This is what a £500 SHOULD be like. Let's face it, we're too used to seeing over-inflated prices on luxury watches where their prices is dictated by the market, not the cost of production with a bit of profit to boot. Hats off to them for an honest and decent piece.
Had one. Loved looking at it, couldn’t bear wearing it. The noise from the micro rotor turned me off I’m afraid. Moved it on to another collector for RRP.
@@HRM.H I wasn’t looking to make money on it, let alone to another collector who wanted to experience the watch. It’s not all about money especially at such a low price point
I disagree. The best Baltic watch is salmon Bicompax. Unfortunately because is sold out, the pricing is ridiculous high now (1000-2000 pounds), for the same movement as you have in normal Bicompax. I have HMS 002 in blue-gilt and I love it. :)
Adrian to go seamlessly from a VC to Baltic video and give both of them their fair space and assessment is not easy. Well done you. It's great content 👏🏽
I love it and am impressed with what they offer for the money. On the other hand if Tissot made a 36mm dress watch with the same finishing of a Gentleman or PRX it would be my choice. Tissot is the king of affordable timepieces.
@@floauc1195 They do have some boring designs but.. most watches in that price class are boring imo. They also have some fun stuff that let people get the feel of a certain model at a far lower cost.
I agree. There aren't many things a watch enthusiast can tinker with when it comes to watches, so the process of polishing hesilite is a nice opportunity to work on a watch.
Talking about noisy, I have a Jaeger Master Control Date, the rotor noise (ceramic bearings)is so loud it will get your attention no matter what you are doing. My wife can even hear it while I am driving. Perhaps this issue worth an episode to discuss😄.
I pre-ordered a salmon dial version with estimated delivery in July.. I'm pretty excited for it. You hit the nail on the head.. its not a Patek level quality, but then it doesn't have to be. I read on Monochrome recently the interview they had with the founder, Etienne... and it sounded like Baltic is possibly in the works to produce their own movement (one can dream), he didn't specifically say that, but Etienne said they are working on something that will take a few years and he believes the watch community with really be excited about it.. that sounds like a movement to me. *fingerscrossed.
It's a nice watch, but a bit over-priced, the "french brand" hype is probably one of the only selling point for a watch that is except for the dial and hands (the cheapest components in most watches btw), is identical to a $200 "Lobinni 1888" which has an identical movement by the way. If Baltic would price their watch a bit more correctly, I would probably purchase one, I don't see a reason to spend $600 on a Chinese watch with "French" marketing hype, when there are some $500 options, housing a swiss-made ETA movement with a power-reserve or moonphase complications in it.
Just got by MR01 Salmon dial with blue strap. Once the watch is on my wrist, really don’t hear the noice from the rotor unless it’s right next to my ear. One thing about this watch, though it’s 36 mm, it wears like a 38 mm. Overall, this and the Tissot PRX are great watches at this price point!
I'd get an MR01 today if it was a tad larger, 39-40mm, but it appears to be outstanding quality for $. I just ordered a Baltic Ti diver limited production as part of me recent journey into micro brands.
I love how you do the promotion of your mug, nato, or something else. It's not too aggressive nor protruding in the overall context. Every uploads, I tend to wait for those.
I’ve got the silver model and it’s brilliant. It’s one of the few dress watches that combined simplicity with really beautiful touches such as the variety of finishes in the face and the numbers. It’s a hard balance to get right, but this really does. Yes, the rotor is noisy and I’ve no idea about reliability yet…but it is really really pretty.
This baltic looks like the kind of watch where you get it and immediately take it to get serviced and silenced by another watchmaker. A little bit of oil in the rotor will help a lot in silencing it and from the closer shots it looks like the movement could do with a bit of cleaning (if your watchmaker is comfortable with stripping a servicing a chinese movement like this). For the price its honestly ridiculous what you get.
Gorgeous looking watch. Have a salmon dial version with green strap on order from Baltic (along with a beads of rice bracelet). ETA is Sept. Thought I’d give Baltic a second chance after a less than impressive first experience: bought the GMT and had to return it for a refund - it had a dud movement that shouldn’t have got past quality control in the first place.
This watch is gorgeous and you did a great job filming it and showing it's beauty. Well done man. I think the mouvement finishing is superb for the price. I guess when you are used to seeing exquisite movement finishing, your eyes get used to that excellence and you don't realize how cool this is for people who are just getting into watches and don't have macro lenses 😅.
