Hello everyone! I just got an Explorer replacement , but I’m amazed by it, so I can’t wait to show it to you all, let me take a look at what kind of watch it is, from a micro brand baltany.
Let me start by saying that the unboxing experience was one of the best I’ve ever seen. Aside from the actual warranty card, which is sealed and feels high-end, the packaging was well thought out. My favorite part? The travel case. It’s incredibly practical, with a soft texture, quality feel, embossed logo and beautiful stitching that is top notch. Honestly, what’s not to like?
In the package, we also get some handy tools. A screwdriver to adjust the bracelet, a pin-removal tool to precisely adjust the clasp, and essentially everything we need to enjoy this watch to the fullest.
When it comes to the watch itself, it’s protected with a synthetic leather backing, which prevents the clasp from scratching the case back. The Explorer comes in two sizes: 36mm (the one I have) and 39mm. You can also choose between a matte black dial or other variations, and I’ve linked those options in the description below.
Dimensions & Specifications
The 36mm version has the following dimensions:
- Lug-to-lug: 43.5mm
- Lug width: 20mm
- Thickness: 12.2mm
Now, let’s dive into the specs. The dial is made of metal with a sunburst pattern, topped with an additional layer of glossy finish. The crystal is sapphire, double-domed, and features high-quality AR (anti-reflective) coating. All of the indices and the hands are filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova, so they glow brightly in the dark.
Inside, we have the Seiko NH38 movement, or the Swiss SW200 if you prefer. The Seiko version ticks at 6 beats per second, while the Swiss version ticks at 8. It has a 41-hour power reserve, and of course, it winds simply by wearing it on your wrist throughout the day.
As for the build quality, the case is entirely stainless steel (316L) with a mix of satin-brushed and polished finishes. It features a screw-down crown and a screw-down case back, giving it a 200-meter water resistance rating. The bracelet has vertical brushed satin on top and polished sides, with solid links and screw-in pins. The clasp is also well-made, with the brand’s logo engraved on top and a spring-loaded mechanism for easy opening.
Comfort
Here’s how the 36mm Baltany Explorer looks on my 7-inch wrist. Personally, I would go for the 39mm Baltany Explorer version, but it’s great to see how well the 36mm fits. Let me know in the comments which size you think suits my wrist better! The watch feels incredibly comfortable, thanks to its ergonomic design and the bracelet’s feminine terminal links, making it suitable for all wrist sizes—even if you have a smaller wrist (or, you know, if your significant other is into watches, it would work for them too). The bracelet is of very high quality with smooth joints and no sharp edges.
What I Like About This Watch
Let me start with what really caught my attention: the dial! This has to be one of the most stunning “go-anywhere, do-anything” dials I’ve seen. The combination of the metal sunburst base with the glossy layer on top is pure genius. The indices and the printed details on the dial seem to float above the surface thanks to the reflections from the glossy layer. Plus, the sunburst pattern creates beautiful brownish reflections that dance across the dial. I’ve never seen such a perfect mix before—this is hands down my favorite dial!
Another thing I love is the overall color combination. It gives off a vintage-inspired vibe, and the color of the dial matches the Swiss Super-LumiNova’s vintage patina. Baltany has nailed it with this model, unlike other brands that sometimes overdo the vintage look and end up ruining it.
The sapphire crystal is the best bubble-domed crystal I’ve ever handled. The clarity is way better than any other bubble sapphire crystal I’ve come across. The AR coating is transparent, so it doesn’t give off any blue tint, allowing the beautiful brown dial to shine through without any distractions. It’s flawless from any angle—even under strong studio lighting. I’m seriously impressed.
Movement Choice
The movement choice is another highlight. The Seiko NH38 movement is the perfect pick for a watch without a date complication. It’s so common for brands to just slap an NH35 movement into a watch, even when there’s no date display, which makes the date-crown pull position redundant. With the Baltany Explorer, they’ve made the right choice, and I appreciate that. Big props to Baltany for thinking this through!
What I Didn’t Like
Now, onto the downside: the clasp. Unfortunately, the clasp’s opening and closing mechanism feels a bit stiff and not as smooth as I’d like. I feel like they could have worked on the tolerances a bit more, but maybe I just got a bit of a dud on this one. If you own this watch, let me know if your clasp is smoother!
Another little wish I have for this bracelet and clasp—though I know it’s rare to see even in luxury watches—would be quick-release end links and a micro-adjust clasp for easy bracelet swaps.
Final Thoughts
To summarize my thoughts: aside from the clasp issue, this watch has really impressed me on every level. The dial is brilliant, the overall color scheme is spot on, and the crystal is by far the best bubble sapphire I’ve ever seen. The finishing is done meticulously, and the movement is exactly what the watch needs. The Baltany Explorer offers all of this at a price that doesn’t even get you an entry-level Seiko nowadays. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.
Here are the product parameters as published on the Baltany brand website(baltany.com), priced at just $220, shipping to the US is included!
