Baltic X Worn & Wound HMS Limited Edition

The History

Baltic is a newcomer on the watch scene, debuting in 2017, and was an early entrant into what is now a growing number of Kickstarter launched watch brands. Prior to their debut on Kickstarter, the brand had already garnered a lot of support through photos shared on Instagram. Their watches were thoughtfully designed, reasonably priced, and just downright beautiful. The watches, and the associated Kickstarter, were an overnight success. Some of this success can be attributed to the fantastic horology website Worn & Wound. Worn & Wound was a very early proponent of Baltic and they posted a glowing review of the watches just one day after the launch of the Kickstarter campaign. Additionally, Baltic has been a regular sight at the Windup Watch Fair which is produced by Worn & Wound. It is unsurprising given the love affair between the two brands that Baltic would wind up producing a limited edition series of watches specifically for Worn & Wound and its readers.

The Reference

The Baltic X Worn & Wound HMS Limited Edition was launched to the world on March 20th, 2020, and sold out within minutes. The collaboration created a version of the bi-compax and a version of the HMS, seen here, both of which featured dial is a beautiful salmon color but also with a sector dial design. By integrating a sector dial with the salmon color, Baltic created a fantastic opportunity to utilize multiple finishes on the dial and they did just that. The center and edge of the dial are finished in a beautifully textured pattern which the center number ring is finished in a more lush brushed finish. The watch community went crazy over the combination. The only downside was that there were only 100 of each watch produced which meant that they were not easy to acquire. The particular piece is number 49 out of 100.

The Case

The case is classically designed with a flat bezel and domed acrylic crystal. The dimensions can also be described as classic, measuring 38mm across and 12.3mm thick. The watch features a signed crown and caseback. The Caseback also features the Worn & Wound text and watch number out of 100. This watch also comes with its original beads of rice bracelet as well as its original blue leather strap and signed buckle. Overall condition is excellent with no flaws to note.

The Dial and Hands

More so than anything it is the dial of this watch that makes it special and separates it from the production line of Baltic HMS watches. As described above it is not only the deep salmon color but also the sector design, neither of which had been featured on a Baltic watch when this watch was released.

The Movement

This watch is powered by an automatic Miyota 821A movement with a 42-hour power reserve and a frequency of 21,600 bph. The watch has not been serviced since purchase and is running and keeping time well.

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