Your videos and photography are so posh, Adrian. I love the watches you feature and the style of your videos. Got the same passion - Watches, Coffee, Photography. Cheers!
It's a half-assed automatic module that doesn't wind both ways, but my only automatic is an NH35 which doesn't have the issue, so I'm not sure how much it would really bother me day-to-day. I do think it's a great looking watch, and an exhibition case back is nice although I'd also prefer a more understated sort of movement finishing (rather than aiming higher & missing, as I think you put it).
I like the complete package for the price so it's £500 , so if they offered the watch for let's say £400 but the movement was unfinished and you had the option of either on their website I think most would go for the £500 one in my opinion.
Preordered Salmon dial on beads of rice bracelet. Looking forward to it but will temper my expectations after this video. But it was a descent price for the quality so. I'm ok with it. Great video as always.
Curious as to the Polar Explorer II's at 1:02, as an idiot that obsesses over minute, unimportant details in videos, haha, I was struck by the fact that they seemed about 10 minutes off of each other, even assuming their owners came from varied timezones, it was hard to figure out which watch shows the "correct" time? Do those models tend to run fast or slow? I ask because my Tudor 79260 seldom had the correct time and I always blamed it on me not paying attention, poor setting after it had stopped and things like that. Cheers for another interesting video!
It's a very attractive watch and the price is certainly right. Pity you can't buy one at the moment. Hopefully, the price will remain low when they're being offered for sale again. +/- 20 seconds isn't all that wonderful. Did have you had one on a time grapher to see how it does?
I tend to not put press loaners on a timegrapher as I think it would be unfair. Press loaners have a hard life being shipped around the world and not treated with much care. I tend to only test my own watches.
Hiya Adrian - that cog at @7:11 (the one sitting over the balance wheel). Is it split for a particular reason? I can see there is a break in the circle (at the 8pm position in the macro photo) causing it to fit loosely around the centre ring. Is that intended by design or a defect in the quality of a Chinese movement? Thanks as always for all the great content and hard work in your productions!
Which came first? The Baltic review or the trek? Either way, a great video but I would still like to hear the tale of mucking about in Scotland. Cheers!
Good points about finishing, however when it’s done basically all reviewers seem to say they shouldn’t have bothered with an exhibition back if there’s nothing to show off…I think with the naked eye it just looks good for people. Obvs with a macro lense not so much.
Incredible quality for the price. I wonder how much baltic are paying for these movements per unit and where the other constituent parts are acquired from and assembled?
Lovely looking thing. I get where you’re coming from with the movement, maybe they should take a leaf out of NOMOS book with the Alpha movement, finished simply, but very well
Not a terrible watch at a good price - that said I'm torn about the movement, it's very possible you're gonna find it next to impossible to get it fixed should you need to. Also, for a micro-rotor auto, it's not exactly as thin as i'd expect - the SW300 is thinner and is in a traditional configuration. Maybe I'm being unfair? The SW300 is a more expensive movement and this Hangzhou movement is really pretty at a glance...
for this price point and movement quality, i wouldn't mind a closed case back if the cost could be spend on even better finishing on the case and hands, maybe even with nice bracelet in the future. That would definitely push swatch and other low-mid tier watches like hamilton or tissot to the corner
I saw this watch in the steel at an auction last year - the salmon dial on the brown strap (personally not my preferred combo) - and was quite fascinated by it. I pre-ordered the salmon dial but on a navy strap and the grey on a green strap (couldn’t decide or just greedy). Expecting delivery in the summer. I think it’s a lot of bang for the buck based on what I’ve seen so far. I’ve previously been fairly reluctant with trying microbrands and this is my second experience with a microbrand. Hopefully it is better than my first experience (buying the Smiths Everest and Commando from Timefactors, absolutely shocking customer experience. Quality issues with lugs and bracelet scratching on one side of the Everest and he tried to claim it was meant to be like that as it’s supposed to stretch over time. After I established that could not be the case as it would be like that on both sides plus on the the commando, he started going round in circles when I asked for an exchange. The guarantee is not worth the paper it’s written on if you ever have any issues. If you don’t, then you can enjoy a nice looking watch, but be prepared to pay for any fault you find later. The commando seems fine so far. Still have the Everest as I have stopped correspondence with Eddie of Timefactors but haven’t worn it and it is still with all its stickers and packaging. Anyway I digress) Looking forward to receiving delivery of them 😊
I am also torn between the two color ways. The salmon looks good on the blue strap. But I feel the grey dial just has this elegance and versatility. Which color way did you like more in person?
