Salmon Dials and Breguet numerals – The Baltany 1921

Quality cannot be compromised, there is something great about a good-executed dial which has the right colour and design. The Baltany 1921 takes inspiration on the Vacheron Constantin bearing the same name, and to be fair, it does feel a tad more than just an inspiration. With that out of the way, there are plenty merits to this particular salmon version and the watch overall. We have been so impressed with the 1921 that it is probably the most worn piece in the last few weeks. The quirkiness of the tilted dial, the large but manageable case, it is all a composition that oozes elegance.

What is also important to note is that new brands take inspiration on old models, especially the ones that are popular, iconic. But the Vacheron design is one that only a few people know, and in the case of the Baltany 1921, it feels that is recreating an experience while standing on its own with watches that easily cost 5 times the price, yes is that good. Also, the brand is sharing awareness about older vintage models that for us are certainly unattainable.

The last thing I want to do is to spend all my time defending the Baltany 1921 because I do believe on what is being done here, it is not competing nor offending, is simply celebrating a great model at a price point that is unbelievable.

Join me to discover and admire what could be one of the best dials I’ve handled on the last month of the year, let’s begin.

The specifications

To describe the 1921, first, we must be aware that this design is oriented to drivers. The idea is that while holding the wheel of the car, the wrists can stay in place to read the time correctly. This means that it has to be a watch that can be worn for long journeys, so it must be comfortable, and the cushion case delivers. It feels larger but it is only 38mm and change which fits nicely on my 6.26-inch wrist, the stainless-steel case is all polished, so reflections are inevitable, but the anti-scratch coating that Baltany uses, keep the watch pristine for longer.

The dial is what gets me, the circular salmon dial is not only pleasant to look at, but also well executed. The large hands with sort of heart shaped tips, touch the raised applied Breguet numerals with ease. Then at 3 o clock there is the centre seconds with a lovely, blued seconds hand, it is disruptive but fits the look like a charm. When inspecting the macro photos, I was so drawn to the joints of the pinions, they are flawless, well machined, and then polished. The one at the seconds hands it is also perfect, and the numerals are also spotless. I can confidently say that this is one of the best dials I’ve seen under 1000 USD, we will come to the price of the watch later.

To complete the watch, the Baltany 1921 comes with a lovely manual wind Seagull Caliber ST1701, it is controlled via the crown at 2 o clock (which is actually 12, yes, it is confusing) giving the watch a great attitude, a nice touch of sleekness. No lume on this watch and that is ok, it looks outstanding as it is.

On the wrist

The watch is comfortable, it comes on a brown leather strap which I might add is very soft with good quality, another attention to detail touch and makes the 1921 warmer to the eyes. I have to say that I’ve swapped the strap for a grey leather one, and it looks outstanding, it has become my go to piece for the last 2 weeks, it just puts a smile on my face.

I wore the watch everywhere I have to say, it was on point at the office, but I also admire the versatility when adding a more casual strap. The watch is of course suited for more elegant or easy-going environments, but it is a conversation starter. Many people just look at it and stare, to be honest I still do to, it is a magnet.

I can’t begin to imagine the first sketches of this watch back in the day, and this is where the 1921 takes me, it doesn’t matter if not is a Vacheron or a Longiness for that matter, it just produces that classical nostalgia that no other watch in my collection does.

Conclusions

As a watch enthusiast, it is easy to get hung up on having what people call ‘the first’, but to me they are missing out. The Baltany 1921 gives the experience of owning a 25 000 GBP watch at a mere fraction of the cost but at no point it feels cheap or badly made, on the contrary it makes me think what the other watch has to achieve that price difference. Sure, there is the precious metal of the case and then the proprietary movement with outstanding finishing, but the Blatany still holds up admirably at 190 GBP. Talking about value.

If you are in the camp that think that it feels wrong or might not be as original for you, I will urge you to try this outstanding watch. The quality will stand on its own, not only because it fun but also for its uniqueness, it is not another black diver, it is a sophisticated object.

more information please visit https://baltany.co.uk/product/1921-automatic-rotated-watch-with-subdial/?attribute_dial=Salmon&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp4O8BhAkEiwAqv2UqOPeMBRVUZwq9sGELmDHurq7xWlY0PD0RHFTQ3UAsGiuDU0MUBiO4BoCQxEQAvD_BwE

Technical Specifications

Movement Seagull ST1701

Sapphire Glass with clear AR coating

Case diameter 38mm+45.1mm (Diagonal)

Case thickness 10.5mm (including glass)

316L Stainless Steel

Water resistance 50m

Case length 44mm

Lug Width 20mm