The latest releases from Baltic keep it compact

While watch diameters have been shrinking over the last years to something approaching more reasonable, we have seen a few brands with increasing diameters this year. Baltic has kept that shrink ray turned on with the two new models that make up their 003 lineup – the HMS and the Bicompax.

What’s great – in our eyes – with the Baltic 003 lineup is that it takes the exact same step case design and applies it to two different movements (three-hander and chronograph). The case is delightfully compact at just 36.5mm diameter, and 13mm thick (or just 10mm, if you excluded the domed crystal). This sets the stage for a vintage approach, which is followed through on the dial.

For the dials of the Baltic 003, we’ve got what is commonly called a sector dial (this is made much more plain on the HMS, while the Bicpompax shows the sector on a subdial). The numerals on the dial enhance that vintage vibe, while the organic leaf hands – as well as the polished indices – underscore that this is a dressier watch, as well as simply one that hails from an era before we had ever-present lume.

While the Baltic HMS relies on a movement we’re more familiar with (the automatic Miyota 8315), the Bicompax relies on a manually-wound movement (the Seagull ST1901) that perhaps is not as common on wrists these days. Being manually-wound, you’re again keeping that older feel, as well as allowing that case height to be preserved.

If you want to pick one of these up, they’re available now in three colors – silver blue, salmon, or blue gilt – and with either open or closed casebacks. The Baltic HMS comes in at $400, while the Baltic Bicompax is $600. Check them out, and order your own, at baltic-watches.com

Tech Specs from Baltic

• Case
  • Material: Stainless steel 316L Diameter: 36,5mm
  • Lug to lug: 46mm
  • Thickness: 13mm (10mm without glass)
  • Lug width: 20mm
• Movement
  • HMS
    • Miyota 8315
    • Automatic winding
    • 60h power reserve
    • Stop second
  • BICOMPAX
    • Seagull ST1901
    • Manual winding
    • 42h power reserve
• Glass: High-domed hesalite glass
• Dial
  • Sector dial
  • Finishing: Brushed and sandy
  • Azurage subdials (Bicompax)
• Strap
  • Italian calf leather strap
  • or steel Beads of rice bracelet
  • or steel Flat link bracelet
  • or steel Beads of rice straight bracelet
• Water resistance: 50m (5ATM)
• Pricing
  • HMS 003: 360€ (without taxes)
  • Bicompax 003: 540€ (without taxes)