brand, they’ve concentrated on producing vintage inspired pieces, but I believe that this is a step in the direction of producing something that is their own thing. Less vintage and more contemporary. It’s a sign of Baltic really coming into their own.  Taking a 30,000 foot view, this is something we’ve seen across the microbrand space in general. It’s a treat to see the stories of these brands unfold right before our very eyes. It’s a “luxury” that some luxury brands don’t have, as much of their story has been told. Baltic, among a handful of microbrand / independent brands, continues to lead the way in the ever growing space.

The Baltic Aquascaphe Titanium will be limited to 300 pieces in each dial variation and comes with a price tag of $723 (€710) excluding taxes. A titanium case, ceramic bezel and a brand name that’s increasingly recognizable … that’s great value if you ask me. If you do miss out on this release, don’t worry as Baltic plans to continue the production of the Aquascaphe Titanium as a part of their permanent collection. Baltic Watches