Reading Time: 7 minutes
Key takeaways
• SpaceOne and Baltic Watches collaborated to create the Seconde Majeure, a timepiece combining vintage-inspired design with a futuristic jumping-hour complication.
• The watch features a unique kinematic display using sapphire discs and a specialized module developed by Théo Auffret, housed in an entirely new 38.5mm stainless steel case.
• Pre-orders are limited to a six-day window from May 12 to May 17, 2026, with prices starting at 2,500€ excluding taxes and shipping scheduled for November 2026.
A PARISIAN INCIDENT
People are tied together, not brands. There seems to be no reason for entities like Baltic and SpaceOne to collaborate. Two philosophies are at odds. Baltic makes vintage-inspired watches that play with traditional watchmaking’s codes and modern construction. On the other hand, SpaceOne offers spaceship-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. The foundation was laid in 2021 in Baltic’s headquarters. French watchmakers were invited to discover the brand’s new office and share a moment. Théo Auffret and Guillaume Laidet met on that occasion, marking 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 second 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 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.
EXCLUSIVE FINISHING
The watch is available with two different dial finishes: Vertical brushed or “Charbonné.” Expert watchmakers perform this signature technique 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 features 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. A strap crafted by Delugs complements the feeling. 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 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 tomorrow’s watchmaking and provides a structural framework for an audacious approach to reading time.
SPECIFICATIONS
DIAL
Brushed or Charbonnée finish
Sapphire discs
MOVEMENT
Soprod P024
Automatic winding
42h power reserve
Jumping-Hour complication module by Théo Auffret
CASE
Materials: Stainless steel 904L
Diameter: 38.5mm
Lug-to-lug: 47.5mm
Thickness: 12.3mm
Lug width: 20mm
GLASS
Single dome sapphire crystal
Internal anti-reflective coating
STRAP
Alcantara® strap by Delugs
WATER RESISTANCE
50m (5ATM)
EXCLUDING TAXES
Seconde Majeure – Brushed
2,500€
Seconde Majeure – Charbonné
3,500€
TIMELINE
MAY 8 TH
2026, 4 PM (PARIS TIME) | EMBARGO Public presentation of the Seconde Majeure
MAY 12 TH
2026, 4 PM (PARIS TIME)
Start of the sale of the Seconde Majeure
MAY 17 TH
End of the sale
2026, 4 PM (PARIS TIME)
NOVEMBER 2026
Start of the expeditions
The post SpaceOne (Théo Auffret & Guillaume Laidet) teams up with BALTIC Watches! appeared first on Southern Jewelry News.
from Southern Jewelry News https://ift.tt/omUJ1q7