Well done watch. Big hype at the moment. Can’t be ordered I understand until later this year. Of course, the compromise is the movement. Still decent look at that price point, even if better to have this closed, but +/- 20 sec per day is what you get. I think perhaps you have to be lucky to get one with decent accuracy? I don’t think they will spend that much effort in regulation
I got the salmon dial mr01 last week after ordering 3 months ago,any slight touch to the watch or movement when on the wrist you could hear the inside rattle,not sure if it was the rotor or problems with another part of the movement or dial but its getting sent back.i watched months worth or RUclips videos and reviews and the watch looks far better on videos to when actually get it in hand,feels cheap if been honest. I'd never buy from baltic again
Not quite sure I understood your points in the end "trying to be haut horology but not trying to be haut horology...." Had you had a few sherberts before you recorded this? :-)
Dont know if anyone else has this issue, but my bell icon is on and I still dont get notifications form this channel? Tried switching off and on, still nothing.
Hi Adrian, have you ever taken a look at the micro brand second hour. I have a green giant stride and the dial on that is beautiful and like nothing I’ve seen in the mainstream before. They’re around £400 to buy. Definitely a watch not trying to be anything else.
I actually agree about movement finishing, even for higher priced watched. I don't even like see through case back as they increase thickness for nothing. I would rather have a well built, ultra reliable movement and great dial and case finishing than a fancy movement.
Well made, well executed, reasonably priced watches is where a passionate watchmaker starts a successful future. I agree as cool as all the finishing is, done on the cheap takes away from the finishing. They could have done the Tutor clean functional treatment or even a Seiko 6R15 level treatment and it would have been perfect.
I love the silver and green! I have a Baltic Bicompax already and love it, although you’re right, the crystal scratches so easily!!! How do I get those out?
Well said, Adrian. I’d rather not have a see-through caseback. My 3796 doesn’t have a see-through caseback and the the caliber is finished to an extremely high standard. Baltic got a lot right and I am impressed that the sub seconds is off-centered.
the main problem with this watch isn’t the lack of sapphire crystal - it’s the movement - where are you going to get that thing serviced? and as a chinese non common movement, who’s willing to touch it? same problem with the seagull chronograph movements, i’m sure someone will, but will it cost more than the watch is worth?
Visually I love the MR01. I was able to preorder one on the second run and I’m definitely looking forward to it arriving in September. Although in terms of engineering it’s not on par, I think this will add itself beautifully to my collection with my BB58 and Explorer 124270. Side note: Exp2 video soon??
Nice watches. I also have a BB58 and have ordered an MR01 (arriving in June). I can't wait to get it but the other day someone described the MR01 as an "expensive disposable mechanical watch" as servicing it will be tricky. Hopefully when the time comes this won't be the case!
If they can produce a great watch at a decent price why punish them by saying they are trying to be something they are not? Especially the critique of the finishing of the movement I think is a bit unfair. No one spending £500 is expecting a hand finished pearlage and cotes de geneve but it's still nice to have it. Even the higher end watches are not all finished to the same standards some (Lange) are finished better than the others (insert all other brands here 😅). So that critique is also like come on Adrian. It's just that we have gotten used to brands not putting in any effort on the lower end of the market that we think a brand that actually does is trying to make a watch that is trying to be something it's not.
I am very sorry, I've tried to resist for ages but I can't stand it anymore: Do you know Chris Broad, why do you look and sound similar, did you probably grow up in the same region and whats this great (british?) accent? Where you come from, there has to be more like you!!! We need to find them... I know this is random, but I cannot not mention it anymore and I am probably not the first one to ask for it or suggest similarities. Actually, Its just that Im interested, if its a coincidence, or if its an actual thing; being a regional accent + lookalike theme, or whatever. Great Videos, I need to add. Great narrative, great look, great speed .. love it! Also came here through Baltic, the Acquascaphe GMT being my "target" watch.
I kinda love this watch! I’ve always kinda had a thing for Baltic. I love the styling! I don’t love that dial texturing (as a personal taste note). Great review as always you explosion of awesomeness! ✨✨✨
Kinda love this watch? But you don't prefer the dial texture..? You've always had a thing for Baltic? Yet they've only been around for a few years... Come on watch gringa, you can do better.
It would be a much better watch if they had ditched the faux finish on the movement, put a solid caseback on it and put the money saved into a sapphire crystal. That's in the context of agreeing that the front is lovely and the back lets it down.
