Some of you may remember back in 2024 we reviewed the Baltany Pilot Quartz Chronograph watch. The quartz is a solid and reliable watch with an outstanding price tag. This time round, we are going to be reviewing the Baltany 300M Automatic Retro Diver Watch. There are currently two model variation available on their website, and we are going to be reviewing the black dial and strap version.

Features

CASE

Material : 316L Stainless Steel
Lens: Sapphire Glass with clear AR coating
Diameter (mm) : 42
Thickness (mm) : 14.1
Indexes: Retro Swiss Super-LumiNova Lumin

STRAP

Material : Genuine Leather

MOVEMENT

Type : Seiko NH38 Automatic

OTHER INFO

Water Resistance : 300m/1,000ft
Crown: Screw Down

First Impression

The packaging remains the same, with the grey box and tanned case. The Baltany 300M Automatic Retro Diver Watch gives off your classic diver watch look. It is subtle in its features and there is not a lot of over the top aesthetic or colours. We do have to say that the black colour theme goes very well with the sand yellow batons used on the index. So far, the watch looks the part.

Unboxing

Dial

There is not a lot going on with the dial on the Baltany 300M Automatic Retro Diver Watch. The index has a variation. You get the bold yellow sand batons to represent the numerals and in between you have white batons to fill the gaps. They do go well together and work excellently against the black background.

Talking about the background, it is very simple. There are no textured finish or design. It is a simple pain black colour. That being said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. The purpose of this watch is to bring back the retro feel and design, an era where watches were simple and straight to the point. For us Baltany has nailed this look.

There are three numbers used at each quarter, and they are large enough that the do not disrupt the theme of the watch.

The design for the hands has also been well selected. The hour hand is of a arrow design while the minute hand is a baton hand. They are of a decent size and do not take too much space on the dial. The second hand is of a sharp arrow hand. All the hands have been given a Retro Swiss Super-LumiNova Lumin coating. Whilst we are not the biggest fan of luminous hands as they tend to not work effectively, this however works well on this watch.

The brand and logo are stamped at the 12 o’clock, and they blend in with the aesthetic of the dial.

Casing

The bezel is the best place to start here. It is a single rotating steel bezel with teeth cut design on the circumference. The bezel is smooth and crisp. As with every watch enthusiast, the sound a bezel makes is very important, and you will not be disappointed with this one. In terms of accuracy, it is perfect and matches the inner index. A black colour has been used for the bezel and white number and batons. At the 12 o’clock position, you have a lume pip for the marker. Only the lume pip has the luminous coating, as expected.

The watch itself is 42mm by 14.1mm. It is a decent size for a diver watch and will sit comfortably on your wrist. The size also makes the watch perfect for everyday wear and it does not stick out too much. The 316L stainless steel has been given a brushed finish and overall compliments the dial and bezel.

The lugs are forced down which helps the watch sits on the wrist and for it not to shake or be out of place when wearing.

The screw down crown is a must for a diver watch and this works well on this watch. It has a simple teeth cut design which makes it easy to navigate and use. It has been been given a crown protector to prevent any accidental damage. A sad note is the crown has not been signed with the Baltany logo. Similarly, the backcasing is simple with no writing or design. It is a empty canva for Baltany to do something with.

We have a Sapphire Lens with Anti Reflection Coating and this a great choice. Strong, durable and minimal reflection from all angles. The lens is curved and has a small dome effect. It blends in with the bezel/casing rather than sticking out.

Movement

Powering the Baltany 300M Automatic Retro Diver Watch is a Seiko NH32. We have come across this movement multiple times in the past. It is a reliable movement for this type of watch and the price tag of this watch. We can expect a time a tolerance of around -20 to +40 seconds per day, but this will be subject to use and temperature conditions.

Inside there are 21 jewels making all the juices flow, with a 21,600 bph (3 Hz). Expect a power reserve of 41 hours.

Strap

The strap is made from genuine leather. They are soft and do not need breaking into. They do have enough holes to fit wrist as small as 17cm in circumference. The straps wraps well around the wrist and the buckle works well to hold the watch in place. It is a good strap and it is comfortable on the wrist.

The stitching at the end is a nice little touch and the buckle has been signed with Baltany. You are also given a strap removal tool to help you with any change, which is a nice touch.

Buy, Shortlist or Avoid?

As always, we will discuss the price. The watch retails for £200. This is a steal for sure. For the features and design you are getting, this is a must buy. If you are in the market for your first ever diver watch or just looking for a classic looking diver watch, this has to be on top of your list.

There is nothing else to say apart this is an excellent watch with a generous pricetag.

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