Baltic dropped the original Aquascaphe back in 2018, bringing a fresh new vintage-inspired diver that was actually affordable. Seven years and countless iterations later — bronze versions, GMT complications, even a titanium model — the core recipe remained untouched. Until now.
The Aquascaphe MK2 is the French microbrand’s first ground-up redesign of their flagship, and it’s clear they’ve been paying attention to feedback.
A Case Study in Refinement
The most obvious change is the introduction of dual sizing. Where the original locked you into 39mm, the MK2 offers both a compact 37mm (45mm lug-to-lug) and a slightly beefier 39.5mm option (47mm lug-to-lug). Both keep the same 12.9mm thickness.
But it’s the case refinement that really catches your attention. Gone is the smooth, vintage-leaning profile in favor of sharper edges and more defined surfaces. The lugs are broader now, finished with vertical brushing instead of the original’s circular pattern. Most notably, crown guards have been added — a practical upgrade that brings real protection while giving the watch a more serious, tool-like presence.
The bezel gets similar treatment. Where the original featured minimal markings, the MK2 sports a fully graduated 60-minute scale with every marking fully lumed. The sapphire insert matches the dial color (except on the white version, which pairs with black for contrast), and the clicking mechanism has been upgraded to 120 positions for more precise timing adjustments.
Maxed-Out Legibility
Inside that refined case sits what Baltic calls a “Maxi Dial,” their take on the oversized marker trend that’s been dominating modern divers. The sandwich construction is gone, replaced by chunky applied indices made from Lumicast ceramic lume compound. These aren’t just bigger; they’re 0.4mm thick and filled with Super-LumiNova BGW9 that glows bright white rather than the faux patina of the original.
The hands follow suit, growing thicker and more substantial while maintaining the pencil-style profile that gives the Aquascaphe its distinctive character. Combined with the fully lumed bezel markings, nighttime legibility should be dramatically improved over the first generation.
Four colorways launch with the MK2: blue and green with glossy finishes, plus gray and “warm silver” with grained textures. Each dial gets a railroad minute track with numerical markers at five-minute intervals, providing better cohesion with the upgraded bezel.
Familiar Foundations
Mechanically, the MK2 sticks with the Miyota 9039 automatic movement to keep costs down. The 42-hour power reserve and 28,800 vph frequency remain unchanged, as does the 200m water resistance rating that makes this a legitimate dive tool.
The strap game gets an upgrade too. Baltic’s new FKM rubber features a Saffiano leather-inspired pattern that looks considerably more premium than the original’s basic tropic style. Color-matched options are available for each dial variant, plus the existing flat-link and beads-of-rice bracelet choices carry over.
Spec Sheet
Model: Baltic Aquascaphe MK2
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
Case Size: 37mm or 39.5mm
Case Thickness: 12.9mm
Movement: Miyota 9039 automatic
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Double-domed sapphire with AR coating
Lume: Super-LumiNova BGW9
Strap: FKM rubber or steel bracelet options
Pricing & Availability
The Aquascaphe MK2 starts at €630 (~$737), with orders opening up September 25 on Baltic’s website.
Recap
Baltic Aquascaphe MK2
After seven years, Baltic finally gave their cult-favorite Aquascaphe diver a proper redesign with the MK2, upgrading everything from legibility to case refinement while keeping that sub-$750 price point that made the original such a hit.