Pretty difficult to be a watch person and not like this one. I’m fortunate to own a HMS 001? one of the first ones anyway and (as much as I love it), this just beats it by a country mile. Fantastic style and value, although I have heard of one or two with some problems with the movement but I’m fairly sure Baltic will have addressed this now.
This watch has got everything I look for and I should have bought it. Great design, elegant understatement, no date, overall good execution, the lot. And cherry on the cake, accessible price. So it seems. Because in reality, the price you have to pay is way higher than you think. The real price is a long term obliteration of our industry, of our jobs, of our lives. The price is to be lured into an easy trap, the appearance of high end luxury without efforts, instant satisfaction, only to discover later that even the cheap price they were asking for you can't pay because your economy is gone. That's the price with China. I am French and I hate this world where something is made in Hong Kong, powered by a Chinese copy of our European past genius then "carefully assembled and tested in our workshop" by a so called French brand which is as French as Steve Martin's accent in the Pink Panther remake...
Perfectly stated. Love the design of the watch, but I'd rather either grab the Hamilton, go with a Seiko Presage, or save a bit more for something not made in China.
This is what a £500 SHOULD be like. Let's face it, we're too used to seeing over-inflated prices on luxury watches where their prices is dictated by the market, not the cost of production with a bit of profit to boot. Hats off to them for an honest and decent piece.
Youre delusional if you think £500 is worth it for a shitty chinese movement.
a Patek Philippe is still considerably better than this piece but if we're being honest they should cost between 8-12 thousand USD not 200k.
Just comparing this piece to Patek is the proof that the current price of watch is waay over-inflated
Market is control by the big brand, we have no way to deal with it. That’s the saddest part, it’s either we buy and accept it or not buy it at all
I'm glad to see you addressed Baltic. They've come up in my feed a few times and I always think they look very nice . Great piece.
Had one. Loved looking at it, couldn’t bear wearing it. The noise from the micro rotor turned me off I’m afraid. Moved it on to another collector for RRP.
Yeah i moved mine as well. Terrible rotor noise and a scratch magnet. Polishing also wasnt perfect on mine
You did well. Who buys a second hand watch for RRP?
@@Starstreak170 this sarcastic or are you new to watches?
@@Starstreak170 i got over RRP 😂 now with the second release of the same watches the value tanked to below RRP.
@@HRM.H I wasn’t looking to make money on it, let alone to another collector who wanted to experience the watch. It’s not all about money especially at such a low price point
The best-looking Baltic so far, and I understand the hype. It's beautiful!
I disagree. The best Baltic watch is salmon Bicompax. Unfortunately because is sold out, the pricing is ridiculous high now (1000-2000 pounds), for the same movement as you have in normal Bicompax. I have HMS 002 in blue-gilt and I love it. :)
@@WparuSlowach oh yeah, that one is gorgeous too!
Adrian to go seamlessly from a VC to Baltic video and give both of them their fair space and assessment is not easy. Well done you. It's great content 👏🏽
I love it and am impressed with what they offer for the money. On the other hand if Tissot made a 36mm dress watch with the same finishing of a Gentleman or PRX it would be my choice. Tissot is the king of affordable timepieces.
They are releasing the PRX in 35mm or 36mm.
@@japd7897 yes already out in quartz. 35mm
Tissot is also the king of making super boring watches
@@floauc1195 They do have some boring designs but.. most watches in that price class are boring imo.
They also have some fun stuff that let people get the feel of a certain model at a far lower cost.
Just unsure what movement tissot will use if tissot release prx 35mm automatic movement at later stage. Or maybe 35mm only for quartz.
I think hesilite is the watch collector’s crystal. Looks gorgeous but requires maintenance. Personally I love it.
I agree. There aren't many things a watch enthusiast can tinker with when it comes to watches, so the process of polishing hesilite is a nice opportunity to work on a watch.
I purchased a MeisterSinger years ago and scratch the plastic dome on the first day. I'd rather pay extra for a crystal. I don't buff! :)
@@david300m I have a couple mod Vostok’s and polishing crystals is a basic necessity for me and I don’t mind it.
Talking about noisy, I have a Jaeger Master Control Date, the rotor noise (ceramic bearings)is so loud it will get your attention no matter what you are doing.
My wife can even hear it while I am driving. Perhaps this issue worth an episode to discuss😄.
