BALTIC MR01 Full Review | Possible issues with the Hangzhou Micro Rotor Movement?!

The micro brand Baltic recently released a limited edition micro rotor dress watch called the MR01 its a stunning and a beautiful piece but I seem to have possibly run into some issues with the Hangzhou micro rotor movement. I'm no expert, so I'll let you be the judge if there is an issue or not. I will also be reaching out to Baltic about it and will update everyone after they respond.

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[thomasgilsfeldt]

Never turn the time of your watch backwards unless the movement is specifically made for it (eg. a GMT)

[shepleonard]

Turning the hand backwards which you aren't supposed to do put unnecessary pressure on the parts. The one general rule is that if your mechanical watch's second hand does not stop when you put the watch in time setting mode, then you should definitely not turn the hands backwards.

[AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Reminds me of the doctor scenario:
Patient: My arm only hurts when I bend it backwards.
Doctor: Don’t bend your arm backwards. Now that’ll be 150.00.

[AlexxxxxSaysHi]

Back hacking is not dangerous to a movement unless done constantly, which is the same rule for winding automatic watches etc.

Back hacking non stop seconds movements has been common practice for decades, often a recommendation on the famed el primero movement which has a constant running seconds.

[jlg]

LOL, you've shown us everything we need to see. I'll wait until Baltic get their act together with this movement before I waste my money. You sir are a hero.

[oOoScarecrowoOo]

This backward second hand move is called ’backhacking’.
I’m sure Marc from LongIslandWatch has a ’watch and learn’ video about it. 😉
So, on some movements without hacking you can move the second hand backward to use it as a hacking.
Mostly happened on old caliber when the power reserve is low.
Be careful not do it for too long as it could damage your movement as every pieces is running backward then.
A full power reserve with much more torque could really break something.
A few second at the time with low power reserve can make it as a ’hacking’.

[Ninoitaliano]

Did you hear back from them? I have two of these on order and I’m curious about the movement. Thx

[MicheleCarenini]

Hello. Going to buy one one (silver MR01) when they become available again (which means in a few hours). You still suggest it after one year? (Great review, thanks a lot.)

Don't know about the limited pieces, as they'll make another batch, as I was informed, which is not ok to the buyers who bought it due to the limited edition piece . Very nice watch indeed.

[CWJY]

I like how baltic presented their watches as vintage inspired watch. Without buying vintage watches which has it’s issues, we can still enjoy the vintage looks of it. I owned the baltic aquascaphe and the MR01 silver with green strap just like yours and enjoying them!! Great review and nice work!

[Mans]

I think the back hacking is acceptable. Watch manufacturers just need to state it clearly on the manual. So that people don't freak out when they find out. In my opinion and form experience watches are designed to move forward. So I never advice setting the time backward. Thanks for the heads up though. I know what to expect when mine arrives. Cheers.

[VMIyanks]

Did you hear back from Baltic about the movement issue? I’m interested in the watch but hesitant because of the Chinese movement. Thanks!

[homerhorowitz]

I just got this watch and it just doesn’t feel solid to me in my hand or on my wrist. I think it’s because of the sounds it makes when I tap it. This is my first micro rotor so I didn’t know what to expect but it feels like things are loose in there. Is that normal?

[surfitli]

Nice review.
I had something similiar happen to a Vostok Automatic. I hand wound it, would not start. Shook it, would not start. Took the caseback off and tapped the escape wheel with a screwdriver, started running. Somehow the balance wheel got stuck. I think that is what happened, but I can not be sure. Kind of like top dead center.
I actually have a Baltic Dual crown, it’s very nice. That has a Miyota 9039, which is proven as a reliable movement.
I know what they are trying to do, but using an unproven Chinese movement is not a good idea. For me I would want a movement that has been proven to be reliable.
As for the price, it is assembled in France and is very well done. That adds cost. The movement was a Chinese, but definitely not the most basic. I would say the price isn’t terrible, the French assembly probably adds a lot.

[StandardTime]

Great video Josh, I've been looking at these on a daily basis. Good to know!

[oOoScarecrowoOo]

IMHO, Baltic did a bold and smart move to make an affordable micro-rotor watch with decent quality.
This is why the hype for this piece as one of the first affordable micro-rotor well done out of chinese usual quality.
Usually micro-rotor is found on very high-hand watches.
Nice piece indeed, in line with Baltic standard level of quality and all their straps are very good quality.
The price is correct for me as the quality of Baltic is very good.
My only small negative would be the 20 mm lug width that makes it look smaller.
But I get that Baltic keeps one size for their straps and it’s also easy to switch strap.

[davidbcg]

The issue you mentioned is something I see happen on my Swatch Sistem51. It doesn’t completely stop but the second hand can be held in place when I move the minute hand backward.

[juniorjohnson]

I missed this one, I never turn the hand's backwards there designed to go clockwise but that's just my opinion . Did Baltic get back with you if so what did they say ?

[alanprak]

That's too bad about the hacking issue. I had this watch in my wish list, but I think I'll pass and move on. Thanks for pointing it out.

[simonandersen]

These will be available for pre-order for 10 days starting on January 20th 2022.