Baltic, the French watch brand celebrated for infusing affordable timepieces with a dash of vintage charm, has just unveiled its latest gem, the Hermétique Tourer. While Baltic may have surprised many by recently releasing a one-of-a-kind perpetual calendar for Only Watch, it is reassuring to see that their dedication to producing accessible vintage-inspired watches remains as strong as ever.
The Hermétique Tourer, introduced as part of Baltic’s Hermétique collection on October 5, is a remarkable offering, showcasing the brand’s prowess in navigating the fine line between vintage inspiration and modern appeal.
This timepiece is far from a mere homage to the past; it’s a stylish reinterpretation of classic design elements. At its heart, the Tourer is a versatile tool watch designed for exploration and everyday wear, boasting a slew of remarkable features that set it apart.
The case of the Hermétique Tourer, measuring 37mm in stainless steel, is both classic and contemporary. It’s 10.8mm thick (or 8.3mm without the double-domed sapphire crystal), making it sit elegantly on the wrist. With a lug-to-lug length of 46mm and a 20mm lug width, it’s poised to accommodate various strap options, including the matching tropical fluorocarbon rubber straps, as well as beads of rice or flat-link bracelet choices. With a water resistance of 150 meters, the Tourer is ready to accompany you on various adventures.
Baltic offers the Hermétique Tourer in four delightful dial colors. While green and tropical brown may seem like natural favorites, it’s the beige dial that caught the attention of many once they saw it in person. Each matte dial features raised Super-Luminova markers and a unique, multi-dimensional inner metallic ring that interacts with the surrounding environment to create a captivating effect.
The railroad track on the outer edge of the dial marks individual minutes, printed on a black chapter ring, adding a touch of vintage charm. The “syringe” hands with matching Super-Luminova and the quick-charging lume enhance the watch’s overall appeal.
One of the standout aspects of the Hermétique Tourer is its attractive price. Priced at €550 with a tropical strap or €630 with a beads-of-rice or flat-link bracelet, this timepiece offers incredible value for those seeking a vintage-inspired watch without breaking the bank.
Powering the Hermétique Tourer is the Miyota caliber 9039, known for its robustness and reliability. This movement provides a 42-hour power reserve, making it suitable for daily wear. While it may not be the most precise caliber, it’s a well-balanced choice for an affordable watch like the Tourer.
One of the most subtle yet intriguing nods to vintage watches lies in the Hermétique Tourer’s integrated crown, a design reminiscent of François Borgel cases from the 1950s. Borgel, renowned for his obsession with waterproofing watches, crafted cases that were used by brands like Mido and IWC. The name “Hermétique” itself pays tribute to Borgel’s commitment to waterproofing, with “Hermétiques de 3 pièces” being a notable phrase from his patent. This vintage-inspired detail adds a layer of historical significance to an already remarkable watch.
The Baltic Hermétique Tourer will be available in limited numbers, with the first 200 of each color being numbered. The official release is set for October 10th at 4 PM Paris time. While these models are sure to sell out quickly, Baltic ensures that their stock won’t be limited to just 200 pieces, offering watch enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of this vintage-inspired marvel.
In the world of affordable watches, the Hermétique Tourer by Baltic undoubtedly stands out as one of the year’s best, seamlessly blending vintage design with modern craftsmanship and affordability.