I pre-ordered a salmon dial version with estimated delivery in July.. I'm pretty excited for it. You hit the nail on the head.. its not a Patek level quality, but then it doesn't have to be. I read on Monochrome recently the interview they had with the founder, Etienne... and it sounded like Baltic is possibly in the works to produce their own movement (one can dream), he didn't specifically say that, but Etienne said they are working on something that will take a few years and he believes the watch community with really be excited about it.. that sounds like a movement to me. *fingerscrossed.
It's a nice watch, but a bit over-priced, the "french brand" hype is probably one of the only selling point for a watch that is except for the dial and hands (the cheapest components in most watches btw), is identical to a $200 "Lobinni 1888" which has an identical movement by the way.
If Baltic would price their watch a bit more correctly, I would probably purchase one, I don't see a reason to spend $600 on a Chinese watch with "French" marketing hype, when there are some $500 options, housing a swiss-made ETA movement with a power-reserve or moonphase complications in it.
@@davideyt1242 what 500 in-house opinions would you recommend
How did you like it? Think of getting one myself
Just got by MR01 Salmon dial with blue strap. Once the watch is on my wrist, really don’t hear the noice from the rotor unless it’s right next to my ear. One thing about this watch, though it’s 36 mm, it wears like a 38 mm. Overall, this and the Tissot PRX are great watches at this price point!
I'd get an MR01 today if it was a tad larger, 39-40mm, but it appears to be outstanding quality for $. I just ordered a Baltic Ti diver limited production as part of me recent journey into micro brands.
Agree, at least make one at 40mm. A bit too small for most men's wrist.
This is Adrian doing what you do best...inspiring me to buy something which I have not seen before and never considered.
A sublime looking watch. Can't wait for mine to arrive in July.
I love how you do the promotion of your mug, nato, or something else. It's not too aggressive nor protruding in the overall context. Every uploads, I tend to wait for those.
Haha. Thanks a lot Eric. 👍🏻
I’ve got the silver model and it’s brilliant. It’s one of the few dress watches that combined simplicity with really beautiful touches such as the variety of finishes in the face and the numbers. It’s a hard balance to get right, but this really does.
Yes, the rotor is noisy and I’ve no idea about reliability yet…but it is really really pretty.
How has the watch been Gregory?
This baltic looks like the kind of watch where you get it and immediately take it to get serviced and silenced by another watchmaker. A little bit of oil in the rotor will help a lot in silencing it and from the closer shots it looks like the movement could do with a bit of cleaning (if your watchmaker is comfortable with stripping a servicing a chinese movement like this). For the price its honestly ridiculous what you get.
Gorgeous looking watch. Have a salmon dial version with green strap on order from Baltic (along with a beads of rice bracelet). ETA is Sept. Thought I’d give Baltic a second chance after a less than impressive first experience: bought the GMT and had to return it for a refund - it had a dud movement that shouldn’t have got past quality control in the first place.
What’s the model of the all black Seiko at around the 0:55 second point of the video?
This watch is gorgeous and you did a great job filming it and showing it's beauty. Well done man.
I think the mouvement finishing is superb for the price. I guess when you are used to seeing exquisite movement finishing, your eyes get used to that excellence and you don't realize how cool this is for people who are just getting into watches and don't have macro lenses 😅.
You don’t need macro lenses to see the difference though
Shame you can’t get one, missed the pre-order, except for rip-off prices on eBay. Hopefully in the next batch they’ll do a bigger run.
I bet they'll bring another pre order. This is a big hit. Don't worry mate.
I forgot that the preorder opend today. No stock left. I hope they will launch a second order this year.
Your videos and photography are so posh, Adrian.
I love the watches you feature and the style of your videos.
Got the same passion - Watches, Coffee, Photography.
Cheers!
managed to pre-order the MR01 for delivery in Sep 2022! super stoked, only downside is that it's prolly a little small for my wrist, but we shall see~
How did you like it? Think of getting one myself
It's a half-assed automatic module that doesn't wind both ways, but my only automatic is an NH35 which doesn't have the issue, so I'm not sure how much it would really bother me day-to-day. I do think it's a great looking watch, and an exhibition case back is nice although I'd also prefer a more understated sort of movement finishing (rather than aiming higher & missing, as I think you put it).
some have found the Hangzhou 5000A a little rattly, but personally i find it reassuring to know i'm actually winding the thing
is the wheel cracked between two teeth at 4:09 or is it suppopsed to be that way?
Hey Adrian,
Good to see you back again.
Leaf hands not dauphine hands.
