Baltic Hermetique Summer

In the ever-expanding universe of independent watchmaking, the French brand Baltic has carved out a distinct and respected niche for itself. Since its inception, the brand has demonstrated a knack for reinterpreting vintage designs with a contemporary sensibility, offering timepieces that resonate with both seasoned collectors and newcomers. Their latest offering, the Hermétique Summer collection, continues this tradition but with a bold and colorful twist. This new quartet of watches builds upon the robust foundation of the original Hermétique Tourer, infusing it with a vibrant energy inspired by the sun-drenched, free-spirited aesthetic of 1970s California.

The story of Baltic is intrinsically linked to the personal history of its founder, Etienne Malec. His journey into horology was sparked by a deeply personal inheritance: his father's watch collection. Malec's father, a photographer and passionate collector, meticulously documented his timepieces in a series of journals. Immersing himself in these watches and journals ignited a passion in Malec, but he also recognized the practical limitations of using these vintage pieces for daily wear. This realization planted the seed for a new kind of watch brand—one that would capture the soul of vintage watches while delivering the reliability and durability of modern manufacturing. Thus, in 2017, Baltic was born, named in a tribute to his father's Polish roots near the Baltic Sea.



From its launch, Baltic has operated with a philosophy of transparency and accessibility. The brand openly states that its components are sourced from Hong Kong, a common practice in the industry, while the critical final assembly, adjustment, and quality control are performed in their workshop near Besançon, France, a historic heartland of French watchmaking. This direct-to-consumer model allows Baltic to offer its thoughtfully designed timepieces at a price point that has garnered a loyal following. Models like the Aquascaphe diver and the bicompax chronographs have become mainstays, celebrated for their sharp design and solid construction.

The original Hermétique Tourer, introduced in late 2023, laid the groundwork for this new summer variant. It was conceived as a "field watch," a versatile, go-anywhere-do-anything timepiece. With its compact 37mm case, integrated crown, and 150-meter water resistance, the Tourer was an exercise in functional, understated design, presented in a palette of more reserved, matte colors like blue, green, and beige. It quickly became a core model for the brand, praised for its wearability and robust specifications. The new Summer collection takes this successful formula and injects it with a potent dose of extroverted color, transforming the character of the watch entirely.

The most striking feature of the Hermétique Summer collection is, without question, the dials. The collection offers four distinct colorways: a vibrant Pink, a zesty Orange, a sunny Yellow, and a cool Turquoise. Baltic states that the inspiration for this palette comes from the "effervescent, transgressive and light-hearted California of the 70s." This was an era of bold expression, where earthy tones met psychedelic brights. The chosen colors perfectly capture this spirit, evoking images of West Coast sunsets, vintage surf culture, and the unapologetic use of color in design and fashion of that period. These are not subtle shades; they are designed to be noticed.



Visually, the dials are constructed with a compelling sense of depth and contrast. The central portion of each dial boasts a high-gloss, almost liquid-like finish in one of the four signature colors. This gleaming center is encircled by two polished steel rings, or "blades," which create a distinct boundary and add a flash of metallic detail. This inner sanctum of color is then framed by a lightly brushed, black railway minute track at the periphery. This contrast between the glossy, colorful center and the matte black outer ring is visually dynamic and serves a functional purpose by enhancing legibility.

The hour markers are a standout feature, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. Rather than being printed, they are three-dimensional appliques made entirely of Super-LumiNova BGW9. This premium luminous material is known for its bright, blue-tinged glow in low-light conditions. The markers themselves, a mix of circular plots and Arabic numerals at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions, are substantial. They overlap the boundary between the black minute track and the colorful center, creating a layered effect that further enhances the dial's three-dimensionality.

The handset chosen for the Hermétique is the classic "syringe" style, a vintage cue that feels perfectly at home with the watch's overall aesthetic. The hands are rendered in polished steel, providing a sharp contrast against the vibrant dials, and are filled with the same BGW9 Super-LumiNova as the hour markers. A simple, stick-style seconds hand with a circular lumed "lollipop" tip sweeps around the dial, adding a touch of playful motion to the composition. The combination of these elements results in a dial that is not only visually exciting but also highly legible in all lighting conditions.

The case of the Hermétique Summer maintains the same thoughtful dimensions and design as its predecessor. Fashioned from 316L stainless steel, it measures a versatile 37mm in diameter. This size is a sweet spot for many wrist sizes, harking back to the more modest case dimensions of vintage watches while still having a contemporary presence. The lug-to-lug measurement is a comfortable 46mm, ensuring the watch sits neatly on the wrist without excessive overhang.



