AliExpress Affiliate Link s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dcu65Df Please note that I do earn a commission on any purchases made through the AliExpress link. My Main Channel - My Retro Watches www.youtube.com/@myretrowatches Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/Retro.Vintage.Watches.Restorations/ My website : www.myretrowatches.com
Regular use of the timegrapher in your reviews is great. It provides insight into different companies approaches to regulation. While I fully appreciate that watches are set up within tolerances, I personally don't like movements losing time. When I get one that's losing I have to regulate it to run positive. It also illustrates the impact of beat error on achieving good regulation.
The watch is fine for the money. Bronze watches can look amazing. It is a bit heavier and sometimes you may not like how it ages. In that case you can re-start the process. I really like the part on regulating the movement. It makes me want to give it a try.
Genuine thanks, Mike! The depth of your reviews, with the microscopic and mechanical analysis makes your channel unique and engaging. I hope that you ar encouraged to keep up the excellent work.
I love the way you review watches, it's so nice to see inside the case and the dial close up. Baltany are quite brave, there are some well known brands that wouldn't look as good under the microscope and quite a few huge plastic spacers hiding under case backs. Interesting how that oiling issue on the palate fork had such an effect on the beat error. Do you think the original attempt at regulation by Seiko had tried to compensate for unequal oiling and put the hairspring in the wrong position?
I would not know how much a movement is regulated at Seiko possibly its not. They are machine assembled and if you take a look at Seiko site for tolerances on accuracy they give a massive window something like +/- 30 seconds.. Buys them a lot of licence. You can buy a new NH35 for £30 or less so these watch brands are getting them probably half that if in bulk. These are entry level movements from Seiko, reliable and accurate yes but still basic. Their 6R upwards start to look a lot nicer in machining and general finesse.
Like the look of it, like the bronze patinating as you wear it, , I don't love that buckle, it feels too chunky (although i guess it does fit with the size of the watch) and for a dive watch i like a little bit of a shoulder protecting the crown from knocks, but overall rather nice
The buckle is straight off a Panerai . I like the colouring of the strap but it’s very stiff and think it could have been done a bit better but then for the price they want it’s the compromise
I think it's good to see Baltany branching out from just making reproductions, or historically inspired pieces, but for me, this is a swing and a miss. The biggest turn off is the size. I get that some people buy watches to show off that they can afford those particular pieces, so bigger may be better then, but this is just outsized. Quick hat tip to Tudor for making 36mm versions of some of their larger pieces. If it were me making changes - make it 39mm at the biggest, fill in the bezel numerals with dial-matched paint and put it on a bronze bracelet with multiple finishes. You'd end up with an almost president-like diver which ages uniquely. Great review as always, and ofc I want to see it under the microscope!
Thanks Endy. I agree had this been a 38mm it might work . I just love Baltany 1920s watches and alike and want to see more but yes perhaps they should branch out and do some other things too
I have a few bronze watches and I quite like the idea of the aged patina. This one although I love that dial colour I think is just too big and not my style anyway. Thanks for watching
With a two-piece buckle strap, it would be useful to some if you measured how long it is - ie will it reach over a typical wet-suit sleeve, as it IS a diver's watch.
Rare you see a chamfered crystal now on these modern watches, Its an extra process to produce them and as cost is everything... I am often looking for them for my vintage seiko restorations. I dont agree it sticks up to much though. Feels the same as almost all other watches I have reviewed.
Another pro vote for popping out the movement. :) The spots on the bezel are disappointing and I agree, way too big. That's last year's (decades?) trend.
Haha yes. I’m glad watches are going smaller as I think 37-39 is the sweet spot for most watches. I will keep up the scope footage and actually have another scope on review so I am testing that on the next few videos to see if I can improve the quality of footage.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing you work on rate & beat error, I've been wanting to see you do that! The lume on this watch is amazing - is that done by thickness of the lume, the lume type, or both? I definitely vote for keeping the microscope look at the watches you review.
Thanks . I’m glad you appreciated the regulation, makes the video longer to my audience retention on this one is terrible! Yes lume is determined by thickness but also the quality of the lume used. At some point I need to do a video on that either on this channel or the main one. I have a kit sent to me last year by DIY watch club I was supposed to review. I’ve never done the video, in part because the cost of it is so high and I can produce lume for a fraction of the price.
