Baltic Aquascaphe GMT Owner Review : Retro, completed and pleasant

I acquired this Baltic in search of a GMT, a complication that I no longer had in my watch box, which does not require me to call my banker or bribe an AD. After examining many models in this price range (the offer is plentiful!), I finally chose this beautiful Baltic, the first in the Aquascaphe collection equipped with a Swiss movement (Soprod) and, incidentally, the date. This watch is extremely well designed: It is comfortable, equipped with a planisphere on the back to remind you of the time zones and help with setting, even if it is not a "real" GMT offering independent setting of the hour hand. Its case is entirely brushed, except, interestingly, under the notched bezel which turns with just the right amount of resistance. I find that the glossy dial, the finesse of its texts and the domed sapphire crystal are the highlights of the show. They give a real personality to the watch which is intended to be vintage-inspired. The bezel is made of sapphire, and the luminescent numerals are very pleasant in the dark, complementing the luminescence of the Indexes and hands. The crown is marked with a "B" on a grained background, a small detail that confirms the care taken by Baltic in the aesthetics of its model. Finally, the grain of rice bracelet, even if it does not have the aesthetics of an Oyster or a Jubilee for me, is extremely comfortable. I also acquired the Baltic tropic bracelet with pin buckle. Both come with quick-release spring bars that make changing the bracelet a formality, which is very nice (in addition, the case has pierced lugs). In short, I have little to criticize about this Baltic, which I really like to wear and which even allows itself to overshadow my Submariner. At most I can note its weight and thickness, which the shape of the case hides quite well once on the wrist. In terms of the movement, I note a very clear notching of the crown, a great flexibility of the winding, and a precision that does not call for observations. To conclude, I must admit that this is my first watch of a French brand (even if it is less so than a Péquignet caliber royal), and that this Baltic Aquascaphe GMT presents for me an excellent pleasure/quality/price ratio. I had hesitated with a Yéma Superman 500 GMT, the choice having been made only on details.