A Collected Man x Baltic MR01 Blue Roulette

This MR01 “Blue Roulette” is part of a 300-piece, limited edition collaboration between Baltic and A Collected Man. A modern watch which takes inspiration from the charm of certain vintage pieces, it brings elements of classical watchmaking into a more accessible context.

Drawing inspiration from early mid-century dress watches, and in particular the Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 96, the MR01 Blue Roulette pays subtle homage to this era. A time when function and form were characterised by elegance and clear lines, this time-only piece brings elements of classical watchmaking into modern conversations. The Blue Roulette is limited to 300 pieces, all of which are individually numbered.

One of the first things you will notice about the watch is its roulette dial, revisiting an aesthetic from the past, but in a contemporary, bold blue. Roulette dials are only found on a small handful of vintage pieces and take their nickname from the way the hour numeral track is designed, resembling a casino roulette wheel. The dial construction here plays with levels and texture, from the contrasting polished rings stepping down to a subtle grain on the base, reminiscent of some of our favourite neo-vintage pieces. These details came from the feeling that many modern watch dials are often quite unidimensional, whilst vintage pieces integrate much more texture and depth.

Building on a darker colour found in some of their other models, Baltic designed a blue shade with more azure tones, to create greater vivacity, whilst remaining subtle. Meanwhile, the serif numerals are rendered in a warm off-white, which are then paired with sharp dauphine hands. Thoughtfully designed by Baltic, the numerals yet again take inspiration from earlier pieces, with details like the flat “4” and open “9” capturing the attention of vintage aficionados. In keeping with the desire to create a piece which blends the past and the present, the watch integrates a subsidiary seconds which is asymmetrically placed at 7 o’clock, breaking traditional design codes.

Made from a combination of brushed and polished stainless steel, with a 30-metre water resistance, it’s a watch tough enough to be worn for the entire day, with the clarity of a wellconsidered design. We chose to integrate a brushed finish on the bezel and top of the lugs, to offer a more muted, almost utilitarian feel that instantly modernises the watch. Meanwhile, the widely spaced and downward sloping lugs create a strong presence despite its 36mm size and slim crown. Powered by the micro-rotor movement found across Baltic’s MR01 range, it retains the slim profile of the finished watch at 9.9mm, whilst ensuring it maintains a power reserve of 42 hours.

Founded in 2017 by Etienne Malec, Baltic has since flourished as a micro-brand, creating watches inspired by vintage and neo-vintage examples. Malec founded Baltic after discovering a suitcase of vintage watches his father used to own and developed his passion for the hobby later on. The brand’s name is derived from the Baltic Sea, which borders Poland, where Malec’s father hailed from.

Since their launch, the brand has grown quickly, and are known for their attention to detail as well as attractive designs. Having established themselves for producing unique designs, Baltic hopes to achieve a type of “democratisation” of vintage aesthetics, where beautifully designed watches are more easily accessible to a wider range of individuals.

Born following a casual conversation over drinks in East London, a collaboration between A Collected Man and Baltic felt natural and exciting. Linked by our shared appreciation for thoughtful design, as well as the importance of balancing contemporary creation with a respect for the past, we’re proud with the result, and look forward to seeing it take on a life of its own.

Technical specifications

A Collected Man x Baltic MR01 Blue Roulette

Limited edition of 300 pieces

Case

• Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 36 mm
• Thickness: 9.9 mm height (crystal included - 8mm without)
• Lug-to-lug: 44 mm
• Glass: Domed Hesalite glass
• See-through caseback
• Water-resistant to 30 meters (3 bar)

Dial and hands

• Multi-layer and textured "roulette-style" dial in blue
• Dauphine-shaped hands
• Small seconds with concentric pattern
• Brushed railroad track

Movement

• Hangzhou CAL5000A
• Automatic ultra-thin movement with micro-rotor
• Number of jewels: 30
• Frequency: 28'800 vph (4 Hz) 
• Regulated to +20/-20 sec/day
• Power reserve of 42 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, small seconds

Strap and buckle

• Calfskin leather strap in taupe with steel pin buckle

MSRP: GBP 500

For more information, please visit acollectedman.com or baltic-watches.com