Baltic has introduced a new version of its Hermétique field watch, and I have to say, the dial colors are what initially caught my attention. The Hermétique The Rift is a limited edition celebrating Baltic’s role as Official Timekeeper of The Rift, a cycling event held across the volcanic terrain of southern Iceland. It’s a fitting partnership for a watch with the Hermétique’s outdoorsy character, and I think Baltic has done a pretty good job translating that setting into something wearable.
The dial combines volcanic black, moss green, and glacial blue with a fully luminous white center. Around that sits a forged-carbon railway track, bordered by polished steel elements that separate the different sections. I’m particularly drawn to the contrast between the darker outer portion and the white center. The colors are fairly restrained, and the carbon adds some texture without making the dial look overly busy.
Baltic has used this general arrangement before with the Hermétique Glacier, which also featured a contrasting outer track and luminous central section. I actually like that there’s some continuity here. The Rift feels familiar enough to sit comfortably within the collection, while the colors give it a different personality.
The luminous treatment is another detail I appreciate. Baltic uses BGW9 and C3 Super-LumiNova throughout the dial, including the substantial numerals at the cardinal positions, smaller peripheral markers, and polished syringe hands. Even the lollipop seconds hand gets a little lume. My guess is that the fully luminous center will be one of the more entertaining aspects of this watch after dark, although I’d want to see it in person before making any claims about actual legibility.
Something else caught my attention as I looked through the specifications. Baltic is introducing a 34mm Hermétique alongside the existing 37mm model, and I think that could be the more interesting development for the collection over time.
Both versions use brushed 316L stainless steel cases with polished bezels, double-domed sapphire crystals, and 150 meters of water resistance. Thickness is 10.8mm including the crystal, while lug-to-lug measurements come in at 42.5mm for the 34mm version and 46mm for the 37mm. Personally, I like seeing Baltic explore smaller dimensions while keeping the specifications consistent. The 34mm model seems especially interesting for anyone who enjoys the proportions of older field watches.
Movement-wise, there’s nothing unexpected. Both sizes use the Miyota 9039 automatic with a 42-hour power reserve, a 28,800vph frequency, and hacking seconds. Baltic pairs them with vulcanized FKM rubber straps, sized at 18mm and 20mm between the lugs.
The Hermétique The Rift is priced at €620 (around $694) before taxes, with 400 pieces available across the two sizes. I think that’s fair considering the dial treatment, although the standard Hermétique Tourer starts at €550. For someone primarily interested in the basic Hermétique design, that regular model still makes plenty of sense.
As for The Rift, I like the colors, the connection to the cycling event, and the decision to keep the watch mechanically familiar. I’m probably most curious about what happens with the 34mm case. Baltic has already established the Hermétique as a recognizable part of its lineup, and I’d be interested to see whether this smaller version eventually becomes available outside a limited edition.
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Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.