More content please.
Regards
I like the complete package for the price so it's £500 , so if they offered the watch for let's say £400 but the movement was unfinished and you had the option of either on their website I think most would go for the £500 one in my opinion.
Spot on. It they finished it well and it would cost 900 it would be too much for me
Good to see you doing more video"s again! Missed the content.
Adrian, at 5:29 what is the reference number for the Patek Philippe that is shown?
Preordered Salmon dial on beads of rice bracelet. Looking forward to it but will temper my expectations after this video. But it was a descent price for the quality so. I'm ok with it. Great video as always.
I just watched your video on the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and just wondered what size your wrists are so I could compare the size of the watches.
Whenever they've launched a preorder cycle I've been so close to ordering one and haven't. And I regret it every time. Really nice dress piece
Since I have ordered and received a Baltic, I feel better ordering off of Baltic then some fundraising scheme.
Same
Curious as to the Polar Explorer II's at 1:02, as an idiot that obsesses over minute, unimportant details in videos, haha, I was struck by the fact that they seemed about 10 minutes off of each other, even assuming their owners came from varied timezones, it was hard to figure out which watch shows the "correct" time? Do those models tend to run fast or slow? I ask because my Tudor 79260 seldom had the correct time and I always blamed it on me not paying attention, poor setting after it had stopped and things like that. Cheers for another interesting video!
Expecting my blue dial in September. Good to hear your positive response to it in the metal. Wish I’d pre-ordered earlier…..
Glad you looked at these! Really nice watches.
Love the watch. Also love the lighting of you in the video.
It's a very attractive watch and the price is certainly right. Pity you can't buy one at the moment. Hopefully, the price will remain low when they're being offered for sale again.
+/- 20 seconds isn't all that wonderful. Did have you had one on a time grapher to see how it does?
I tend to not put press loaners on a timegrapher as I think it would be unfair. Press loaners have a hard life being shipped around the world and not treated with much care. I tend to only test my own watches.
Hiya Adrian - that cog at @7:11 (the one sitting over the balance wheel). Is it split for a particular reason? I can see there is a break in the circle (at the 8pm position in the macro photo) causing it to fit loosely around the centre ring. Is that intended by design or a defect in the quality of a Chinese movement?
Thanks as always for all the great content and hard work in your productions!
Which came first? The Baltic review or the trek? Either way, a great video but I would still like to hear the tale of mucking about in Scotland.
Cheers!
Excellently put together video, and nice to see a more affordable watch featured.
Stunning! I've just put myself on the waiting list for one
0:53 Does anyone know the Reference-No. of this Seiko?
It’s a Seiko SKX custom build.
@@BarkandJack Oh wow! What an amazing watch! Thank you Adrian!
Good points about finishing, however when it’s done basically all reviewers seem to say they shouldn’t have bothered with an exhibition back if there’s nothing to show off…I think with the naked eye it just looks good for people. Obvs with a macro lense not so much.
What model is that Seiko on 0:54?
Incredible quality for the price.
I wonder how much baltic are paying for these movements per unit and where the other constituent parts are acquired from and assembled?
The only thing i am not sure about this watch is which dial / strap color to choose... Still, ended up ordering blue dial one
Lovely looking thing. I get where you’re coming from with the movement, maybe they should take a leaf out of NOMOS book with the Alpha movement, finished simply, but very well
Nomos are a perfect example of doing things in proportion.
The way Adrian pronounced AL&S though... had me in stitches...
What’s the lug to lug on your enamel mugs?
Love the dial. ETA movement and a closed back is the two inclusion I wish it had.
Not a terrible watch at a good price - that said I'm torn about the movement, it's very possible you're gonna find it next to impossible to get it fixed should you need to. Also, for a micro-rotor auto, it's not exactly as thin as i'd expect - the SW300 is thinner and is in a traditional configuration. Maybe I'm being unfair? The SW300 is a more expensive movement and this Hangzhou movement is really pretty at a glance...
