By Our Reporter Baker Junior
PARIS, FRANCE —French independent watchmaker Baltic has expanded its flagship Aquascaphe MK2 collection with the introduction of a new date function, further broadening the appeal of its retro-inspired diving watches.
Founded in 2017 by Etienne Malec, Baltic has quickly grown from a niche microbrand into one of the most recognised independent watch manufacturers in Europe. Designed in Paris and assembled in Besançon, France, the company’s timepieces have gained popularity for combining vintage aesthetics with accessible pricing.
The latest update to the Aquascaphe MK2, which succeeded the original Aquascaphe Classic in 2025, introduces a discreet colour-matched date display positioned at six o’clock. The addition preserves the symmetry of the dial while offering greater practicality for everyday wear.
The Aquascaphe Classic, a 39mm dive watch inspired by the skin-diving watches of the 1950s, enjoyed a successful seven-year run before being replaced by the redesigned MK2. The newer model is available in two case sizes—37mm and 39.5mm—allowing enthusiasts to choose according to their wrist size and preferences.
Constructed from stainless steel, the watch features flat-top crown guards, a screw-down crown and vertically brushed surfaces that give it a refined appearance while retaining its vintage character. The 37mm version, in particular, is aimed at collectors seeking a traditional dive-watch profile.
Baltic has retained several design elements inspired by classic tool watches, including drilled lugs and a double-domed sapphire crystal that recreates the visual distortions associated with vintage acrylic crystals. Despite their rugged construction and 200-metre water resistance, both case sizes maintain a slim profile of 12.9 millimetres.
The watch is equipped with a 120-click unidirectional bezel fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire insert designed to improve grip and durability. Visibility has also been enhanced through the use of 0.4mm-thick Lumicast indices filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9, which is also applied to the hands and bezel markings.
Baltic is offering the Aquascaphe MK2 in four dial colours—grey, silver, blue and green—with customers able to choose between date and no-date variants. While the grey and silver models feature a matte finish, the blue and green versions are distinguished by glossy lacquered dials.
The collection is available with interchangeable straps, including colour-matched FKM rubber straps embossed with a saffiano leather pattern, as well as beads-of-rice and flat-link stainless steel bracelets. All options feature quick-release spring bars for easy replacement.
Powering the watches are Miyota automatic movements concealed beneath a solid screw-down caseback. The no-date version uses the Miyota 9039 calibre, while the date model is fitted with the Miyota 9015 movement. Both operate at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offer a power reserve of approximately 42 hours.
Baltic has set the starting price of the Aquascaphe MK2 at **EUR 630** for the rubber-strap version, while the date model starts at **EUR 655**. Models fitted with steel bracelets are priced between **EUR 695** and **EUR 720**, excluding taxes.
The latest additions to the Aquascaphe range reflect Baltic’s continued focus on blending classic dive-watch design with modern functionality at competitive prices.
