Baltic celebrates 50 years of the Enduropale with a new, more functional Hermétique Dual Time
Borna Bošnjak- Baltic partners with Enduropale, a motorcycle endurance race, to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a new Hermétique Dual Time.
- The 37mm case sprouts a new crown at 9 o’clock, controlling the internal, 12-hour timing bezel.
- The Hermétique Dual Time is limited to 200 pieces, with prices starting at €600 (exc. VAT).
If you’re not fully accustomed to motor racing, you might think about it in the context of sipping on some bubbly from the comfort of a moored yacht in Hercules Port, as hundreds of millions of dollars of racing machinery whizzes past. This, however, is limited to a handful of racing events per year in a single category, and Baltic is celebrating this difference by tributing a unique spectacle. Assembling line abreast, nearly three thousand motorcycle riders prepare for a three-hour battle on the beaches of Le Touquet, with the only appropriate soundtrack being The Ride of the Rohirrim. Forgive the dramatic introduction, but the sight of the Enduropale race really is something to behold, and it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary together with Baltic. The French watch brand has appropriately prepared a commemorative watch, introducing the Hermétique Dual Time x Enduropale, an functionality update to one of its more popular watches.
Let’s start with what’s new – and that’s primarily the functionality. The Hermétique was always a bit of an all-rounder, combining field inspiration with nearly dive-ready specs, and now adds an internal rotating bezel into the mix. The first three hours are coloured in the bright hues you might see on a 1990s motocross bike, echoing the duration of the race for easier timing, with the whole scale lumed in case you find yourself racing in the dark. The collaboration is confirmed by the Enduropale text at 6 o’clock, while the rest of the look is fairly subdued, clearly prioritising legibility.
The Hermétique has always been a handsome watch, and that doesn’t change with the Dual Time, though the pop of colour is cool, especially with the syringe minutes hand matching the other green accents. Speaking of the name, though, I guess you could technically use that internal bezel as a secondary time zone, I’m not sure it fully lives up to its Dual Time name. Alas, I’m sure Baltic will figure it out if we ever see an Hermétique GMT come out.
One of the Hermétique’s strongest attributes is how well it wears on the wrist, and this is set to continue with the Dual Time Enduropale, as the dimensions don’t change. The diameter is still a pleasant 37mm with a lug-to-lug of 46mm, while the thickness sits at an impressive 10.8mm thanks to the double-domed sapphire crystal. And despite the addition of a second crown, the Hermétique Dual Time retains its 150-metre water resistance.
Owing to this watch’s inspiration, I feel like it’ll live its best life on the fluoro green rubber strap, though as it tends to go with Baltic, you can option it with two types of steel bracelet. Keep in mind, though, if you already own a Baltic with a bracelet, it’s guaranteed to fit, which I feel is an underrated design effort by Etienne Malec and co.
As the “dual time” functionality isn’t tied into the movement, Baltic is able to continue using the Miyota 9039. The excellent Japanese calibre combines slimness with a high beat rate and proven performance at a reasonable cost, and is pretty much as good as it gets at the price point, though the 42-hour power reserve is an area for potential improvement. If Baltic’s previous Hermétique limited editions like the Glacier are anything to go by, the 200-piece run of the Dual Time x Enduropale won’t last long.
Baltic Hermétique Dual Time x Enduropale pricing and availability
The Baltic Hermétique Dual Time x Enduropale is a limited edition of 200 pieces. Price (exc. VAT): €600 (FKM rubber), €665 (bracelet)
| Brand | Baltic |
| Model | Hermétique Dual Time x Enduropale |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 10.8mm (T) x 46mm (LTL) |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 150 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Double-domed sapphire front |
| Dial | Matte grey |
| Bracelet and strap | FKM rubber Tropic-style, steel pin buckle Beads-of-rice steel bracelet, folding clasp Flat-link steel bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | Miyota 9039, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, internal bezel |
| Availability | Limited to 200 pieces |
| Price (exc. VAT) | €600 (FKM rubber) €665 (bracelet) |