The new Baltic Aquascaphe MK2 takes the brand's most beloved watch and gives it the one feature collectors have been begging for: a perfectly executed, color-matched date complication.
For years, one of the core appeals of the Baltic Aquascaphe was its purity. It was a clean, vintage-inspired, no-date diver that just worked. But you know how we watch collectors are; we always ask, "what if?" What if it had a date? Baltic just answered that question with the newly released Aquascaphe MK2, marking the very first time the brand has added a date display to its pure dive watch lineup.
The big news is this milestone date complication, but the real story is *how* they did it. By placing a color-matched date window at 6 o'clock, Baltic added daily practicality without sacrificing the dial’s iconic symmetry. Offered in four colors and, crucially, two different case sizes, this isn't just a new model; it's a major evolution of the brand's most important watch.
39.5mmCase
From ~$680Price
42hPower Reserve
200mWater Res.
This is the most complete version of the Aquascaphe to date. It takes the original's beloved formula and layers on thoughtful technical and aesthetic upgrades. The result is a watch that looks both familiar and distinctly more modern.
The Aquascaphe MK2 represents a careful modernization of Baltic’s flagship diver. It’s not a radical departure, but a series of deliberate upgrades that show the brand has been listening. The release notes detail changes that refine the watch’s tool-watch character while pushing the finishing to a new level.
A Sharper, More Defined Case
A major update to the design is the casework. The MK2 case, offered in both 37mm and 39.5mm, features sharper angles and wider lugs. Gone is the circular brushing on the lug tops, replaced by a clean vertical brush that contrasts with the horizontal brushing on the case sides.
This new geometry aims to give the watch more presence, which is further emphasized by the addition of flat-top crown guards. It’s a subtle touch, but it promises to give the MK2 a more robust and purposeful aesthetic. Drilled lugs remain, a nod to the watch’s utilitarian roots that makes strap changes a breeze.
Modern Materials, Vintage Soul
One of the most significant functional upgrades is the bezel. The MK2 uses a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal insert instead of a more traditional material. This not only improves durability but also provides a liquid-like depth to the bezel aesthetic.
The spec sheet boasts a 120-click unidirectional action and fully graduated 60-minute scale—exactly what you want on a proper diver. Paired with the double-domed sapphire crystal over the dial, the MK2 is built to withstand daily wear far better than its predecessors. The aesthetic is still vintage-inspired, but the materials are thoroughly contemporary.
The First Diver Date Done Right: Baltic Aquascaphe MK2 Blue
Adding a date to a beloved, balanced design is risky. Get it wrong, and you disrupt the entire look of the watch. Thankfully, Baltic appears to have nailed the execution on the Aquascaphe MK2, and the blue glossy dial version is a perfect example.
The key to the MK2 Date's success is the 6 o'clock date window. By placing it at the bottom of the dial and using a color-matched date disc, the brand's first diver date complication integrates seamlessly rather than feeling like an afterthought.
This decision maintains the vertical symmetry that made the original so appealing. The date is there when you need it, but it doesn't shout for attention. It’s a thoughtful, design-first approach that many bigger brands could learn from.
Upgraded Legibility
The entire dial has been reworked for better legibility. The MK2 features a "Maxi Dial" layout with new 3D "lumicast" indices made from BGW9 Super-LumiNova. These applied markers are 0.4mm thick, designed to give the dial incredible depth and provide a bright, lasting glow in the dark.
The handset has also been modernized, with faceted hands that catch the light beautifully. On the blue and green models, the glossy dial finish provides a rich, deep color that contrasts perfectly with the crisp white lume and markings.
The Right Movement for the Job
Under the solid steel caseback, Baltic made another smart choice. The no-date versions run on the Miyota 9039, a well-regarded automatic movement. For the date models, Baltic uses the Miyota 9015, which is essentially the same caliber with an added date function.
This is important because it means the case thickness remains a slim 12.9mm (including the crystal) across the entire collection. Baltic added functionality without adding bulk, preserving the wearable proportions that define the Aquascaphe line. Both movements beat at a smooth 28,800 vph and provide a 42-hour power reserve.
