Gold dress watches often come at the price of, well, gold. However, Baltic has managed to create a trio of elegant gold timepieces close to the same (very) reasonable price point as their steel counterparts. The French microbrand has clad its HMS 002, MR01, and Bicompax 002 classic models in gold PVD, lending each timepiece an undeniable sense of elegance.
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Glamorous without being gaudy, the new gold-plated cases are complemented by glossy black dials (rather than the usual sandblasted matte finish) and presented on a black stitched saffiano leather strap; with both touches precluding them from being ‘too much’.
The Baltic MR01 Gold PVD sees the brand’s dressiest — and perhaps its most popular — timepiece take on an alluring shade of gold. The gold PVD-coated stainless steel case retains its eminently wearable 36mm size, while the black dial receives the same midas touch. The gold PVD-applied Breguet numerals and leaf-shaped hands stand out against the glossy black dial while the off-centre small seconds subdial features a snailed guilloche finish which adds an element of textural interest. Visible through the exhibition caseback is the Hangzhou CAL5000, a micro-rotor movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
A decidedly refined chronograph, the Bicompax 002 looks to the 1940s for inspiration. Laden with art deco design codes, it features a 38mm stepped case with polished and brushed surfaces which houses a symmetrical dial with a bicompax layout. A veritable masterclass in subtlety, its glossy black dial plays host to two subdials that take on a snailed guilloche finish, while the sector on which the hour markers are positioned has a brushed finish. It’s powered by the Seagull ST1901, a column-wheel calibre that has a 42-hour power reserve and is visible through the hesalite crystal exhibition caseback.
Continuing the art deco aesthetic is the HMS 002, a three-hand model with a sector dial. Housed within the same 38mm stepped case as the Bicompax 002, its uncluttered glossy black dial features a brushed sector with applied gold PVD-coated hour markers and tapering leaf-shaped hands. Flip it over and you’ll see the Miyota 8315, an automatic movement with a 60-hour power reserve.
The Gold PVD models are priced at €545 (MR01), €565 (Bicompax 002), and €385 (HMS 002), and are available via the Baltic webstore.
Words by T. Angel
