Baltic has recently unveiled a new iteration of its acclaimed Hermétique timepiece, dubbed 'The Rift' edition, celebrating its role as the official timekeeper for the challenging cycling event of the same name. This special release draws profound inspiration from the breathtaking and rugged topography of southern Iceland, an area marked by its unique volcanic formations and glacial beauty. The watch is meticulously crafted to echo the event's spirit, which sees nearly 900 cyclists navigate demanding volcanic trails where both terrain and unpredictable weather conditions present significant hurdles. For the first time, this purpose-built watch is offered in two distinct sizes, catering to a wider range of preferences while maintaining its core adventurous ethos.

The Hermétique 'The Rift' edition comes in two case dimensions: the familiar 37mm and a newly introduced, more compact 34mm. Both versions feature a robust construction of entirely brushed 316L stainless steel, boasting a thickness of 10.8mm when including the double-domed sapphire crystal, or a sleeker 8.3mm without it. A subtle contrast is provided by the polished bezel, which elegantly breaks the utilitarian brushed finish. The integrated crown design enhances wearability, allowing comfort for both left and right-handed individuals. The lug-to-lug measurements are thoughtfully proportioned at 42.5mm for the 34mm model and 46mm for the 37mm counterpart, ensuring a balanced fit on the wrist. Furthermore, both watches offer a commendable water resistance of 150 meters, affirming their readiness for adventure.

The dial of 'The Rift' Hermétique is a striking tribute to Iceland's natural palette, incorporating organic hues reminiscent of volcanic black, verdant moss green, and serene glacial blue. This edition maintains the series' signature highly luminous dial, utilizing a combination of Super-LumiNova BGW9 and C3 for exceptional readability in low-light conditions. A distinctive forged-carbon railway track creates a visual contrast with the fully lumed white central section, which is elegantly framed by two polished steel dividers. The central section showcases applied luminous indices, with numerals marking the cardinal positions, complemented by additional lumed dots on the minute track. Other markers thoughtfully overlap both sections of the dial, a characteristic design element of the Hermétique line. Polished steel syringe-style hands are filled with BGW9, and even the lollipop seconds hand features a touch of luminescence.

Powering the new Hermétique 'The Rift' is the reliable Miyota 9039 automatic movement. This movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a substantial 42-hour power reserve. It also includes a stop-seconds function, enabling precise time synchronization. The watches are presented on a durable vulcanized FKM rubber sport strap, designed for comfort and resilience. To maintain harmonious proportions, the new 34mm version features an 18mm lug width, while the 37mm model retains its 20mm lug width.

This special Baltic Hermétique 'The Rift' edition is a limited release, with only 400 pieces available. Each watch is priced at EUR 620 before taxes, or EUR 744 including VAT, with both the 34mm and 37mm references sharing the same price point. This launch underscores Baltic's commitment to creating timepieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust and functional for the most demanding environments, perfectly capturing the essence of Iceland's raw beauty and the spirit of endurance cycling.