Mine arrived today; purchased during the 11.11 sale on AliEx for US$ 126.54 (incl shipping). Nicely packaged with a convenient leather case. This is my first Baltany and I am impressed with the design, fit, finish, materials. Recommend!
We always like to imagine what watch to wear for apocalypse, yet it is the least important factor compared to other needs. But solar quartz rocks, it should be the only go-to watch movement.
I have no experience with this movement, but other quartz chronographs have a method of button pushes to advance the resting location of the chrono hand. So there may be a solution buried in the owners manual.
I have come to realize (ESPECIALLY on Social Media) there are people who just enjoy being negative, and there’s almost nothing you can say nor do to change their minds. Thanks for the great review. I think the watch is nearly perfect the way it is. My only wish is Baltany offered some bracelet options for their watches. Thanks!
I own a homage 1916 Military Trench watch from Baltany, a watch I absolutely love. I now find myself waiting until next Friday to receive this chronograph one, having watched your review, and been so happy with my first Baltany. My only "thing" is, I would like to see more bracelet options too( as suggested by a couple of comments). I also have my eye on their Explorer 39mm... This will be a purchase next year sometime... Good quality watches at a friendly price with excellent finishing touches. Do also check out another micro brand called Henry Archer. Danish company, with excellent watches, good build quality and finishing.( I own the "Vasterhav" model with a blue dial) Spectacular to look at in daylight and fantastic lume too!!
Nice review, Dan. I'd prefer that the date was left off, but as it is it's not too obtrusive down there in its little well. Also, since it's not a 200m diver, I'd rather not have screw down pushers. One more thing, that chrono seconds hand resting position may be able to be adjusted with a crown position/pusher push dance. That is common, anyway. I'm tempted by this one. Cheers!
Pretty sure that shaving off some thickness would present some serious compromises. For one, the knurled crown would have to be significantly smaller. Notice that the large center crown's radius does not encroach beyond the top portion of the case and just below the bezel ring. As for the depth of the rehaut, I think it provides the necessary clearance for the seconds hand/timer. Lastly, I prefer the slightly domed sapphire over a flat crystal, all day long.
Great review, a little subjective on some of your negative points. Though I think maybe it did not need the date ? As bit tiny. I'll have to see when I get it if I think it's too thick 😉 just ordered it 😁. My first Baltany I'm sure I'll get more..
Great review mate ;-) I have a Citizen eco-drive very similar in style to this. It also has a very deep set date complication, so maybe it's just an unavoidable downside of having a solar powered movement. If it had sloped edges around the date window I think it would reduce the shadows obscuring the date. This is very much a tool watch as you said, and would look right at home on the wrist of some Indiana Jones type hacking through a rainforest with a machete!
I have just seen that Baltany have launched a solar watch it’s good competition for the Tactical frog range admittedly they are different styles they both have decent specs good review by the way
For me, perfect would be this case with solar bicompax (pref mecha flyback), stick the date at 6 or hidden, with an unidirection 120 click rotating 12hour bezel and tachymeter chapter ring. Not too bothered about strap/bracelet option.
We all have our own tastes and preferences. I personally would love this solar watch if it was in a polished oyster case, 36mm with a 3,6,9 dial and Mercedes hands. No doubt others would then criticise everything about it. Keep up the good work.
Very fair review Dan, I do like this watch, I agree with all your points mentioned, just one more to add, I think they could do away with the "chronograph" wording as we can all see what it is but I would replace it with "SOLAR" as this fact is not as obvious, how else would you know?
Take care when ordering..... SOme sellers on Aliexpress describe the face options of either "GREY " or "BLACK" . Some say "Brown " or "Black". I ordered Grey face and its brown !
Great watch, and great comments; agree entirely. I think Baltany could attempt to reduce both thickness and lug-to-lug in their chronographs, just a little. As for the hands, i favour white, specially when the indexes are printed white too. That date window could be skipped entirely under the dial and i wouldn't mind if there was a ghost position in the crown - i wouldn't be using it too often anyway. Something unrelated, i would suggest them to look into the Rolex 6200, the "Submariner Explorer".