I don’t really like bronze watches, and it’s way too big for me. I believe you are the most knowledgeable about how watches work amongst the TH-camrs. I say keep taking them apart. However, I do disagree a little on Baltany just sticking with what they are good at. I’m hoping they branch out to GADA and sports watches, and possibly even divers. Thanks as always!
Thanks. You do raise a good point on them pushing the envelope and perhaps that’s what was going on here. Just the ones I’ve seen so far those 1920s watch recreations are superb. I personally want to see more of that. Perhaps I should try to persuade them to make a version of my 100 year old omega I posted a review on recently on the channel .
It is a stupid size, I don't know anybody who specifically looks for those Diesel proportions so even from that perspective, they're limiting their audience. Nice review from you, I hope it's a rare lemon in the case of the movement.
I’ve seen this shock jewel issue on another Seiko movement , on one of my San Martin reviews. As they are machine assembled quality control is clearly lacking . As for the size I agree it’s too big but for some guys out there they like a big watch and often comment on that on the San Martin videos saying they wish it would be 42 etc…
So small amount oil can cause a problem! A great review and a very interesting troubleshooting. Your work is great as always, but this watch is not for me..... too big.
Yes it does to take much to upset the balance of a train of wheels ! I’ve learnt the misplaced oil issue on some of my restorations where you complete everything to then be presented with poor readings. Learning to interpret what you see on the Timegrapher and find the issue is a learnt part of fault finding.
AliExpress Affiliate Link s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dcu65Df
Please note that I do earn a commission on any purchases made through the AliExpress link.
My Main Channel - My Retro Watches www.youtube.com/@myretrowatches
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/Retro.Vintage.Watches.Restorations/
My website : www.myretrowatches.com
Great review as always. One of the best parts was when we could see watch under the microscope and of course when you regulated.
Thank you.
Yes, I like that you take the watch out of case. Please keep doing it!
Thanks pal
Regular use of the timegrapher in your reviews is great. It provides insight into different companies approaches to regulation. While I fully appreciate that watches are set up within tolerances, I personally don't like movements losing time. When I get one that's losing I have to regulate it to run positive. It also illustrates the impact of beat error on achieving good regulation.
If it was a 40mm I might be interested. Agreed re the bezel numerals and strap choice. Great video
The watch is fine for the money. Bronze watches can look amazing. It is a bit heavier and sometimes you may not like how it ages. In that case you can re-start the process. I really like the part on regulating the movement. It makes me want to give it a try.
1st time I've seen your reviews. Very interesting watching you making the adjustments. Job well done. 👍
Thank you so much and I welcome your feedback.
Genuine thanks, Mike! The depth of your reviews, with the microscopic and mechanical analysis makes your channel unique and engaging. I hope that you ar encouraged to keep up the excellent work.
Thank you very much for this comment. Makes me know I am doing something right at least!
I love the way you review watches, it's so nice to see inside the case and the dial close up. Baltany are quite brave, there are some well known brands that wouldn't look as good under the microscope and quite a few huge plastic spacers hiding under case backs. Interesting how that oiling issue on the palate fork had such an effect on the beat error. Do you think the original attempt at regulation by Seiko had tried to compensate for unequal oiling and put the hairspring in the wrong position?
I would not know how much a movement is regulated at Seiko possibly its not. They are machine assembled and if you take a look at Seiko site for tolerances on accuracy they give a massive window something like +/- 30 seconds.. Buys them a lot of licence. You can buy a new NH35 for £30 or less so these watch brands are getting them probably half that if in bulk. These are entry level movements from Seiko, reliable and accurate yes but still basic. Their 6R upwards start to look a lot nicer in machining and general finesse.
Lovely finish
Like the look of it, like the bronze patinating as you wear it, , I don't love that buckle, it feels too chunky (although i guess it does fit with the size of the watch) and for a dive watch i like a little bit of a shoulder protecting the crown from knocks, but overall rather nice
The buckle is straight off a Panerai . I like the colouring of the strap but it’s very stiff and think it could have been done a bit better but then for the price they want it’s the compromise
Great review Mike, haven't come across anyone else who is as thorough as MWR in their reviews, it's good to see👍
Thank you for this. Reassuring I’m doing the right thing.
Bought one for a friend. Absolute stunner!
I think it's good to see Baltany branching out from just making reproductions, or historically inspired pieces, but for me, this is a swing and a miss.