I would love to get hands on with this watch 😍 it just looks so good
for this price point and movement quality, i wouldn't mind a closed case back if the cost could be spend on even better finishing on the case and hands, maybe even with nice bracelet in the future. That would definitely push swatch and other low-mid tier watches like hamilton or tissot to the corner
I saw this watch in the steel at an auction last year - the salmon dial on the brown strap (personally not my preferred combo) - and was quite fascinated by it. I pre-ordered the salmon dial but on a navy strap and the grey on a green strap (couldn’t decide or just greedy). Expecting delivery in the summer. I think it’s a lot of bang for the buck based on what I’ve seen so far. I’ve previously been fairly reluctant with trying microbrands and this is my second experience with a microbrand. Hopefully it is better than my first experience (buying the Smiths Everest and Commando from Timefactors, absolutely shocking customer experience. Quality issues with lugs and bracelet scratching on one side of the Everest and he tried to claim it was meant to be like that as it’s supposed to stretch over time. After I established that could not be the case as it would be like that on both sides plus on the the commando, he started going round in circles when I asked for an exchange. The guarantee is not worth the paper it’s written on if you ever have any issues. If you don’t, then you can enjoy a nice looking watch, but be prepared to pay for any fault you find later. The commando seems fine so far. Still have the Everest as I have stopped correspondence with Eddie of Timefactors but haven’t worn it and it is still with all its stickers and packaging. Anyway I digress)
Looking forward to receiving delivery of them 😊
I am also torn between the two color ways. The salmon looks good on the blue strap. But I feel the grey dial just has this elegance and versatility. Which color way did you like more in person?
Bought both. Very difficult decision but finally returned the salmon after several days of back and forth agony. Almost kept both.
Well done watch. Big hype at the moment. Can’t be ordered I understand until later this year. Of course, the compromise is the movement. Still decent look at that price point, even if better to have this closed, but +/- 20 sec per day is what you get. I think perhaps you have to be lucky to get one with decent accuracy? I don’t think they will spend that much effort in regulation
Mine was at +1 second a day out of the box
I'm on the July delivery list for a blue dial/tan strap. Really looking forward to it!
I got the salmon dial mr01 last week after ordering 3 months ago,any slight touch to the watch or movement when on the wrist you could hear the inside rattle,not sure if it was the rotor or problems with another part of the movement or dial but its getting sent back.i watched months worth or RUclips videos and reviews and the watch looks far better on videos to when actually get it in hand,feels cheap if been honest.
I'd never buy from baltic again
But how does it look and a Bark and Jack Nato strap?
Not quite sure I understood your points in the end "trying to be haut horology but not trying to be haut horology...." Had you had a few sherberts before you recorded this? :-)
Did you buy a Leica ? :)
I dont want a patek. I want a baltic. Affordability has to be a basic need for all watches. Period.
Baltic is such a great brand! Very impressed with their models and the exceptional values 👍
Dont know if anyone else has this issue, but my bell icon is on and I still dont get notifications form this channel? Tried switching off and on, still nothing.
Just bought one of your Coffee mugs love this channel
Thanks a lot Dan 🙌🏻
Hi Adrian, have you ever taken a look at the micro brand second hour. I have a green giant stride and the dial on that is beautiful and like nothing I’ve seen in the mainstream before. They’re around £400 to buy. Definitely a watch not trying to be anything else.
4:06. is it a Movement from China? are they reliable?
Love the watch, I preordered one. And amazing video. Your video quality has gotten so incredibly amazing.
What camera are you using to take photos and videos? I would love to see a video of your gear
I actually agree about movement finishing, even for higher priced watched.
I don't even like see through case back as they increase thickness for nothing.
I would rather have a well built, ultra reliable movement and great dial and case finishing than a fancy movement.
Powerful statement starting at 7:21 juxtaposed with the video illustrating your point. I agree, I prefer Tudor's approach.
Adrian or anyone, I might have missed this, but I wonder what camera did he usually shoot the watches with?
When will they be restocking this model?
unbelievable value.... that detail in the dial...
Another great video Adrian 👏
Well made, well executed, reasonably priced watches is where a passionate watchmaker starts a successful future.
I agree as cool as all the finishing is, done on the cheap takes away from the finishing. They could have done the Tutor clean functional treatment or even a Seiko 6R15 level treatment and it would have been perfect.
Wow this is visually stunning! An awesome find!
Truffles of Five Guys fries? You’re giving me ideas!
I love the silver and green! I have a Baltic Bicompax already and love it, although you’re right, the crystal scratches so easily!!! How do I get those out?
Polywatch
Really enjoyed the filming in this video !
Well said, Adrian. I’d rather not have a see-through caseback. My 3796 doesn’t have a see-through caseback and the the caliber is finished to an extremely high standard. Baltic got a lot right and I am impressed that the sub seconds is off-centered.
But for 500. It’s still cool to look at imo. Like the Seagull 1963, it just wouldn’t be the same without the caseback.