A Tale of Two Textures: Baltic Aquascaphe MK2 Warm Silver
While the blue and green versions offer a classic, glossy diver look, the grey and warm silver models introduce a completely different character. These variants feature a finely grained dial finish that adds a layer of texture and visual interest. It’s a subtle difference that dramatically changes the watch’s personality.
The warm silver, in particular, leans into the vintage aesthetic. It has an almost creamy, parchment-like tone that pairs exceptionally well with the stark black of the sapphire bezel insert and the crisp dial printing. According to the release imagery, this finish absorbs light differently than the glossy dials, giving it a softer, more understated look.
Sizing for Every Wrist
Perhaps the smartest move Baltic made with the MK2 is offering it in two sizes. The 39.5mm version has a 47mm lug-to-lug, perfect for those who want a modern diver presence. The new 37mm model, with its compact 45mm lug-to-lug, will be a dream for those with smaller wrists or who simply prefer true vintage proportions.
By offering every color and the date/no-date option in both sizes, Baltic has made the Aquascaphe one of the most accessible and versatile microbrand divers on the market. There's genuinely a configuration for almost every taste and wrist size.
Strap and Bracelet Options
The versatility extends to the strap options. You can get the MK2 on a comfortable and durable FKM vulcanized rubber strap, a classic beads-of-rice bracelet, or a sleeker flat-link steel bracelet. All options come with quick-release spring bars, making it easy to change the look without tools.
Choose Your Aquascaphe MK2
With four striking dial colors to choose from, Baltic has ensured there is an Aquascaphe MK2 for every collector. Here is a closer look at each colorway:
Aquascaphe MK2 Blue
The quintessential dive watch look. This model features a glossy, deep blue dial that pairs beautifully with the crisp white luminous markers and the color-matched sapphire bezel insert.
For those who appreciate texture and vintage warmth, this variant offers a beautifully grained, creamy silver dial. It provides a striking contrast against the stark black sapphire bezel insert.
The Grey model also utilizes the grained dial finish, offering a monochromatic, stealthy aesthetic that looks incredibly modern and tool-like, while retaining the collection's classic silhouette.
Rich and glossy, the Green dial variant is a standout option that brings a touch of earthy color to the wrist, complemented perfectly by the matching green sapphire bezel insert.
On paper, the Aquascaphe MK2 is a massive success. Introducing their very first diver date was a risk, but Baltic integrated the complication without compromising the watch's core design DNA. By offering it in two sizes and four compelling colors right out of the gate, they've launched their most complete diver collection yet.
Based on the release details, the Aquascaphe MK2 is a confident step forward. It retains the charm that made collectors fall in love with Baltic in the first place, while adding the features and refinements the community has been hoping for. It’s a thoughtful, well-executed evolution that solidifies the Aquascaphe’s place as a benchmark in the world of independent watchmaking.
Case Material
Stainless steel 316L
Case Diameter
37mm or 39.5mm
Thickness
12.9mm (10.7mm without glass)
Lug-to-Lug
45mm (37mm case) or 47mm (39.5mm case)
Lug Width
20mm
Movement
Miyota 9015 (Date) or Miyota 9039 (No Date)
Power Reserve
42 hours
Crystal
Double dome sapphire, internal anti-reflective coating
Bezel
Unidirectional 120-click with sapphire insert
Lume
Super-LumiNova® BGW9
Water Resistance
200m (20ATM)
Crown
Screwed
Price
From approx. $680 USD (€630)
GALLERY
WRITTEN BY
Nick
I originally started VELOCE to put my skills to work, hone my app design and web development practices, and dive deeper into the world of horology. I wanted to learn more about the watches, the brands, and the incredible people behind them - the creators, the designers, and the collectors. I love discovering new timepieces and sharing their stories with the world. VELOCE is my ultimate passion project and hobby, the creative space I head to after my full-time job to build something I truly care about.
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