Baltic Prismic Collection

Exploring the Light-Bending Dress Watch

Words by: Hourstriker Staff
February 15, 2024
Baltic, a rising star in the watchmaking world known for its vintage-inspired designs and accessible price points, has unveiled its newest collection: the Prismic. This captivating series of 36mm dress watches draws inspiration from the multifaceted beauty of prisms, refracting light into a spectrum of captivating colors and textures.

The Prismic's design language is a harmonious blend of sharp geometric forms and playful pops of color. The 36mm case, crafted from a combination of stainless steel and grade 5 titanium, is a nod to the classic "cocktail" watches of the mid-20th century. Its five distinct parts allow for a variety of finishes and textures, creating a visually dynamic composition. The bezel, lugs, and caseback are polished stainless steel, while the central case is made from titanium with a subtle grainy finish. This interplay of materials adds depth and dimension to the watch, hinting at the multifaceted nature of its namesake.

Courtesy of Baltic


The Prismic's true brilliance lies in its dials. Each boasts a mesmerizing guilloché pattern, a traditional watchmaking technique that creates intricate, wave-like motifs. This textured base is the canvas for a striking brushed sector, featuring applied and polished indexes that glint like scattered jewels. At 6 o'clock, a seconds sub-dial with a contrasting grainy texture adds a touch of whimsy, framed by a sleek brushed steel ring. The time is told by dauphine hands, their brushed upper surfaces and polished chamfers catching the light with every movement. The overall effect is an enthralling dance of light and shadow, reminiscent of a prism diffracting sunlight.

Courtesy of Baltic


But the Prismic isn't just about geometric shapes and textures. It's also a celebration of color. The collection is available in four distinct dial colors:

Grey Blue: A sophisticated and versatile shade that evokes the calm serenity of a twilight sky.

Salmon: A playful and cheerful hue that adds a touch of whimsy to the wrist.

Purple: A bold and luxurious color that exudes elegance and individuality.

Green: A fresh and natural shade that recalls the verdant hues of a spring forest.

Each colorway is carefully chosen to complement the watch's design and materials, creating a truly unique and eye-catching timepiece.

The Prismic's case is a marvel of form and function. Its 36mm diameter makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more understated dress watch. Despite its slim profile, the watch doesn't compromise on substance. The use of both stainless steel and titanium ensures durability and lightness, while the double-domed sapphire crystal provides excellent scratch resistance and clarity.

The dial is where the Prismic truly shines. The meticulous guilloché pattern adds depth and texture, while the contrasting brushed sector and polished indexes create a captivating interplay of light and shadow. The grainy seconds sub-dial and dauphine hands add the finishing touches, making the dial a feast for the eyes.

The Baltic Prismic is a watch that is more than just the sum of its parts. It's a design statement, a conversation starter, and a testament to Baltic's watchmaking prowess. With its captivating design, playful use of color, and meticulous attention to detail, the Prismic is a watch that is sure to turn heads and leave a lasting impression.

Courtesy of Baltic


It's not just about looks with the Prismic. Underneath its mesmerizing dial lies the Peseux 7001 caliber, a workhorse Swiss movement from ETA known for its accuracy and dependability. This hand-wound mechanical movement offers a satisfyingly tactile way to interact with your timepiece, its rhythm becoming a reassuring companion throughout the day. With 42 hours of power reserve, you can trust that your Prismic will keep pace with your busy schedule.

But the Peseux 7001 isn't just about function. Baltic adds a touch of refinement with Côtes de Genève stripes on the bridges, blued screws, and diamond-polished bevels – decorative touches usually reserved for higher-priced watches. The exhibition caseback shows off this artistic mechanical flourish, inviting closer inspection. At only 2.5mm thick, the movement allows the Prismic to achieve an amazingly slim 9.2mm profile – remarkable for a watch with such a vibrant personality. It slips perfectly under a dress shirt cuff for more formal occasions.

Baltic offers the Prismic with a choice of straps to customize its personality further. There’s the classic smooth calfskin leather with a unique pin buckle closure that feels effortlessly dressy. However, the real eye-catcher is the new stainless steel Mesh bracelet. Its fine, supple weave conforms effortlessly to the wrist, while a sliding clasp makes adjustments a breeze. This combo brings a slightly funky, almost 70s vibe to the watch, proving the Prismic’s playful versatility.

Courtesy of Baltic


Now, as watch enthusiasts, let's get real. While the Prismic stands out on its own merits, it enters a competitive arena. When we're talking dress watches, some collectors might question spending around €1,000 when brands like Nomos offer similarly minimal aesthetics for just a hair more. This is a valid point; Nomos delivers undeniable in-house craftsmanship and pedigree.

However, this is where the Prismic throws us a curveball. Unlike some vintage-homage models that feel derivative, the Prismic exudes a distinct character. Its mix of sharp contemporary lines and traditional guilloché feels both relevant and fresh. Plus, you get the unique fun factor of those four dial colors. If you want a dress watch that doesn't take itself too seriously, this could be your ticket.

That's not to overlook some minor niggles. Notably, the 30m water resistance isn't particularly robust. The Prismic probably shouldn't be your poolside companion – a sacrifice made for its super-slim design. Yet, it's more than enough for day-to-day life. While an in-house Baltic movement would have been the cherry on top, the decorated Peseux 7001 delivers solid performance for the price segment.

Courtesy of Baltic


The Baltic Prismic isn't trying to reinvent the wheel (or should we say the gear train?). What it does offer is an appealing alternative for those looking for more than just another minimalist dress watch. Its charm lies in its confident and slightly quirky style that's a little unexpected without being outlandish.

Baltic, at its core, is a company that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate good design and a good value. Their commitment to French assembly and attention to detail have solidified them as a force in the microbrand arena. This watch feels consistent with that trend. There's a sense of fun and personality infused in the Prismic, reminding us that even serious watchmaking should have room for a playful wink.

Courtesy of Baltic


Ultimately, the Baltic Prismic won't appeal to everyone, and that's perhaps its strength. It's a niche watch for those who crave an interesting dress timepiece that feels more like an expression of style than a status symbol. Its design stands out in a crowd, making it a great conversation starter with fellow watch nerds. Whether paired with a crisp suit or worn more casually, the Baltic Prismic adds a delightful pop of color, texture, and a subtle touch of mid-century flair to any outfit. Isn't that what having a fun watch collection is all about?
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