Beautiful indeed but one small issue for me there is no water resistance. Give me at least 5 ATM and I am in.
Don't you dare trash my truffle oiled Five Guys fries. That, sir, is crossing a line!
Thank you for another phenomenal video Adrian! Love it!
Thanks a lot Roman.
i love the design language, but i sincerely wish they can put at least a ETA/Sellita movement in it.
the main problem with this watch isn’t the lack of sapphire crystal - it’s the movement - where are you going to get that thing serviced? and as a chinese non common movement, who’s willing to touch it? same problem with the seagull chronograph movements, i’m sure someone will, but will it cost more than the watch is worth?
i absolutly love it! it looks amazing for the money
Visually I love the MR01. I was able to preorder one on the second run and I’m definitely looking forward to it arriving in September. Although in terms of engineering it’s not on par, I think this will add itself beautifully to my collection with my BB58 and Explorer 124270.
Side note: Exp2 video soon??
Nice watches. I also have a BB58 and have ordered an MR01 (arriving in June). I can't wait to get it but the other day someone described the MR01 as an "expensive disposable mechanical watch" as servicing it will be tricky. Hopefully when the time comes this won't be the case!
If they can produce a great watch at a decent price why punish them by saying they are trying to be something they are not? Especially the critique of the finishing of the movement I think is a bit unfair. No one spending £500 is expecting a hand finished pearlage and cotes de geneve but it's still nice to have it. Even the higher end watches are not all finished to the same standards some (Lange) are finished better than the others (insert all other brands here 😅). So that critique is also like come on Adrian. It's just that we have gotten used to brands not putting in any effort on the lower end of the market that we think a brand that actually does is trying to make a watch that is trying to be something it's not.
Beautiful watch but 36mm too small. Sapphire crystal is a must as well.
I am very sorry, I've tried to resist for ages but I can't stand it anymore:
Do you know Chris Broad, why do you look and sound similar, did you probably grow up in the same region and whats this great (british?) accent?
Where you come from, there has to be more like you!!! We need to find them...
I know this is random, but I cannot not mention it anymore and I am probably not the first one to ask for it or suggest similarities. Actually, Its just that Im interested, if its a coincidence, or if its an actual thing; being a regional accent + lookalike theme, or whatever.
Great Videos, I need to add. Great narrative, great look, great speed .. love it! Also came here through Baltic, the Acquascaphe GMT being my "target" watch.
awesome dial, might be too silver/monochrome for my taste. backside also looks awesome with that huge see-through glass.
I have question during adjustment time second hand stop or no?
Your observations were on point. Very fair and detailed assessment. Great looking watch for the price. God Bless!
I e always been a fan of Baltics design since the Aquascafe… great looking affordable pieces.
I kinda love this watch! I’ve always kinda had a thing for Baltic. I love the styling! I don’t love that dial texturing (as a personal taste note). Great review as always you explosion of awesomeness! ✨✨✨
Kinda love this watch? But you don't prefer the dial texture..? You've always had a thing for Baltic? Yet they've only been around for a few years... Come on watch gringa, you can do better.
It would be a much better watch if they had ditched the faux finish on the movement, put a solid caseback on it and put the money saved into a sapphire crystal. That's in the context of agreeing that the front is lovely and the back lets it down.
Pretty difficult to be a watch person and not like this one. I’m fortunate to own a HMS 001? one of the first ones anyway and (as much as I love it), this just beats it by a country mile. Fantastic style and value, although I have heard of one or two with some problems with the movement but I’m fairly sure Baltic will have addressed this now.
This watch has got everything I look for and I should have bought it. Great design, elegant understatement, no date, overall good execution, the lot. And cherry on the cake, accessible price. So it seems. Because in reality, the price you have to pay is way higher than you think.
The real price is a long term obliteration of our industry, of our jobs, of our lives. The price is to be lured into an easy trap, the appearance of high end luxury without efforts, instant satisfaction, only to discover later that even the cheap price they were asking for you can't pay because your economy is gone. That's the price with China.
I am French and I hate this world where something is made in Hong Kong, powered by a Chinese copy of our European past genius then "carefully assembled and tested in our workshop" by a so called French brand which is as French as Steve Martin's accent in the Pink Panther remake...
Perfectly stated. Love the design of the watch, but I'd rather either grab the Hamilton, go with a Seiko Presage, or save a bit more for something not made in China.
Not sure if you are aware of another watch using the same movement - Sólás Starlight.