3 Loves and 1 Hate: The $600 Baltic MR01

Baltic has been killing it lately, culminating in their new release of the MR01, a watch so popular that people are waiting almost a year for it. Today we look if the watch is worth the hype, and how Baltic was able to pack so much into such a budget piece. But I did find one thing that needs fixing!

[johndesmond]

I have an Ali Express watch, branded Lobinni, which uses the same movement, and costs about $US250. However it has a diameter of 39.5mm, and it's quite impressive that Baltic managed to squeeze the movement into a 36mm case. The Baltic watch does appear to be better finished. The Lobinni watch has a strange affectation: all the engravings on the movement are in German.

[BrittPearceWatches]

Man I kinda love this watch! I've got a thing for Breguet numerals! I don't think I'd wait 9 months for it tho. That's a full gestation period. ;)

[lucioledizerot]

Here's my take on this watch, as a previous owner of the silver dial (from the initial numbered edition). The watch is beautiful but you can feel why it's so affordable. It rattles, the polishing is subpar, and I had visible blemishes on the movement (in addition to the Vostok-level finishing). Overall, I liked the design and appreciate the movement choice, but I think the watch is overrated. Design doesn't make up for everything else.

[WriterandPhotographer]

Just ordered mine first thing this morning (salmon). I prefer a 34mm case size, so 36mm seems a bit large to me, unlike most people who see it as small. Since Baltic has a "retro-focus, " a 34mm case would have been authentic, but I guess they had to find some balance to satisfy the larger population of watch collectors today. This is a beautiful watch and I have noticed several reviewers comment on their disdain for the crown. A small compromise I guess for a watch that is otherwise a true value. Thanks for the video.

[raglm]

Yes, I change my watches three times a day; seriously…And, I just got the blue bronze Aquascaphe and just love the dimensions and the look 👌🏼! This brand is definitely going places

[chrisk]

This is a surprisingly nice watch. It's fairly simple, yet intricate in its own right.
Great vid!

[WatchesBeAwesome]

These definitely look awesome, but the wait time is unfortunate. Thank you for another great review!

[mcnuonuo]

Love the watch but I wish they slightly increase their pricing level and go with ETA or Selita movements.

It's not going to be cost effective to spend $200 to service a Hangzhou movement that probably no watchmaker has worked on. Safe to say no one is going to service these.

[jeanlefranc]

Quite fitting that, almost 200 years after Louis-Abraham Bréguet passed away, a French brand makes a name for itself on the international watch scene with Bréguet numerals. Thanks Max for reviewing this timepiece.

[thomasschneider]

I never would’ve have guessed this was a $600 watch. Nice choice Max!

[PizzaHomie]

I agree with you about the crown, but I think I like it better than the "B" they have on their other models. I'm just not a fan of text on a crown. Would much rather have a symbol like the rose on a Tudor crown. Picking nits... Overall, it's a great looking watch.

[harrycee]

I agree with the statement that they are like Oris and Zenith. Something about the will to be independent speaks to me. My next watch I am saving up for is a Nomos Tangente Neomatik 35. The watch and DUW3001 movement speaks to my nerdy soul. Nomos swing system is another step to more independence.

[diydad]

Just got my MR01 and maybe the waiting time is rolex-ish BUT what you get is far more fun and off mainstream and that's a good thing for me.

[chrisenchemin]

Hello, First look at your channel and really like what I saw.
Baltic (France), Christopher Ward (England) and Zelos (Singapore) are actually, in my opinion, the 3 micro brands that may one day become independent. These 3 ones are, step by step, creating complete catalogs with diver, chrono, dress watches, etc, etc.
I also like the work done by About Vintage (Denmark) and Dan Henry (USA), including the way they mix automatic and quartz watches in their collections. But it seems they are a step behind.

[graciousideals]

Thanks for the in-depth review and the macroshots! I was really close to getting this but I don't like the heavily raised crystal and the 1/4 second demarcations. It doesn't serve a purpose, doesn't add enough oomph to the dial, but it's enough to make it look cluttered. But again, thanks for the great review

[stevemoon]

Bought an Aquascaphe bronze last year & had several major QC issues. Inconsistent finishing on one side of the case, misaligned bezel & both silicone straps were falling apart along the molding lines right out the box. I returned it.

[brentsoares]

Awesome video man. I heard of this watchmaker before but never took the time to research them. I wanted the GS sbgw231 as my next piece but I think the MR01 in the salmon dial might just scratch that itch. Love the content.

[kevinkadrmas]

I just ordered one! I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

[warusknd]

Im on the wait-list for July for a Salmon dial with navy strap. Not having hands on with the watch yet, I think I understand you points on the crown, although I think its very well executed to give that full vintage theme.. I'm pretty stoked about receiving mine! I'll definitely share some photos and my thought on Watch Crunch! I have the Bicompax gilt navy as well so I think the MR01 salmon will be a good contrast!

[jameswalsh]

I have the salmon mr01.
The watch feels light and cheap and but looks amazing, I was very disappointed haven waited months for it to arrive, the rattling noise that comes from the rotor with any little movement was to much and I decided to send it back.