The Blueprint
Friday, 30 October - Friday, 6 November 2026

Baltic, Stepgraph Tantalum Prototype « Polar Mother of Pearl »

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Lot Details

What You Should Know: Few materials are as intriguing, or as challenging to work with, as tantalum. Known for its considerable density, distinctive dark grey color and exceptional resistance to corrosion, it remains an uncommon choice in contemporary watchmaking. For BALTIC, a brand whose identity has largely been shaped by its reinterpretation of traditional watchmaking codes, its introduction represents the start of a new chapter. The watch presented here is the very first BALTIC to be manufactured in tantalum, a unique example developed in 2026 as part of the BALTIC Experiments programme. Conceived as a space for experimentation beyond the brand's established collections, the initiative allows BALTIC to investigate unfamiliar materials, new construction methods and designs that might otherwise remain unexplored. The result is the Stepgraph, a 37 mm watch distinguished by its unusual case construction. Rather than relying on a conventional silhouette, its design alternates between rounded surfaces and pronounced steps along the bezel and caseback. The contrast is particularly interesting in tantalum, whose naturally dark finish lends additional definition to the various elements of the case. What makes this particular example immediately identifiable, however, is its dial. Crafted from mother-of-pearl, it displays a remarkable pattern of pale blue and white reflections reminiscent of a snowstorm. The naturally occurring variations in the material ensure that no two dials could ever be entirely identical. Against the darker, almost slate-coloured tantalum case, the effect is especially striking. Turning the watch over reveals the inscription « Prototype de production », a discreet but important detail confirming its place in the development of the model. Produced before the Stepgraph's official release, this example offers an early glimpse of a new direction for BALTIC, both in terms of design and material experimentation. More than simply an unusual configuration, this unique Stepgraph documents a first in the manufacturer's history. Its combination of a tantalum case, Arctic blue mother-of-pearl dial and prototype status makes it an especially interesting piece for collectors following the evolution of the independent French brand. Using the proceeds generated by this auction, a donation will be made to the Petits Princes, a French association dedicated to making dreams come true for children and teenagers suffering from serious illnesses, offering them joy, hope, and emotional support throughout their treatment.

• The Blueprint - Lot 33.pdf (82 kb)

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