A PARISIAN INCIDENT
People are tied together, not brands. There is seemingly no reason for entities like Baltic and SpaceOne to collaborate. Two philosophies are at odds. Baltic makes vintage-inspired watches, playing with traditional watchmaking’s codes and modern construction. On the opposite side, SpaceOne offers spaceshi- looking watches with a deconstructed approach to time reading.
One blends heritage with precision. The other redesigns tomorrow for fun. Yet, the two are tied together by friendship. Foundation was laid in 2021 in Baltic’s headquarters. French Watchmakers were invited to discover the brand’s new office and share a moment together. Théo Auffret and Guillaume Laidet met on that occasion, making it the start of their friendship and what would become SpaceOne. Five years later, that bond gave life to a watch, the Seconde Majeure.
DESTRUCTURED DISPLAY
The Seconde Majeure takes a kinematic approach to time reading. Time is decentralized, traditional hands make way for sapphire discs, all in favor of an exclusive complication module.
Hours are read at 12 o’clock and minutes at 6 o’clock, guided by an arrow ending crosshair. The forward-looking typography stamped on the discs brings contrast to the otherwise classic assembly. A large seconds hand glides above, bringing motion to the seemingly still composition and giving its name to the watch: Seconde Majeure.
VERTICALITY: TYING FORM TO FUNCTION
Offering an ingenious architecture, the Seconde Majeure is designed around its complication. The jumping-hour module – developed by Théo Auffret – relies on three visible components.
A Central Control Wheel lies beneath the minute disc. It makes a full rotation in 60 minutes. When it completes a full rotation, it engages with the Star Wheel. The later 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.
EXCLUSIVE FINISHING
The watch is available with two different dial finishes: Vertical brushed or “Charbonné”
This signature technique is performed by expert watchmakers in Théo Auffret’s atelier. Done exclusively by hand, it requires up to three hours of work, giving each watch a truly unique character.
A TIMELESS CASE
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.
The Mid-case, lugs, and case back are brushed with contrast provided by a polished concave bezel. This shape and finish are mirrored on the lugs. Arched and low-hanging, the lugs help the watch to sit naturally on the wrist. The feeling is complemented by a strap crafted by Delugs. Made from beige Alcantara® and featuring curved spring bars, it hugs both the wrist and the case.
LIMITED IN TIME
The Seconde Majeure will be available for pre-order for from May 12th to May 17th. Each watch is individually numbered on the case back. Production will be limited by the number of orders placed during these six days.
THE PROTAGONISTS ETIENNE MALEC
Watch enthusiast and collector who has an eye for photography and product design.
He understands and respects history but has no desire to live in the past.
JAS REWKIEWICZ
Creative director and cultural shapeshifter, Jas is the custodian of Baltic’s identity. His art direction translates vintage subtlety into modern design.
THÉO AUFFRET
Brilliant watchmaker and constructor, Théo is a master of mechanical engineering.
GUILLAUME LAIDET
Serial watch entrepreneur, Guillaume is a catalyst for disruptive concepts. He anticipates the watchmaking of tomorrow and provides a structural framework for an audacious approach to reading time.
