What could this be?

uh oh! I better stay away. I've already cheated on my "watch diet".

You and me both bud, but I may just have a cheat meal if it’s something good!

Would it be 39 mm?? That would be great

Not sure about dimensions actually. I’m just taking a wild guess at it being the MR01. It could also be another Hermetique or Aquascaphe. Since the lug width they use is standardised at 20mm, this case size definitely looks closer to 36-39mm.

Well with that black circle covering the dial, they did allow just a tiny bit of the minute track to be seen & it’s looks a whole lot like the same one on the MR01 (like you said) so maybe a new dial color/ special edition?

Good catch on the minute markers! I also just noticed the small (but not flushed) crown. That cancels out any of the aquascaphe and hermetique collections. I’m really hoping it’s the MR01, but a more toolish one, as suggested by the vertical brushing in the case.

A black dial exists on the gold pvd version. Maybe a black dial on the stainless version. Maybe an Onyx dial or even a Vantablack?

@ahavajava @Jonathan1 @Rich_P @Chunghauphoto I just added a second super exposed shot to see if we can find any hints to this mystery 🔎

I don’t know if its the photo but the bezel looks brushed (as opposed to high polished). They did a brushed bezel for the A Collected Man LE

Yeah you read my mind! Aside from their divers, it’s only the LEs that have brushed cases. Also, responding to your previous guess, I’m not sure if the dial is necessary black. I think a monochrome filter was put over the dial to keep things ambiguous.

Since it’s launching on 4th of July & Baltic recently opened a New York showroom, it could be an American version. Maybe something loud like a red or gold dial? God forbid they release a showroom exclusive version that we can only buy in store 🥲

I’d hope for an updated MR01 with a more “luxurious” dial, sapphire crystal and a more tried/tested movement like an SW-300.

If they want to maintain thinness, then perhaps with a hand-wound movement.

Sooooo change everything about the watch that makes it unique?

I’d settle for just sapphire glass 😂 My wallet can’t handle the rest

Yeah don’t think it’ll necessarily be a black dial - it would be nice tho. An inky dark black - may make me get another one!

You and me both, Chung. I would have bought the Hermetique in a heartbeat if they released it in matt black (rather than the LE patterned black dial).

Love everything Baltic does. Thanks for the post, didn't know we had a new model incoming!

Cheers mate. Keep a lookout for 4th July, 4pm (Paris Time).

Baltic just make something for everyone without losing their brand identity. That’s harder to achieve than most people think. That OnlyWatch perpetual calendar looked fantastic and I really wanted to see it in person. It looks like there will a pricier range which will incorporate things like that

They’re doing well and moving up market, buf I don’t hate that at all. That’s how you know they’re doing the right things and giving what people want. It’s smart that they outsource their movements so more attention can be spent on designing timeless dials and ergonomically well-suited bracelets and straps.

Glad to find another like-minded Baltic enthusiast 🍻

Its a simple premise: make vintage-inspired watches at an affordable price point. Some say vintage-looking watches are a fad but I don’t think it’s ever gone out of fashion. It takes the sting out of buying vintage (obviously that’s part of the fun and learning curve too). Having the showroom in London meant that the ‘mystery’ of buying something just from an internet picture was removed. Also I’m quite impressed with their straps/bracelets too. Very nice quality

Pretty sure it's gonna be a new MR01. MR02 maybe?

On their ig story they have another picture where you see the case from the side.

The lugs, bezel and crown look like mr01 and also you can see casenack screws.

MR02 with saphire crystal and a schwarz-etienne microrotor movement. Yours for only $12500.-

Plus taxes

🤣

Good observations on the case and side profile. As far as I hope for some spec upgrades, I’m not sure they will do it as it MAY kill the demand for the OG MR01s. It may just be another dial colour 🙃

They could also spec it up and call it the MR02, but price is significantly higher so that the MR01 remains competitively priced.

So this came up in my IG feed this morning - probably unrelated…

I follow both Iamcasa and Baltic. Iamcasa literally posted his poll minutes before Baltic released the announcement. 2 possibilities here: (1) Both posts are independent and Baltic’s release won’t be this; or (2) This is a big brain marketing move from Baltic to generate buzz and do a litmus test on whether people like this idea.

I truly hope it’s (1) because I’m not keen on jewels on the watch (if they don’t help with timekeeping). The gems will also add to the price of the watch :/

I don’t think they’re related items.

Too much difference on the bezel. As you say: they’re just trying to guage interest. It would be a hell of a price hike for a gem set bezel.

They could do it just for those guys as a proof of concept idea. It’d be showing off their manufacturing/artisinal capabilities.

If they did do it; what a turnaround for a company that’s only been around for a few years that originally started selling ‘affordable’ watches

Well, time will tell! Looking forward to the drop on 4th July Paris time 4pm! Fingers crossed they keep things simple!

It's a re-release of the one they did with A Collected Man back in 2022 but I think it's for their regular line up with 4 colours.