The cocktail watch is a criminally underserved category, with in-production options largely restricted to the creations by the likes of Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Chanel; each of these predominantly marketed towards women (although we’re of the opinion that men can—and should—embrace the Bulgari Serpenti). Following a banger year of well-received releases—like the Hermétique Tourer and black-and-gold iterations of its classic dress watches—French microbrand Baltic has turned its lens (or loupe, as the case may be) in a new direction.
Representing a step up in formality from the Baltic’s selection of dress watches—see the MR01 and HMS 002—the Baltic Prismic is inspired by the geometric shapes and luminous refractions of the prism. Likely the microbrand’s most intricately finished dial yet, the Baltic Prismic takes a sector approach; the innermost section plays host to a radial guilloché motif which is topped by an outer sector with a concentric brushed finish, with this surrounded by a thin ring of guilloché on the periphery of the dial. The small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock takes on a grained finish and is bordered by a brushed steel ring. Brushed dauphine hands are complemented by studded pyramid-like hour indices.
The bezel is topped by a domed sapphire crystal which works to enhance the subtle multi-layered finish of the dial. The case itself is crafted from both steel and titanium and composed of five core components and features a combination of brushed and polished surfaces that work to add visual interest to the dressy timepiece. The bezel, lugs, and caseback are made of stainless steel and embedded onto a titanium case with a grained finish.
The Baltic Prismic is available in a quartet of funky evening-ready shades; salmon, green, grey-blue, and purple. The timepiece is presented on either a camel or black leather strap or a steel mesh bracelet. However, this isn’t your standard milanese mesh, with the brushed, braided finish lending it an almost serpentine-like aesthetic that recommends it to cocktail wear.
Under the hood is the Swiss ETA Peseux 7001, a manual-winding movement that’s one of the thinnest production calibres on the market. It’s been finished with polished bevels, Côtes de Genève on the bridges, and blued screws and is visible through the exhibition caseback.
Laden with geometric detail and refined finishes, the Baltic Prismic boasts Art Deco charm in spades, while working to revive a largely overlooked horological category.
The Baltic Prismic is priced at €990 (leather strap) or €1050 (steel mesh bracelet) and is available for pre-order via the Baltic webstore until the 25th February.
Words by T. Angel