It's an absolute yes from me, very close to the perfect field watch IMHO. Agree about the date window and will add it should have an outline around it so the eye picks it up easier. Same with its thickness, shaving it a millimeter or two would make it less intrusive on a NATO although i'd probably wear it on a two piece nylon strap most of the time.
The deep date, could this be the same movement that's in The Seiko Quartz Speedtimer? That chrono watch has the same date characteristic, albeit it's four times more expensive.
@@robertmckinlay7242 I think it's a characteristic maybe due to the complexity of the movement and the layers. This is a different module to what's in the Seiko speed timer, that has three sundials and the pushers have a nicer feeling I hear.
Good review, but I think you were far too harsh 🤣. But seriously, the points you mention are fair, but the one improvement I would like is for them to fit larger hands, those look a bit thin and weedy.
thx for the review, just received this watch myself, luv it...(my god, so many moans and niggles it's hard to believe you like this watch...hopefully you are a bit nicer with your significant other...!)
@@tibet1976 Look for this Black Friday sale. On 11.11 I bought the same watch for US$126.54 (incl.shipping). It arrived today and it did not disappoint.
Mine arrived today; purchased during the 11.11 sale on AliEx for US$ 126.54 (incl shipping). Nicely packaged with a convenient leather case. This is my first Baltany and I am impressed with the design, fit, finish, materials. Recommend!
We always like to imagine what watch to wear for apocalypse, yet it is the least important factor compared to other needs. But solar quartz rocks, it should be the only go-to watch movement.
It's so practical!
I have no experience with this movement, but other quartz chronographs have a method of button pushes to advance the resting location of the chrono hand. So there may be a solution buried in the owners manual.
I have come to realize (ESPECIALLY on Social Media) there are people who just enjoy being negative, and there’s almost nothing you can say nor do to change their minds. Thanks for the great review. I think the watch is nearly perfect the way it is. My only wish is Baltany offered some bracelet options for their watches. Thanks!
X2 for bracelets
@@kobusvanrensburg4092 You think so? I definitely don’t want that…
I own a homage 1916 Military Trench watch from Baltany, a watch I absolutely love.
I now find myself waiting until next Friday to receive this chronograph one, having watched your review, and been so happy with my first Baltany.
My only "thing" is, I would like to see more bracelet options too( as suggested by a couple of comments).
I also have my eye on their Explorer 39mm... This will be a purchase next year sometime...
Good quality watches at a friendly price with excellent finishing touches.
Do also check out another micro brand called Henry Archer. Danish company, with excellent watches, good build quality and finishing.( I own the "Vasterhav" model with a blue dial) Spectacular to look at in daylight and fantastic lume too!!
@@michaelarcher2515 Very cool. Thanks for sharing. Yeah. I’m really eying the S5045…
Nice review, Dan. I'd prefer that the date was left off, but as it is it's not too obtrusive down there in its little well. Also, since it's not a 200m diver, I'd rather not have screw down pushers. One more thing, that chrono seconds hand resting position may be able to be adjusted with a crown position/pusher push dance. That is common, anyway. I'm tempted by this one. Cheers!
Always appreciate your honest reviews my friend Be well and keep em coming 👍
Thanks mate! You have a great weekend 😊
Pretty sure that shaving off some thickness would present some serious compromises. For one, the knurled crown would have to be significantly smaller. Notice that the large center crown's radius does not encroach beyond the top portion of the case and just below the bezel ring. As for the depth of the rehaut, I think it provides the necessary clearance for the seconds hand/timer. Lastly, I prefer the slightly domed sapphire over a flat crystal, all day long.
Great review, a little subjective on some of your negative points. Though I think maybe it did not need the date ? As bit tiny. I'll have to see when I get it if I think it's too thick 😉 just ordered it 😁. My first Baltany I'm sure I'll get more..
Great review mate ;-) I have a Citizen eco-drive very similar in style to this. It also has a very deep set date complication, so maybe it's just an unavoidable downside of having a solar powered movement. If it had sloped edges around the date window I think it would reduce the shadows obscuring the date. This is very much a tool watch as you said, and would look right at home on the wrist of some Indiana Jones type hacking through a rainforest with a machete!
