When it comes to choosing a watch, discerning buyers often find themselves comparing different brands and models to find the perfect fit for their style and budget. In this article, we will compare two remarkable timepieces: pOrtahl's Peacemaker and the Baltic Aquascaphe. Both watches offer unique features and exceptional value for their price points.
Price
The Peacemaker, priced at $699, offers a unique blend of modern design and high-quality materials, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a distinctive timepiece. The Baltic Aquascaphe, priced at €690.20, is a vintage-inspired diver watch that offers a different aesthetic appeal.
Design
The Baltic Aquascaphe draws inspiration from classic diver watches, featuring a double-crown design and an internal bezel. While it offers a nostalgic nod to the past, it may lack more unique design elements that set a watch apart in a crowded market.
On the other hand, the Peacemaker stands out with its modern and minimalistic matte black design. Their modern take on watchmaking is further established by their choice for less common and higher quality materials such as titanium and ceramic. pOrtahl's mission is to create remarkable watches that move away from classic watch designs while not straying too far from the traditional.
Who wins in this regard certainly depends on your preference. Whether you are into the more classical styles that we see in the market a lot, or whether you are looking for something more bold that is different from what your neighbor is wearing.
Material
The Baltic Aquascaphe is crafted with a stainless steel case, which is durable and corrosion-resistant. However, the Peacemaker takes it a step further by using aerospace-grade titanium. Although titanium is more expensive than stainless steel, it is three to four times stronger and considerably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended wear. Additionally, titanium is hypoallergenic, making it safe for sensitive skin.
Movement
The Peacemaker is powered by the Swiss-made STP1-11 automatic movement, known for its reliability and precision. This movement operates at a high beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contributing to a smoother sweep of the second hand and potentially better accuracy. In contrast, the Baltic Aquascaphe uses the Miyota 9039 automatic movement, a very common, reliable and much cheaper Japanese movement.
The movement matches Peacemaker's beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
When it comes to power reserve, the STP1-11 boasts 44 hours, allowing the Peacemaker to keep running for nearly two days without being worn or wound. The Miyota 9039, on the other hand, has a slightly lower power reserve of 42 hours, which is still sufficient for daily wear.
The STP1-11 movement contains 26 jewels, two more than the Miyota 9039's 24 jewels. These extra jewels in the STP1-11 are used to protect the barrel bridge, a part in the movement that can easily wear out, enhancing the longevity of the movement.
One standout feature of the Peacemaker is its open caseback, which allows you to see the STP1-11 movement in action - a detail that watch enthusiasts often appreciate. The Baltic Aquascaphe, however, opts for a solid, engraved caseback, offering a different aesthetic appeal.
| Feature | pOrtahl's Peacemaker | Baltic Aquascaphe |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €649 | €690.20 |
|
Design |
Modern, unique |
Vintage-inspired |
|
Material |
Aerospace-grade titanium |
Stainless steel |
|
Movement |
Swiss-made STP1-11 automatic |
Automatic |
|
Power Reserve |
44 hours |
42 hours |
|
Beat Rate |
28,800 vibrations per hour |
28,800 vibrations per hour |
|
Jewels |
26 jewels |
24 jewels |
|
Crystal |
Sapphire crystal |
Double domed sapphire crystal |
|
Applied Coatings |
Anti-reflective coating, Fingerprint resistant coating, Sweat resistant coating |
Unknown |
|
Caseback |
Transparent |
Solid, engraved |
|
Water Resistance |
100 meters |
200 meters |
|
Case Diameter |
40mm |
39mm |
|
Case Thickness |
11mm |
12mm |
|
Strap Width |
20mm |
20mm |
|
Lume |
Super-LumiNova |
Super-LumiNova |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Baltic Aquascaphe and the pOrtahl Peacemaker are excellent watches, each offering unique advantages. The Baltic Aquascaphe offers a vintage-inspired design and reliable performance, while the Peacemaker offers a unique design, high-quality materials, and a more modern aesthetic.
If you're looking for a watch with a unique design that stands out from the crowd, the Peacemaker might be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more vintage-inspired design, the Baltic Aquascaphe would be a great choice.
In the end, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and what you value most in a watch. Whether it's the unique design and high-quality materials of the Peacemaker or the vintage-inspired design and reliable performance of the Baltic Aquascaphe, both watches offer excellent value for their price.