One of the most distinctive features of the Hermétique case is the integrated crown. The crown is recessed into the caseband at the 3 o'clock position, creating a smooth, uninterrupted profile. This design not only protects the crown from impacts but also enhances comfort by preventing it from digging into the wearer's wrist. It’s a clever design choice that allows the watch to be worn comfortably on either the left or right wrist. The case finishing is a sophisticated mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The case sides feature a horizontal brushing, while the top of the lugs has a circular brushing pattern. A brightly polished bezel provides a contrasting frame for the crystal and dial, catching the light and adding a touch of refinement.

The watch's profile is impressively slim, with a total thickness of just 10.8mm. This figure includes the pronounced double-domed sapphire crystal that protects the dial. Without the crystal, the case itself is a mere 8.3mm thick. This slender profile allows the watch to slide easily under a cuff and contributes significantly to its overall comfort, making it a piece that can be worn all day without feeling cumbersome. Despite its slimness, the watch boasts a water resistance of 150 meters (15 ATM), a very respectable rating that ensures it is more than capable of handling swimming, snorkeling, and any other summer water activities.

Powering the Hermétique Summer collection is the Japanese-made Miyota 9039 automatic movement. This calibre has become a popular and trusted choice for independent brands, and for good reason. It is a member of Miyota's 9-series, a premium line of movements that offers a significant step up from their more basic 8-series counterparts. The 9039 is a "true no-date" movement, meaning it was designed from the ground up without a date function. This is an important detail for enthusiasts, as it means there is no "phantom" date position when pulling out the crown to set the time.



The Miyota 9039 operates at a modern frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), which translates to a smooth, sweeping seconds hand. It features a stop-second, or "hacking," function, allowing for precise time-setting. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours when fully wound. Baltic's choice of the 9039 underscores their commitment to building a reliable and robust tool watch. The movement is known for its durability and solid performance, making it a fitting engine for a watch designed to endure an active lifestyle.

A watch's character is completed by its strap or bracelet, and Baltic offers several excellent options for the Hermétique Summer. The most vibrant pairing is undoubtedly the color-matched FKM rubber straps. FKM, or fluoroelastomer, is a high-performance, industrial-grade rubber that is superior to standard silicone. It is highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and UV radiation, and it doesn't attract lint and dust the way silicone often does. These straps are soft, pliable, and comfortable on the wrist, making them the perfect companion for a summer watch intended for adventure. The pop of color extending from the dial to the strap creates a bold, unified look.

For those who prefer the feel of steel, Baltic offers two of its signature bracelets: the "Beads of Rice" and the "Flat Link." The Beads of Rice bracelet, with its multi-link, highly articulated design, offers a distinctly vintage feel and conforms exceptionally well to the wrist. The Flat Link bracelet provides a sportier, more modern aesthetic. Both bracelets feature a combination of brushed and polished finishes that complement the case, and they are equipped with quick-release spring bars, allowing for easy, tool-free strap changes. This versatility allows the owner to quickly change the look and feel of the watch, dressing it up with steel or down with the colorful rubber.

The Baltic Hermétique Summer collection represents a confident and playful evolution of the brand's field watch concept. It successfully marries a robust, proven tool-watch architecture with a fun, expressive color palette. The watches feel both nostalgic and completely contemporary. The thoughtful details, from the multi-layered dials and three-dimensional lume to the integrated crown and slim profile, showcase a design maturity that has become a hallmark of the Baltic brand.



These are not watches that take themselves too seriously; they are an invitation to embrace the brighter, more carefree side of life. They are built for long summer days, whether spent by the pool, at the beach, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The combination of reliable mechanics, durable construction, and head-turning aesthetics makes for a compelling package.

The Baltic Hermétique Summer watches are offered at a price point that continues the brand's tradition of providing strong value. The watches on the color-matched FKM rubber straps are priced at €550. For those who opt for either the Beads of Rice or Flat Link steel bracelets, the price is €615. The collection is part of Baltic's permanent lineup and is available for purchase directly from the brand's website, ensuring accessibility for enthusiasts around the globe. This release is a testament to Baltic's ability to listen to its community and evolve its offerings in a way that is both surprising and immensely appealing.

Case: 316L stainless steel construction, 37mm diameter, 46mm lug-to-lug, 10.8mm thickness (8.3mm without glass), 20mm lug width. Features a double-domed sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating, an integrated crown, and 150m (15ATM) water resistance.

Movement: Miyota 9039 automatic calibre with a 42-hour power reserve and a stop-second function.

Dial: Available in Pink, Orange, Yellow, or Turquoise with a glossy finish. Features a contrasting black railway sector, polished steel chapter ring blades, and appliques made of Super-Luminova® BGW9.

Strap: Available on a color-matched vulcanized FKM rubber strap or a choice of steel Beads of Rice or Flat Link bracelets.

Price: €550 (FKM Rubber Strap), €615 (Steel Bracelet).

Notes: The watch is defined by its vibrant dial colors inspired by 1970s California and its unique integrated crown, which enhances comfort and provides a sleek case profile.