Is the date depth due to the solar cells of the movement? That would be my guess. Could also be why it’s kinda thick.
I'd have to agree with you mate. I have a Citizen eco-drive, which also has a very deep set date.
Great find Dan. Nice watch. Excellent review as usual. 👏🏻
I have just seen that Baltany have launched a solar watch it’s good competition for the Tactical frog range admittedly they are different styles they both have decent specs good review by the way
I love it as it is. I wouldn't change a thing.
For me, perfect would be this case with solar bicompax (pref mecha flyback), stick the date at 6 or hidden, with an unidirection 120 click rotating 12hour bezel and tachymeter chapter ring.
Not too bothered about strap/bracelet option.
We all have our own tastes and preferences. I personally would love this solar watch if it was in a polished oyster case, 36mm with a 3,6,9 dial and Mercedes hands. No doubt others would then criticise everything about it.
Keep up the good work.
I have two Baltany Field watches and they are incredible value for money. One is mechanical and the other is quartz. Do not hesitate with this brand.
Nice review, I agree with most of your points 👍
Very fair review Dan, I do like this watch, I agree with all your points mentioned, just one more to add, I think they could do away with the "chronograph" wording as we can all see what it is but I would replace it with "SOLAR" as this fact is not as obvious, how else would you know?
@@rodiow369 that is a great idea!
Take care when ordering..... SOme sellers on Aliexpress describe the face options of either "GREY " or "BLACK" . Some say "Brown " or "Black". I ordered Grey face and its brown !
Great watch, and great comments; agree entirely. I think Baltany could attempt to reduce both thickness and lug-to-lug in their chronographs, just a little. As for the hands, i favour white, specially when the indexes are printed white too. That date window could be skipped entirely under the dial and i wouldn't mind if there was a ghost position in the crown - i wouldn't be using it too often anyway.
Something unrelated, i would suggest them to look into the Rolex 6200, the "Submariner Explorer".
It's an absolute yes from me, very close to the perfect field watch IMHO. Agree about the date window and will add it should have an outline around it so the eye picks it up easier. Same with its thickness, shaving it a millimeter or two would make it less intrusive on a NATO although i'd probably wear it on a two piece nylon strap most of the time.
I always convert my NATO straps to single layer.
Military watches don't have high-polished chamfers though do they?
I think the worst part is the dial design. I prefer the other non solar baltany chrono dial design
The deep date, could this be the same movement that's in The Seiko Quartz Speedtimer? That chrono watch has the same date characteristic, albeit it's four times more expensive.
@@robertmckinlay7242 I think it's a characteristic maybe due to the complexity of the movement and the layers. This is a different module to what's in the Seiko speed timer, that has three sundials and the pushers have a nicer feeling I hear.
Good review, but I think you were far too harsh 🤣. But seriously, the points you mention are fair, but the one improvement I would like is for them to fit larger hands, those look a bit thin and weedy.
I have already left to shop!
How would this ever work in England 😆 In Scotland it’s a dead watch!
@@edpovey lol, we forever live in hope
Been looking at Baltany for ages but never been triggered, maybe this is the one.
If you like something nice and easy, this does the job!
thx for the review, just received this watch myself, luv it...(my god, so many moans and niggles it's hard to believe you like this watch...hopefully you are a bit nicer with your significant other...!)
@@jamesdamenti2092 I'm normally "too nice". Got to be picky or people get emotional and say I'm just saying it's perfect all the time! Lol
GREAT WATCH - just ask them to put some insignia on the back 😊
And I was not really taken in with the watch ....
It needs syringe hands
Aliexpress prices MUCH cheaper !
Happen to have a link? I’ve searched and searched and can’t find this watch any cheaper there.
@@tibet1976 probably not available cheap now . I returned the watch … it just did NOT feel that special . The dimensions seemed all wrong
@@tibet1976 Look for this Black Friday sale. On 11.11 I bought the same watch for US$126.54 (incl.shipping). It arrived today and it did not disappoint.
bin the date wheel
Fajny zegarek