A few weeks ago, I was approached by a brand called Baltany regarding a potential watch review. Initially, I wasn’t familiar with the brand, but after exploring their website, I was impressed by their extensive selection of timepieces, ranging from classic styles to more sport-oriented models. I found that Baltany shares similarities with other notable Chinese watchmakers, such as San Martin and Addiesdive etc.. Like these brands, Baltany offers well-crafted homage pieces to popular, classic designs at highly competitive prices. Although relatively new to the market, Baltany has garnered attention and popularity, thanks in part to positive reviews and, of course, its affordable pricing.

For this review, I decided to take a different approach. While I typically gravitate toward sports and tool watches, this time, I opted for a classic design—the Retro 1921, an homage to the iconic Vacheron Constantin American 1921. The original Vacheron is one of my all-time favorite timepieces, but investing a significant amount of money in a classic watch that I wouldn’t wear often doesn’t make much sense to me.

In my daily life, I usually wear a diver or a rugged sports watch, whether for work, vacations, or even formal occasions. However, Baltany provides an excellent alternative—allowing me to enjoy the aesthetics of a timeless design without the hefty five-figure price tag. Plus, with this watch, I have zero worries about scratches or wear and tear—definitely a bonus!

The watch arrived in a simple cardboard box, and inside, I found a leather travel pouch that contained the watch along with the warranty card. I actually appreciate this packaging choice—it’s functional and versatile, as the pouch also works great as a sunglasses case, haha. It’s refreshing when brands provide something practical as part of their packaging, rather than just a standard box that’ll sit in a drawer and collect dust until you decide to sell the watch.

Upon my first impressions, I was quite pleased. The size is just right, and the finishing is well-executed with no visible flaws. The salmon dial is particularly striking—salmon dials are my favorite when it comes to classic watches. The Retro 1921 is available in two dial options: salmon and white. Additionally, there are two movement choices: the Seagull ST1701 (automatic) and the ST1700 (hand-wound). I went with the ST1700 variant, as it offers a more authentic experience with the hand-wound movement, staying true to the original Vacheron Constantin design.

Vacheron Constantin created a masterpiece with the original design, and Baltany has successfully adapted that template while making subtle refinements—remaining true to the spirit of the original. One significant adjustment is the reduced case size, down to 38mm. While that may seem small on paper, the square-shaped case makes it wear more like a 40 or 41mm watch.

The case is crafted from 316L stainless steel with an elegant polished finish throughout. With a lug-to-lug measurement of just 44mm, the watch conforms comfortably to any wrist. Another highlight is its slim profile—measuring just over 10.5mm in total, including the slightly domed, AR-coated sapphire crystal. This makes it an ideal dress watch that effortlessly slides under a cuff.

At the top right corner of the case, you’ll find a push-pull crown that is easy to grip, making time-setting a breeze. On the back, the watch features a solid case back with simple engravings of its specifications—nothing particularly special. I do think Baltany missed an opportunity here; an exhibition case back option would have added an extra touch of sophistication and visual interest. Watch remains lightweight at just 67g, adding to its overall comfort on the wrist.

If costs were cut on the case back design, it’s clear that Baltany reinvested those savings into crafting a stunning dial with high-quality hands. The salmon/copper-colored circular brushed dial surface is nothing short of phenomenal. The texture and finish elevate the watch, making it look far more expensive than its price tag suggests.

One of the standout details is the exceptional quality of the hands. Many Chinese watches typically come with simple, flat hands that only reflect light from a single angle. However, Baltany has opted for a highly polished, curved hand profile, which interacts beautifully with light and shadow, adding depth and refinement.

But what truly sets this watch apart is the heat-blued small seconds hand—a rare feature at this price point. Unlike many budget watches that use painted blue hands to mimic the effect, Baltany has gone the extra mile with a proper heat-bluing process. Seeing this level of craftsmanship in a watch that costs just $169 is impressive and speaks volumes about the attention to detail Baltany has put into this piece.

The ST17 movement—specifically the ST1700 variant used in this watch—is produced by Sea-Gull, one of the largest manufacturers of mechanical movements in the world. This movement has been in production since 2001 and is an evolution of its predecessor, the ST16. It offers a 40-hour power reserve and operates at a frequency of 21,600 beats per hour.

Baltany is actually one of the most prominent brands utilizing this movement. While I can’t say it’s the most precise or the most reliable movement out there, only time will tell. My previous experience with Sea-Gull movements has primarily been with the ST19 chronograph, which has proven to be a real workhorse. If the ST1700 follows suit, it should offer solid long-term performance.

The strap is another standout feature. This might be the first strap on a Chinese watch that I don’t feel the immediate need to replace. It’s soft, supple, and surprisingly sturdy—something that isn’t always the case with stock straps from budget-friendly brands.

Unlike many other Chinese watches that come with plasticky smooth leather or generic faux alligator imprints, Baltany has chosen a thick, soft brown leather strap with a suede-like texture. The result is a strap that not only looks great but also feels premium on the wrist.

I really wish more Aliexpress brands would follow this approach. One improvement Baltany could consider is offering a vintage suede strap option for this model—it would complement the Retro 1921’s aesthetic beautifully and add even more character to the watch.

Overall, this watch is an excellent offering from Baltany. I appreciate the downsized 38mm case, which makes it more wearable than the original design while still maintaining its vintage charm. The salmon dial is truly stunning, playing beautifully with light, and the finishing is impressive for the price point.

The movement is decent—not the best out there, but it has performed reliably so far. Precision has been acceptable, and the power reserve has been close to the promised 40 hours. The strap is also a pleasant surprise, offering significantly better quality than what’s typically found at this price.

On the wrist, the watch wears comfortably, and over the past two weeks, it has easily become one of my favorites. If you’re looking for a classic, dressy timepiece that won’t break the bank, this is a fantastic option. Well done, Baltany!

Price 169$ at www.baltany.com