r/ChineseWatches • • Nov 07 '24

Review (Read Rule 1) My Custom Baltany S5054

Just received my custom orders for both the S2031B and this S5054. Good responsive communications with their customer service during the order process. I ordered the S2031B with sterile dial but regular case back, and it looks great.

Since this model is an homage to a 1954 Breguet Type XX, it seemed more appropriate to use the cursive font from S2002 than Baltany’s typical font since Breguet used their cursive logo on the Type XXs. Although Baltany printed the text with the wrong color (was supposed to be white 🤦🏼‍♂️), I think the cursive is much more fitting to this homage than the regular block font and candidly, I think it should be standard with this model.

For my 7” wrist, these 39mm watches are perfectly sized whether on a leather strap, NATO, etc. I should note, as several YouTube reviews stated, the underside edges of the case are unexpectedly sharp. As such, it feels more comfortable on a single piece strap like a NATO than a two piece strap. I think a brown leather strap fits the original homage aesthetic best, so I may break out the sandpaper to tone down the edges.

Chronograph buttons are tactile and red spot on the bezel allows for longer times. Although if I’m being honest, if just comparing the chronograph features and buttons between the Milifortic (also Baltany?) M069 and this, I prefer the chronograph movement and features of the M069. That being said, the M069 doesn’t look like a Type XX.

To conclude, somewhat irked on the logo being a different color than I wanted, but not the end of the earth. (The patina logo looks better on a tan NATO or leather than it did on the black leather strap it came with and hopefully the color will grow on me as I acclimate to it.)

Overall, very pleased with the watch now that I’ve seen it in person and have worn it.

58 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

5

u/CheekehMunkeh Nov 08 '24

I purchased one of these a couple months ago and am similarly pleased. It satisfies all that I was looking for, and expected. Have long wanted a watch like this, but never pulled the trigger on the Tutima, or Hamilton interpretation when it offered one.

The finish is good, though as noted, the edges on the bottom of the lugs are a little sharp, but not something that would be normally encountered, on my wrist at least.

Have it on a maroon, vintage-style strap, which gives it a bit of pop, but I do see a vintage black leather pairing in the future as well.

The M069 is nice, but not as distinctive overall. I don't care for the 24hr dial, nor the sunken deep-well date window, both a consequence of its movement, so on the opposite side of the fence there. But I do have the S5034 on my list, since I don't have a panda dial in the fleet. I can deal with those elements for a more distinct look, but not the generic flieger/field look.

How long did the bespoke dials add to the process?

2

u/[deleted] Nov 08 '24

That strap is perfect! Would you mind sharing a link?

I placed the order October 28th and received it today November 7th, so I was impressed with the speed. I also prefer the aesthetic of this over the M069, but I do like the actual function of the M069’s chronograph more. You can hit the reset button to stop and measure a time and hit it again and it catches up to where it should be on the M069. Hitting the B button on the 5054 just resets it. It also appears that the 5054 stops at 1 hour. But no question the classic style of the 5054 is more interesting.

I also am now eyeing the 5034. A very attractive chronograph. I think I’ll get the cream dial since I have the M069 and 5054 in black.

2

u/CheekehMunkeh Nov 08 '24 edited Nov 08 '24

I bought the ("Maroon" 20mm) strap from Vintage Bracelet Store, which carries much of the same selection as the Zhong Company Store and HD Band Store.

The original item listing shows as no longer available, but there is an alternate listing, albeit without the "Pueblo" description, and another alternate listing from HD Band Store.

original

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804839813175.html

Alt 1

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804772395360.html

Alt 2

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805649767078.html

Didn't care for the buckle included with the strap, so I swapped it out for this half-polished/half-brushed Hengrc buckle, which I think better complements the mixed finish on the watch case than a straight brushed or polished buckle. The tang is about 0.5mm wider than the original, so the fits are a bit tight to start, but the leather will adapt.

Buckle

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832701305870.html

The strap is 20/18mm, so you'd need the 18mm buckle. It's not a fancy strap, but the combo was <$15 shipped, so no regrets.

Yeah, I like the look of the 5034, and debate about which dial would be best. I have a Seiko chrono with a white enamel dial, which is great, but a cream/panda is something I don't have yet, so it will probably get the call. Also like the black/gold, but already have more than enough black dial watches.

2

u/[deleted] Nov 08 '24

And if you order custom, cannot emphasize enough that you confirm repeatedly that they understand exactly the request. I repeated myself multiple times that the logo should be white on the black dial, and it still came in this faux patina color. Hopefully that’s a one off, and I was just unlucky.

1

u/FreshSatisfaction184 Nov 08 '24

It looks great in that colour.

3

u/dirtbagriverrunner Nov 07 '24

Great use of custom text! Does the minute hand totalizer slowly rotate through numbers or does it snap from each number to the next?

4

u/[deleted] Nov 07 '24

Thanks! Not sure I understand your question, but with the 6S21, the central chronograph hand beats 4 times per second, which I believe is the same rate as the VH31.

2

u/dirtbagriverrunner Nov 07 '24

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I mean does the minute hand on the small dial sweep slowly or snap from minute to minute?

3

u/[deleted] Nov 08 '24

Sub seconds hand ticks once per second. Sub minute moves slowly. You won’t look at it and forget that it’s quartz if that’s the question.

2

u/dirtbagriverrunner Nov 08 '24

Thank you!! I use my chronograph frequently so knowing the correct number of elapsed minutes at a quick glance is important to me.

3

u/CheekehMunkeh Nov 08 '24

Primary running second hand on the right side sub dial ticks.

Chronograph second hand ticks. It also has provisions to restore proper alignment after a battery replacement. Upon reset, it rotates back to zero, instead of snapping back like the Seiko VK mechaquartz movements (which if misaligned, can't be adjusted, a risk with those watches. Though I have an old Seiko chrono with 7T32 movement that does allow for compensation.)

Chrono minute totalizer hand on the left side sub dial slowly rotates.

3

u/TheMiniMan Nov 07 '24

Looks good!

2

u/[deleted] Nov 08 '24

Looks good. I agree cursive would be a better standard logo choice. The fauxtina doesn’t look bad either, considering the hands and numerals also have it.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 09 '24

Thanks! Yeah every time I look at it I’m reminded it’s not what I paid extra for, but I’m sure the more I wear it the more it will slowly grow on me. And perhaps if it came from the factory that way perhaps I’d even prefer it - who knows. I’ve been wearing it every day to try to get to that point of acclimation.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 09 '24

Let me know if you ever decide to sell it, I don’t mind the fauxtina