The biggest turn off is the size. I get that some people buy watches to show off that they can afford those particular pieces, so bigger may be better then, but this is just outsized. Quick hat tip to Tudor for making 36mm versions of some of their larger pieces.
If it were me making changes - make it 39mm at the biggest, fill in the bezel numerals with dial-matched paint and put it on a bronze bracelet with multiple finishes. You'd end up with an almost president-like diver which ages uniquely.
Great review as always, and ofc I want to see it under the microscope!
Thanks Endy. I agree had this been a 38mm it might work . I just love Baltany 1920s watches and alike and want to see more but yes perhaps they should branch out and do some other things too
Good review, Mike. Thanks.
This one is not my personal style. Too big, too bronze! But I think for the right person, the price is reasonable
I have a few bronze watches and I quite like the idea of the aged patina. This one although I love that dial colour I think is just too big and not my style anyway. Thanks for watching
Good job
With a two-piece buckle strap, it would be useful to some if you measured how long it is - ie will it reach over a typical wet-suit sleeve, as it IS a diver's watch.
You make a very good point. I will try to remember this for next time .
Thank you for this tip it’s very helpful
I went with the Baltic over the Baltany. Thanks for the review.
Good choice!
There was a New San Martin too I saw..
Crystal sticks up too high above bezel. A nice chamfered sapphire with slight arc would compliment the case style.
Rare you see a chamfered crystal now on these modern watches, Its an extra process to produce them and as cost is everything... I am often looking for them for my vintage seiko restorations. I dont agree it sticks up to much though. Feels the same as almost all other watches I have reviewed.
I'm wearing 50mm Aragon having 18 cm wrist.
Another pro vote for popping out the movement. :) The spots on the bezel are disappointing and I agree, way too big. That's last year's (decades?) trend.
Haha yes. I’m glad watches are going smaller as I think 37-39 is the sweet spot for most watches.
I will keep up the scope footage and actually have another scope on review so I am testing that on the next few videos to see if I can improve the quality of footage.
That was a great and honest review and I like you think is not for me but thanks for the review
Fair enough! Thanks for watching though.
16:52 very nice I like it a lot!
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing you work on rate & beat error, I've been wanting to see you do that! The lume on this watch is amazing - is that done by thickness of the lume, the lume type, or both? I definitely vote for keeping the microscope look at the watches you review.
Thanks . I’m glad you appreciated the regulation, makes the video longer to my audience retention on this one is terrible!
Yes lume is determined by thickness but also the quality of the lume used. At some point I need to do a video on that either on this channel or the main one.
I have a kit sent to me last year by DIY watch club I was supposed to review. I’ve never done the video, in part because the cost of it is so high and I can produce lume for a fraction of the price.
I don’t really like bronze watches, and it’s way too big for me. I believe you are the most knowledgeable about how watches work amongst the TH-camrs. I say keep taking them apart. However, I do disagree a little on Baltany just sticking with what they are good at. I’m hoping they branch out to GADA and sports watches, and possibly even divers. Thanks as always!
Thanks. You do raise a good point on them pushing the envelope and perhaps that’s what was going on here. Just the ones I’ve seen so far those 1920s watch recreations are superb. I personally want to see more of that. Perhaps I should try to persuade them to make a version of my 100 year old omega I posted a review on recently on the channel .
It is a stupid size, I don't know anybody who specifically looks for those Diesel proportions so even from that perspective, they're limiting their audience.
Nice review from you, I hope it's a rare lemon in the case of the movement.
I’ve seen this shock jewel issue on another Seiko movement , on one of my San Martin reviews. As they are machine assembled quality control is clearly lacking .
As for the size I agree it’s too big but for some guys out there they like a big watch and often comment on that on the San Martin videos saying they wish it would be 42 etc…
Bronze.. Nice.. €185, - is a nice price :)
I agree for the price it’s very good for bronze . Baltany prices are very good all round in fairness
So small amount oil can cause a problem! A great review and a very interesting troubleshooting. Your work is great as always, but this watch is not for me..... too big.
Yes it does to take much to upset the balance of a train of wheels ! I’ve learnt the misplaced oil issue on some of my restorations where you complete everything to then be presented with poor readings. Learning to interpret what you see on the Timegrapher and find the issue is a learnt part of fault finding.
Yes. Please keep taking your review watches out of their cases; nobody else does that! Too bad this is an ugly watch.
I quite like it , wouldn't do if we all liked the same I guess
It needs better looking hands.