The Baltic Aquascaphe GMT, if nothing, does one thing right – size. Before the rise of micro brands, if I wanted an affordable GMT, I had:
- Citizen
- Seiko
- Victorinox
- Alpina
- Bulova
- Certina
There was only one problem, their offerings were all 42mm and above in case diameter. They were also all as thick as my shit after being dehydrated for a few days. Remember, I only got 6 inch wrists. Besides, I don’t have deep pockets for the Rolex GMT, which for some reason only they could make a 40mm GMT back then. Clearly, when it came to an affordable GMT, it’s slim pickings for us enthusiasts with smaller wrists.
Things are different now. Well not that different for Seiko, they had to make the new SSK range 42mm 😊. Citizen’s still got their Dwayne The Rock Johnson EcoDrive line up of affordable GMT’s. But, ever since Seiko released their new NH34 GMT movement, micro brands have been on it. You’ve got Nodus, Maen, RZE, etc, all using the new GMT movement in their pieces. If you’re looking for a more affordable GMT for smaller wrists, I’d recommend checking those brands out.
The Baltic Aquascaphe GMT is a little different. It’s got a Swiss-made Soprod C125 GMT, and it doesn’t come cheap. It retails for bang on 1,000 Euros with the Beads of Rice bracelet. That’s approximately $1100USD, and here in Australia, with import tax, it’s closer to $1800AUD. On paper, it’s a perfect little GMT for smaller wrists, but on the wrist, is it?
Baltic Aquascaphe GMT: What’s the history?
Baltic was founded back in 2016 by Etienne Malec. The inspiration and vision for Baltic was clear from the get go – vintage inspired timepieces. I had the pleasure of owning both the HMS 001, and the Bi-Compax 001 from their first ever release. The designs were clean, the cases were heavily vintage-inspired, and the leather straps provided were of great quality. I remember distinctively those were my initial thoughts.
Their initial success brought on the Aquascaphe a couple of years later, which single-handedly put them on the market. A vintage-inspired diver that had a 39mm case diameter, beads of rice bracelet, and a Miyota 9 series movement. Bam, they were in the game.
The Baltic Aquascaphe GMT is a GMT version of their famous Aquascaphe line. It’s a fantastic timepiece, but is it worth the $1100USD asking price?
Case size: 39mm
Lug to lug: 47mm
Thickness: 13mm (11.2mm without crystal)
Lug width: 20mm
Case: 316L Stainless steel, brushed finish
Dial: Glossy black with date window cutout at 6 o’clock
Crystal: Double domed sapphire crystal
Movement: SOPROD C125 GMT
Water Resistant: 10ATM / 100m
Strap: Solid Beads of Rice Bracelet (tapers from 20mm to 18mm)
Case & Bezel:
The case of the Baltic Aquascaphe is very reminiscent of their first releases – the HMS & Bi-Compax 001. The vibe is three distinct components – the case back, mid-case, and the bezel. Whereas other watches have more of a cohesive feel, the Baltic has that vintage case appeal.
The mid-case all brushed, and extremely thin. It’s pretty plain, the machining is nicely done though. I had initially though the lugs were too long, but they help the Aquascaphe sit flat on the wrist. It would be nice if they angled down ever so slightly, but I reckon that would ruin the design. Drilled lugs are a nice touch.
The case back is engraved with different timezones across the globe. For a GMT watch, a case back doesn’t get more appropriate, and creative than this. I don’t use the case back for timezone references, hell I don’t even use the GMT hand. But it looks nice.
The bezel is made out of sapphire, and is 24-clicks bi-directional on a 24 hour scale. Decently lumed too!
Dial & Hands
The dial is by far my favorite aspect of the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT. The glossy black dial pairs well with the indices, which are decently applied white lume plots. The arabic numeral at the 12 o’clock is a fantastic parallel to the date window at the 6 o’clock. Those two placements balances out the whole dial, giving it that modern feel. If the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT had gone with a traditional 3 o’clock date, and a triangular 12’clock, it would just be another Rolex GMT homage.
The blue accent on the GMT hand and the text completes the whole modern-looking GMT dial for me, while still preserving vintage hints. The outer minute-track is also very subtle, allowing the rest of the dial to shine.
Bracelet
No doubt the best vintage-inspired bracelet out in the micro brand, even traditional market. Bar none, I’ll say it now. The beads of rice bracelet on the Aquascaphe GMT does a few things perfectly for me.
First, the links are thin, but substantial and solid. The thinness makes it wear really well on my skinny wrists, and doesn’t add unnecessary heft to it. Accompanied by it’s built quality, you bet my skinny wrists are rejoicing.
Second, the clasp. You have no idea how many times a watch is ruined for me because the clasps are huge. Think about this, 20mm tapering to 18mm bracelet, and the clasp is 20mm, thick as shit, and longer than GTA 5’s loading time. The clasp on the Baltic is thin, and takes up barely any real estate.
Lastly, 7 holes for micro-adjustment.
I’ve never been a bracelet fan, but I’ve realized now that most bracelets out there aren’t built for demographics like me. The BoR on the Aquascaphe GMT, that’s me.
Comfort & Wearability
I’ve done nothing but praise the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT, and how it’s finally the GMT for smaller wrists. And it rightfully so, is the best I’ve ever owned. Objectively, it’s going to be one of, if not, the best wearing and most comfortable GMT for smaller wrists. On paper, everything lines up – small case, thin, fitting bracelet.
However, it is a little top-heavy. Now, it’s only the case if you have my type of 6 inch wrists – extremely thin, but wide. This means I can handle longer lug-to-lug lengths but I’m heavily impacted by top-heaviness. The Aquascaphe GMT suffers from the later. Why? With the mid-case being so thin, the extra height from the case back and the bezel makes it wear taller than its dimensions. While the bracelet is perfect, it also contributes to the top-heaviness.
On wrist, on a cool winter day when my wrists are especially thin, the case will swing back and forth. On a hotter day, as my wrists swell up, it’s a much better wear. Just bear in mind, I’m biased against top-heavy watches, even if it’s just a little. So take my comfort complaint with a grain of salt!
Is the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT worth it?
With a price tag of $1100USD, there are many other GMT’s that are available, even more smaller wrists.
The Lorier Hyperion is a 39mm GMT, Miyota movement, at $600USD. Is that a better deal? On paper, absolutely. It’s also thinner than the Aquascaphe GMT. The Lorier Hyperion is the closest competitor to the Aquascaphe. If you’re deciding between the two, it comes down to budget, and preference. Are you willing to spend almost double the price for another micro brand that I’d argue are both in the same league?
So no. I don’t think the Aquascaphe GMT is worth it. Sure it has a Swiss made movement, and the design language is much more clean. But it’s almost double the price of it’s closest competitor, and chances are they probably come from the same factory, if not region.
Who is the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT for?
If you’ve got money to spend, and you’re not too concerned about having optimal “value for money”, the Aquascaphe GMT is a great choice. Extremely modern design elements, while still maintaining it’s nod to vintage – really well done Baltic. On the GMT market, it stands out as it’s own thing, and you definitely wouldn’t mistake this for a Batman.
Closing thoughts on the Baltic Aquascaphe GMT
Design: Absolutely love the design elements, a true modern, vintage-inspired piece. Done to perfection
Comfort: Other than the top-heaviness, everything else is pretty on point.
Price: Way too expensive for what it is, the profit margin on these will see Baltic through any recession.
