What is the Baltic x SpaceOne Seconde Majeure?
The Seconde Majeure is a collaboration between Baltic and SpaceOne, two French watch brands with philosophies at odds with each other. Baltic crafts “vintage-inspired watches, playing with traditional watchmaking’s codes and modern construction” whereas “SpaceOne offers spaceship-looking watches with a deconstructed approach to time reading.”
What is the backstory?
In 2021, a chance meeting between Théo Auffret, a “brilliant watchmaker and constructor” and Guillaume Laidet, a “serial watch entrepreneur” at Baltic’s headquarters in Paris gave birth to their own watch brand, SpaceOne. Yet, a friendship was formed with the folks at Baltic; Etienne Malec (Founder) and Jas Rewkiewicz (Creative director). The Seconde Majeure is a result of these friendships.
Also Read: SpaceOne unveils the new bold and futuristic WorldTimer
How does one read the time?
The Seconde Majeure adheres to SpaceOne’s philosophy of deconstructed time. Sapphire discs replace traditional hands “all in favour of an exclusive” jumping hour complication module developed by Théo Auffret. Hours are indicated at 12 o’clock and minutes at 6 o’clock. Seconds are indicated by the large seconds hand on the minutes disc.
Is it powered by an automatic movement?
Yes. The movement comprises of the jumping hour complication powered by the Soprod P024, a dependable automatic calibre that beats at 4 Hz or 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
The jumping hour module depends on three visible components.
“A Central Control Wheel lies beneath the minute disc. It makes a full rotation in 60 minutes. When it completes full rotation, it engages with the Star Wheel. The latter has 12 teeth, corresponding to the 12 hours displayed on the disc attached above. The Jumper Spring, visible to the left, keeps pressure on the Star Wheel, maintaining it centered. It is also responsible for the “jump” of the hour disc. Pressure builds when the Star Wheel begins its rotation.
The hour jumps when the spring settles back between the next teeth. The dial ties the face together. Cut from a single piece of maillechort, it is both decorative and essential. The plate supports the module and allows the watch to function.”
What are the case dimensions?
The case is made from stainless steel 904L. It measures 38.5 mm (diameter) * 12.3 mm (thickness). Lug-to-lug distance: 47.5 mm. Lug width: 20 mm. Dial side features a single dome sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside. Water resistance is 5 ATM or approximately 50 metres. Watch comes with an Alcantara® strap from Singapore based Delugs.
“Housing a SpaceOne module in a Baltic case would have been too easy. We aimed at something new, something none of us would have made without the other. The result is an entirely new design. Inspired by independent watchmaking, the Seconde Majeure is fitted with a 38.5mm case.”
What do we think?
The Seconde Majeure is seriously cool and is a lot of watch and design for the money. Its visual impact, at least based on images, is one of a far more expensive watch. Sapphire discs and Théo Auffret’s jumping hour module taking centre stage in a 38.5 mm traditional round case makes for a timeless watch, a guaranteed conversation starter at watch GTGs and one that will appeal to beginner watch enthusiasts and experienced collectors alike.
Additional Details
Name: Seconde Majeure – Brushed
Price: Euro €2,500
Name: Seconde Majeure – Charbonné
Price: Euro €3,500
Pre-orders will open on May 12th (4 PM Paris time) and close on May 17th (4 PM Paris time). Production will be limited to the number of watches ordered during this period. Please visit the dedicated Baltic X SpaceOne website for more information.
